Board Spotlight: Dave Elbing
To those who have been given much, much is expected.
The role that a community foundation plays is shaped and molded by the vision and expertise of its board of directors. In honor of the role that each member of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation (OACF) board plays, it is a pleasure to feature a board spotlight every month. Today’s featured board member: Dave Elbing.
What is your role in the community outside of OACF?
“For many years I worked for a company called Laser Specialties (a promotional product company) as their head of sales and marketing. Currently I’m working up to 50 hours each week as a professional handyman.”
How did you get involved with the OACF board?
“It was just about 16 years ago when Eileen Connolly-Keesler (former President/CEO of the Community Foundation) invited me to serve on the finance committee. I really enjoyed my time on that committee. I served there for three years, joined the grants committee, served there for another three years, and then eventually I was invited to join the board. It’s bittersweet, but this year marks the end of my term-limit as a board member.” Dave will continue to serve at as the chair of the OACF marketing committee after his board term is over. “With regard to the marketing committee, I’m a firm believer that the more ideas you have coming at you from talented smart people, the more informed your decisions will be.”
What are your thoughts on volunteerism?
“To those who have been given much, much is expected. I’m a big advocate for volunteerism. Once upon a time I was on the boards for the Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, OACF, Christine Ann Center, Meals on Wheels, and the Traffic Advisory Board for the City of Oshkosh simultaneously!” On top of Dave’s board service, he participates in medical trips to Haiti twice annually where he runs triage for the team, collecting vitals, stats, and determining who each patient is going to see and when they will be seen.
What has been the most rewarding board experience for you to date?
“As a general observation, any time you’re a part of something prosperous, it’s fun! It’s been rewarding to see how much the foundation has grown and developed since the turn of the century. I’m particularly proud of how visible OACF has become in our community. For example: whenever I see the Tri-County Dental bus (Mobile Clinic) around town I feel great seeing our logo and knowing that we helped bring this service to people in need of it in our community.” In addition to large projects like the mobile clinic, Dave appreciates the intimate experience of seeing all of the help that his family funds make possible.
Why do you like to give?
“I like to give because it makes me feel good! I was brought up to understand that there are just situations in which you need to help others. If you want a great community, then you need to help your community! That’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about the work that OACF is doing”
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