Robert Thurston
Robert Thurston9.5 Years of Service
Bob led Southwest Initiative Foundation through a transformational time, serving as chair of the president/CEO search committee and as board chair during the staff leadership transition, as well as kicking off Grow Our Own. During that time, he has served as a mentor and trusted advisor to the incoming president/CEO.
His ease at building relationships has been instrumental in a successful transition, both internally and with foundation partners. Bob has engaged in development work at a new level and introduced us to dozens of important relationships across the region. He worked with staff to foster and build connections and ask for gifts.
Bob served on all committees during his tenure, in addition to his roles as vice chair, chair and past chair. He was able to balance a strong entrepreneurial sense with a deep passion for mission, understanding the difference in his nonprofit and for-profit board experience and bringing insights from both to inform decision making.
He has a calm, steady presence and brings heart and head to the foundation’s work. With microphone in hand, he could talk about Grow Our Own in a genuine way, bring credibility to our Keep It Growing farmland program or share why this organization and rural region are special to him. He was always ready to tell people about the foundation.
Bob dedicated nearly 10 years and countless hours to the foundation and leaves the board in such a strong place. The Emerging Leaders Cabinet was his vision to lift up our future generation of southwest Minnesota leaders. His leadership will have an impact for years and years to come.
