Connections to Success, a non-profit organization serving individuals and families across St. Louis, Columbia, and Kansas City, has announced new leadership for its board of directors and welcomed three new members to the board.
Madeline Franz, Director of Agency Growth & Development at MedMutual Protect, will serve as president of the board of directors. Franz has been involved with Connections to Success for years as both a volunteer and board member, and represents the third generation of her family to support the organization. Since joining the board in 2021, she has chaired the resource development committee and launched the organization’s Young Professionals Board.
Joining Franz in board leadership are Jeff Morris, Chief Digital Advisor at World Wide Technology, and Dr. Tyjaun Lee, Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services at Metropolitan Community College – Kansas City, who will serve as co-vice presidents.
Connections to Success has also welcomed three new members to its board of directors:
- Abigail (Abby) Tamblyn, Corporate Responsibility Regional Manager, Southwest Airlines
- Kimberly (Kim) Lubbring, Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis, BJC Healthcare
- Megan Wilson, Senior Compliance Counsel, Edward Jones
The Connections to Success board of directors is composed of professionals and community leaders in the St. Louis and Kansas City regions who provide strategic guidance and support for the organization’s mission: helping families achieve economic independence through hope, resources, and a plan.
“I’m honored to step into this role, and excited to have Jeff and Tyjaun on the executive team,” said Franz. “The addition of Abby, Kim, and Megan to our board will also help further our vision of empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential.”
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a board of directors made up of passionate, thoughtful leaders who care deeply about our work,” said Brandi Jahnke, CEO of Connections to Success. “Madi’s leadership, vision, and longstanding commitment to Connections to Success make her a perfect fit to lead our board. We are also excited to welcome Abby, Kim, and Megan, whose experience and perspectives will strengthen our ability to serve individuals and families across the region.”
Under the guidance of its board of directors, Connections to Success continues to expand its impact through workforce development, career readiness, mentoring, and holistic support programs designed to help individuals overcome barriers and achieve lasting success.
About Connections to Success:
Founded in 1998, Connections to Success is a nonprofit organization based in Missouri, with locations in St. Louis, Columbia, and Kansas City. Connections to Success offers comprehensive support to families working toward economic stability and growth by providing practical resources, career preparation, and a strong foundation for lasting success. The organization provides a comprehensive network of services and referrals to help people achieve economic independence after facing challenges such as generational poverty, incarceration, and violence. The Connections to Success model integrates training opportunities, life transformation coaching, support services, and job development to set participants up for long-term success. This evidence-based model delivers a measurable ROI, resulting in sustainable change that positively impacts all areas of a person’s life while also having a positive influence on the community.
Since its original start in 1998, the organization has served over 40,000 individuals throughout Missouri, Kansas and Illinois.
