There's No Place Like Home

Just under a year ago, I embarked on a national journey. Stepping out of civic service into a role at Block by Block , I was presented with the unique opportunity to work with cities from coast to coast. This position in the private sector allowed me to engage directly with over 150 localities, ranging from bustling downtown districts to vital transit agencies and sprawling park systems. I visited more than 32 cities in 19 different states. It was an honor to work alongside the dedicated teams at Block by Block, whose commitment to community transformation I deeply respect and admire. However, life has a way of presenting unforseen paths, and I now find myself amid another career transition.

The decision to leave my national role was not one I took lightly. It was unexpected, certainly not a change I had planned for so soon. One of the things I enjoyed most about my work with cities across the country was witnessing the passion and commitment people have for their communities. To encounter the scale and breath of people who work in so many roles on behalf of their diverse communities has been profoundly inspiring. In my brief tenure, I hope I was able to contribute, even in a small way, to the enhancement and enrichment of these places.

It's the very experiences I describe above that sometimes made me miss the hands-on involvement in community development - the feeling of being "in the arena," actively contributing to the creation of purposeful change. There truly is no place like home, and it is this longing for direct impact and community connection that has guided me back to public service.

I am thrilled to be joining the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County as the Vice President of Community Impact. This role represents an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the fabric of my hometown, to work alongside a talented staff, the foundation's committed board, its generous donors, and the many passionate organizations striving to make our region a place we are all proud to call home.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Rose Meissner, a leader whose work and vision I have long admired, for entrusting me with the responsibility to help lead and shape the next chapter in the Community Foundation's impactful history. The foundation's commitment to fostering a thriving, vibrant community aligns perfectly with my personal convictions, and I am eager to dive into this new role with enthusiasm and dedication. I look forward to what lies ahead, not just in my career but in my life's journey of service.

As I transition from a national focus back to the local community that holds my heart, I carry with me the lessons learned and the inspiration garnered from communities across the United States. I am excited to apply these insights and experiences to my work with the Community Foundation, to create lasting, positive progress through collective efforts and shared visions. Together, we’ll continue to write a future filled with promise, inclusivity, and meaningful community impact… creating a place we are all proud to call home.