Leading in Times of Challenge with Kristi Knous

As president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Kristi Knous recently activated the Disaster Recovery Fund in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Kristi also serves as a tri-chair of the Capital Crossroads Community Visioning Initiative.

Kristi Knous Leadership Tips

Kristi has 18 years of experience with the Community Foundation and has been through challenging times before, including the 2008 economic downturn; however, she admits the past few weeks are unlike anything she’s lived through professionally before. As a trusted steward for charitable funds, the Community Foundation works with donors and organizations to maximize investments. Kristi explains that they feel responsible for those organizations who rely on endowments. She says that during times of crisis, it is of the utmost importance that the Community Foundation is transparent and available to their partners to instill confidence. When the community struggles, Greater Des Moines (DSM) nonprofits are asked to do more with less. The Community Foundation must provide tools, support, care and compassion while navigating changes.

The Leading in Times of Challenge podcast was previously produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. To learn more about community events and leadership, check out The Partnership blog.