Tom Olver, who announced earlier this week his resignation as head of the United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties, is leaving to head the fundraising foundation that supports Mid Michigan Community College.
Olver had earlier said he was leaving United Way but declined to say what he was doing next.
But he said on social media Thursday that his new post is with the Mid Foundation, officially the Mid Michigan Community College Foundation, at the Harrison- and Mt. Pleasant-based college.
Olver first thanked the community for encouragement and support and for the “great privilege to serve our community through United Way over the past six years.”
The MMCC Foundation provides financial assistance for students, supports education and cultural development, encourages academic excellence and faculty enrichment, and assists with facility improvements, the college says on its website.
“In the coming weeks, a new chapter will begin for me and my family,” Olver said on Facebook. “I’m excited to share that I will be joining the team at Mid Michigan Community College, leading the Mid Foundation.”
Tom Olver served as president and chief executive officer of United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties for six years.
United Way’s Board of Trustees will initiate a search for the organization’s next president and CEO, the board president said earlier.
“On behalf of the United Way’s Board of Trustees, we want to thank Tom for his dedication and service to United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties, Board Chair Jennifer White said. “Over the past six years, his energy and enthusiasm have advanced the organization to reaching $1,000,000 annual campaigns.”
Olver led the successful consolidation of the legacy United Way organizations in Gratiot and Isabella Counties, worked with local partners to establish the William Strickler Nonprofit Center in Mt. Pleasant, created educational mini-grants for local teachers and developed several programs, events and initiatives such as a major Community Leaders Conference, the annual LIVE UNITED Awards, Dance United, Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive, Pitch-er This! youth venture competition, Pop-Up Giving and Arts United.
“I am extremely proud of what our team has accomplished,” said Olver. “I am grateful to the thousands of donors, advocates and volunteers who have given so much of their time, talent and treasure to improve the quality of life in Mid-Michigan for our friends and neighbors in need.”