‘Season of possibility’ begins for Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance leader

Kory Plockmeyer understands the importance of the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance because he previously led a member organization that relied on the alliance for support. Now, as he settles into his role as executive director, he says he is eager to strengthen the network that helped him.

The Holland-based alliance provides training, resources, and collaborative support to nonprofits across West Michigan. It offers professional development, peer learning and networking opportunities, and brings organizations together to address shared challenges and community needs.

Plockmeyer took the helm in September after a months-long search. He previously served as executive director of Movement West Michigan, where he brought nonprofits together to tackle community issues. LNA leaders say his passion for the region’s nonprofit sector made him stand out.

The Holland-based alliance provides training, resources, and collaborative support to nonprofits across West Michigan. It offers professional development, peer learning and networking opportunities, and convenes organizations to address shared challenges, advocate for community needs, and improve service delivery.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to step into this role with the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance,” Plockmeyer says. “Having experienced the importance of LNA firsthand as part of a member organization, I am excited to help strengthen the nonprofit sector that serves our community so faithfully.

“At its core, LNA is a member-driven organization, and I am eager to work alongside our members to build new connections, deepen our capacity, and expand the impact of nonprofits serving the Lakeshore and beyond.” 

Board members say Plockmeyer stood out for his experience leading a growing organization and his appreciation for the diversity of missions across the alliance’s network — from arts and culture to social services, advocacy, and organizations serving children and older adults. His selection, they say, reflects a shared commitment to collaboration and thriving nonprofits.

“I am confident that with the passion and creativity of our nonprofit community, LNA can be a catalyst for even greater collaboration and impact,” Plockmeyer says. “Our sector is entering a season of possibility, and I am honored to step into this role to help carry that work forward.”

The Lakeshore caught up with Plockmeyer to talk about his new role and what he hopes to accomplish in 2026 to serve the members of LNA. 

The Lakeshore: You’ve now been in the role for more than 60 days, giving you a meaningful look at LNA from the inside. What has surprised or energized you most during your first two months as executive director?

Kory Plockmeyer: What has energized me most has been hearing the stories of impact that are happening every day across our community. I already knew our nonprofit leaders were committed and resilient, but seeing the depth and breadth of their work from this vantage point has been remarkable. Food assistance organizations are rising to meet unexpected demand. Historical museums are finding creative ways to tell our local story. Therapeutic riding stables are transforming lives. Justice-involved individuals are finding support and mentorship. These are only a few examples, and together they paint a picture of a sector that is profoundly shaping the lives of our neighbors. I am honored to have the privilege of championing this sector and helping ensure that its leaders feel supported, connected, and valued.

TL: The nonprofit sector is facing growing uncertainty with predicted declines in government grants and corporate donations. What strategic priorities or goals are you beginning to shape for LNA in response to these emerging challenges?

KP: One of the clearest priorities emerging for LNA is helping organizations strengthen their foundations so they can navigate a more unpredictable funding landscape. We are focused on helping leaders feel more confident in their roles and on supporting nonprofits that want to shore up their governance, finances, and day-to-day operations. We also see a growing need for practical support in fundraising and grantwriting, so we are planning to expand our offerings in those areas. At the same time, we are exploring member-exclusive tools that can help organizations diversify their revenue and build more stable, long-term funding. When resources tighten, collaboration becomes even more important, and LNA is committed to helping organizations share knowledge, avoid duplication, and respond to community needs together.

TL: Your background includes years of community leadership, nonprofit collaboration, and organizational growth. How did your experience influence your decision to apply for the executive director role at LNA, and why did it feel like the right next step?

KP: My entire career has been shaped by the belief that we should make a positive impact in the world, and that belief is what ultimately led me to apply for this role. I have seen again and again that a thriving community needs a strong, well-supported nonprofit sector. For our organizations to accomplish all that they are capable of doing, they need LNA to be operating at its very best. The opportunity to help strengthen that work was something I felt compelled to pursue. I have also learned that the most pressing challenges in our community will only be addressed through collaboration and cross-sector partnership. It matters that the nonprofit sector has a clear and trusted voice in those conversations about how to build a community where everyone can thrive. Stepping into this role allows me to build bridges, support leaders, and champion the impact that nonprofits are making every day. 

TL: Your time leading Movement West Michigan involved bringing organizations together to address significant community needs. Which aspects of that experience have been most valuable as you step into leading LNA?

KP: My time with Movement West Michigan shaped me in ways that I carry into this role every day. I learned how to bring people together around a shared sense of purpose, not by forcing alignment, but by drawing out the passion that was already there. I learned to notice where energy was building in the community and to help gather the partners who could turn that spark into real movement. That work also immersed me in the practice of collective impact, which taught me how coordinated effort can change the trajectory of an entire issue. And along the way, I discovered that lifting up the work of others is one of the most meaningful forms of leadership.

TL: Nonprofits are preparing for a potentially difficult season marked by political shifts and financial instability. How do you envision LNA helping its members build resilience, strengthen collaboration, and sustain their impact in the years ahead?

KP: In a season of uncertainty, I believe LNA must be a source of steadiness for nonprofit leaders. Resilience does not happen by accident. It grows when leaders have a place to wrestle honestly with the challenges they face, to regroup, and to build the inner strength needed to lead with clarity. Part of our work will be giving leaders the practical support they need, but just as important is helping them become the kind of leaders their teams can trust when things get difficult. My commitment is that leaders will feel LNA beside them, not just as a resource, but as an advocate and a champion.

We are also preparing for what comes next. New efforts are in development to support rising leaders in our community, because the long-term resilience of our sector depends on who is being formed now. When we invest in the people who will lead after us, we create a depth of purpose that carries far beyond our own tenure.