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Please see the letter below from Executive Director Kelli Jones:


Hello Leadership Ashtabula County Community!


First, I'd like to thank you all for your help and support of Leadership throughout the years. This organization is truly needed in our community to help develop both our adults and youth to step up and take charge in many different ways throughout Ashtabula. As board members, you are helping to grow our county.


I'm reaching out to you all with the news that, after much consideration, I'm stepping down as Executive Director for Leadership Ashtabula County by the end of the year. This was a choice not made lightly, as I love the mission of Leadership Ashtabula County and seeing firsthand the impact it's had on so many individuals and organizations. I fully intend to volunteer as much as I can to help continue the mission of Leadership.


I'm accepting a position with the City of Ashtabula, where I hope to continue to grow Ashtabula and impact the community. This decision was made for personal reasons, and I truly value the opportunity to learn and the connections and friendships I've made over my time with Leadership. Throughout my time here, I've met, and continue to meet, many amazing individuals who have inspired me and helped me to become a better leader while sharing what we can do collectively as a group. It's been a privilege to witness the many friendships and relationships that have formed throughout the years, and I know they will continue to happen.


If you have any questions about this and its impact on our programs, please don't hesitate to contact me. We're still full-steam ahead with our 2024 Holiday Lunch with Leaders, our programming, and our Annual Fundraising Event - Mardi Gras Masquerade! in February!


Would you like to be LEADERship Ashtabula County's next Executive Director?







REGISTER TODAY FOR THE SEPTEMBER PROFILES BREAKFAST SERIES!


The end of August and early September is always a busy time for back to school! Here at LEADERship, we’re getting ready to kick off our youth programs on September 9th and finalizing our class for the Signature program. As we say goodbye to summer and hello to Fall, we’re thrilled to be partnering with some other wonderful organizations to restart the Profiles Breakfast Series!



In partnership with Kent State University at Ashtabula, Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County, and Gazette Newspapers, we’re once again hosting this wonderful tradition in Ashtabula County. The first event is being held next week on Wednesday, September 7th. Don’t worry folks - we’re sticking to the first Wednesday of every month from September - May (with a break in January)...and it’s still hosted at the Blue and Gold Room.


Kick off the start to our school year around the county with breakfast and, more importantly, the chance to connect and hear updates from our community and region. We took your responses from last year to put together a great calendar for this year. We’ll hear from Dr. Bill Ayers, Interim Dean at Kent State University at Ashtabula on updates for the September Profiles. You can still RSVP through Friday for the event.

Check below for more information and REGISTER TODAY




REGISTER TODAY FOR THE SEPTEMBER PROFILES BREAKFAST SERIES!

Writer's picture: Kelli Jones '13 Kelli Jones '13

As I'm writing this, I'm heading into a new endeavor in my volunteering journey. With LEADERship Ashtabula County, we always stress the importance of civic engagement – and with that is community involvement and volunteering.



The joy of volunteering is that you can pick from many opportunities in our area to give your time and resources. If you're into animals, there's an option; if you're into coaching – there's an option; if you're into gardening – there's an option (and these are just a few of so many!).


I was taking a professional development course a few years ago, and they had an ice breaker called "would you rather," where they ask a question and people choose which answer they would prefer. The question that really stuck with me was, "Would you rather focus on the community first or your family first?" – the room was split. The ideas argued were that to build healthy families, you need a strong community, versus to build a strong community, you first need a strong family. I believe the answer lies in the middle – at different points, you need to focus on your community, but at times you also need to focus on your family (very similar to that work-life balance discussion).


As people's schedules get busier, you may ask how to stay involved in volunteering. How do you stay inspired to give back? How do you stay motivated to help make Ashtabula grow? I see many wonderful leaders in this community who give of themselves to help our county. And in my position, I want to continue to support these leaders and organizations that serve Ashtabula. Every day, I'm inspired by so many who make it their mission to help others, and I strive to be a better person by seeing those traits of selflessness in others. I strive to give back to set a good example for my children and hopefully inspire others.


With that in mind, though, there are seasons where we must recognize that may not always be the case and step back – I know I've had to step back at times to focus on my family, just like I recognize that need in others at times. In acknowledging that, you can also see the continued need for community service and that by stepping back, other leaders can step forward, and when you return, there are new opportunities and ways to serve.


I can't encourage community engagement enough. Our communities embody the people who live and work within. As we kick back into our busy season of back-to-school, programs beginning, and dare I even mention the holidays (!), I'd like to know the following: how do you stay committed and engaged with our community? It changes over time, but what inspires you and helps to "refill your tank" when volunteering? And I'll close with if you're looking for ways to engage in our community, let me know because there's an opportunity for you!


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