Chesterton Academy of St. George Announces New Development Director
Chesterton Academy of St. George is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ken Veenstra as our new Development Director.
Mr. Veenstra brings more than a decade of nonprofit development experience, including donor cultivation, fundraising events, and community engagement within mission-driven organizations. Most recently, he served in fund development for Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee & Hillsdale Counties, where he helped cultivate donor relationships, support fundraising campaigns, and strengthen community support for charitable programs.
He also served for ten years as Board Treasurer for the Autism Society of Michigan, helping guide statewide fundraising strategy and long-term sustainability planning. In addition, through his current work operating Siam Culinary Company, he has partnered with churches, schools, and nonprofit organizations to organize fundraising events, donor receptions, and community gatherings.
Mr. Veenstra holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and brings extensive experience in relationship-centered fundraising, donor stewardship, and community outreach. A resident of the Jackson area, he is excited to help grow the Academy’s development efforts and deepen relationships with families, alumni, and benefactors who support the mission of providing a joyful, classical, Catholic education.
“We are excited to welcome Ken to Chesterton Academy of St. George and look forward to the experience, relationships, and energy he will bring to our development efforts,” said Executive Director RJ Lomas.
Lomas also expressed gratitude for the service of the school’s founding development director:
“We are extremely grateful to our inaugural Development Director, Mr. John Paul Hendrickson, for all his effort and dedication to making our mission a priority and putting us on a sound footing for future sustainability. I am so glad he plans to remain a part of our community as a supporter, with plans to send his own children to the Enrichment Program and the Chesterton Academy of St. George someday.”
John Paul said, "I am very grateful for all that this community has given me, and I am excited to see the impact that Mr. Veenstra will have on the school's growth and development. I look forward to staying involved and continuing to support this community in whatever ways I can!"
Chesterton Academy of St. George looks forward to the continued growth of its mission to form joyful leaders and saints through a classical, Christ-centered education.