News

MCC’s longtime Board chair, Karen Carbonelli, is celebrated for her service

The Montcalm County Board of Trustees celebrated Karen Carbonelli for nearly 28 years of serving as Board chairperson during their Jan. 14 regular meeting.

During the meeting, Carbonelli, of Greenville, nominated Treasurer Kurt Peterson, of Sidney, to become the next Board chair, which was unanimously approved by the Board members.

Carbonelli has served on the college’s Board since 1981 and as Board Chairperson since 1997. She will continue to serve the Board as a trustee. Her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact on the college community, and the Board is deeply grateful for her many years of service.

Carbonelli cited personal reasons for her desire to transition to a Trustee position on the Board, saying “I love this place. MCC really changes peoples’ lives.”

She put full faith in Peterson’s leadership.

“He is very motivated and smart, and so very thorough with everything he does,” she said. “He will provide exceptional leadership for this Board.”

During her tenure, Carbonelli has also served as treasurer, as a member the presidential evaluation committee, as a member of the presidential search committee and as MCC’s trustee director or alternate trustee director at the state level on the Michigan Community College Association Board of Directors. Her current term will expire Dec. 31, 2026.

An MCC alumnus, Peterson was elected to a six-year term on the Board in November 2018 and was re-elected in November 2024. He owns and operates Peterson Law PLC and Washboard Quality Cleaners, both in Greenville.

Peterson said he is looking forward to continuing his work with the Board in this new role.

“We have a great bunch of people here at the college who care deeply about our students and the community,” he said. “I think we’re in a good place. There’s great energy here. There are good things coming.”

MCC President Dr. Bradley J. Barrick said the college relies on its Board of Trustees to provide leadership and direction for the institution. He said he looks forward to Carbonelli continuing her service as a trustee and welcomes Peterson in his new role.

“Karen has dedicated the past 28 years of exceptional service and leadership to MCC as Board chair,” Dr. Barrick said. “Throughout her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in guiding the college through periods of growth and change, always with a deep commitment to the institution’s mission and community.

“Her unwavering dedication and thoughtful stewardship have greatly shaped the direction of the college, and her contributions will be remembered for years to come,” he said. “Karen has supported a variety of initiatives focusing on student success, continuous quality improvement, accreditation, strategic planning, creation of a 5-year master plan, growing the MCC Foundation Board of Directors, building renovations and new construction, the return of Centurion Athleticsand other areas of key importance.

“Personally, the President and Board Chair relationship is a special partnership. It has been a pleasure to work alongside her,” he said.

Dr. Barrick welcomes Peterson in his new role.

“We are happy to welcome Kurt as our new Board Chairperson,” Dr. Barrick said. “With his strong leadership skills, dedication to the college’s mission and deep commitment to the community, Kurt is poised to guide the Board into a new era of growth and innovation.

“Kurt is very level-headed and thoughtful in his input and decision-making,” Dr. Barrick said. “In working with Kurt, I just love his energy. He is excited and motivated, and I feel that whenever he is in the room.

“His experience and passion for education will be invaluable assets as we continue to build on the college’s successes,” Dr. Barrick said.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Shelly Springborn
Director of Communications and Public Relations
shellys@montcalm.edu
989-560-0833