Laurie Strauss Baumer

President & CEO

Laurie joined the Community Foundation in 2015 as Executive Vice President, taking over as President & CEO in 2022. Previously, she served 16 years as President and CEO of Ele’s Place, a healing center for grieving children in Lansing. There she grew a fledgling nonprofit into a statewide organization with four branch locations in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Flint. With 30 years dedicated to improving communities through various nonprofit leadership roles, Laurie is proud to call Lansing her home.

As President & CEO, Laurie leads the Foundation's efforts to create a vibrant, thriving community with projects such as Rotary Park, a synthetic skating rink, and Play Michigan!. She works closely with the Board of Trustees and the leadership team.