SHELBURNE, Vt., Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Community Heart & Soul is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Trustees: Nancy Van Milligen and Robin Mayer. Their extensive experience in community engagement, public policy, and communications will further the organization's mission to build stronger, healthier, and more economically vibrant small cities and towns across the United States.
Nancy Van Milligen has been the president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque since its founding in 2003. She has established the Community Foundation as a trailblazer in community leadership and engagement initiatives, drawing the attention of funders from across the country. Her success bringing together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community volunteers, as well as her extensive service on numerous boards and commissions, will bring invaluable insights to Community Heart & Soul.
"Community Heart & Soul has a tremendous impact on small towns in our rural Eastern Iowa region," said Van Milligen. "Over the past eight years, we have 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 because it helps build authentic relationships and engages people in driving impact. I am honored to serve on the board and support efforts to strengthen rural communities."
Robin Mayer is the Principal at Mayer & Associates, a strategic communications consulting firm providing services in traffic safety, communications, and social media training for state and local governments. Before relocating to North Carolina in 2022, she served as Chair of the Board of Selectmen in Damariscotta, Maine, where she directly experienced the benefits of the Community Heart & Soul program. As a freelance writer, Mayer has written numerous articles about Community Heart & Soul, highlighting its transformative impact on small towns.
"I am excited to join the Community Heart & Soul Board," said Mayer. "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."
Lyman Orton, board chair and founder of Community Heart & Soul, expressed enthusiasm for the new appointments. "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," said Orton.
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. www.communityheartandsoul.org
SOURCE Community Heart & Soul
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