The Colorado Nonprofit Association announces Mary Hoffman, Executive Director of Adams State University Community Partnerships and longtime resident of the San Luis Valley, as the recipient of the William Funk Award for Building Stronger Communities. This award recognizes exceptional leaders who are capable of bringing together communities to define and solve problems.
Hoffman said she shares the award with her colleague Karl Jolliff, ASU Community Partnerships business support director. "Karl exemplifies our hopes for future civic engagement from college graduates across the entire country. He started as a work-study for Community Partnerships throughout his four years as a School of Business student at Adams State University. Then he volunteered full time through Americorp after he graduated. Now, we have worked together for more than ten years to make a positive difference in our community."
Several individuals in the San Luis Valley nominated Hoffman for the award.
"Mary has created jobs in the San Luis Valley, enabled local citizens to take advantage of economic activity, kept the area environmental sound, and facilitated the creation of several community groups and nonprofits…she has also fueled the development of arts and culture programs," shared Jim Mietz, President of S.E.E.D. Park, International.
Her professional experience and volunteerism spans nearly 20 years and includes helping organizations advance their missions by serving on boards, as a volunteer and business advisor.
"She has been a powerful figure in building and expanding the capacity of several nonprofits in the area," Erwin Young, President of the Southern Colorado Film Commission said. "Mary’s support is invaluable in providing new and better services to the people of the San Luis Valley, all aimed at improving the local quality of life through a variety of means."
"It’s clear Mary has been a pivotal force in building a strong San Luis Valley," Renny Fagan, President and CEO of Colorado Nonprofit Association said. "She is an outstanding volunteer, professional and role model that nonprofits and community members clearly respect and acknowledge for making a great place to live."
The William Funk Award was established in 1991 to honor exceptional leaders, beginning with William Funk himself. As vice president of public affairs for United Banks, Bill Funk always
made the nonprofit community and its supporters his highest priority. The William Funk Award goes to extraordinary leaders who deliver solutions, are eager to do whatever is needed, and understand and respect the many diverse communities of Colorado.
Throughout the years, Hoffman has been involved with the following organizations: Doors to the Future Project benefiting Valley Non-Profits, San Luis Valley Museum, San Luis Valley Mural Project, Southern Colorado Film Commission, Sustainable Environmental Economic Development Park, International, San Luis Valley Ecosystem, ConCepts (Conejos County Environment and Economy Progressing Together), Climate Leadership Corps, San Luis Valley Development Resources Group, San Luis Valley Small Business Development Center, HUD’s University Partnerships and United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development.
The Colorado Nonprofit Association honored Hoffman at its Colorado Nonprofit Week award luncheon on March 19 at the Denver Marriott City Center.
