Responsible for leading rural health and economic development organization that has been recognized regionally, statewide and nationally for innovative approaches to improving community well-being. Oversee a staff of 10 plus a large stable of volunteers that represent a cross-section of groups and interests. Led Thrive’s efforts in administering $2.4 million in SPARK funding for Allen County, spearheaded efforts to recruit Peerless Products to Iola, created Thrive’s non-emergent transportation program, and built on Thrive’s rural bike share program with the addition of trikes and pedi-cabs to combat social isolation.Regular speaker and panelist at various health and community development conferences, including butnot limited to: Department of Commerce Rural Opportunities Conference, American Cancer Society American Cancer Action Network’s Cancer Policy Forum, United Methodist Health Ministry Fund’s Intersections of Faith and Health, Kansas Health Institute’s Tobacco 21 in Kansas Summit, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Conference. Presenter on national webinars including: Smart Growth For America’s Small Places, Smart Mobility, County Health Rankings and Roadmaps Partnering with Community, and Build Healthy Places Building Healthy Places: Strategies for Partnership Development in Rural Counties. Provide assistance to rural communities across Kansas. Out of State speaking engagements include Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize Celebration in Princeton, NJ; Summit on Improving Access to Quality Care in Mariposa County, CA; and the National Association of Rural Mental Health Conference in Santa Fe, NM. Heavily involved in advocacy to expand Medicaid in Kansas; featured Critical Condition documentary. Also heavily involved in trail advocacy efforts, speaking at the state capitol and rural communities who are hoping to build their own trail systems.

Oversaw all aspects of communications including social media, website, e-news, print and radio for Thrive Allen County; oversaw Thrive’s Navigator program through 2018, leading the efforts to drop Allen County’s uninsured rate from 21% in 2013 to 9% in 2018; managed social media accounts for Thrive, as well as G&W Foods’ account; managed Thrive’s $95,000 technical assistance contract to 16 Kansas communities; created and run the Thrive Kansas Coalition to build and strengthen rural capacity across Kansas; supervised Thrive’s internship program; represented Thrive to communities and organizations throughout the state and presented on national webinars; advocated on legislative issues such as Medicaid expansion, tobacco cessation, and the expansion of US Hwy 169; coordinated engagements with state and local policymakers.

Oversaw all aspects of communications at Thrive including social media, website, print and radio; coordinated the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) site visit, video shoot, and prize celebration; one of two Allen County spokespeople for the RWJF Culture of Health prize; oversaw Thrive’s Navigator program, continued as lead Navigator; supervised the Healthcare Access Coordinator and contract Navigators.

Assisted in the recruitment of multiple medical professionals; led the Rural Health Initiative (RHI), growing membership and involvement across community organizations; worked alongside Executive Director on economic development projects including the redevelopment of the old hospital site into a new mixed-use site that includes Eastgate Lofts (first market-rate apartments in Iola in 20 years) and G&W Foods (first grocery store in Iola in 9 years); built relationships with new business owners and strengthened relationships with existing Allen County industries; collaborated with Executive Director and grant writer on economic development RFPs; prepared and presented monthly economic development reports to Iola Industries and economic development committee.

Lead Navigator in Allen County enrolling 569 residents in health insurance programs; assisted in the recruitment of multiple medical professionals; led the Rural Health Initiative (RHI), growing membership and involvement across community organizations.

● Serve as communications liaison for programs funded by the Foundation● Write monthly e-newsletter with a distribution of 1,650 readers and an average 34% open rate● Create and implement communications plan for Give to the Max Day (Minnesota’s online giving day), raising more than $25,500 in 24 hours in 2013● Create and maintain social networking outlets for the Foundation and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet ● Film, edit, and distribute videos (100+ videos to date with more than 9,500 views) about our programs, mission and events● Work with the Development Associate on major event fundraisers and online auctions

● Grew Planned Giving Society membership by 35%, adding an estimated $1,000,000 in donations● Create and strengthen relationships with current, new, and prospective donors by coordinating and leading program tours and communicating the Foundation’s initiatives

● Recruited volunteers and donations by creating and giving presentations to groups and individuals about Kinship ● Built relationships with media, churches, corporations and service groups● Wrote and distributed press releases, created advertisements and promotional materials for media sources and other outlets● Designed and updated website while working with a professional web consultant who coded the site.

● Motivated 100’s of 9th – 12th grade students to get involved in service work and justice issues● Led students on service trips to Guatemala, Red Lake Indian Reservation and charities within the Twin Cities● Advised various student groups and individuals, maintaining confidentiality ● Facilitated student retreats

Helped children with social and behavioral problems gain skills to better interact within society.

● Helped students adapt to a new environment● Planned and implemented various educational programs● Promoted community service projects● Taught time management and study skills● Resolved conflicts and crisis● Enforced hall policies● Performed administrative duties