Aug 16, 2023 | Press Releases

Community Economic Development Department grows to meet need

Rozalyn Mock and Yvette Rhodes will expand the Foundation’s capacities to support rural families and economies

Roseburg, Ore. Responding to the growing need for economic stability for rural families and investments in rural entrepreneurs, The Ford Family Foundation has hired Rozalyn Mock, a Douglas County native and Ford Scholar Class of 2011, to expand the ranks of its Community Economic Development Department at a pivotal time. Joining her, Yvette Rhodes has moved full-time from the Rural Community Building Department to support economic development as associate program officer — building on her 20-year career at the Foundation.

“This is the team we need to drive the bold and ambitious agenda we hold for the years ahead,” said Anne Kubisch, president and CEO of The Ford Family Foundation. “Yvette and Rozalyn grew up here, and both are proud to live and work in their rural communities. Their roots deepen the understanding and passion they have for advancing rural community economic development.”

Yvette Rhodes has deep and holistic institutional relationships and knowledge of the Foundation. She has served in multiple roles over the years, working in the Rural Community Building Department and being a core member of the review team for the Foundation’s open grants, including Technical Assistance and Good Neighbor grants. Working with the team, Yvette will support implementation as program offerings expand — bringing her expertise from supporting the statewide implementation of the Ford Institute Leadership Program, community building spaces grants and more.

Rozalyn Mock previously held an associate program officer position in Community Economic Development (2018-2020) and now enters the role of program officer after earning her master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University. As program officer, Rozalyn will focus on strategic grantmaking that supports strengthening and growing rural Oregon and Siskiyou County’s economic development ecosystems. Her focus is on increasing the ability of statewide systems — from governments to nonprofits, businesses and other key players — to support family economic success. She enjoys working alongside community leaders to help build capacity and develop skill sets to leverage federal funding, as well as ensuring that economic development plans are in place.

“Our team’s expansion comes at such a critical time,” said Kathleen Flanagan, director of community economic development. “Rural economies have weathered a lot these past few years, and we are eager to walk alongside communities across our region as they build stronger futures.”

To learn more about the work of the Community Economic Development department and the Foundation’s strategic priorities for the communities it serves across Oregon and Siskiyou County, California, please visit: tfff.org/strategy/community.

Download this press release PDF

About The Ford Family Foundation
The Ford Family Foundation believes in the power of rural communities. It is a private, nonprofit foundation proudly headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon, serving rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Its investments through grants, scholarships and community building create the conditions so that children have the family, educational and community supports they need to succeed in life. www.tfff.org

General media inquiries
Sarah Pytalski, Learning Officer – Policy and Communications
(541) 492-2396, spytalski@tfff.org

Download photos
Rozalyn Mock JPG
Caption for photoRozalyn Mock joins The Ford Family Foundation as program officer for Community Economic Development.

Yvette Rhodes JPG
Caption for photoYvette Rhodes joins the Community Economic Development team as associate program officer.

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