Camille Pearson Walz has joined West Central Initiative as its Development Officer. An experienced philanthropic and business professional, Camille most recently led corporate philanthropy as a community relations business partner, where her focus was on creating awareness and impact through grantmaking and team member programs. Camille has a Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis. She serves on the strategy committee and was past board chair of the WCA Foundation, Minnesota’s first benevolent nonprofit organization, now a Signature Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation.
Camille first learned about West Central Initiative through the Minnesota Council on Foundations, where she sits on the membership committee. “I was thoroughly impressed with the thoughtfulness and transparency of the work being done at West Central Initiative,” Camille said. “This is a powerhouse in west central Minnesota.”
As the Development Officer, Camille will raise awareness and funding for West Central Initiative’s strategic priorities as they relate to philanthropy and its programs throughout the region.
“Camille was the perfect candidate for our position of Development Officer,” said Rebecca Lynn Petersen, West Central Initiative’s Director of Development. “With her background in corporate giving, she brings a new perspective to our work in fundraising and development—our spirit of generosity. She’s all about building relationships, and that’s what we do across our region.”
According to Camille, the Development Officer role provides an opportunity to engage a broader audience about West Central Initiative’s programs and impact. “I’m most excited to build relationships and encourage others to partner with us in this work,” she said. “That, and the fact that I love rural communities.”
Camille lives in Maple Plain, Minnesota, with her rescue dog, Arthur. She enjoys volunteerism, travel, the great outdoors, and time with family and friends, especially her two sons, Will, a recent graduate from the University of St. Thomas, and Josh, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota.
Welcome aboard, Camille!
