Seven community leaders recognized for transforming spaces that strengthen Northwest Michigan
July 10, 2026, Traverse City, Michigan
Cunningham-Limp is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Northwest Michigan Community Builder Award, recognizing individuals whose leadership has helped build, enhance, or thoughtfully utilize spaces that create lasting impact throughout Northwest Michigan.
This year’s finalists come from local government, nonprofit organizations, healthcare, housing, and youth services. While their projects are very different, they all share one thing in common: they put community first.
Meet the 2026 Finalists
Chris Forsyth
Chris has helped lead Project Alpha, Grand Traverse County’s largest public infrastructure investment in recent history. The new Emergency Operations and Emergency Communications Center and Central Operations Building will improve emergency response, modernize county operations, and better serve residents for decades to come. Just as important, Chris has made transparency and community engagement a priority throughout the process.
Jenny Graber
When the YMCA unexpectedly lost its childcare facility, Jenny helped ensure more than 60 children and their families never missed a day of care. At the same time, she has played a major role in the YMCA’s Growing for Good campaign, helping raise support for an expansion that will allow the organization to serve thousands more people each year.
Lander Bachert
Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center
Since becoming CEO, Lander has strengthened the Children’s Advocacy Center while expanding services for children and families affected by abuse. Her leadership has helped grow community partnerships, improve access to counseling and prevention programs, and build a stronger foundation for one of the region’s most important nonprofit organizations.
Liz Bloom
Liz believes wellness extends beyond physical exercise. From redesigning the Central YMCA Wellness Center to expanding programs for cancer survivors, individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, older adults, and families, she has helped create welcoming spaces where people can improve their health while building relationships and community.
Nora Dunlop
Nora has been a driving force in efforts to reduce chronic homelessness in Northwest Michigan. Through projects such as East Bay Flats and partnerships across the region, she has helped create housing and, more importantly, hope. Her work provides stability, dignity, and a path forward for those who need it most.
Paula Lipinski
Paula is leading One Campus, an ambitious project that will bring addiction treatment, recovery services, healthcare, and family support together under one roof. Her vision is making it easier for individuals and families to access the care they need while creating a more connected behavioral health system for Northwest Michigan.
Thomas Graber
Thomas recognized a growing need for affordable summer childcare and helped transform an entire facility into a dedicated day camp. Today, hundreds of children spend their summers in a safe, engaging environment while working families receive dependable childcare they can count on.
Making an Impact on Northwest Michigan
At Cunningham-Limp, we’ve always believed buildings are only part of the story. What matters most is what happens inside them and the people who make them possible. This year’s finalists have strengthened Northwest Michigan in many different ways. They’ve created places where children can learn, families can heal, seniors can stay active, first responders can better protect their communities, and individuals can find housing, hope, and support.
“The Community Builder Award is really about recognizing tremendous leadership in Northwest Michigan,” said Seth Johnson, Vice President of Client Strategies & Solutions – Northwest Michigan. “These finalists remind us that great communities don’t happen by accident. They happen because people are willing to step up, solve problems, bring others together, and invest in something bigger than themselves. We’re honored to celebrate each of them.”
The recipient of the 2026 Community Builder Award will be announced during the Community Builder Awards Celebration on Thursday, July 30. The winner will receive a $2,500 donation to the nonprofit of their choice, and each finalist will receive a $500 donation in recognition of their contributions.
About the Community Builder Award
Presented by Cunningham-Limp, the Northwest Michigan Community Builder Award honors leaders who have built, enhanced, or creatively reimagined spaces that strengthen communities throughout Northwest Michigan. The award recognizes projects that demonstrate measurable community impact while serving as an inspiration for future community-building efforts.
