Korrie Ottenwess '03

Research Manager
Community Research Institute, Johnson Center for Philanthropy, GVSU

As the Research Manager for the Community Research Institute (CRI) at Grand Valley State University, Korrie Ottenwess conducts community-based research and program evaluation for nonprofit and public organizations throughout the community including organizations such as Kentwood Public Schools, Delta Strategy, Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Mrs. Ottenwess has been with the Johnson Center for Philanthropy since 2001. In addition to her MPA, Ottenwess has a B.A. in Communications from GVSU. Prior to joining CRI in 2001, her worked in fundraising at the Public Museum of Grand Rapids and at Aquinas College. She also has spent time working with township planning and zoning and youth programming.

"Before I enrolled in the MPA program, I knew the kind of career I wanted but I didn't have the tools I needed. I now have a job I look forward to going to every day. Courses on topics such as research methods, organizational theory, and advocacy really broadened my knowledge base. At the same time, I took advantage of internships and graduate assistantships to gain practical experience."