Forward Janesville - TheReport - Second Quarter 2024

16 | FORWARD JANESVILLE Connecting the Dots JENNIFER JOHNS Director of Community Development at Mercyhealth & Mercyhealth Foundation Government Relations Council Jennifer’s career has been built around engagement. First in municipal government, where being responsive to residents was key. Now in community development and foundation giving where community connection is paramount to facilitate effective impact. Engaging with the community is what led Jennifer to become involved in FJI 17 years ago. She started as an Ambassador and remained in that role for five years until she became a member of the Government Relations Council (GRC) 12 years ago. Last year, Jennifer joined the GRC Executive Committee and has helped the council make headway on tackling some of our community’s biggest issues. Why did you join GRC and what is the council focused on? GRC keeps me updated on what is happening within economic development, government affairs & policy, and business within the community. I’ve been part of FJI for many years. That history is important in times of change and transition and my long-term perspective brings value to the GRC executive committee. In 2024, I hope the council can create and execute a plan for the child care shortage within our community. Zoning is another important issue. The council needs to stay knowledgeable about the current updates to the City of Janesville’s zoning code to ensure the business community is represented at the table. School referendums are critical for districts within the FJI footprint. GRC is focusing on them as the November election approaches. How does your professional role dovetail with being a member of GRC? My fundraising career was not planned. When I was in municipal government work, I served on the Board of Directors at UW-Rock County Foundation. Our Executive Director at the time resigned and I was leading the annual fundraising event for the organization. I found myself enjoying the work and was passionate about the college. My efforts were having an impact on our students, and I decided that fundraising was all about connecting donors with organizations they believe in to create impact. I LOVE what I do, it feels good to give – and when I can show a donor how their gift made a difference in the life of someone else, it keeps me smiling. Fundraising is about connecting people to make an impact, which is very similar to GRC. We identify issues, study them, and then figure out the best path forward to make a difference. Where would we fi nd you when you’re not at work? Running a local “fun run” in the morning and then finding a microbrewery that has live music in the evening. I love to be active, so anything outside that involves sunshine and steps. My number-one bucket-list item is golf and Guinness in Ireland. That would be a great way to stay active and have a blast. JESSICA LOCHER Executive Director of ECHO Forward Janesville Ambassador Jessica’s relationship to the local community runs deep. She was born in Janesville but raised in Milton and attended UW-Whitewater for her B.A. in Social Work. She started at ECHO in 2004, moved to Janesville in 2007, and became an Ambassador in 2013. Jessica has been an important part of the Ambassadors for more than a decade, making many FJI events successful because of her strong work ethic and dedication. With a talent for building relationships and improving the community through collaboration, Jessica is always looking for ways to connect Forward Janesvile’s strength is its network. Jennifer Johns is a well-known community leader who uses her experience and insight to guide the Government Relations Council to effective impact. Jessica Locher is a long-time Ambassador who looks at the bigger picture and figures out ways to enhance events and the member experience by linking people to resources and each other. Amanda Ste fl encapsulates the power of community through her active member involvement. Together, these Forward Janesville (FJI) members are connecting the dots between our members and the community .