Staff: Kari Marciniak, Coordinator of the Michigan Rural Council
Kari Marciniak is the Coordinator of the Michigan Rural Council (MRC). The MRC links individuals and organizations in rural communities to develop a unified voice around common concerns, share resources and expertise, and promote a rural policy agenda that benefits all of Michigan. As Coordinator, Kari oversees all Network activities and helps develop MRC’s presence throughout the state.
Prior to joining CEDAM, Kari worked as Training and Events Manager at Michigan Nonprofit Association, planning all trainings, workshops, and conferences for nonprofit organizations across Michigan. Prior to Michigan Nonprofit Association, Kari worked as Program Director at HandsOn Battle Creek, a local nonprofit advocating for and planning volunteer opportunities in Battle Creek, Michigan. At HandsOn, Kari was responsible managing a multi-county 211 Call Center, providing information and referrals for human service related issues.
Kari has interest, and experience, in best practices in nonprofit management, program development, training, and special event planning and management. Kari was raised in a rural Michigan farming community and currently lives in Potterville with her husband, two children, and two dogs. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and a Master’s Degree in Agricultural/Extension Education, both from Michigan State University. She also sits on the Board of the MSU Alumni Club of Mid-Michigan.
Q&A with Kari:
What drives your passion for neighborhood / community and economic development?
A sense of community and belonging are integral to people living in any size town, village, city, etc. I have a personal passion for development in rural communities because they exist not only to provide schools, groceries, etc. but also as a connecting point for its residents and the "outside world". These communities morph into providing whatever is needed most by its citizens and that adaptability continues to amaze me.
Why do you love Michigan?
Michigan is an amazing, ever-changing place. I have lived here all my life and there are still so many places I haven't seen and so many things I have yet to learn. We have coastline communities, fruit farms, urban centers, rural villages,mining towns, corn fields with no end, and an amazing variety of wildlife. What other state can boast all that at the same time? I love that each small town has its own festival (and I enjoy trying to go to as many as I can!) and, yes, I love that I can point out my town using my own hand as a map.
How do your family and/or community inspire your work?
My family is a constant source of inspiration to me. I can't remember a time when my parents haven't lived the example of community involvement and helped instill that desire in me as well. My children continue to inspire me to build the best community I can for them in order to help them thrive and have a happy, healthy childhood.
What do you do in your free time (if it exists!)?
I snatch all the time I can find to hang out with my husband, Tom, and our kids, Kyra and Josh. I also enjoy playing co-ed recreational softball during the summer, reading anything I can get my hands on, and watching almost any kind of athletic competition. I'm a huge NCAA basketball fan, so iIf you have a meeting scheduled with me during the month of March, you might find yourself competing for my attention with the March Madness tournament!
Updated January 26, 2012