Community Heart & Soul Announces New Board Trustees to Enhance Community Engagement

Enhancing Community Engagement: New Additions to Community Heart & Soul

Community Heart & Soul, an organization dedicated to fostering stronger and healthier small towns and cities throughout the United States, has recently announced some exciting changes to its Board of Trustees. The additions of Nancy Van Milligen and Robin Mayer promise to bring fresh perspectives and rich experience to the organization, ultimately enhancing its mission of community empowerment.

Meet the New Trustees

Nancy Van Milligen is the President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, a position she has held since 2003. Her leadership has not only positioned the foundation as a trailblazer in community initiatives but has also drawn attention from various funders nationwide. With a strong background in uniting nonprofit organizations, businesses, and volunteers, Van Milligen's insights are expected to greatly benefit Community Heart & Soul.

In her own words, she expressed her excitement about her new role: "Community Heart & Soul has a tremendous impact on small towns in our rural Eastern Iowa region. Over the past eight years, we facilitated Community Heart & Soul in 12 communities, with new towns joining every year. The program aligns perfectly with our mission to empower communities and ignite generosity. I am honored to serve on the board and support efforts to strengthen rural communities."

Robin Mayer, the other new trustee, is the Principal at Mayer Associates—a strategic consulting firm specializing in traffic safety, communications, and social media training for local governments. Prior to her relocation to North Carolina in 2022, she served as the Chair of the Board of Selectmen in Damariscotta, Maine, and has firsthand experience with the Community Heart & Soul program's benefits. Mayer has written numerous articles discussing the transformative impact of Community Heart & Soul on small towns.

Mayer shared her enthusiasm for her new role: "Having served as an elected official involved with the program, I understand the importance of hearing from all community members to make informed decisions for the long-term benefit of a community. It is a privilege to contribute to the program's continued growth nationwide."

The Vision Ahead

Lyman Orton, the Board Chair and Founder of Community Heart & Soul, voiced his enthusiasm for the new additions by stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Nancy and Robin to the Board of Trustees. Their expertise and commitment to community engagement will be instrumental as we expand our reach and deepen our impact in small cities and towns across the country."

The Community Heart & Soul organization not only focuses on promoting its model but also trains and supports a vast network of certified coaches across the United States. These coaches play a critical role in providing training and guidance to over 120 communities, fostering local engagement and empowerment.

In addition to the recent board appointments, Community Heart & Soul is currently offering $10,000 Seed Grants to qualifying small cities and towns that are interested in starting the Community Heart & Soul process. This initiative is part of their ongoing mission to build a nationwide network that supports local communities in igniting change and fostering strong relationships among residents.

As Community Heart & Soul embarks on this new chapter with its enhanced leadership, the opportunities for small towns and cities to grow and thrive become even more promising. The organization’s blend of experienced trustees, dedicated coaches, and innovative grant programs is poised to make a significant impact in various communities across the nation.

Conclusion

Thriving communities are built on strong relationships and empowered residents, and with the inclusion of new board members like Nancy Van Milligen and Robin Mayer, Community Heart & Soul is well-equipped to continue its journey to create vibrant and economically sound small cities and towns throughout the United States. Together, they aim to illuminate paths for community engagement that resonate far beyond their immediate reach.

For more information about Community Heart & Soul and their ongoing initiatives, you can visit their website at www.communityheartandsoul.org.