On February 19, Kari Onyancha will join the Foundation as the new Senior Director of Partnerships. Kari brings 14+ years of progressive project operations management and over ten years of experience managing grants administration and compliance awards.

Kari joins the Foundation from Land O’Lakes Venture37, where she served as the Director of Strategic Partnerships & Growth and Program Management where she cultivated and expanded strategic organizational relationships with international and local NGOs, private sector actors, government agencies and small business partners. In her new role, Kari will lead the Bush grant programs for the Foundation and support other community initiatives.

“This is an exciting new partnership. It reflects and expands our shared vision for a more vibrant and equitable Minnesota,” said Anne Hoyt Taff, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation's former Vice President of Partnerships. “Kari is a great addition to the team and this work. She is a strategic thinker and passionate about convening people to shape outcomes, which will be critical as we work with the Bush Foundation and members of the community to develop a grantmaking process that is reflective of community needs and opportunities.”

"I am honored to embrace the role of Senior Director of Partnerships at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation,” said Onyancha. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the Foundation team, the Bush Foundation and the community to co-develop an impactful grantmaking process that truly responds to the diverse needs and opportunities within Minnesota. Together, this partnership will create a more inclusive and thriving future for our community.”