NEW ULM — The Board of Directors of the New Ulm Area Foundation, Inc., announces the appointment of John Illikman to the position of executive director, effective November 1. In this role, Illikman will work with the board to lead the organization to the next level of growth and community impact. Illikman has been a member of the local community since 2003. During that time, he has been involved in several civic, school, and church organizations and activities to make the New Ulm area a better place to live.

With origins dating back to 1987, the mission of the foundation is to address the needs of the community by growing its endowment funds and providing financial grants from the earnings of those funds. The foundation focuses its grant funding in the areas of the arts, education, economic development and historic preservation.

Illikman will replace Nancy Quam, who will retire after working with the foundation for the past 10-plus years. During her tenure, the organization has seen significant growth in its outreach to the community, as well as the scope of its portfolio.