On behalf of the J. J. Keller Foundation board, I’m thrilled to announce that Monica Stage will the foundation's next executive director. Monica will join the foundation team on November 21, and I invite you to join me in welcoming her.

As the foundation’s third executive director, following Heidi Dusek and Mary Harp-Jirschele, Monica will provide strategic leadership and operational responsibility for the foundation.

The foundation has been fortunate to have had great leadership from both Heidi and Mary, and we believe Monica will also be a great fit as we carry out the foundation’s mission.

We are grateful to Heidi for staying with the foundation through the end of the year to help with the transition and Monica’s onboarding process before taking a gap year.

Monica has been with the City of Appleton for the past 23 years, most recently serving as the Deputy Director of Community and Economic Development. Her diverse background and experience make her a great fit for this unique leadership position.

Monica is also looking forward to the new challenge saying, “For decades, the J.J. Keller Foundation has been committed to helping those in need and advancing innovative programs and services to support the most vulnerable in our community. The impact of the Foundation can be seen across Northeast Wisconsin. It’s an honor to represent the Keller family as the next Executive Director for the Foundation. The mission to me is personal as I grew up in poverty in Wisconsin. I’m thrilled to combine my passion for service and collaborating with community partners to advance the mission of the J. J. Keller Foundation.” 

Monica’s experience with economic and community grant making, as well as her background in complex problem-solving will help advance the J. J. Keller Foundation into the future.

We will miss Heidi and wish her all the best in her new adventures, while at the same time, look forward to welcoming Monica whose passion and experience will continue to serve the foundation and our nonprofit community well!

Marne Keller-Krikava

J. J. Keller Foundation Advisor and Board Secretary