Nonprofit Professional in the Spotlight: Lisa Bowers

This month the Institute for Human Services would like to honor Lisa Bowers as the Nonprofit Professional in the Spotlight. Lisa is currently the Youth Program Coordinator for the Summer Cohesion Program at the Chemung County Youth Bureau. The Summer Cohesion is a drop-in, recreational, educational, and cultural enrichment program that serves over 1,000 youth ages 4 - 12 years old each summer. The program also employs about 135 young adults each summer. Currently, the summer youth employment is in the spotlight, summer programs are gearing up, and the department continues to partner with community agencies, municipalities, and school districts to provide programming and services for youth.

Lisa has been working at the Chemung County Youth Bureau for 12 years. Before applying for the Youth Program’s Coordinator position, Lisa worked for the Summer Cohesion seasonally for two years as a Site Coordinator. While at the Chemung County Youth Bureau, her biggest challenge has been keeping up with the ever-changing needs within the community. Lisa’s favorite part of her job is working with such a great group of people. 

Since Lisa has been working at the Chemung County Youth Bureau, there have been many changes at the organization. She stated that the one thing that she has noticed is the overall development of programs, both year-round and seasonal, for youth ages 4-20 years old. Lisa is most proud of the strong communication and cross-training between staff and positions. She loves how everyone works together to get the job done. One piece of useful information that Lisa has learned is that the youth are the best asset and that we must always provide the best opportunities for their overall growth and development.

Currently living in Elmira, when Lisa is not working she enjoys spending time with her family.

This Nonprofit Professional in the Spotlight was written by Nicole Jordan of the Institute for Human Services, a non-profit management support organization founded in 1984. The Institute provides management support, information and referral, organizational development, research and technology services to planners, funders and providers serving the Southern Tier of New York State. For more information visit www.ihsnet.org.