Mercedes Bowyer

Mercedes Bowyer
(she/her)
Donor Engagement Director
(231) 935-4066 ext. 110
mbowyer@gtrcf.org

Areas of Expertise 

Relationship-building, donor cultivation, donor stewardship, donor events, fundraising, annual giving

Biography

Mercedes was born in St. Louis, Missouri and raised in Michigan. She holds a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from the University of Oklahoma. Mercedes has worked in the museum/nonprofit field for 25 years, severing several different organizations across the Midwest, including the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum, Schmidt Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia, and the OZ Museum. She returned to Michigan and settled in Frankfort in 2012, where she currently lives with her fiancé, teenage daughter, and their hound, Lucy.

She joined the Community Foundation after 10 years at Oliver Art Center, previously serving as Executive Director. Mercedes holds a certificate in Fundraising Management from Lilly School of Indiana University. She was named one of Traverse City Business News’ 40 Under 40 Influential Leaders in 2018 and one of Northwest Michigan’s Most Influential Women in 2021. Mercedes also serves on the boards of the Benzie Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Michigan Arts and Culture Network. In her off-time, Mercedes is a fiber artist who has shown all over the state in various art centers and museums.

Causes She's Passionate About

Arts and culture, supporting the local Benzie area community

Favorite Places in the Region

"I have to say my hometown of Frankfort - go Panthers! I love the communities of Glen Arbor and Leland. Green Point Trail south of Frankfort is my favorite hiking trail and Pierce Stocking Drive is my favorite place to take visitors."