13 Mar McPherson County Community Foundation appoints Michelle Huddle as CEO | Announces Leadership Team
The McPherson County Community Foundation (MCCF) Board of Directors has named Michelle Huddle as the incoming President/CEO, succeeding Becky Goss, who will retire on December 31, 2025.
“The board is pleased to name Michelle as Becky’s successor. She has demonstrated a commitment to the Foundation and the community we serve,” stated Trent Ruxlow, MCCF Board Chair.
During her tenure at the Foundation, Michelle’s primary focus has been overseeing finances, investments, and fund management. Becky and Michelle will serve as co-CEOs through the end of the year, ensuring a smooth and focused transition for donors, the board, and staff.
In 2022, Michelle led the Foundation’s Impact Investment program, which offers low-interest loans for community initiatives. To date, over $425,000 in loans have been awarded, supporting projects such as the purchase of an Oxford House, foundational work at the McPherson Public Library, land acquisition for the McPherson Housing Coalition’s permanent supportive housing project, and supply purchases for a local clinician providing youth mental health care. The program aims to continue its growth, with a goal of awarding $500,000 in loans annually.
Michelle was also instrumental in introducing the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program to McPherson County this winter, helping residents access vital income tax preparation services.
“We are fortunate to live and work in such an incredible county. I am excited to continue collaborating with the people in our communities to drive innovation and create lasting opportunities for generations to come.” Michelle said.
A native of McPherson, Michelle worked in public accounting for over 20 years before joining the Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Emporia State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Michelle and her husband, Todd, have two children: Katelyn and her husband, Manuel, who reside in Wichita, and Alec and his fiancée, Emily, who live in Manhattan.
Leadership Team
The Board also named additional leadership roles at the Foundation to follow Becky’s retirement. Betsy Davis will continue as Director of Community Services and Jim Ostlund will become the full-time Director of Development as of July 1, 2025.
Betsy began her position in September 2022, focusing on collaborating with local residents to align grant dollars with community priorities. She has led the Mastermind of McPherson County initiative, which launched community surveys in 2023. Based on the survey results, the Foundation identified five key priorities: placemaking, community health, leadership, childcare, and economic development. Since the first survey, over $120,000 in grant funds have been allocated to address these priorities. The third survey is now open for public input.
Betsy has been an integral part in promoting and prioritizing child care investment throughout the county. This investment has increased availability of infant and toddler spaces while working to improve operations at the centers. Currently, Betsy is working across county lines to develop a coalition for expanded access for central Kansas.
Oversight of the competitive grant program that awards over $750,000 annually is another component of her role at the Foundation.
Betsy has a Master of Library Science from Emporia State University and a Certificate in Public Management from the University of Kansas. Betsy and her husband James live in Moundridge. They have two children, Adler, age 10 and Mette, age 9.
Jim Ostlund began with the Foundation part-time in July 2024. As the Director of Development, Jim’s focus will center on expanding the tremendous assets of our county through community collaboration. He brings nearly 25 years of experience with faith-based, nonprofit organizations where he has utilized his leadership skills and creativity to strengthen communities.
During his part-time role, Jim has been resourcing our Inman and Moundridge affiliate foundations, while developing relationships with community leaders and donors. Both communities had very successful Match Weeks last Fall, receiving $175,000 in donations and $140,000 in matching funds through the Patterson Family Foundation. In the future he’ll be working countywide in collaboration with Betsy and Michelle to support the various initiatives of the Foundation.
Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bethel College (KS) and a Masters from Fuller Theological Seminary (CA). Jim and his wife Jodi live in rural Inman with their two sons, Noah, age 16 and Ethan, age 14.
Support Staff
Jessi Boughfman, Program Associate, has been with the Foundation since September 2017. In her role, Jessi processes all donations, grant payments, and accounts payable. She ensures the eligibility of each organization before processing grant distributions by verifying their status. Additionally, Jessi co-administers the Foundation’s scholarship program.
Jessi, also a McPherson native, and her husband Mike live in McPherson. They have two daughters, Kendall and Kelby.
Tyler Krenzin, Communications Associate, supports a variety of functions of the overall marketing plan, including press releases, online newsletter publication, website and digital content management. He serves as the editor for videos capturing the stories behind grant distributions, donations and community initiatives.
Tyler has a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communications from Kansas State University.
Ann Engel, part-time Administrative Assistant, joined the Foundation in September 2023 after retiring from her position of 15 years as the Executive Director for McPherson Main Street, Inc. She provides assistance to the staff and office as needed, and enjoys using her knowledge of the community to further its growth and success.
Ann and her husband Al have lived here since 1979, and have a combined family of five children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.