Rooted in Community.
Growing Through Generosity.
Every thriving community has people who believe tomorrow can be even better than today. In 2009, a group of dedicated local citizens came together with that belief and established the St. Johns Area Community Fund. What began with 49 charter members and an initial investment of $14,700 has grown into a trusted 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to strengthening the St. Johns community through local giving, community partnerships, and meaningful grant opportunities. Today, we’re proud to continue that mission by connecting generous donors with projects that improve the quality of life for everyone who calls St. Johns home.
Our Mission
We believe the strongest communities are built by neighbors who care for one another.
Our mission is to support initiatives, programs, and projects that improve and promote the quality of life throughout the St. Johns area. From parks and recreation to youth opportunities, community improvements, and local non-profits, every dollar invested helps create a stronger, more vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.
Board Of Directors
Edward Jackson
Chairperson
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A lifelong member of the St. Johns community, Ed Jackson brings both deep roots and a strong sense of purpose to his role as board president of the St. Johns Area Community Fund. Raised in rural St. Johns, Ed returned home after his college years in East Lansing and Madison, Wisconsin, and has remained committed to the place he’s always called home. Ed us known throughout the community as someone who shows up, consistently giving his time, leadership, and energy to make St. Johns a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Through his professional work, he has built meaningful, lasting relationships with local families who trust him for guidance and support. His passion for connection and community impact continues to drive the mission of SJACF forward, helping create opportunities that strengthen and support the people of St. Johns every day.
Kate Upton
Vice Chairperson
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Kate Upton is a University of Michigan graduate, bringing extensive experience in operations, government relations, constituent services, event coordination, communications, marketing, and financial management. As Operations Manager at Khoury Johnson Leavitt, Kate manages contracts, client onboarding, scheduling, operational processes, and brand quality. Her previous service as a Legislative Aide in the Michigan House of Representatives strengthened her ability to connect residents, organizations, and government resources. It is with these experiences and a passion for strong community that Kate serves as Vice Chair for SJACF. Additionally, she serves on other community boards, is a youth and high school soccer coach, and an active volunteer for Clinton County 4-H. You can find her attending her kids sporting events, or traveling the world with friends and family.
Meredith Goodman
Secretary
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Professionally, Meredith is a Human Resources executive with more than 20 years of experience, currently serving as Head of Total Rewards for North America at MAHLE. Her work centers on building programs that last and bringing the right people and resources together to solve complex problems. She brings that same practical, results-oriented approach to her community involvement.
Meredith was a member of the core team behind Fantasy Forest 2.0, the community-led effort to build an inclusive playground in St. Johns. She’s especially drawn to projects like Fantasy Forest, ones that spot a community need and connect residents, businesses, local organizations, and government to turn that idea into something lasting.
Meredith and her husband, Joe, are raising their son, Jacob, in the St. Johns area. Their family enjoys being actively involved in the community, school activities, and youth sports.
Jeffrey Nobis
Treasurer
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I grew up on family dairy farm. Graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School. Attended Northwood Institute and Lansing Community College. I served in the United States Navy from 1970 to 1992 retiring as a CWO3. After retiring from the Navy I moved with my wife Alice and our children Matthew and Rachel back to St. Johns. I worked as an accounting clerk at Michigan State University. I retired from MSU in 2015. In retirement I am active in the American Legion Honor Guard, Kiwanis 707, the St. Johns Area Community Fund and St. Paul Lutheran Church. I enjoy golfing and my morning walks.
Amy Barrett
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Amy Barrett serves as a Board Member for the Community Fund. A proud lifelong resident, Amy graduated from St. Johns High School in 2000 before earning her degree in Secondary Education from Central Michigan University in 2005. She has spent her career working with local youth, teaching business, entrepreneurship, marketing, and physical education across the Charlotte, Laingsburg, and St. Johns school districts. She serves on the St. Johns High School Leadership Team and teaches yearbook. Currently, Amy and her husband, Bean, are both teachers at St. Johns High School, where she has also invested her time as a middle school basketball coach. They have two girls, Hadley and Elli Barrett. Her commitment to the community extends beyond the classroom through her regular work as a children’s volunteer at Community Church. Having been raised in St. Johns and now raising her own family here, Amy joined the Community Fund out of a deep passion for ensuring the town grows and thrives for generations to come.
Zach Abraham
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Zach Abraham was born and raised in St. Johns and returned to the area after college to raise his family. He cares deeply about the future of St. Johns and is proud to support the work of the SJACF. Zach is committed to giving back and helping to create meaningful opportunities for the community for generations to come.
Dana Beaman
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My name is Dana Beaman. I am a life long resident of St.Johns and have been on the St.Johns
Area Community fund board for 8 years. I am married to my wife Kim and have 3 boys and 5
grandchildren. I am a graduate of Ferris State University School of Pharmacy and spent my
professional career at Michigan State University where I retired. I have a great love of the
community and was a member of the St.Johns City Commission for 25 years, serving as mayor
for 13 of those years.
Jessica Koenigsknecht
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Jessica Koenigsknecht is a proud St. Johns community member, mom, yoga instructor, and longtime Spartan who has always valued connection, community, and finding a little adventure along the way.
Jessica graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 2003 and went on to Michigan State University, graduating in 2007 with a degree in Communications and Advertising. While at MSU, she worked two jobs—waitressing and with MSU Engineering and Architectural Services, and also met her husband Jon.
After college, Jessica moved to Chicago to pursue her career with Titan Worldwide, where she gained valuable inventory management experience while enjoying a few years of city life and making lifelong friendships. In 2009, she moved to Ann Arbor and joined Borders Headquarters, allowing her to be closer to Jon and family. She returned to the Lansing area in 2011 and began working for Meijer Corporate.
Jessica is also passionate about giving back to the community. She serves on the St. Johns Area Community Fund board and has been volunteered for St. Joseph Catholic School fundraising and school events.
When she’s not teaching yoga, volunteering, driving kids around or attending games, Jessica loves spending time with Jon and their three children, traveling and making memories with family and friends, taking workout classes, reading with her book club, discovering new places, and being involved in the community she’s proud to call home.
Eddie Peters IV
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I was born and raised in the St. Johns area and graduated from St. Johns High School class of 2010. Volunteering and playing varsity sports through high school brought me close to the St. Johns community, a community that has always been very welcoming and supportive to me. After high school I attended Ferris State University and graduated from the Michigan College of Optometry in 2018. I currently practice Optometry at Avery Eye Care Center in St. Johns with my dad and my brother. My wife Abby is from the Grand Rapids area and we welcomed our first child, Daisy Jo Peters, in August of 2023. I enjoy golfing, playing basketball, spending time with family, and supporting our local restaurants with friends. I am very excited to give back to a community that has given me so much in my life.
Scott Purtill
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Scott Purtill is a Partner with Plante Moran, one of the nation’s largest accounting, tax, consulting, and wealth management firms. Scott has spent nearly three decades advising privately held businesses and their owners on financial, operational, and strategic matters. He works closely with family-owned companies and middle-market private equity owned organizations across a variety of industries, helping them navigate growth, succession planning, governance, and long-term value creation.
A lifelong resident of St. Johns, Scott is passionate about strengthening local communities and supporting initiatives that improve quality of life for residents of all ages. He believes community foundations and involvement play a vital role in connecting donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to create lasting impact.
Scott and his wife have 4 grown children and 3 dogs and enjoys spending time with family, hunting, and other outdoor activities.
Marcia Peterson
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Marcia Peterson is a lifetime resident of St. Johns. She has been married to Keith since 1982. They have three grown children and three grandchildren. She retired in 2024 after 40+ years in management with the Credit and Collection industry. She is a member of St Joseph Catholic Church, as well as Treasurer for the St. Johns Kiwanis Club. She welcomes opportunities to roll up her sleeves to give back. She joined the SJACF Board in 2025 and is committed to supporting their goals and initiatives to expand its impact throughout the community.
Jesse Truitt
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My name is Jesse Truitt, and I live here in St. Johns with my wife, Alicia and our two boys. I graduated from SJHS in 2003, served in the Army, earned my bachelor’s degree from CMU, and now own and operate On Point Assessing. This allows me to
travel throughout the State but also allows me to be present for most of my boys’ games and events, which I am thankful for. In my free time I am usually found working on my to-do list of house projects or prepping the car for another show. I also serve on the Board for SJACF as I think it’s important to find ways to be involved in the community that we are raising our boys in. Like any good parent, I want to see our boys grow up with more opportunities than I had, and SJACF helps facilitate that with their mission.
Simon Cook
Student Member
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Simon Cook is a Junior at the St. Johns High School and was nominated by the Youth in Action Committee Chair. In addition to serving on YAC, Simon is in the high school band, and plays Lacrosse and Hockey.
Let's Build Tomorrow Together
Have questions about our mission, board, or how you can support the St. Johns Area Community Fund? We’d love to connect.
Call 989-224-7823 and discover how you can help strengthen the St. Johns community.
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