Kristina Pepelko, MPA

Kristina Pepelko, MPA
(she/her)
Director of Strategic Communications
(231) 935-4066 ext. 109
kpepelko@gtrcf.org

Areas of Expertise 

Communications strategy, media relations, email marketing, storytelling, social media, website maintenance, project management, writing, editing

Biography

With nearly two and a half decades of communications experience, Kristina has held professional roles across the nonprofit sector and online media space, including with Kids’ Orchestra, the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, One Green Planet, and Croatia Times. She joined the Community Foundation in 2021 and holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Writing, both from Grand Valley State University.

Alongside her work, Kristina serves on the boards of Elk Rapids Community Cupboard and Immigration Law and Justice Michigan. She also volunteers with Let These Animals Live Cat Sanctuary. Born in Detroit to Croatian immigrants, Kristina has lived in Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, Croatia, and Louisiana. Now residing in Grand Traverse County, she shares her life with her husband, David; their rescue cats, Luna and Strudel; and their happy-go-lucky pit bull, Daisy. 

Causes She's Passionate About

Animal rights, environmental justice and protection, equity and inclusion, human rights, veterans support, immigrant rights

Favorite Places in the Region

Elk Rapids, Suttons Bay, Yuba Creek Natural Area, Miller Creek Nature Preserve, Boardman Lake Loop Trail, Walk of Art Scuplture Park at Elk Rapids Day Park, Ethanology, Ames St. Cafe, Sabores y Colores, India Garden