Our Executive Director.
Kathryn Wise Huschke
Stephanie Rustem
Kathryn Wise Huschke has been the Executive Director of the Oleson Foundation since fall of 2008. She is a native of Traverse City, a graduate of Traverse City Central High School, and holds a B.A. in Communications from Michigan State University. She previously held the post of Vice President for Program at the Fremont Area Community Foundation in Fremont, Michigan, for 15 years.
Mrs. Huschke has served on many non-profit boards and committees, state and national Foundation council boards and program committees, was a member of the Lincoln Township Planning and Zoning Board, and is currently a member of the Exponent Philanthropy Board, based in Washington D.C.
Kathy and her husband John live in Traverse City. They have two grown, married children and three grandchildren.
The Huschke’s enjoy kayaking, hiking, swimming, and biking in the summer, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter. They are both delighted to be in Traverse City and enjoy all the area has to offer. Kathy states that it is an honor and a privilege to work for the Oleson Family andbe a part of supporting the Northwest Michigan region.
Stephanie Rustem joined The Oleson Foundation as its Executive Director in spring 2024. She grew up in the greater Lansing area and received a B.A. in Elementary Education and an M.S. in Community, Agriculture, Recreation, and Resource Studies from Michigan State University. She moved to the Grand Traverse region in October 2017. Since moving to the region, she has committed her time to working and volunteering with several local nonprofit organizations including Discovery Center & Pier, Inland Seas Education Association, Goodwill Northern Michigan, and the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities among others.
Stephanie is an outdoor enthusiast and developed her love for the outdoors at a young age while picking wild blackberries in her parents’ backyard, fishing Michigan’s inland and Great Lakes, and camping in northern Michigan. She still enjoys her childhood hobbies of hiking, fishing, and camping with her husband, Lee.
Stephanie feels incredibly honored and privileged to work with the Oleson Family to help them continue their work of supporting the Northwest Michigan region.