Strengthening Our Mission: Welcoming Two New Board Members

As the Max Foundation continues to grow, so does the team guiding its mission. What began as a family’s commitment to honor Max’s legacy has evolved into a strategic, community-driven board focused on making a long-term impact on youth mental wellness. This year, the Foundation welcomed two new members — Ray Musgrove and Rachel Bartz — whose expertise is already shaping our future.

Building a Stronger Foundation

In our recent conversation with board president Conway Marvin, he reflected on how the board has grown alongside the organization. In the early days, the Foundation was guided primarily by family — a group united by love and a promise that “doing nothing was not an option.” Over time, as programs expanded into the schools and new partnerships emerged, so did the need for specialized voices at the table.

The transition into our own independent 501(c)(3) was one of the biggest milestones yet — a complex process requiring months of restructuring, documentation, and compliance work. Conway credits this successful transition largely to Ray Musgrove, a CPA with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit accounting.

Meet the New Members

Ray Musgrove — CPA & Compliance Advisor
Ray first supported the Foundation by volunteering his expertise during the 501(c)(3) transition. Now officially on the board, his role is to ensure strong financial stewardship and long-term stability. For Ray, the mission is deeply personal: “If the Foundation can make a positive difference in even one young person’s life, it’s worth every effort.”

Rachel Bartz — LICSW & Mental Health Clinician
Rachel brings nearly 30 years of experience as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Passionate about reducing stigma and strengthening suicide-prevention resources, she hopes to expand evidence-based training for local clinicians and support mental health needs across the region. Her goal is clear: “With treatment, suicide can be prevented. We can give families and kids the tools they need.”

Looking Ahead

With Ray and Rachel joining Paula Hedlund, Katie Wandersee, and the Marvin family, the board is positioned to continue strengthening school partnerships, expanding mental wellness resources, and ensuring donor support creates meaningful, measurable impact.

As Conway emphasized, the Foundation remains committed to one guiding principle:
Make decisions that truly help kids — and honor the trust of our community.