Jim Hunsanger has always been deeply involved in the Lansing community. He attended graduate school at Michigan State University where he completed the Executive MBA Program. He began working in Lansing at the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union in 2011.
He first heard about Highfields as an organization that did a lot of work in the greater Lansing area and was intrigued to learn more.
He met with Highfields’ CEO and President, Brian Philson, who was looking for new board members at the time. Jim was impressed by Brian’s enthusiasm for Highfields.
“After meeting with Brian and hearing the passion for what he was doing, and his vision for Highfields, it really touched me. I wanted to be a part of it,” he said.
Jim really connected with Highfields’ mission of helping at-risk kids and families in local communities.
“I fell in love with the mission and thought it was a great opportunity to get involved in a great organization that meets a lot of needs for individuals in the community that aren’t being met,” said Jim.
Jim joined Highfields’ board in 2011 and has served on the Finance and Personnel committee every year. Looking back at the past four years, Jim is awestruck to see how far Highfields has come.
“It’s been great to see growth in the programs we’ve been able to accomplish through the leadership of Brian and the Executive Team,” he said. “We’ve been able to add programs to the community, which help better the community overall and support individuals and families.”
Jim believes Highfields provides excellent service to families in need within the greater Lansing community. By helping struggling families and individuals, Highfields is creating stronger communities.
“Communities are made up of families,” said Jim. “Everything that Highfields does is to support and strengthen families across our communities. Whether it’s our residential program, or our counseling programs, it’s all about supporting families that support their community to make it a better place for everyone to live. Without strong families we don’t have strong communities.”
One of Jim’s favorite parts of being on the board is being able to interact with the kids and families that Highfields helps. One example is Highfields’ Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, where board members, staff and residential students all sit down and enjoy a meal together.
“I enjoy the Thanksgiving Dinner and being able to meet the kids and sit and talk with them. Hearing how Highfields affects them personally and how they’ve grown as a person is a great feeling,” he said.
Although his time on the board will be over soon, Jim will continue to support Highfields and the work they are doing for families. He hopes Highfields continues to be a strong, healthy, organization that will forever impact the community he cares so much about.