A month into her tenure as Junior Achievement of the Heartland’s new president and CEO, Lysa Hegland is putting her local roots and experience to work to continue growing that organization’s impact on youth.
Ms. Hegland was hired on Wednesday, Aug. 20, to succeed Dougal Nelson, who leaves JA at the end of this month and whose tenure includes the addition of the new JA Inspiration Center in Moline.
Ms. Hegland has lived in the Quad Cities for 40 years and boasts 25 years of leadership in education, nonprofit development, and community engagement. She’s worked on projects including Festival of Trees, bringing art and music to QC downtowns and early planning for the Western Illinois University Quad Cities riverfront campus and the new Interstate 74 bridge.
Previous employers include General Growth Management, Simon Malls, Moline Centre Partners, Renew Moline, Scott Community College and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges.
In a Q&A with the QCBJ she talked about what attracted her to JA of the Heartland and her hopes for that regional organization which is headquartered in Moline and serves eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
What attracted you to the job?
“I believe as does JA that when students succeed, the whole community succeeds. Building financially capable, work-ready, entrepreneurial young people means stronger families, stronger businesses, and stronger communities.
“I have lived and led in this space for more than half of my professional career and it is part of who I am. I can’t walk into a grocery store or doctor’s office without striking up a conversation and learning that the staff took JA classes or learning about their experiences at BizTown and how JA impacted their lives.
“These personal accounts always fill me with pride and assure me that I made the right decision to work for JA of the Heartland. I deeply believe through the great work JA provides, we are providing students with the confidence and opportunities here at home – so they choose to stay, build their futures, and give back to our community.”
Why did you stand out in the national search?
“I believe my unique strength would have been a solid history of relationship building, fundraising and networking in the QCA.
“I value transparency and providing the personal touch needed that builds long-lasting relationships and trust. I was very surprised when I announced that I accepted the JA position, how many people came out in support of my decision. People I had not seen in years who were excited for me both personally and professionally.”
Are there advantages to your QC roots?
“I think it’s made it a bit easier to come in and jump right to work but I have to say I don’t know all our regions well and I am planning to make it a priority to get face-to-face in all our service areas to meet more people. I am also prioritizing creating opportunities for others to come learn about the JA Inspiration Center with me or in face-to-face meetings to see JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. If anyone reading is interested in a personal tour with me, please reach out to me at (309) 277-3908 or [email protected].
Access JA’s relationship with businesses?
“JA of the Heartland has a very strong corporate base of support and there is still room for growth and development. I am excited to continue to make connections that strengthen not only the financial support needed for JA of the Heartland but also to provide employers as an excellent way for their employees to give back in their communities through volunteerism at JA.
What’s your vision for JA of the Heartland?
“At JA we’re leaning into the high school space to help students prepare for life after graduation. This is such a critical time when young people are making decisions about careers, college, and their future. JA programs can give them the skills, self-belief, and exposure they need to navigate those choices successfully.
“I believe you will see more work in this area from JA of the Heartland going forward. Notably we will continue to focus on creating strong, value-based relationships with our K-8 schools – partnering closely with educators to ensure our programs complement the core curriculum and meet the real needs of students. It’s energizing to learn about all these opportunities and knowing that they will shape both individual futures but also how they will strengthen our local community. It’s an exciting time for JA.”
Are there opportunities for growth, improvement?
“What sets JA apart is that our programs are hands-on and experiential, giving students applied learning opportunities that they can’t get anywhere else. For example, in JA BizTown students run their own mini-businesses and manage daily operations while JA Finance Park gives middle grade students a chance to budget, make financial decisions, and experience adult life in a simulated community.
“These immersive experiences, combined with volunteers who bring real-world insights into space, help students develop the proficiencies, self-esteem, and mindset they need to succeed after graduation – something few other nonprofits provide in such a practical, career-focused way.
“For me, as a hands-on learner, I value that students don’t just hear it, they see it and apply it. This comprehensive style of learning reminds me of a former co-worker I worked with at Scott Community College, Chef Brad Scott He would say and in fact it was a plaque on his office wall, “Tell me, Show me and Let me do it.”
What do you do for fun?
“I’m always looking to keep learning. Recently I joined an amazing group of women in a private investment club –- Lucrative Ladies. I wanted to learn more about investing and stock studies and it has been wonderful to learn together in this club amongst a strong group of like-minded women of all ages and backgrounds. After attending the JA Golf Outing in Dubuque, I think next I want to take a few golf lessons. If nothing else but to learn the lingo so I can ‘talk the talk’ with other golfers at our next JA Golf Outing.”
Share something about your family?
“My husband and children played a very large role in my decision to join JA. It was in fact my 22-year-old daughter Addie, who reminded me while I was going through the interview process, that she attended JA BizTown and she kept her checkbook. She was so proud that when she was at JA BizTown she was one of only a few students who actually put money in her savings account. I have her checkbook now proudly displayed on my bulletin board in my JA office.
“In addition, my 17-year-old son Bryson is fascinated like most young men his age with stocks and financial wealth. I wish he could have attended JA Finance Park when he was in junior high to help him understand the true costs of things like food, clothing, utilities, etc. Sadly, many young people never learn how to budget, save or plan for a career. JA fills that gap by giving them practical skills and confidence to take control of their future.
“I am certain I will be recruiting my son to volunteer so he can be exposed to this experience at our JA events like our Stock Market Challenge and at the JA Inspiration Center: JA BizTown & JA Finance Park.”
