COMMUNITY HEART & SOUL® WELCOMES THREE NEW STAFF MEMBERS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES
Shelburne, VT (May 22, 2024) – Community Heart & Soul, a nonprofit organization building stronger, healthier, and more economically vibrant small cities and towns across the United States, is pleased to announce three new staff members: Jillian Foster joins as Program Associate, Sarah Aguirre Origer as Senior Market Development Associate, and Justin Samuel as Vice President of Communications.
Jillian Foster has extensive community engagement experience and is a certified Community Heart & Soul Coach. Prior to joining the Heart & Soul staff, she was the Director of Community Engagement at the Michigan-based Barry Community Foundation.
“We are delighted to have Jillian bring in new ideas to inspire action and educate communities and coaches on the many benefits of Community Heart & Soul across the country,” said Senior Program Director Sara Lightner.”
With a passion for community development, Sarah Aguirre Origer blends her interests in civic engagement, place-based philanthropy, and impact investing in her role as Senior Market Development Associate. Sarah brings a wealth of experience in community philanthropy having served in leadership roles at the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, and the Northern Indiana Community Foundation.
“We’re thrilled to have Sarah join our team and contribute her extensive experience to our mission of fostering positive change within communities,” said Al Getler, Vice President of Market Development.
Justin Samuel is a communications and marketing leader who previously served as Marketing and Communications Director for the Geological Society of America (GSA). During his tenure at GSA, Justin developed high-impact communications and marketing campaigns that resulted in increased membership and dramatic online audience growth. He is inspired by Community Heart & Soul’s mission and is eager to help lead the expansion of the organization’s namesake program.
“Our work is captured through stories of community revitalization that result from the Heart & Soul process, so we could not be more excited to have a masterful storyteller like Justin join our team. With his expertise, we will be able to share stories of success with new and broader audiences across the country,” said Community Heart & Soul President Mark Sherman.
About Community Heart & Soul
Community Heart & Soul, a nonprofit organization, builds stronger, healthier, and more economically vibrant small cities and towns across the United States. In addition to promoting the Community Heart & Soul model, the organization trains and supports a nationwide network of certified coaches who provide training and guidance to over 120 communities. The organization is currently offering $10,000 Seed Grants to qualifying small cities and towns to start the Community Heart & Soul process.
