Volunteer Leaders: Tara VanDerLeest

President, River Bluff Community Foundation

• Board member since: 2019
• Hometown: Clinton
• Career: Vice President & Trust Officer at Clinton National Bank

Tell us about yourself!

I graduated from Mater Dei High School n/k/a Prince of Peace Catholic School and attended University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Clinton Community College. I became a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor in 2015. I enjoy spending time with family, travel, golf, art, reading and food.

What inspires you to serve on the Foundation board? 

We're striving to make an impact that promotes growth and inspires others in our community. There are many organizations in our community that need assistance and I was eager to get involved with a group whose mission is to be a resource for these organizations and the individuals who wish to support them. It is rewarding to be part of a group that assists those in need and builds endowments so support is perpetual, continuing to benefit our community for generations to come.

I have enjoyed working with the board to provide consistent support for our community by developing an annual grant cycle. Participating in the Regional Roundtable events hosted by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is another wonderful experience: meeting new people, seeing what awesome things are happening in other affiliates’ communities, and then learning how we can continue to do the same in our area.