October 18, 2016 – La Crosse Promise named Margaret Dihlmann-Malzer and Ralph Heath as Interim Executive Directors of the organization. La Crosse Promise has begun to search for a new Executive Director after the recent death of Jerilyn Dinsmoor.
La Crosse Promise hopes to have a new executive director in place by January 1, 2017. JoAnn Steffes with HR Advantage, is leading the executive director search. View Job Listing
La Crosse Promise launched their neighborhood revitalization effort in September 2015, and has led a remarkable building turn around in the two neighborhoods targeted as community priorities by the organization. Construction is being completed on two new La Crosse Promise homes, and another home is undergoing significant remodeling. The three homeowners qualify for La Crosse Promise post- secondary education scholarships worth up to $50,000 per family. Developers have also come forward in support of La Crosse Promise, and built three new spec homes in the community neighborhoods that are eligible for La Crosse Promise scholarships. The La Crosse Promise Neighborhood Program currently focuses on the area bordered by South Avenue, West Avenue and Main Street, just south of downtown La Crosse.
Dihlmann-Malzer will lead La Crosse Promise operations, while Heath will focus on strategic planning and marketing. Heath serves on the La Crosse Promise board and was president of the organization for three years prior to Dihlmann-Malzer being elected the current president in March 2016. Dihlmann-Malzer recently retired from Mayo clinic where she worked since 1993 as a marriage and family therapist and professional counselor. Heath is an author and writer who founded Ovation Marketing and Synergy Leadership Group.
La Crosse Promise is a non-profit organization working to economically transform La Crosse and improve the quality of life for all citizens through a strong commitment to education. In 2012, La Crosse Promise launched Future Centers in La Crosse area schools that help students with college applications, financial aid forms, scholarships, and career decisions. La Crosse High school students recently registered a 1.3% increase in college enrollment while statewide college enrollment declined by 5%. It is hoped that Future Centers helped contribute to La Crosse’s recent increase in those seeking better career choices.
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If you’d like more information about La Crosse Promise, visit our website, or to schedule interviews, call Kristen Lueth at 608.789.2049, cell: 605.413.7596, or email her at klueth@lacrossepromise.org.