February 8, 2022 | By Michael H. Babcock
Portage Health Foundation (PHF) is proud to announce that James Bogan, Daniel Giachino, James Kotajarvi, Meredith LaBeau, Savanna Rivest and Michael Steber have all joined committees as volunteers looking to improve the health of the Copper Country community.
“Community representation is key to guiding and making sure our work is resulting in outcomes that address the needs with which they represent,” PHF Executive Director Kevin Store said. “We are excited to add these new perspectives that each person will bring to PHF as we work to serve our community.”
Below is a brief introduction to each new committee member.
Jim Bogan
This is a homecoming of sorts as Jim Bogan was the Chief Executive Officer at UP Health System-Portage when the Portage Health Foundation was originally founded and when it was reincorporated as a community health foundation nearly 10 years ago. Bogan served many roles during his time as a community leader in the Copper Country including working with the Keweenaw Community Foundation, Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Houghton Rotary Club and more. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from University of North Dakota and completed the Hospital Administration Program at Concordia College. PHF has a scholarship named in his honor that is released every spring for students earning a master’s degree in healthcare administration. Bogan serves on PHF’s grants management committee.
Daniel Giachino
Daniel Giachino is the Assistant Director of Virtual Programs at U.P. Virtual Academy (UPVA). He is a Calumet native that earned his bachelor's degree in education from Finlandia University. Prior to joining UPVA, he worked for the State of Michigan within our local court system. In addition to his duties at UPVA, Giachino has been coaching hockey for the Calumet Copper Kings high school team for more than a decade. Giachino is an active member of the grants management committee.
“I was interested in volunteering with Portage Health Foundation as I wanted to be a part of some of the good things that they do within our community. By volunteering with PHF, I feel that I am contributing to something valuable and something that makes a real difference in the lives of Copper Country residents. I like that we are making the area more active and healthier, and contributing to the wellbeing of the entire Copper Country community.” – Daniel Giachino
James Kotajarvi
James Kotajarvi comes to the board from the manufacturing industry as the Plant Manager at Pettibone in Baraga. Prior to taking the job at Pettibone, he spent 19 years in leadership positions within manufacturing consisting of General Motors, Cummins, and Wausau Window and Wall. He has a bachelor’s degree from Michigan Technological University, serves as an advisor for the Copper Country Intermediate School District’s Manufacturing Group and is on the Hancock Township Board of Review. Kotajarvi serves on the foundation’s grants management committee.
“Living and raising a family in this community has always been a dream my wife and I. Finally returning after 17 years away is a true blessing for us. One of the ways to make sure our community continues to thrive is by volunteering at PHF. It is a great honor to be part of what’s happening here as they are looking at the needs of the community and making big, impactful progress to bettering the lives of us all.”
Meredith LaBeau
Meredith LaBeau didn’t grow up in the Copper Country, but for more than 15 years she’s called it home and is looking to help improve the community with a newfound and still-developing involvement with Portage Health Foundation. LaBeau has a bachelor’s, masters and doctorate degree from Michigan Tech, and is best known locally for her success over the last nine years at Calumet Electronics Corporation where she started as a Process Engineering Manager, moved up to Director of Process Engineering and in July was named Chief Technology Officer. In addition to her education and work, LaBeau has been highly involved with the community over the years including helping with New Power Tour, Copper Harbor Trails Club and CopperDog 150.
“Through my work, both professional and volunteer, I am highly invested in the Copper Country. The mission and vision of the PHF directly align with this investment to continue to foster partnerships and collaborations to enhance everyone’s access to the benefits with the community. I strive to continue to support the community through supporting and developing the next generation of creative solutions to enhance equity, workforce, environmental sustainability, and safe, positive opportunities for residents and especially the youth in the community. PHF is a beacon of hope for our community, and I feel honored to offer my volunteer service to continue this vital work.”
Savanna Rivest
Moving back to the Copper Country has been a positive experience for Houghton-native Savanna Rivest, and she’s looking to bring her experience in fundraising and youth mentoring to Portage Health Foundation as a member of the donor and community relations committee. Rivest currently works remotely for Minneapolis-based Be the Match as their College Programs Manager. Prior to that she worked for American Cancer Society, where she was named the American Cancer Society Nationwide Innovation Award Winner in 2016. She has a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University.
“Since moving back to the Keweenaw a few years ago, it has been important to me to find ways to contribute to my local community. I work remotely and while I am very passionate about that work, it’s not really a role that provides a way to make a local impact. My professional skillset and area of personal interest is in community engagement, specifically with Millennials and Gen Z, so the opportunity to join the Donor and Community Relations committee felt like a perfect fit for me to put that skillset to good use right here in the Keweenaw.”
Michael Steber
Coming in with more than three decades of educational experience, Michael Steber is a member of the finance and investment committee and grants management committee for Portage Health Foundation. Steber has a master’s degree in educational administration and spent more than two decades as an administrator at the Public Schools of Calumet, Laurium and Keweenaw. He now works as the Resident Experience Director at Gardenview Assisted Living in Calumet.
“I believe that service to others is very gratifying. Portage Health Foundation has an impressive resume of service, and I am glad to be a small part of it. I have had the privilege of working as an educator and currently with seniors that need assistance. Volunteering with PHF gives me an opportunity to continue serving and have a voice in assisting our Copper Country community.”
More about PHF's Boards and Committees
Portage Health Foundation desires to have committed, community-minded individuals serving on the board of directors and the committees. It is PHF's hope that each member of the board and committees find this work to be personally and professionally rewarding experience. The time, talents and contributions invested by every volunteer is greatly appreciated. You can see a full list of board and committee members, learn more about the various committees and find out how you can get involved at phfgive.org/about-board.
