Foundation Leadership
Rita F. Stoskopf
Executive Director, Board Secretary and Treasurer
Rita began working for Mr. Pentecost in 1992, when she became the office manager for his real estate corporation, Better Properties, Inc. She was privileged to call him her mentor and friend, and she feels honored to continue the work of his foundation. Rita particularly enjoys providing opportunities to economically disadvantaged youth. She would be happy to speak with you about any questions you have about the foundation.
Victor W. Loomis, Jr.
Board President
As a board member of the Joe D. Pentecost Foundation, Vic is particularly interested in providing otherwise unavailable opportunities to economically disadvantaged young people. As a veteran of the U. S. Army, a graduate of Michigan State University and former mayor of East Lansing, Vic now focuses on supporting local philanthropic groups and helping to identify and bring resources to valuable community service programming.
Carrie S. Ihrig Freeman
Board Vice President
Carrie S. Ihrig Freeman is a partner in the law firm of Grua, Tupper & Young, PLC, in Lansing, Michigan. She grew up in Okemos and earned her Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctor degrees from Michigan State University. Carrie is honored to serve on this board along with those who were Joe D. Pentecost’s trusted advisors and friends, and to help continue the impactful work of this Foundation.
Gary J. Hurand
Board Member
Gary’s father and Joe were business partners, and, more important, great friends for more than 50 years; Gary himself worked with Joe for nearly 40 years. Gary feels honored to serve as a board member of the Joe D. Pentecost Foundation and is committed to the mission of the foundation. He appreciates the opportunity to approve funding for programs he feels Joe would have wanted to support.
Robert J. Phipps
Board Member
Robert began working for Joe Pentecost in 1966, managing his apartments in Champaign-Urbana. After Robert’s graduation from University of Illinois, he came to work for Joe in Michigan and later became his partner in various developments. Robert has been developing and managing properties in Michigan for many years and was briefly involved in politics.
Calvin Clare Lutz ("Pete")
Board Member Emeritus (Deceased)
Pete first met Joe in 1972 upon moving to the Lansing area to work for the USDA. The two became neighbors and immediately became very close friends; they also worked together on several business projects. When Joe began the Foundation, he asked Pete to serve on the board of directors to help young people in the Lansing area. Carrying out that wish in Joe’s memory remained Pete’s mission through his many years of service to the Foundation.