PRESS RELEASE
Local grant to CentraCare Willmar Cancer Center designated in honor of Mahboub’s volunteer service
WILLMAR, Minn.— Abdirizak Mahboub is retiring from the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) Board of Directors following just over 6 years of service.
The SWIF Board of Directors is a governing board that ensures the organization fulfills its mission of connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities in southwest Minnesota. This volunteer board sets strategy, manages resources and promotes the foundation’s work.
“The 6 years that I served on the SWIF board has had a great importance in my life and taught me more in my community generally,” Mahboub said.
Mahboub joined the board in 2018, stepping in to complete several months of an open term, then staying on. His interest in helping families and youth build safe, successful neighborhoods and lives shaped his decision to serve.
During his board term, Mahboub served on the Investment Committee and the Equity Taskforce. A small business owner himself, he played a key role in the foundation’s approach to economic development and has been a supporter for fellow entrepreneurs including Elevate Community Business Academy graduates and several of the foundation’s business loan clients.
“Zack has been a thought partner and mentor in translating our mission to action in ways that are relevant and valuable to local communities,” said SWIF President Scott Marquardt. “I’m grateful for Zack’s positive and supportive demeanor and his dedication to removing barriers and bridging across differences.”
Together with fellow board members, Mahboub led the foundation through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his service, SWIF accelerated its investments to support access to quality, affordable child care; launched Welcoming Week and the Growing Local: Emerging Leaders Program; and leveraged connections and expertise to ensure relief and recovery funding flowed into the region’s businesses and communities.
“The highlight for me was SWIF’s action during COVID-19 and how we supported our small businesses in our region. SWIF became a lifeline for a lot of small businesses in our region, and I am proud of it,” Mahboub said.
In honor of his service, Mahboub is directing a $650 grant to the CentraCare Willmar Cancer Center to support cancer patients and their families.
“We are truly grateful to Zack Mahboub and the Southwest Initiative Foundation for their generous support of the CentraCare Willmar Cancer Center. This grant will help to provide programs and services that are not reimbursed by insurance but enhance the patient and family experience,” said Holly Gulden, Vice President of CentraCare Foundation.
In addition to Mahboub, Patricia Dols of Willmar and Kathy Wehking of Hector are retiring from the foundation board. Current board members are chair Christie Hantge, Hutchinson; vice chair Dan Greve, Worthington; secretary Terry Gaalswyk, Worthington; treasurer Tom Brakke, Deephaven; Erica Volkir, Pipestone; and Theresa Zaske, Balaton.
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $115 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs.
