POWELL, OH – The American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC), a professional membership association and a national resource for service-enriched housing professionals, is pleased to announce the selection of new leadership for the Board of Directors and acknowledge the service of a longstanding member.
Beth Southorn Named Chair of AASC Board of Directors
“I am deeply honored to be selected to lead the AASC Board of Directors,” Southorn said. “I look forward to continued partnership with AASC’s leadership and our committed Board of Directors as we work collectively to advance the interests of the service coordinator profession.”
Southorn has been a leader in the social services field for more than 30 years. As executive director of LifeSTEPS, she has propelled the organization to become one of the premier social services providers in affordable housing, serving 36,000 homes in California.
Southorn succeeds John Diehl, senior advisor at Embrace Living Communities, who served as the chair for six years and will continue to serve as an AASC Board member.
“It has been a great honor to serve as the chair of the AASC Board of Directors,” Diehl said. “Beth Southorn has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing AASC’s mission while serving on the Board. Her wealth of experience in diversity, leadership, training, and program development, coupled with her driving commitment to serve others will continue to strengthen AASC.”
AASC Welcomes Natasha Ofosu, Celebrates Donna Thurmond’s Two Decades of Service and Names Two Officers
The Board welcomed Natasha Ofosu, senior director of resident services, at Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS). With more than 15 years of experience, she provides national oversight for VOANS’ multi-million-dollar service coordinator program, comprised of 146 service coordinators at 173 properties across the country. Natasha earned a master’s in public administration with a concentration in nonprofit management.
The Board also acknowledged the service of Donna Thurmond, vice president of resident services and programs for Volunteers of America, who retired after 19 years of service. During her tenure, she served on the AASC Board of Directors’ executive committee as secretary and most recently as treasurer.
“We are excited to welcome Natasha Ofosu to the AASC Board, and we are tremendously grateful for Donna Thurmond’s dedication to the service coordinator program,” said AASC President and CEO Michelle Missler. “Donna’s experience with nonprofit boards and the social work profession greatly contributed to the success, growth and financial stability of our association for many years. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors.”
The Board also selected two officers:
- Linda Coleman, vice president of resident services at HumanGood, was selected to serve as the treasurer. Coleman has more than 20 years of experience in the housing industry. A Certified Professional of Occupancy, she is an accredited National Housing Management Specialist and holds a Certificate in Mediation for Conflict Resolution and a Professional Service Coordinator Certificate. Coleman earned a bachelor’s in Social Science with a concentration in Business and Social Work from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
- Jennifer Truppa, director of social services and quality assurance at Embrace Living Communities, was selected to serve as the secretary. With 18 years of experience in affordable housing and resident services, Truppa holds a Certificate of Completion in Gerontology through The Ohio State University and credentials for Green Property Management. She attended Bradley and Lewis Universities where her studies focused on programs of nursing and political science.