Page 6 - FOCUS February 2020

CHAMBER NEWS

Kelli Ellsworth Etchison to Receive 2019

Community Service Award

KELLI ELLSWORTH ETCHISON, AN AWARD-WINNING of Lansing Community College Foundation board of directors, Dr. Martin
MARKETER with more than 35 years of experience in Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan, Rivers of Life Church
the credit union industry and an ardent support of the Cleaning Team and We Rise Women’s Ministry, Capital Area United Way
community, has been named the recipient of the 2019 Board of Directors, Lansing Mayor’s Drug-Free Youth Committee and
Community Service Award by the Lansing Regional Erickson Learning Foundation board of directors.
Chamber of Commerce (LRCC). Ellsworth Etchison
will be presented with her award during the LRCC’s “We are put on this planet to serve, which is something my mom instilled in
108th Annual Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 27. me,” says Ellsworth Etchison. “You do those things because they are part of
your core foundational beliefs.”
“I was really blown away when I heard the news,” Ellsworth Etchison
said Ellsworth Etchison. “When you do something Kelli even lent her talent to the Dancing with the Local Stars community
because you want to do it, you don’t do it for recognition – so, to receive fundraiser for Care Free Medical and Dental, where she and her dance
something so prestigious as the Chamber’s Community Service award was partner, Mark Taylor won the championship. Kelli says her partner is a
awe-inspiring.” fantastic dancer and her dance moves are in her genes.

Kelli serves as chief marketing officer at LAFCU, where she oversees the “My 84-year old mom is something else on the dance floor,” said Ellsworth
development and support of strategic initiatives. She is also responsible for Etchison. “She is not your typical 84-year old. She knows more line dances
corporate objectives and outcomes and managing the corporate brand and than I do. She is a smooth operator.”
community impact. A staunch advocate of education, Ellsworth Etchison
has focused much of LAFCU’s programming on youth financial literacy Kelli has won numerous awards and recognition for her work in the
education. She has spearheaded college scholarship programs, providing community, including the National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service
thousands of dollars for education to women, high school seniors and Award by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional
military-affiliated students of all ages. Women’s Clubs, Inc. Greater Lansing Area Chapter.

“It really does help to work for an organization that will allow you to fly with “It is very humbling to be recognized for community service,” said Ellsworth
your ideas,” said Ellsworth Etchison. “It is also important that we give back Etchison. “I love that the community we serve is such a great community.
to our young people and help them shape what their future will look like.” There are a lot of wonderful organizations to support.”

In the community, helping people is where you will most often find Kelli. Kelli and her husband Robin have three adult children and four
She is a fervent supporter of the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing. She grandchildren. She loves spending time with family and friends. Kelli is a
serves on the board and was the first African-American female board native of Pontiac but will always remain a tireless advocate for the Greater
chairperson. She is a newly elected board member of Lansing Promise and Lansing community with a sincere passion for life. n
a member of Rotary Club of Lansing. She is a current or former member

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