Aaron Conrad is Alpine Achievers Initiative’s Board Chair and has served on the Board of Directors for five years (you can read his bio on the Our Team page). As the longest-standing board member, we asked Aaron some questions to find out why he chose AAI and how it’s changed:
I left the board of a non-profit after many years a couple of years prior to joining the AAI Board. I basically was ready once again to commit the time and effort to a new non-profit when a friend of mine and an AAI Board member told me about this amazing non-profit that is dedicated to supporting the education of underserved children in the area where I live and owned a business. Serving on a Board of Directors of a non-profit is one way I can give back to my community.
What I enjoy the most about being an AAI Board member is working and collaborating with a great Board of Directors and being a part of an organization and its team that is making a difference to the lives of young people in the San Luis Valley and surrounding areas. I also take the opportunity to go to events that involve the young people served by AAI so I get to interact with the youth and see our programs in action, which I really enjoy.
AAI has grown, evolved, and been refined so much in the time I have served on the Board of Directors that at times it can be a challenge to keep up with the progress, which is a nothing but a “good thing.” AAI has stepped up to fill the gaps and address the ever-changing needs of the communities it serves in such a professional, passionate, caring, and multi-faceted way. Changes happen, at times quickly, but always with fairness, proper contemplation, and the “greater good for all” as the guard rails.
I volunteered to join the Board of Directors because I liked what AAI was doing and how it was doing it, and I was ready to get back into serving my community. I’m still on the Board of Directors after many years because I really believe in everything that AAI has achieved and I’m excited about what it will achieve in the future.
This small non-profit, started by an individual who cared enough to figure out a way to serve children that need help, and it has become a powerhouse in the community it serves with almost unlimited potential to keep improving, expanding, and actually benefiting people’s lives and future. I only have a small role to play in the achievements and success of AAI but I’m very proud of all I have contributed to this wonderful organization.
If you think you might be interested in joining the AAI board, Contact Us or send an email to admin@alpineachievers.org!