Community Heart & Soul Strengthens Board with Sterling Speirn's Expertise

Community Heart & Soul Welcomes Sterling Speirn to Board of Trustees

The nonprofit organization, Community Heart & Soul, is thrilled to announce the inclusion of Sterling Speirn as a new Board of Trustee member. With a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Speirn has been at the forefront of fostering community well-being, enhancing civic engagement, and promoting democratic practices. His impressive resume includes diverse roles such as classroom teacher, legal aid attorney, community health center manager, and leadership positions in both corporate foundations and philanthropy.

Throughout his career, Speirn has played a vital role in advocating for important issues like early childhood literacy and community health initiatives. His experiences working with organizations like Apple Computer, the Peninsula Community Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation underscore his dedication to making a positive impact in society.

In his words, “I have been a longtime fan of Community Heart & Soul, as a model practice for small cities and towns to bring everyday residents together with local officials to reinvigorate civic participation and shape their common future.” His expectation is that the organization will continue to inspire public participation and collaborative actions at the community level.

Lyman Orton, the founder of Community Heart & Soul, expressed his enthusiasm for Speirn’s appointment, stating, “We are pleased to welcome Sterling to the Board of Trustees. His background and commitment to community engagement will help expand Community Heart & Soul's reach and strengthen the impact residents have in shaping the future of small cities and towns across the country.”

In addition to this exciting announcement, Community Heart & Soul is also proud to reveal new partnerships with several community foundations, including the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound (Washington), the Greater Worcester Community Foundation (Massachusetts), the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation (New York), and the Community Foundation of Monroe County (Michigan). These strategic collaborations aim to strengthen resident-driven community engagement throughout many areas in the United States, allowing for a more significant impact on local development initiatives.

With the establishment of these partnerships, Community Heart & Soul is set to implement its proven model in even more small cities and towns. The organization intends to equip communities with the tools and resources necessary to engage local residents, identify common priorities, and develop long-term action plans that truly reflect the unique character and aspirations of each community.

Community Heart & Soul is dedicated to building stronger, healthier, and economically vibrant small towns across the country. It trains and supports a network of certified coaches who provide guidance to over 120 communities, enhancing their abilities to engage residents actively. Currently, the organization is also offering $10,000 Seed Grants to qualifying small cities and towns that participate in the Community Heart & Soul process, further underlining its commitment to fostering community engagement and development.

In conclusion, the addition of Sterling Speirn to the Board of Trustees marks a significant milestone for Community Heart & Soul. His extensive experience in philanthropy and community leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the organization's mission of empowering local residents and enhancing civic participation across smaller urban landscapes. With Speirn on board, the organization is poised to expand its influence and deepen its impact on communities nationwide.