Ellen Carpenter announces retirement
Current development chief Salina Bishop tapped to succeed in 2025
(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) – Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan (RMHCWM) President/CEO Ellen Carpenter has announced her intention to retire after five years serving the region’s largest hospitality house. She will step down Dec. 31, 2024, at which time current chief development officer Salina Bishop will assume the President/CEO title. Carpenter notified the board recently of her intention to retire at year’s end to ensure adequate time for a seamless transition. Carpenter also recommended Bishop as successor, a recommendation that the board unanimously approved, and Bishop accepted.
“I have loved this position with all its positives and challenges more than any in my career,” said Ellen Carpenter. “It has been a privilege to serve the mission and to support many more families who need access to quality health care. We have gone so far in the last five years with such a great team!”
Bishop, a Certified Fundraising Professional, has served as the organization’s chief development officer since July 2023. She has more than 11 years of professional fundraising experience in the region, including roles at Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation, and Hospice of Michigan. Bishop holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Communication from Grand Valley State University. She serves as a board member at Community Food Club Grand Rapids and is chairperson for the East Grand Rapids Library Commission.
“I am deeply honored for this opportunity to lead Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan. Ellen has done a remarkable job in laying a strong foundation in both awareness and relationships. I look forward to building on this legacy and taking our collective impact to new heights, ensuring that every family with a hospitalized child finds comfort, care, and a home away from home at RMHCWM.” said Salina Bishop.
“Salina has extensive experience in nonprofits and understands the culture needed to be successful. She is a self-motivated, high performer and is recognized by her peers, donors, and volunteers as a leader,” Carpenter notes. “We are so lucky to have such a qualified person on our team!”
A search has begun to fill Bishop’s current role. No other staffing changes are expected as a result of this transition.
Carpenter’s retirement caps off a 42-year career in West Michigan, spanning marketing and sales roles at Amway, Perrigo, Applied Imaging, Felder Communications, Lake Michigan Financial Corporation, and Heart of West Michigan United Way, where she served for nearly seven years before joining RMHCWM. Carpenter had served on RMHCWM’s board for seven years, including Board President, before taking the helm.
Carpenter has seen a lot of change at the hospitality house during that time.
Earlier this year, Carpenter and her team cut the ribbon on a $2.5m project that expanded the home to 25 rooms with eight new family suites. The House now has 25 bedrooms with private baths; two are isolation-equipped, and three are handicap accessible. Although the expansion has helped, the facility is still at capacity most weeks.
“Since our founding over thirty years ago, we’ve helped over 10,000 families at the House,” adds Carpenter. “Unfortunately, due to lack of space, we’ve also had to turn away another 5,000 families. This expansion helped, but there is still an ongoing need as pediatric healthcare grows in our community. I feel the team, its board, and our dedicated supporters will continue rallying around RMH and help it grow with the need. I am grateful for our team and to have played a role in this journey.”
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