With fondness in our hearts, we wish former executive director, Jeannie Iseman, the best on the next chapter of her professional and personal journey.  She has made a tremendous impact on our organization, which has grown and thrived under her leadership over the past six years. 

Jeannie was hired as The GardenWorks Project (GWP)’s Executive Director in 2017. During her tenure in this position, Jeannie’s impact on our organization and the greater DuPage County area has been immeasurable.  Her accomplishments over the past six years include:

• Ushered a new strategic plan for 2021-2023, creating bold visioning for our growth as an organization;
• Doubled the size of the organization through added partnerships and programming;
• Increased our operating budget by over 100%;
• Pivoted our programming during COVID-19 to continue serving the community at full capacity; 
• Assisted in serving 1000+ families and individuals in our service area.
  

Jeannie’s collaborative nature and strategic vision expanded the reach and impact of our organization, and fostered relationships across the region.  Her ingenuity brought new ideas, new programs, and new partnerships to fruition, and inspired our community to work towards a more sustainable and food secure future.  

Steering us through the challenging pandemic times, she adeptly adapted and shifted the organization to best serve our communities. Jeannie’s efforts have poised our organization for continued growth and service to our community.  

 Her passion, creativity, and dedication are only surpassed by her kind and generous spirit.  Almost anywhere you go in DuPage County, you will find someone who knows Jeannie or her work within the community.  We are grateful to have been a part of Jeannie’s story, and even more thankful for the mark she has made on our own.  We hope to see her in the gardens, but we also wish her more time in her own beautiful homestead, and a new, fruitful harvest. 

About The GardenWorks Project

The GardenWorks Project is a registered 501c3 non-profit, volunteer-led organization founded in 2012 to serve the DuPage County, IL area. The GardenWorks Project empowers, educates, and promotes organic suburban agriculture to improve the well-being of our community, the environment, and families facing food insecurity.