Operation Fresh Start (OFS) is thrilled to announce the appointment of four new director positions within the organization. This marks a significant step forward in our mission to empower emerging adults in our community. The new directors bring a combined wealth of experience and dedication, having collectively spent 22 years at OFS before earning their promotions.
Joining the leadership team is Jasmine Banks, Deputy Director of Empowerment and Strategic Initiatives; Karen Pritchard, Director of Finance and Operations; Cory Rich, Director of Legacy and Conservation; and Steve Gardner, Director of Build Academy and Construction. They will work alongside Development Director Jody Weyers and Executive Director Brian McMahon, forming a dynamic six-person team poised to propel OFS forward.
Director Position Responsibilities
Jasmine joined OFS in 2017 as the STRIVE Program Coordinator for the seven-week pre-apprentice, career exploration, employment, and training program. She later became a program manager in 2021.
Jasmine now steps into the role of Deputy Director, a crucial position focused on expanding our Empowerment programming and strategically developing resources for emerging adults. This includes implementing and continuing to develop the Drive, Drive to Succeed, Options, Careerscape, and CareerPoint programs, as well as future development of our Resource program.
“As opportunities presented themselves to create new programs and movement within OFS Leadership, I realized it was time to re-evaluate where I could best support the organization, the community, and most importantly, the young people we are here to serve,” Jasmine said.
These initiatives have benefited hundreds of youths, providing work experience, career credentials, jobs, and mentorship. Her promotion to Deputy Director in 2024 is a strategic move, ensuring her visionary leadership will continue to drive innovation, equity, and sustainable growth at OFS.
Karen’s role as Director of Operations and Finance is to administer fiscal and personnel management, manage all aspects of relationships with grant sources, and implement necessary policies and procedures to ensure financial and contractual requirements are conducted efficiently and comply. Her previous role was Operation and Finance Manager.
Cory steps into the Director of Legacy and Conservation and Steve enters as the Director of Build Academy and Construction. These are key director-level positions overseeing the performance and day-to-day operations of the Legacy program and Conservation and Construction Academies and their supervision. The appointment of these new directors comes at a transformative time for OFS.
Fostering new voices
This restructuring aims to foster leadership development and bring diverse voices to the table, enhancing the organization's impact on the community and the young people it serves.
“With Brian becoming the executive director, he wanted to restructure OFS so there would be more opportunity for vertical mobility, with a heightened focus on programming and workforce training,” Karen said. “It creates more leadership opportunities for people.”
As we look to the future, OFS is committed to tackling key issues, such as mental health, housing, childcare, and transportation, under the leadership of our new directors. Jasmine noted that Brian's emphasis on creating spaces for people to rise within the organization ensures that we retain talent and bring "different voices to the table that may not have had the opportunity.”
This new era of leadership at OFS marks a commitment to innovation and a deep dedication to our mission. We are excited to see the positive impact these leaders will have on our organization and the broader community. Together, we will continue to propel OFS forward, empowering youth and building a brighter future for all.