ADRIAN, Mich., Oct. 9, 2026 – The Lenawee Community Foundation (LCF) is pleased to welcome Heather Sarnac as its new Vice President and Director of Philanthropy, a leadership role focused on strengthening relationships with donors, fund holders, nonprofit partners, and the community to help meet Lenawee County’s needs today and into the future.
In this role, Sarnac will lead the Foundation’s philanthropy efforts, including fund development, donor and fund holder relationships, and grantmaking. She will work closely with donors to help them achieve their charitable goals, support nonprofit organizations throughout the grantmaking process, and help grow the Foundation’s charitable assets to benefit Lenawee County for generations to come.
“I’m excited to join an organization that is so deeply rooted in Lenawee County and in bringing people together to make a difference,” said Sarnac. “What drew me to this opportunity is the chance to get to know the people behind the generosity and the organizations doing important work every day. I’m looking forward to listening, building relationships, and helping turn people’s love for this community into meaningful impact.”
Prior to joining the Foundation, Sarnac served as Community & Economic Development Director for the City of Morenci, where she led community and economic development initiatives, secured and administered more than $2 million in grants, and guided a $1.2 million business expansion and retention project. She also served as Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority, building cross-sector partnerships to support the community’s growth and vitality. In addition, Sarnac founded Revitalize Morenci, an initiative focused on blight reduction, beautification, and fostering community pride.
Sarnac comes to her new role with an established connection to the Lenawee Community Foundation, having served on its Board of Directors. That experience has given her a strong understanding of the Foundation’s mission, work, and role in the community. She will conclude her Board service before joining the Foundation staff, bringing both her professional experience and valuable perspective to her new leadership role.
The position will have a particular focus on growing unrestricted Funds for the Community, which give the Foundation the flexibility to respond to Lenawee County’s most pressing and emerging needs. Sarnac will also support existing fund holders, develop new charitable funds, cultivate current and legacy gifts, and work with the Foundation’s Grant Committee and local nonprofit organizations to ensure grantmaking reflects identified community priorities.
“Heather brings an important combination of relationship-building, leadership, and a genuine commitment to seeing Lenawee thrive,” said Bronna Kahle, President & CEO of the Lenawee Community Foundation. “At LCF, we maintain an unwavering commitment to connecting generosity with need. As the Foundation continues to grow, I’m excited to see Heather deepen that connection as she serves our community, allowing us to do even more for the future of Lenawee County.”
The addition of the Vice President and Director of Philanthropy also comes as the Foundation prepares for a leadership transition. Kahle will retire at the end of 2026, and Paula Trentman, currently Executive Vice President, will become President & CEO on January 1, 2027.
“Philanthropy is ultimately about relationships and trust,” Trentman said. “Our donors want to know their generosity is making a meaningful difference, and our nonprofit partners want a Foundation that understands both their work and the needs they see every day. Heather will help us strengthen those relationships while creating even more opportunities for people to invest in the future of Lenawee County.”
Through this expanded leadership capacity, the Lenawee Community Foundation will continue its work to build lasting charitable resources, support a strong nonprofit sector, and bring health, happiness, and hope to Lenawee County, now and forever.
About Lenawee Community Foundation
The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By connecting people who care with causes that matter, the Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to strengthen Lenawee County today and for generations to come. Through grants, scholarships, community initiatives, and charitable funds, the Foundation helps bring health, happiness, and hope to our community, now and forever.
### For more information, please contact: Kirsten Stiver, 517-263-4696, kirsten@lenaweecf.com