Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Executive Director Appointed for the Utah Commission on Volunteers

[Salt Lake City] – Lt. Governor Greg Bell, Chair of the Commission on Volunteers and the Department of Heritage and Arts announced today the appointment of LaDawn W. Stoddard as Executive Director of the Utah Commission on Volunteers.

"With her extensive experience, deep commitment and understanding of the complexities of National Service initiatives and volunteerism, LaDawn Stoddard is truly an asset to the State of Utah and the Commission on Volunteers," said Utah Lt. Governor Greg Bell.

Stoddard will be responsible for the day to day operations of the Utah Commission on Volunteers and, together with the governor-appointed Commission comprised of individuals representing all sectors of Utah, will help to set vision and strategy for accomplishing the Commission’s purposes.

 With a background in finance, Stoddard began working for the Commission in 2004 as the Grants Officer and then went on to fill the role of Development Director.  In 2007 she became the Utah State National Service program manager, working closely with numerous community organizations across the state and has recently served as the interim executive director.  She has served on numerous boards and volunteers committees at both the national and local level and has been personally engaged in volunteering from a very young age. 

As a resident of Wasatch County, she has a profound appreciation for the varied landscape in Utah, but finds her greatest appreciation for the state in its spirit of volunteerism. “Volunteers provide a valuable resource to Utah communities through non-profit and faith-based organizations as well as local and state agencies,” Stoddard said. “I feel honored to accept this position and am excited to collaborate with those individuals and groups who are working to help make Utah a better place.”

 “LaDawn Stoddard is the clear choice for the Utah Commission on Volunteers as this organization takes on new initiatives and focus,” said Julie Fisher, Executive Director of the Department of Heritage and Arts. “Stoddard’s finance background, and National Service expertise will be instrumental in fulfilling the Commissions mission of improving communities through service and volunteering.”