Generational leadership helps move The Salvation Army forward
Jack Thrasher, a husband, father of two, and now a retired lawyer from Calgary sat on the Calgary Advisory Board since August 1993 and during his time became Chair of the Board from 2007 to 2011, and again from 2015-2018.
Recently, Jack received a Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing his outstanding leadership, commitment, and dedication to the work of The Salvation Army.
“I grew up with a sense of obligation to give back to the community,” explains Jack. “An obligation to use your experience and make other contributions to help others improve their lives. That was a key motivation in my involvement with the Salvation Army which I believe is one of the best and most effective ways to do that.”
His time and energy led to Capital Campaigns, supporting annual Hope in the City events, as his role turned into a member of the Board and then Vice-Chair turned Chair of the Board.
The Advisory Board is about leadership, thinking strategically, and assisting The Salvation Army in all activities, programs, and services in a specific community. The Advisory Board contains members who are fully committed to the mission of The Salvation Army and bring their experience and skill set to work alongside the organization in more than just a fundraising role. They contribute their knowledge and connections in the community to get the right people/group involved to help move The Salvation Army in the right direction.
Each member has agreed to commit personal time and use their community knowledge to help improve facilities, programs, and services. The Advisory Board is always looking to recruit individuals who can give new and different perspectives. As the times change, bringing people in with experiences in various areas can help shift the organization into a more modern era.
When Jack Thrasher retired, his son Colin Thrasher followed in his footsteps as he began his role on the Board in April of 2021.
Colin, Vice President of digital banking and fintech solutions, has associated with The Salvation Army in the past as he attended lunches and Kettle drives with his father. He has also been able to engage his former organization as a sponsor for a Christmas luncheon, showing his customers a way to participate in something that wasn’t work-related and be part of something more profound and much more critical.
What stands out for Colin about The Salvation Amy is the multigenerational aid and impact the organization has in the community. He wants to use his skill set to allow our organization to maintain its relevance – not just for people but also for how they engage in community.
Colin has seen his father’s work as an Advisory Board member and looks forward to adding as much value as he can to the Board.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to work with the Advisory Board and the Salvation Army leadership team in support of their critical work,” said Colin.
Advisory board members comprise business leaders, public officials, and pillars of the community who volunteer their time to advise The Salvation Army on community matters. They are dedicated to supporting the work of the Army and believe in their mission.
The Salvation Army is honored to have had Jack Thrasher on the Calgary Advisory Board and thank him for the time he put in to help our organization give back those who turn to us for help.
