Alpena philanthropist retiring from community-driven job
ALPENA- Mich. –
The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan’s mission is to fulfill their charitable goals for donors and address the current and future needs of our communities.
Since 1974, the organization has served Alpena and surrounding cities but, it’s also the people involved behind the scenes who help make the organization successful. For over 24 years, CFNEM Program Director Julie Wiesen has been one of those people behind the scenes, but she is now transitioning into retiring at the end of the year.
“Disabling the 6 o’ clock alarm in the morning, I think of spending more time with family, friends, things I like to do, grandson and just connecting with people,” said Wiesen. Those are some of the things she looks forward to as she prepares mentally.
As the program director prepares for her departure, she reminisces on how she got her start. “I had a job at Alpena Community College with a national grant, and the grant was ending, said Wiesen. So, Lucas Pfeiffenberger who was in charge of the Community Foundation said “We have an opportunity and you would be perfect and we would like to have you apply.” The rest is history. Staffs said Wiesen is a force to be reckoned with, helping pave the way for others.
“When I first joined the organization, I was really fortunate to have Julie as one of my teachers, and what I really enjoy about Julie is the fact that she loved her job,” said CFNEM Executive Director Patrick Heraghty.
” I learned all about how many wonderful people we have in this community, and what philanthropy is all about, and most importantly,” said Wiesen.
“I learned that you don’t have to have a whole lot of money to be a philanthropist.”
Although Wiesen is departing, she plans to help out with projects near and dear to her heart like raising enough funding for the organizations Women’s Giving Circle.
“I want that to get to a million dollars, that’s just been my goal,” said Wiesen. A goal some say can only be done with Wiesen’s passion.
“I think if Julie sets her mind to it, and then look out,” said Heraghty.
Congrats to Julie on a wonderful 24 year run.
