Renee Van Zilen
President & Chairperson
Guided by a lifelong belief in honoring seniors with dignity and joy, Renee Van Zilen founded Local Love Ministry, Inc. to create moments that make nursing home residents feel valued, seen, and deeply loved. Whether uplifting spirits during a personal visit or ensuring every detail of an event is lovingly prepared, she is recognized for her boundless energy, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication.
Renee’s calling to serve began early, shaped by her mother—a lifelong nurse who modeled warmth and dignity in every act of care. As a child, Renee often joined her on nursing home visits, watching her bake treats, plan outings, and advocate for quality of life. These experiences instilled in Renee a profound respect for the elderly and a desire to serve them with compassion and joy.
She brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in finance, compliance, and operations management, having served as Senior Director at Eldridge Capital Management and Chief Compliance Officer for several SEC-registered investment advisers. Her career also includes senior roles at Bank of America, Medalist Partners Corporate Finance, Harvest Capital Credit Corporation, and Wells Fargo Capital Finance. A U.S. Army veteran, Renee began her career after earning her B.A. in Accounting from Wichita State University.
After retiring from corporate life in May 2025, Renee embraced her calling to deepen her spiritual walk, prioritize family, and expand the ministry she founded. Beyond her professional life, she has served as a Cub Scout leader, Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and an active volunteer at Local Church Canton with her husband. Together, they delight in their four children and two grandchildren.
Renee’s leadership of Local Love Ministry is firmly rooted in Christian values, shaped by family legacy, and carried out through joyful connection, compassionate outreach, and acts of kindness—spreading love, laughter, and the light of Christ.