Mammoth Lakes – Evan Russell, CEO and President of Mammoth Lakes Foundation, announced the hiring of long-time resident Greg Bissonette as its new Director of Development. “We are very excited to have Greg join our team,” stated Russell. “He brings a proven commitment to the community and the Foundation. We are confident that Greg’s addition to an already outstanding group of dedicated staff will make our work even more impressive as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the Foundation in 2014.”

Greg first fell in love with Mammoth in 1992 while living here enjoying a year of skiing and all that summer has to offer. Little did he know he would be returning for a much longer stay in the future. He came back with a degree in education and worked for the Mono County Office of Education and the Mammoth Unified School District as an elementary school teacher. After his tenure there, Bissonette moved on to Mammoth Hospital to become their Fund Development Coordinator. He’s a past member of the Noon Rotary Club, served on the AYSO board as Regional Commissioner as well as on the Mammoth Sharks Swim Team board as Treasurer.

Bissonette has been married for 16 years to Shanna Bissonette, D.C., owner of In Line Chiropractic. They have two children, Tanner – 13 and Eva – 10, who have been fortunate enough to participate in the Mammoth Lakes Repertory Theatre’s Summer Shakespeare Camp. There are other connections to the Foundation including Bissonette’s mother-in-law, Judy Bornfeld, who serves on the Foundation’s board, and father-in-law Michael Bornfeld who serves as special counsel.

“I’m excited to return to the Foundation as a full-time team member,” commented Bissonette who assisted with the inaugural 2011 Mammoth Food & Wine Experience. “My passion for education is a strong connection to the Mammoth Lakes Foundation’s mission of supporting higher education and cultural enrichment. I’m looking forward to taking the Foundation into its next 25 years of commitment to the community.”

An avid skier and mountain biker, Bissonette and his family enjoy all the outdoor activities the Eastern Sierra has to offer and the cultural offerings at the Edison Theatre.

“It’s important to have a Director of Development capable of finding other sources of financial support that will allow MLF to continue its mission, advance existing projects, and move major goals forward, including growing a community/college cultural center,” added Russell. “With Greg as our Development Director, and utilizing the experience he brings to the table, we will be able to build a stable funding source for MLF, convert potential donors to active donors, and provide funding for expanded higher education and arts programming. MLF has a credible history of accomplishments,” continued Russell, “including acquiring land for community use; supporting arts, theater and education, providing over 500 local college scholarships, and aiding countless other students (young and old) in realizing their dreams and improving their lives through higher education.”

If you’d like to learn more about MLF or meet with Greg Bissonette in person, please call 760.934.6781 or email him at greg@mammothlakesfoundation.org . You can also join the entire Mammoth Lakes Foundation team on December 7 at its 23rd Annual Friends of the Foundation Celebration at the Sierra Events Center.