Huotari named GRHF executive director

IRONWOOD — Gogebic Range Health Foundation, a nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to advancing health outcomes across the Gogebic Range, is announced the appointment of Kassi Huotari as its new executive director, effective immediately.

An area native, Huotari brings seven years of nonprofit and institutional management experience, with a proven track record of driving organizational growth, fostering collaboration, and implementing strategic and financial initiatives, according to GRHF officials..

Most recently, she served as business manager of the Bessemer Area School District, where she oversaw operations, transportation, and human resources functions, and was actively involved in fiscal and strategic planning.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kassi to our team,” said John Garske, chair of the board of directors. “Her passion for our mission, combined with her expertise in nonprofit management makes Kassi the ideal person to lead our organization into its next chapter.”

As executive director, Huotari will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the organization, managing day-to-day operations, and building relationships with stakeholders and the community. She will be onboarding over the next several weeks and will assume the role full-time starting July 1.

“I am honored to join Gogebic Range Health Foundation and work alongside such a dedicated team,” said Huotari. “I look forward to building on the organization’s successes and advancing its mission to improve health outcomes throughout the community.”

Based in Ironwood, the GRHF now serves to advance community health throughout the Gogebic Range, which includes Gogebic and Iron counties, and to establish the region as a fun and healthy place to live.