“When people choose to be engaged and give what they can, it creates a ripple effect that makes the entire community stronger.” – Ben Bauer
“A strong community is built through collective effort—when people show up, contribute in whatever way they can, and invest in something larger than themselves, meaningful and lasting change follows.” – Justin Casperson
After completing 3 3-year terms each — a combined 18 years of service — two past board presidents reflect on their time as leaders of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation. Faithful leadership through skilled volunteers expands the Foundation’s impact year after year.
Past-President Ben Bauer
Ben is a creative professional, graphic designer, and marketing leader. He initially joined the board believing that if you have the ability to serve, you have a responsibility to say yes—a responsibility he carries with him each day. To his delight, as he continued in service, he discovered the organization to display an incredible board culture with shared values that were rooted in friendship and purpose, resulting in low turnover, deep trust, and what he describes as “one of the healthiest board–leadership relationships” he has ever experienced.
His proudest contributions to date include hiring two executive directors and supporting playful yet meaningful campaigns—from creative appeals to tree giveaways—keeping philanthropy approachable. He’s been especially touched seeing Foundation‑supported projects in Spencer’s ballfields and playgrounds, where his personal history and volunteer work intersect. Projects like these convince him that anything is possible in a community with a strong foundation through heart, grit, and structure.
Looking ahead, Ben hopes the Foundation continues to serve as a connector bringing people, ideas, and resources together to create meaningful, lasting impact. He envisions a future rooted in belonging: helping families, small businesses, and young leaders see their role in shaping what comes next for our community. To him, strengthening a community starts with everyday participation through volunteerism and showing up for one another in ways that collectively build local resilience and pride.
Past-President Justin Casperson
In his professional life, Justin is a community‑oriented leader whose work involves planning, infrastructure, and long‑term community improvements—experience that translated directly into his board service. His day‑to‑day role has given him a front‑row seat to how good planning, collaboration, and investment can shape a place over time, and he brought that lens to the Foundation’s strategic discussions.
Justin was motivated to join the Board by a desire to give back in a way that would leave a lasting mark on the community, and he stayed because he saw the Foundation consistently connect resources to real needs. He describes the Board–staff relationship as collaborative and mission‑driven, with staff providing professional leadership and the Board offering clear strategic guidance.
He points to projects like the Vandehey Waters Aquatic Center and Marshfield School District athletic facility improvements as stand‑out examples of what can happen when community leaders, donors, staff, and board members align around a shared goal. Through those efforts, Justin has seen that meaningful impact takes time, trust, and patient relationship‑building—not just funding. Looking ahead, he sees opportunities in deeper partnerships and donor engagement, even as the Foundation balances growing needs with finite financial resources.
Looking to the future, Justin hopes the Foundation continues to act as a catalyst for projects that make Marshfield an even better place to live—especially efforts that enhance parks, trails, recreation programs, and community events. With a professional background in Parks and Recreation, he values projects that expand access, embrace inclusivity, and reflect forward-thinking design. To him, improving a community isn’t only about infrastructure—it’s about helping people take pride and ownership in the spaces they share. Small, consistent actions and mutual respect for those places spark the ripple effect that strengthens the whole community.
Leaders like Ben and Justin continually contribute to the Foundation’s success, identifying creative solutions to local needs, enhancing donor relationships, and supporting staff through skilled volunteer service. For a full list of current board members and their bios, click here.