LACF chief decides to step away for family
October 13, 2024
| By La Crosse Community Foundation |
Schloegel leaves after six years as LACF CEO
CEO Jamie Schloegel has stepped away from her role at La Crosse Area Community Foundation. She wants to dedicate more time to her family as her children approach their final years before leaving home.
Significant growth during Schloegel’s leadership
Since 2018, Schloegel has led LACF through remarkable growth. Under her leadership, LACF established 144 new funds, added over $34 million in donor contributions, and expanded its team with five new staff positions. She also introduced a community-engaged fellowship position in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Her tenure included launching the Nonprofit Resource Center and a brand update to reflect its service region and represent its fresh, forward-thinking purpose and vision. Schloegel championed diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives, with the board formally adopting best practices in these areas. Furthermore, she guided LACF through two strategic planning cycles and successfully converted the organization’s grantmaking process to align with trust-based philanthropy principles.
A key highlight of Schloegel’s time at LACF was her leadership in securing three new affiliate partners: Rotary Works Foundation, Onalaska Education Foundation, and LCNI. She also partnered with the city of La Crosse to distribute $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to local nonprofits.
LACF set for continued success
“Jamie’s extraordinary contributions have left a lasting impact on the foundation and our community,” said LACF Board Chair Rick Kyte. “Her visionary leadership and commitment to La Crosse County have set LACF on a path of continued success, ensuring the foundation can continue to invest in communities, for good and forever. While we’re saddened to see her leave, we deeply respect her decision to prioritize family. We’ll miss her greatly.”
Schloegel grateful for time at LACF
Schloegel said she treasures her time at the foundation. “Leading La Crosse Area Community Foundation has been an incredible journey, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together as a community. I’m especially grateful for the inspiration and many friendships I’ve gained with the dedicated, selfless people who keep our nonprofits running and the generous donors who invest in our communities. While I’m stepping away from this role, I remain passionate about LACF’s mission and will continue to support it in any way I can.”
Successor search underway
A national search for Jamie’s successor is underway. The board of directors hopes to have a new CEO in place by the end of the year.