Amplify GR fills two new positions

A nonprofit is strengthening its leadership team.

Amplify GR, a nonprofit dedicated to equity and neighborhood improvement on Grand Rapids’ southeast side, hired Amy Knape as the organization’s first senior director of fund development and Patrick Johnson Jr. as its first chief operating officer.

Knape joins Amplify GR from the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT) where she worked in fund development for 11 years. While at WMCAT, Knape oversaw donor relations, grant management, fundraising events and strategic communications. She also was staff lead on WMCAT’s $8.5 million Leave Your Mark capital campaign in 2018.

“Adding a proven fundraising professional like Amy will complement our relationship-focused approach at Amplify GR very well,” said Jon Ippel, executive director. “She has significant experience in engaging the donors and partners who want to invest in our place-based work, as well as expertise in stewarding our community’s resources.”

In her new role with Amplify, Knape be the organization’s first dedicated fundraising professional and will be responsible for grant management, donor engagement and stewardship, and strategic philanthropic efforts that advance the organization.

“I love that the work of Amplify GR is rooted in people, partnership and place,” said Knape. “I look forward to connecting the people and partnerships so we can truly activate place and prosperity for neighbors in (ZIP code) 49507.”

Knape earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Western Michigan University and has the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential.

Johnson comes to Amplify GR from Bethany Christian Services. He served there as vice president of human resources for four years. Johnson has more than 15 years of professional experience in finance, operations, human resources and executive leadership positions with nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

“Moving into this new position at Amplify GR literally hit home because I grew up in the neighborhood,” Johnson said. “I have family that still lives in the area, and I knew my experience could further the purpose behind the organization — one that resonated strongly with me: ‘Everyone deserves to live in strong neighborhoods with environments that cultivate happy, healthy and hopeful people.’”

As COO, Johnson will lead and coordinate Amplify GR’s staff. He will be responsible for staff communication and team congruency. Johnson has a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University in business and cultural development.

Amplify GR is dedicated to the areas of Boston Square, Madison Square and their surrounding neighborhoods in Grand Rapids. Together with neighbors, local businesses and community partners, Amplify GR works to identify and achieve shared goals in four community-voiced priorities: jobs and entrepreneurship, housing, education and community well-being.