There’s a new communications expert aboard at the Berrien Community Foundation, but while she’s been building her career out east, she’s a Bridgman native with a great affinity for Michigan’s Great Southwest. 
Kelly Gampel has been hired by the Berrien Community Foundation for the role of Communications Associate, with Berrien Community Foundation President Lisa Cripps-Downey saying, “We are happy to have Kelly join our team in this new position,” adding, “Her experience will help us better serve the community by keeping people more informed.”
Gampel began her award-winning career at The Index in Homer, Michigan, working as the News Editor after earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Cornerstone University.
Gampel says, “I’ve always been drawn to people, organizations and their stories. I feel extremely fortunate to get to communicate important ideas and stories,” and notes, “Adding onto that, the idea that I get to work for a nonprofit that makes such a significant difference makes stepping into this role even sweeter.”
She would next assume the position of Photographer/Reporter at the Star-Gazette in Elmira, New York. Her work earned her several awards during her tenure including two New York State Associated Press Association awards for multimedia storytelling and video work. She was also recognized with a Gannett Central New York Media Essence Award for innovating how readers could better interact with a story.
Before joining the Berrien Community Foundation, she worked as the Multimedia Communicator at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, writing content for social media and marketing publications, and documenting life on campus.
Though she is freshly stepping into this role, she brings with her a valuable asset: community knowledge. As a Bridgman native, Gampel is very familiar with the beauty and fun of Berrien County.
The Berrien Community Foundation is a center of philanthropy in Berrien County holding endowment and other funds to support programs and projects throughout Berrien County. Those Community Foundation funds support the ever-changing needs of Berrien County now and into the future. With more than $60 million in assets, The Foundation provides grants and scholarships plus opportunities for individuals across the County to fulfill charitable intentions through life-end giving and estate planning. For information about BCF you can call 983-3304 or visit online at: http://www.berriencommunity.org.
