The Board of Directors is pleased to announce Lisa Mears as the new Executive Director at The Bridge. Lisa will start in the role on May 11, 2020.
Mears was most recently the CEO at Family Pathways, a $8.5 million agency whose 225 staff provide a continuum of services including emergency shelter, food access and youth support services throughout East Central Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Prior to that role, she was the CEO at VEAP, a basic needs and social service organization located in Bloomington. VEAP is the largest single site food shelf in Minnesota. Mears’ previous experience includes grants management and health education.
“We are delighted to welcome Lisa to The Bridge. Her extensive background in social service leadership, her connection to our work and her dedication to serving others were compelling factors for us in her selection.”
– Kristine Oberg, Board Chair, The Bridge for Youth
Mears holds a BS in Public Health from St. Cloud State University and a Master’s in Public Affairs (Public Administration & Nonprofit Management) from the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
“As the next Executive Director at The Bridge for Youth, it will be a privilege to work with a team of highly committed and gifted staff and community partners, who prioritize the health and well-being of youth. I am drawn to The Bridge for Youth because the mission speaks to me on a deeply personal level. I will work tirelessly with and for others to advance the mission of The Bridge.” – Lisa Mears
Mears lives in the East Metro and is a community volunteer at The Food Group and Valley Outreach.