Staff
ROBIN MENEGUZZO, FNP-C — CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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
MADELINA DILISI — DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
Why KCF: When I moved to the Keweenaw six years ago, I instantly fell in love with the pristine wilderness, the rugged coast of Lake Superior, and the beautiful yet harsh winters. More than that, I was in awe of this tight knit community that was so quick to welcome me and show me how to live with purpose and serve others. The Keweenaw has transformed my life for the better and now through my work at KCF, I have the opportunity to return the favor. I’m grateful to be a part of Keweenaw Community Foundation and support the community I get to call home.
Passions: I love playing outside whether it’s hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing or lounging on the shores of Lake Superior. I’m an avid reader and lover of libraries. My love language is food. There is nothing better than sharing a meal or recipe with the people you love!
Email: madelina@keweenawgives.org
VIENNA LEONARDUZZI — DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS
Why KCF: I am passionate about building connections within the community and collaborating on events and initiatives that bring people together and strengthen our region. At KCF, I have the opportunity to create and design communication resources that support the Foundation's mission and empower our community partners to achieve their goals. This work allows me to blend my love for community engagement with creative problem-solving, ensuring the Keweenaw remains a vibrant and thriving place for all.
Passions: I love connecting with people and exploring the outdoors with my husband and daughter. Whether kayaking, berry picking, or rock hunting along Lake Superior, I’m happiest immersed in the Keweenaw’s natural wonders. In colder months, I’m hibernating until the mosquitoes reemerge!
Email: vienna@keweenawgives.org
SHANNON MELLER — DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
Why KCF: I first visited the Keweenaw in high school and immediately loved the wilderness and tight knit community. I knew I wanted to live here and contribute to what makes the area so special. I relocated to the area about 20 years ago and I love that I can be in the forest or at the lakeshore within 15 minutes of leaving my house. My strengths are in organization and data management, and my previous experience has been in non-profit, higher-ed, and finance. KCF offers the perfect place to merge my business expertise with my desire to make the world a better place. I am grateful for this opportunity to do what I enjoy in such a meaningful way.
Passions: I love animals and always seek opportunities to learn more and meet new creatures. I love the outdoors, more so in the summer than our winters, but I am learning an appreciation for the cold season too. I travel every chance I get and have visited most of the U.S., about half of Canada, and a little bit of Mexico and the Caribbean. Alongside traveling I enjoy trying new foods, exploring new experiences, and learning about different cultures.
Email: shannon@keweenawgives.org
LAUREN UTYKANSKI — COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Why KCF: My background is in writing and media. Throughout my career, I’ve helped organizations and individuals share their stories. I’ve seen firsthand how storytelling can make a huge impact and even bring communities together. Joining KCF feels like a meaningful way to contribute to a region that welcomed me and to support the people doing incredible work across the Keweenaw.
Passions: I love to spend time outdoors in every season. My favorite activities are exploring trails, camping, and hunting with my husband and our bird dog. I’m fascinated by the Keweenaw’s rich natural and cultural history and enjoy learning about the region.
Email: lauren@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.
Rich Probst, Jr. - Vice President
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.
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: Business Manager, CLK Schools
Why KCF: I became involved with KCF in 2021 and experienced firsthand its positive influence on our community. As a lifelong resident of Keweenaw County, I’m honored to serve on the board and support the foundation’s mission moving forward.
Passions: I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, coaching sports, and appreciating all four seasons in the Copper Country.
Frank Fiala
Professional Title: Retired Keweenaw National Historical Park Superintendent/Local business owner
Why KCF: I have followed the inception and subsequent development of KCF since relocating to the Copper Country in 1997 with the National Park Service. The Foundation has evolved into one of the most significant development organizations supporting a wide variety of community related activities benefiting our entire region.
KCF embraces opportunities designed to foster and enhance overall community wellness that contributes in the preservation and “sense of place” of the Keweenaw. I am delighted and excited to participate in this organization and its incredible staff.
Passions: People, historic preservation, business.
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.
John Lehman
Professional Title: Vice President for University Relations and Enrollment, Michigan Technological University
Why KCF: Board service offers a rare panoramic view of the Copper Country. The Foundation is uniquely positioned to see how our schools, nonprofits, healthcare, businesses, and cultural institutions intersect, providing deep insight into what makes our region strong and where support is needed most.
Background: John holds a PhD from Colorado State University. His service experience includes service as a long-standing trustee for the Detroit Pre-College Engineering Program, a board member of Upper Peninsula Health System - Portage. He lives in Chassell with his wife, Jodi.
Jason Makela
Professional Title: Entrepreneur and Real Estate Developer
Why KCF: My goal is to invest my time intentionally in efforts that help our community grow with purpose. I believe the Keweenaw Community Foundation is a powerful force multiplier — one that’s already made a meaningful impact in our region and is deeply committed to shaping a strong, vibrant future for everyone who calls the Keweenaw home, whether for a weekend or a lifetime.
Passions: I spend nearly all of my time collaborating with my wife and our awesome team to transform things from nothing into something for all to enjoy. When we aren’t creating new businesses to enhance the area, you can find us out adventuring with our dog, boating/fishing in the summer, skiing/snowboarding in the winter, and traveling to seek fun experiences/moments and get fresh new ideas when we are able.