FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Blandin Foundation President and CEO Jim Hoolihan will return to the private sector by the end of 2011. He shared his plans with the Foundation’s board of trustees at their Dec. 6 meeting in Grand Rapids.
Hoolihan joined Blandin Foundation as president and CEO in 2004, following 12 years as a trustee, including as board chair. He is a native of Grand Rapids, Minn., a family business owner and the city’s three-term mayor from 1990 to 1995. He serves in a variety of philanthropy leadership roles, including as board member of the statewide Ready 4 K organization. Hoolihan plans to return to his family’s multi-generational businesses, Industrial Lubricant Company and Can-Jer, of Grand Rapids.
“We’re pleased that Jim will be with us through 2011,” said Marian Barcus, board chair. “He has been transformational for the Foundation and, although we have always expected his transition back to the private sector, he will be difficult to replace. It is a credit to Jim’s leadership that the Foundation has broadened its impact even in a difficult economy and is very stable. He makes it possible for us to make this leadership transition and to be energized by the change.”
An executive search process has been initiated by the Blandin Foundation Board of Trustees. The board’s transition committee is led by the board’s chair, Marian Barcus of Grand Rapids.
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Blandin Foundation, Minnesota’s largest rural-based private foundation is located in Grand Rapids, Minn. Its mission is to strengthen rural Minnesota communities, especially the Grand Rapids area, through grants, leadership development programs and public policy initiatives.
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Blandin Foundation President and CEO Jim Hoolihan will return to the private sector by the end of 2011. He shared his plans with the Foundation’s board of trustees at their Dec. 6 meeting in Grand Rapids.
Hoolihan joined Blandin Foundation as president and CEO in 2004, following 12 years as a trustee, including as board chair. He is a native of Grand Rapids, Minn., a family business owner and the city’s three-term mayor from 1990 to 1995. He serves in a variety of philanthropy leadership roles, including as board member of the statewide Ready 4 K organization. Hoolihan plans to return to his family’s multi-generational businesses, Industrial Lubricant Company and Can-Jer, of Grand Rapids.
“We’re pleased that Jim will be with us through 2011,” said Marian Barcus, board chair. “He has been transformational for the Foundation and, although we have always expected his transition back to the private sector, he will be difficult to replace. It is a credit to Jim’s leadership that the Foundation has broadened its impact even in a difficult economy and is very stable. He makes it possible for us to make this leadership transition and to be energized by the change.”
An executive search process has been initiated by the Blandin Foundation Board of Trustees. The board’s transition committee is led by the board’s chair, Marian Barcus of Grand Rapids.
-END-
Blandin Foundation, Minnesota’s largest rural-based private foundation is located in Grand Rapids, Minn. Its mission is to strengthen rural Minnesota communities, especially the Grand Rapids area, through grants, leadership development programs and public policy initiatives.