Ansell new executive director of Pride Inc.
GODFREY, Nov 09, 2012 (Menafn - The Telegraph - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --A well-known community volunteer has been named the new executive director of Pride Inc.
Sarah Ansell, a board member of Alton Main Street, assumed the position on Oct. 29, succeeding Lee McRaven.
"This is very exciting for me," Ansell said. "I really enjoy this type of work that connects me to the community."
Ansell's connection to Pride Inc. began last summer, when she coordinated the organization's first art fair held in conjunction with the annual Garden Tour.
Then, as head of Alton Main Street's design committee, Ansell again collaborated with Pride this fall on the mural located on the corner of Piasa and Ninth streets, called "A River Runs Through Us." Pride Inc. donated the sealant to protect the mural.
Another recent project that Ansell has worked on was helping the Alton Farmers' Market move to its new location. This experience, she said, has helped hone her networking abilities.
"It was nice to see how many organizations came together to make that possible," she said.
Ansell said she first learned of the opening when McRaven interviewed her for The Telegraph's Everyday People feature in October.
"It was one of those moments that an opportunity opened up, and it was perfect," Ansell said. "I wake up every morning excited to see what the day will bring at work."
Ansell, a stained glass artist, has been married to her husband, Kurt, for 12 years. The couple has two children, Samantha, 14, and Zachary, 9.
To further her strategic planning skills, she is earning a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership through Greenville College and expects to graduate in May.
As an artist, Ansell said she feels passionately about promoting the arts within the community and helping artists find a way to sell their work.
"We were thrilled when we discovered Sarah was available," Pride Inc. President Karen Wilson said. "Pride had partnered with her while she was representing other organizations and saw she possessed many talents."
Ansell's immediate focus will be to manage ongoing projects and committees. First on her agenda is Pride's signature Holiday Home Tour, scheduled for Dec. 2.
"We are looking forward to Sarah's leadership, creativity and expertise in community-based volunteerism," Wilson said. "Pride has some big plans on the horizon, and Sarah will be instrumental in helping them come to fruition. We think Pride and Sarah are a good fit."
kbassett@thetelegraph.com
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