Foundation welcomes Bulman, Rissman to advisory board
The Allamakee County Community Foundation is pleased to welcome local residents Connie Bulman and Fern Rissman to its advisory board.
“We are very excited to welcome Connie and Fern to the board,” says Brent Beyer, board chair. “They will bring a new perspective and help us continue to better our understanding and support for Allamakee County organizations.”
Bulman, a native of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, has lived on a farm in Dorchester for the past four years. She and her husband raised their children in Cedar Rapids, where she worked as a nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital. She also volunteered her time at St. Luke's, where she assisted in the setup of new medical documentation systems.
Today, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, who all live in Northeast Iowa. She also loves reading, singing, and continuing a tradition of helping at church.
“Erin Iverson asked me to be her replacement on the board. I've been learning about it and am excited to be a part of it,” she says. “I’m looking forward to making a difference for others in Allamakee County.”
Fern Rissman is a lifelong resident of Allamakee County. She and her husband of 47 years, Al, have two children and two grandchildren. The couple are active members of the First Presbyterian Church, where Fern serves on various committees.
“During our children's school years, we were co-presidents of the Athletic Booster Club, and I served on the board for the Music Boosters Club for Waukon Schools. Our support for these organizations continues,” she says.
Rissman spent most of her career at Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission, where she directed federal and state employment and training programs. She supported work in Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek Counties, as well as the communities of Dubuque and Delaware. In her job, Rissman learned about the needs of individuals and nonprofits across the region. She applied for and was awarded a grant from the Community Foundation during this time, which inspired her decision to join the board.
“My decision to serve on this board is driven by a deep-rooted passion for our community's well-being. I am committed to ensuring the continued success of nonprofits in our rural area. I understand the financial challenges they face and believe that the support of the Community Foundation is crucial in providing or expanding much-needed services to our county's communities,” she says. “I am deeply invested in the future of Allamakee County and hope to see our rural areas thrive.”
The Foundation board bid farewell to two outgoing members this spring, Erin Iverson and Diana Johnson, who together represent 19 years of service.
The Allamakee County Community Foundation offers many opportunities to improve quality of life by addressing an array of local issues. To learn more about how you can establish a fund or make a gift that impacts your community, contact Executive Director Betty Steege at 563-586-2046.