BNL, IU grad new resource director at Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County

It's safe to say Zoe Zollman has hit the ground running in her new role as director of resource development at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County.

And to those who know her, would you expect anything less?

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Zollman, who ran cross country and track as a student at Bedford North Lawrence High School, is a May 2022 graduate of Indiana University's O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Just like she covered a lot of ground as a competitive runner, she wasted no time starting her career search and landed the B&G Club job June 1.

As resource development director, her role is to connect with the community and donors as to how their support is vital to the club offering quality programs and a safe place to grow and learn through athletics, after-school programs, STEM and robotics.

"I see my role as growing our endowment and educating people about that," she said. "Events are also a big part of what I'll be doing, getting the community involved and some grant-writing."

Zollman majored in international studies with a minor in nonprofits at IU. She went on mission trips to Haiti in high school and working internationally was her focus at IU. A planned summer internship in Nepal, where she would learn the culture and do mission work, was canceled twice because of COVID.

Still needing an internship, she looked closer to home. Last summer she interned with Bertha's Mission, a nonprofit community kitchen in Bedford.

"That sparked the fire inside me to realize missions are not always international. They can be helping your hometown. It was amazing to work with (director) Janice (Nickeo Pendergrass). She taught me a lot and gave me a lot of insight into the nonprofit world."

Frank Decker, chief professional officer at the B&G Club said Zollman has embraced the new role and has a skill set well suited for the job.

"We are extremely pleased to have been able to hire Zoe as our director of resource development. The day she came on board, she jumped right into the fire so to speak, taking the lead on our Duck Derby fundraising event, and has not looked back," Decker said. "She has the drive and all the qualities necessary to become a great director of resource development. It is always quite a task for us to meet the overall financial needs of the Club, adding Zoe to our staff has been a huge asset for us."

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Zollman said she didn't expect to be back in her hometown.

"I did have a broader scope. I never imagined I'd end up in Lawrence County but it's been a real blessing to come back and have a job where I can communicate with the community every day. It's nice being here and it's been great to have those connections to people," she said.

Zollman participated in B&G Club sports as a youth but didn't attend the after-school program, which is a big part of the club's services. Working at the club, she sees how the program helps working families and enriches students' lives.

The club provides daily after-school programs to more than 550 students at the Limestone Unit, Thornton Teen Center and satellite sites at Oolitic, Shawswick and Lincoln schools.

"We have a ton of programming that I wasn't aware of. I learn something new every day," she said. "Every program is focused on improving the students, whether that's a skill, building character, or teaching them how to communicate with their peers and adults. I love working here. It's a fun place to be and it's always full of energy."

Many people still remember her from her running days and she said it's been great to re-connect with people in her new role.

"It's kind of fun to morph into the way people see me and represent something bigger than myself and put the Boys & Girls Club out there, which is really awesome," she said.

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In addition to Zollman, the club has added a few other staff members: Kara Mathews, new unit director; Ellie Crosby, program director; Cathy Craig, director of impact; Luke Anderson, Teen Center director; and Kristen Calentine, sports director.

Becky Skillman Leadership Institute

Getting involved with an an upcoming speaker series/club fundraiser is next up for Zollman.

Tickets are on sale now for the Becky Skillman Leadership Institute, 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Boys & Girls Club.

The eighth annual speaker series aims to challenge and inspire participants to expand their leadership skills and strategies.

Tickets can be purchased at the Bedford Chamber, 812-275-4493 or at the Boys & Girls Club, 812-279-6123.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Mail: IU grad new resource director at Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County