The Saginaw Community Foundation recently hired two employees: Darci Seamon as its new administrative/finance assistant and Bryan Konieczka as its new marketing and communications officer. The foundation also promoted Debra Shelton to the position of Youth First director.

“I am honored to join the staff at the Saginaw Community Foundation,” Seamon said. “Being employed at the foundation allows me to help others and serve my community, which I enjoy. It’s a great feeling to be part of an organization that impacts Saginaw County for good, for ever.”

Seamon graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in family community services. She worked previously for a local township in fund accounting and payroll as well as being an extension educator for Michigan State University Extension.

“Darci has filled an important role with the foundation and I know, with her previous experiences, she will fulfill these responsibilities very efficiently and professionally,” said Reneé Johnston, Saginaw Community Foundation president and CEO. “I am excited to have Darci as part of the SCF team and I look forward to watching her grow with the organization.”       

Filling the role of marketing and communications officer is Bryan Konieczka.

“I am extremely excited to join the team at the Saginaw Community Foundation,” Konieczka said. “I am proud to call Saginaw my home and am very passionate about my community. I look forward to helping bring community initiatives to life, as well as working with donors and local organizations.”

Konieczka graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. He worked previously at AGP & Associates, Inc., a marketing communications agency in Midland, Mich., for 12 years before moving to the foundation.

“I am thrilled to have Bryan as part of the SCF team. He has such a creative mind and spirit which is a huge added benefit for the foundation,” said Johnston. “His skills and past experiences will be key as we enhance our efforts to promote the foundation and the services we offer.”    

Debra Shelton began working at the foundation in 2009 as the site coordinator for the Youth First afterschool program at Martin G. Atkins Elementary in Bridgeport. Shelton now takes over as the Youth First director.

“The Saginaw Community Foundation’s team is the ‘best of the best’. I am truly honored to be a part of an organization that is making a positive difference in Saginaw,” Shelton said. “I am excited and look forward to a great future for the Youth First afterschool programs. The goal of Youth First is to help the children of Saginaw reach their potential and to discover that they are each a carrier of greatness. I strive to engage more youth and help them develop good character and strong leadership skills.”

Shelton graduated from Central Michigan University with a master’s degree in guidance and counseling. Prior to her employment at Saginaw Community Foundation, Shelton has been committed to working with youth for over 30 years through positions at Saginaw Public Schools and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saginaw, Virginia Beach and Baltimore.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Debra as the Youth First director. Her passion for youth and her desire to help them all succeed is exactly what is needed for the program,” said Johnston. “I know under Debra’s leadership the Youth First participants will have an amazing experience.”