Meet The Staff
Robin Meneguzzo, FNP-C – Executive Director
Why KCF: I have 15 years of healthcare experience, most recently working as a family nurse practitioner, and have come to realize that 'health' is not solely the physical and mental well-being of individuals. The environment and communities that we live in play a significant role in the health of individuals and the whole. That is why I am here at the Foundation, to work to improve the health and well-being of this community and its environment.
Passions: Hard to pick just a few! I am an avid berry picker in the summer and thoroughly enjoy gardening, meditation, backpacking, creating things, and working towards positive change.
Email: robin@keweenawgives.org
Vienna Leonarduzzi - Director of Operations and Communications
Why KCF: Born and raised in the Copper Country, I’ve come to see the region’s bountiful natural wonders not just as my playground but as integral parts of my identity. My heart remains tethered to the Keweenaw Peninsula despite traveling far and wide. Our natural treasures, such as Lake Superior, are more than just scenery to me; they're the essence of home.
This deep-rooted connection to our area's beauty led me to the Keweenaw Community Foundation. As an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our community, the Foundation's mission resonates with my values. I believe preserving and nurturing our natural environment is essential for the well-being of current residents and the generations yet to come. By working with the Foundation, I can contribute to initiatives that improve our residents' lives and safeguard the essence of what makes the Keweenaw Peninsula so special—its exceptional natural beauty.
Passions: I enjoy meeting new people and making meaningful connections with locals and visitors! I love spending time outdoors with my husband and daughter – You can find me zooming down a dirt road on a side-by-side, floating down a river on a kayak, trekking through the woods searching for berries and mushrooms, or rock picking along the shores of Lake Superior. In colder months, I’m hibernating until the mosquitos reemerge!
Email: vienna@keweenawgives.org
Sara Fletcher – Office & Program Manager
Why KCF: My family came to the Keweenaw from Finland several generations ago, but I was born and grew up downstate. As a child, I spent summers at the family camp in Bootjack. I had fond memories of the natural beauty of the area, and so in 2019 when I had the opportunity to move to the Keweenaw permanently, I leaped at the chance. I’m grateful to have the chance to help the Keweenaw Community Foundation meet its philanthropic goals, in order to help the area and its residents in any way I can.
Passions: Being in nature and observing wildlife, gardening, cooking, and generally furthering my knowledge in any way possible.
Email: sara@keweenawgives.org
BOARD OF directors
Kim Salmi - President
Professional Title:
Why KCF: I believe that civic responsibility and participation is the key to a healthy and vibrant community, and am honored to have been asked to serve on the KCF Board.
Passions: From a professional standpoint, I am passionate about leadership development, and equity, access and quality in healthcare. My personal interests/passions include gardening, travel, history, sunshine and spending time with my family.
Jodi Santeford - Vice President
Professional Title:
Why KCF:
Passions:
Sharon Fisher - Secretary
Professional Title: Director of Rehab and Sports Medicine, UP Health Portage
Why KCF: In 2018, I became intimately involved with KCF through the development of a memorial scholarship. This community has proven time and time again that it supports its own. This opportunity to serve on the board and give to the community is a blessing.
Passions: Faith, family, providing excellent care, crafting, and a tastefully created meal, including beverage.
Trevor Salata - Treasurer
Professional Title:
Why KCF:
Passions:
Iola Brubaker
Professional Title: Executive Director, Keweenaw Family Resource Center
Why KCF: The Keweenaw Community Foundation is an important asset to the our community. They are committed to the long-term well-being of our community and the individuals that live, work and play in the Keweenaw. Serving on the board gives me the opportunity to be a part of investing in my community and my neighbors.
Passions: Faith, family and advocating for families and children. In my free time, I enjoy exploring our region’s various hiking trails.
Kelly Kamm
Professional Title: Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University
Why KCF: I am a transplant to this area but this is where my kids call home. I believe it’s important to give back to our community however we are able to do so, and I want my children to see this in action.
Passions: My family, quilting, and learning - especially from people whose wisdom comes from different ways of knowledge than mine.
Matthew Krause
Professional Title: Chief Administrative Officer, Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital and Clinics
Why KCF: While I’m relatively new to the Keweenaw, I am a native Yooper and have been back in the UP for the past 10 years. I’m honored to serve on the KCF Board to collaboratively look for ways to strengthen our community.
Passions: My wife Kellie and I have three sons, two adult and one still at home. Kellie, Noah, and I love to adventure around the UP and also enjoy travel.
John Lehman
Professional Title: Vice President for University Relations and Enrollment, Michigan Technological University
Why KCF: Living here for the last 20 years, it never ceases to astound me how gracious the people of the Keweenaw can be. This is such a special little corner of the world, rich with people who have incredible gifts and a deep ethic of care for one another. I wanted to be part of an organization focused on amplifying that graciousness.
Passions: My wife, Jodi, and daughter, Maddy. Working for the success of our youth and college students. Hopelessly addicted runner. Any adventurous activity involving snow.
Rich Probst, Jr.
Professional Title: Supervisor/Assessor and Water Operator, Eagle Harbor Township
Why KCF: My love for the Keweenaw started when I was young and led to attending Michigan Tech, choosing to live here, getting married and raising a family. With established roots, I was looking for a reason to give back to the community that has given my family so much. This opportunity to serve helps to ensure that future generations of Keweenaw residents will grow, thrive and prosper so they too can give back.
Passions: Naturally an observer and listener, I find solace in the quiet activities like faith, reading, and learning. The seasons of the Keweenaw provide the setting for my outdoor passions like downhill skiing, mountain biking, fishing, sitting on the beach, and anything that allows me to be outside and in the company of my family and friends.
Cassy Tefft de Muñoz
Professional Title: Executive Director of Enrollment Initiatives, Michigan Technological University
Why KCF: As I often say, the Keweenaw is not on the way to anywhere. People choose to live here. I joined the board of the Keweenaw Community Foundation because it is important to me that our community be an inclusive place in which everyone can find a sense of belonging, and I am honored to contribute to the Keweenaw Community Foundation's holistic initiatives to support our region and its people.
Passions: Outdoor adventures with my husband and children, writing, cooking elaborate and complicated meals, travel, pursuing used book sales with a coffee from one of my favorite local shops.
George Twardzik
Professional Title: Owner/Operator, Harbor Haus Restaurant. Retired educator.
Why KCF: Throughout my life the communities I have been a part of in the Keweenaw have been supportive, encouraging, giving, and provided positive reinforcement. I am humbled to have an opportunity to give back. I believe it is imperative for us all to support one another and the KCF is one avenue to make that a reality. As Dr. King said, “Life’s most persistent question and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Passions: I have been blessed with an amazing family and that is my number one passion. The opportunity to enjoy our natural resources, especially hunting and searching for agates, is also what I enjoy. Athletics and education have always been a big part of my life and I continue to stay engaged as much as possible.