Director of Community Engagement Introduction

I am excited to have found Helping Services and our new home in northeast Iowa! When my wife, Christina, made the career move to accept a position at the Winneshiek County Medical Center, I considered myself lucky that I was able to connect with Carson Eggland, Executive Director, about the opportunity at Helping Services.

In June I was excited to start as the Director of Community Engagement in charge of all fundraising and engagement of the community. I have come from a career in fundraising at small liberal arts colleges and most recently at the University of Minnesota Foundation where I managed Diamond Awards, a premiere fundraising event in partnership with the Minnesota Twins. I am excited to grow the positive impact of Helping Services together with you!.

Dennis “Oz” Osmundson did an outstanding job fundraising and growing Holiday Lights Magical Nights to what it is today. I am grateful that Oz has done such an amazing job in showing me the ropes and has set Helping Services up for success for years to come. I am sure I join the rest of you in thanking Oz for his dedication and wish him the best as he transitions into retirement.

In my first two months on the job I have enjoyed getting to know many of the volunteers and supporters of Helping Services who help to advance our programs to serve northeast Iowa. I would love to meet anyone interested to learn about ways to support Helping Services or if you would be willing to share your experiences with Helping Services please contact me at 563-387-1720 or benkg@helpingservices.org.

Thank you,

Ben Krouse-Gagne

P.S. Remember to save November 21st for the Holiday Lights walk through night!