Andrea and her husband at the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Hello everyone! My name is Andrea Peterson, and I’m excited to be the new Program and Communications Manager for the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative (NPLI), a program within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. In this role, I support nonprofit professionals in our area by facilitating programs, enhancing brand awareness through various marketing strategies, and building strong connections within the nonprofit network across the Fox Valley. 

I’m a proud alumna of the Leadership Institute program from the 2023-2024 cohort. The Leadership Institute was an invaluable experience, providing me with an expanded knowledge base, a deeper understanding of nonprofits, and, most importantly, a network of like-minded peers who simply want to make our community a better place.  

Andrea, her husband, Earl, and their horse, Derby.

Before joining NPLI as a staff member, I served as the Operations Director at Community Clothes Closet for four years, and I’ve also held several roles in the corporate sector. I have a bachelor’s degree in business management from Edgewood College in Madison, followed by a second bachelor’s in psychology from Marian University in Fond du Lac. Though my background is diverse, each experience has provided valuable insight into operations management and led me to where I am today. 

Andrea and her son four-wheeling up North

Originally from Winneconne, I returned to my hometown after a few years in Madison, where I now live with my husband and our two-year-old son. Outside of work and toddler-proofing our home, I can often be found caring for our five horses and five goats in the barn. I’m also a devoted coffee lover, and I believe espresso is best enjoyed on an airplane headed to new destinations. My favorite trip so far has been to Ireland. 

I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Community Foundation and the NPLI team, and I look forward to connecting with nonprofit organizations throughout the region! 

The Nonprofit Leadership Initiative within the Community Foundation is a partnership of Fox Valley-area nonprofits, funders, educational institutions and businesses dedicated to providing resources needed by effective nonprofit boards and executive leaders.

NPLI offers a wide range of leadership, management and technical skill-building programs, as well as peer learning circles, to the entire nonprofit sector in the Fox Valley. Interested in supporting NPLI’s important work? Go here to donate now.