Sturgis Area Community Foundation announces new executive director

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) Board of Trustees has appointed Ashley Magnus as its next Executive Director. An accomplished nonprofit executive with extensive experience in philanthropy, fundraising, strategic planning, and community engagement, Magnus brings a proven track record of organizational growth and community impact to the Foundation.

As Executive Director, Magnus will lead the Foundation’s strategic vision and operations, cultivate relationships with donors and community partners, and guide SACF as it continues its expansion as a countywide philanthropic leader serving St. Joseph County. The Foundation recently experienced significant growth, increasing assets from $34 million to $54 million and expanding its regional impact through strategic partnerships and community investments.

Most recently, Magnus served as Executive Director of the Acorn Center for the Performing Arts in Three Oaks, Michigan. During her tenure, she increased annual fundraising by 43 percent, grew the organization’s budget from $740,000 to $1.6 million, secured more than $800,000 in capital funding, and expanded community and educational programming through partnerships with schools, foundations, and local organizations.

Previously, Magnus served as General Director of Chicago Opera Theater, where she led the organization through a period of innovation and growth, launched a $5 million-plus endowment campaign, secured the largest gift in the organization’s history, and oversaw the development of nationally recognized artistic and community initiatives. Earlier in her career, she held leadership positions with Chicago Opera Theater and Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, focusing on fundraising strategy, corporate and foundation partnerships, strategic planning, and organizational development.

“After a nationwide search that drew an exceptional field of candidates, Ashley stood out for her combination of proven fundraising success and genuine commitment to community,” said Erin Melchi-Baker, Board Chair of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation. “ Our Foundation has grown tremendously in recent years, and the Board is confident she is the right leader to build on that momentum as SACF continues its expansion as a countywide philanthropic leader.” 

Magnus is actively engaged in the local community and currently serves on the Constantine Public Schools Board of Education. A resident of St. Joseph County, she has been involved in community planning, education, economic development, and civic initiatives throughout the region.

“I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to serve the Sturgis Area Community Foundation and the community I’m proud to call home,” said Magnus. “What excites me most about this role is the chance to listen, learn, and work alongside people across St. Joseph County who care deeply about this community—and to help connect their generosity, ideas, and passion with opportunities to make a meaningful difference.”

Magnus holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Utah and a Bachelor of Science in Music Management from the University of Evansville. 

She will assume her responsibilities as Executive Director of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation on October 12, 2026.

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation is a $54M foundation committed to serving the charitable needs of our community and enriching the quality of life for all people in the Sturgis area. Through philanthropic services, strategic investments, and community leadership, the Sturgis Area Community Foundation helps people support the causes they care about now and for generations.