The Mission: Collaboration
Amy Trombley takes a people-centered approach to community development
By Kevin Allenspach | Photos by John Linn
Amy Trombley is stepping into her new role as vice president for community at the Initiative Foundation with a focus on collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainable impact. With a commitment to “generous ownership” and leveraging partnerships, Trombley aims to strengthen regional efforts in childcare, workforce development and affordable housing.
A St. Cloud native and St. Cloud State University alumna, Trombley previously served as vice president of education at United Way of Central Minnesota. She succeeds Don Hickman, who retired after 25 years of high-impact community and workforce development work.
We sat down with Trombley to ask about her vision for fostering relationships, empowering leaders, and addressing key community challenges across Central Minnesota.
What excites you about your new role at the Initiative Foundation?
AT: I’m excited about the role because of the Initiative Foundation’s strong commitment to creating lasting, positive impact in our community. The Foundation’s work spans so many areas—economic development, supporting nonprofits, advancing community initiatives—and I’m eager to be part of this mission. The breadth and depth of the region we serve make it a compelling opportunity, and I look forward to collaborating with local leaders, citizens and organizations to continue to create brighter futures together.
How does your skill set align with the Initiative Foundation’s mission?
AT: I’ve spent time working in roles that focus on community development and supporting local organizations, and I’ve seen firsthand how transformative these efforts can be. The Initiative Foundation’s vision of fostering economic growth, supporting community organizations, and creating opportunities for all is a mission that deeply resonates with me, and I’m excited to contribute my experience and expertise to help further those goals. I am truly fortunate to love the work that I get to do every day and leverage my skills and talents to make Central Minnesota an even greater place to live, work and play.
How do you collaborate with partners on big issues?
AT: I like to embrace the idea of “generous ownership,” because I think it’s essential to recognize that each partner brings unique strengths, skills and expertise. I’ve seen Initiative Foundation hold different roles in supporting community collaboration, and it’s something I plan to lean into and develop over time. We can serve as conveners, bringing a variety of voices and perspectives together to shape and strengthen collective action. We can support impactful work by securing funds and providing grants to organizations already doing great work aligned with our mission of building and sustaining vibrant communities. And, at times, we lead essential programs to drive initiatives forward. This flexible approach ensures that we build relationships and contribute where needed while supporting the work to shine within our region. Ultimately, the focus is on shared responsibility and fostering collaboration for meaningful, lasting impact.
What issues will continue to be important in the upcoming years?
AT: Childcare will remain critical. It’s a structural, generational, nationwide challenge that will take collective efforts to shift an essential system within each of our communities to allow for quality, safe childcare that is affordable and accessible. A focus on workforce development will also be key as we support career pathways, skill development and accessibility to livable wage jobs and careers. Housing and affordable housing continues to rise to the top of community-level issues. Within all of this, and in alignment with our changing demographics, it’s important that we maintain our ability to welcome, respect and support all people by fostering inclusivity, connecting people to opportunities, and create environments where people can thrive. These issues require sustained collaboration and a collective commitment to building stronger, more connected and brighter future for all.
What’s the most important part of the work?
AT: The most important part of our work at the Initiative Foundation is building and sustaining strong, trusted relationships within Central Minnesota and the broader community. By deeply understanding local needs and opportunities, we can deliver the right resources at the right time, ensuring meaningful impact. Whether through grants, partnerships, or convening stakeholders, we focus on fostering collaboration and empowering others to lead. This relational approach allows us to respond effectively to community challenges, strengthen regional capacity, and create long-lasting impact. Ultimately, our work is about connecting people, ideas and resources to support the region’s growth and resilience.
Mboutchom champions clean energy, community resiliency
As the clean energy and community resiliency program officer, Elizabeth Mboutchom leads the Initiative Foundation’s efforts to partner with rural communities as they work to identify, fund, and implement clean energy, infrastructure and community resiliency solutions.
“I am excited to work with amazing people dedicated to creating lasting, positive change,” said Mboutchom, who joined the organization in 2025 in a new position supported by the McKnight Foundation. “I love the strong sense of community in Greater Minnesota, where people are kind, supportive and willing to work together.”
A St. Cloud native, Mboutchom gained foundational experience serving in the Peace Corps in Madagascar. She holds a master’s in environmental management and sustainability from the University of South Australia. Mboutchom has extensive experience in community engagement and will use those skills to work with Central Minnesota leaders to understand their needs and identify resources to help build more resilient communities.