August 13, 2024 | By Emilie Jacques
Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is proud to announce that Jim Kotajarvi, Tommy Gilpin and Savanna Rivest have joined the board of directors. In addition, six community members have joined committees as volunteers looking to improve the health of the Copper Country. Each member has been selected by Copper Shores’ Executive Committee, as people who are dedicated to carrying out Copper Shores’ mission and supporting their fellow community members in the Copper Country.
New board directors
Tommy Gilpin
Tommy Gilpin is a long time Copper Country resident, mental health advocate, and former Dial Help board member. Gilpin received a Master of Education from the University of Illinois before moving to the Copper Country in 1972 for work. Before retiring, Gilpin worked at Copper Country Community Mental Health as program supervisor and training specialist, and served on the Dial Help board at the time of hiring Rebecca Crane, current day Copper Shores Senior Program Director.
“I look forward to continuing service with residents of the Copper Country,” said Gilpin. “I am excited to progress even further with Copper Shores. I am still learning, but it's a great experience.”
Jim Kotajarvi
Jim Kotajarvi has over 20 years of experience in manufacturing environments, including operations/production and materials/supply chain management. Working as a plant manager, Kotajarvi focused on lead time reduction, efficiency improvement, materials reduction, safety improvements, company culture improvements, strategy development and implementation to increase core capability and capacity. As a Michigan Technological University graduate, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Industrial Marketing and Management, Kotajarvi and his wife knew they wanted to move back to the Copper Country to spend time outdoors and with relatives.
“Being a part of Copper Shores is a true privilege as the work we do helps the community which I am proud to be a part of,” said Kotajarvi. “I want to do my part to make this community a better place for all the families that call this beautiful place home."
Savanna Rivest
After graduating from Houghton High School, Savanna Rivest attended Grand Valley State University and completed a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation, she began working in grassroots fundraising with the American Cancer Society with a specialty in engaging college students in philanthropy. This experience led her to her current role as a Program Manager for NMDP (formerly Be The Match and the National Marrow Donor Program) for the organization’s collegiate programs nationwide. Rivest first got involved with Copper Shores through the Student Leadership Advisory Committee of the Keweenaw (SLACK) where she could put her professional skillset to use locally.
"I’m thrilled to be a member of the Copper Shores board and contribute to the diversity of the board with my experience in community engagement as well as representation from the Copper Country’s young professional community,” said Rivest.
New committee members
Eli Karttunen - Finance & Investment Committee
Eli Karttunen spent nine years as a director and treasurer for Dial Help, prior to its acquisition in 2023. Karttunen serves as VP | Financial Planning & Analysis Manager for Superior National Bank. He has also been an Adjunct Instructor at Finlandia University and Michigan Technological University, teaching accounting, economics and risk management. Karttunen received a Master’s of Science in Finance degree from the University of Michigan – Dearborn in 2016. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Michigan Technological University. Eli is an Ontonagon and Houghton County native and currently resides in Dollar Bay.
"Having served on the board of directors of Dial Help prior to the merger into Copper Shores, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the broader mission around improving the health of our community,” said Karttunen. “Mental health awareness and resources are a key issue facing our friends and neighbors, and a particular area I look forward to seeing us continue to address.”
Molly Mikesch - Donor & Community Relations Committee
Molly Mikesch is a Upper Peninsula native, having grown up in Marquette, going to school and starting her career there. Mikesch and her family moved to Hancock about two years ago and have been enjoying the beauty of the Copper Country so far. With a degree in Health Education from Northern Michigan University, Mikesch has spent the last six years working for Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI, as a Client Engagement Manager, working closely with several groups in the western end of the UP.
“I am very excited to partner with Copper Shores Community Health Foundation,” said Mikesch. “The organization’s vision of creating a healthier community, along with their overall involvement and commitment to our community, align with my thoughts and beliefs.”
Sheila Milligan - Grants Management Committee
Sheila Milligan is a University of Cincinnati and Florida Atlantic University graduate, who has spent her life supporting multiple local nonprofits. She has lived in the Copper Country since the 1990s, where she raised a family and worked at Michigan Technological University as a professor in the College of Business, focussing on forensic accounting. Milligan has also served on the Superior Child Abuse Protection Council and is a certified certified public accountant.
“I have worked for, volunteered for, or been on the board of many local organizations throughout my life,” said Milligan. “Copper Shores is vital to all of those organizations, so I am excited to keep making those partnerships strong.”
John Oberdick - Finance & Investment Committee and Donor & Community Relations Committee
Before retiring from a 40+ year financial services career, John Oberdick predominantly worked as an investment advisor for high net worth individuals, foundations and not for profits. He received a BA and MBA from Eastern Michigan University before beginning his professional career. During his working career he served on numerous NFP Boards and committees, and most enjoyed working on finance, investment and development committees. Before his firm was acquired by a larger firm in 2022, Oberdick was the investment advisor for Copper Shores. Oberdick resides in Jackson, MI with his wife of 44 years and has resided in south east MI his entire life.
“I gained many insights into PHF’s mission and great work,” said Oberdick. “I discovered first hand that my personal values align with that of the foundation. I believe I can add value to both committee’ work and the foundation's mission.”
Sam Tidwell - Grants Management Committee
Sam Tidwell has made it his life’s work to support non-profit humanitarian services. After graduating from Houghton High School, Tidwell attended Michigan State University, where he earned his degree in accounting. During his career, Tidwell worked for the American Red Cross in several communities across the country, as well as Breakthrough T1D and Feeding America. Two years ago, Tidwell and his wife moved back to the Copper Country, where he continues to serve the community by volunteering his time with the American Red Cross.
“My work experience taught me that to have a positive impact on saving, sustaining and improving human lives, agencies must work together in a partnership that brings a diversity of expertise and resources with a commitment to plan together and work with each other,” said Tidwell. “Copper Shores epitomizes this collaborative philosophy. The positive impact of the foundation on the lives of so very many people, through both direct service and indirectly through the organizations it supports, is amazing!”
More about Copper Shores’ Board and Committees
Copper Shores desires to have committed, community-minded individuals serving on the board of directors and the committees. It is the foundation's hope that each member of the board and committees find this work to be a personally and professionally rewarding experience. The time, talents and contributions invested by every volunteer is greatly appreciated.
To see a full list of board and committee members, learn more about the various committees and find out how you can get involved at coppershores.org/board-of-directors.
