During his tenure, the organization experienced steady and consistent growth and impact, expanding programming options, community engagement, facilities, and service area. In 2006, the organization was renamed Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley and expanded its service area from two to 15 counties across eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Since assuming the President/CEO role, Justin has led the organization in engaging more than 6,000 youth through its mentoring programs. The local organization consistently achieved the highest performance levels within the 300+ Big Brothers Big Sisters of America affiliate network, ranking in the top 25% of affiliates for more than 18 years.
Steady Leadership During a Time of Transition
John Leinart, a long-time supporter of the organization, will assume the role of Interim CEO until a permanent President and CEO is selected. Leinart is a retired John Deere executive with more than 20 years of service to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley. He has served on the organization’s Board of Directors, including multiple terms as Board Chair. BBBSMV is truly a family affair for the Leinarts — John, his wife, daughter, and father (when he was 87 years old!) have all served as Bigs within the program. John and his wife, Bonnie, were also the lead investors in the most recent mentoring center project, which relocated the organization’s operations to the Kimberly and Elmore location.
As Interim CEO, Leinart’s primary role will be to support the professional staff in their efforts to provide high-impact services and support across the network. He will also ensure continued engagement of the Board of Directors in securing the resources needed to advance the organization’s important work in the community.
The organization has created a selection team to lead the search for its next President and CEO. The team will be supported by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America field support department and will collect feedback from organizational stakeholders to assist in the selection process. Click here to view more information about the position and share it within your professional networks.
