Bob Guenzel: Community Leader and Ark Champion

Bob GuenzelYear after year The Ark has proudly brought our community the best in emerging and legacy artists, thanks to the support of countless good friends and many community champions.

One of the people that we’ve relied on for unwavering support and leadership over the years has been Bob Guenzel. While Bob is publicly best known for serving as Washtenaw County Administrator from 1994 until his retirement in 2010, that’s only part of his community leadership story.

Throughout his tenure as Washtenaw County Administrator and beyond, Bob has supported The Ark and other community organizations in countless ways, putting his mark on many of the treasured nonprofits and life-saving services that Washtenaw County now enjoys. In particular, his ability to bring credibility and enthusiasm to fundraising campaigns in this community has been one of his hallmarks.

Bob’s innate gift for collaboration, combined with his superb skills in facilitation, strategizing, and problem-solving, have made him a highly sought-after volunteer leader. Organizations such as the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, United Way of Washtenaw County, Washtenaw Development Council, Literacy Coalition of Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor SPARK, and the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority are just a sampling of the organizations he’s impacted through the years. But his longest serving volunteer role has been with The Ark.

From guiding The Ark through its separation from the churches that originally founded it in the 1970’s to helping orchestrate the purchase of The Ark’s space in 2012 and then leading the $3 million fundraising campaign to fund it, Bob continued to be involved in every significant challenge and opportunity that The Ark has faced. HIs leadership roles at have included two tenures as Chair of The Ark’s Board of Directors, Chair of the Development Committee, Co-Chair of the Charter Members, and Chair of the 2013-2017 Campaign for The Ark. We wouldn’t be where we are without him!

In December 2024, Bob stepped down after serving for nearly 50 years on The Ark’s Board of Directors. He’s been a one-of-a-kind mentor and leader; an invaluable resource to staff, volunteers and fellow Board members. Most of all, he’s been an amazing friend.

We’re proud to recognize Bob by establishing the Bob Guenzel Fund for Capacity Building in his honor.

    1. Make an online donation today to the Bob Guenzel Fund
    2. Download pledge form to make a multi-year gift

For more information call Deb Kern, Development Director at 734-761-1800, ext. 125.