Taren Ferguson, Center Director at the Ottumwa Job Corps Center, joined the Legacy Foundation Board of Directors in 2021. She stepped into the leadership role after seeing what the Foundation has done in the Ottumwa Community since its inception. “I wanted to be a part of positive change and impact in Ottumwa,” she said.

Her favorite project, thus far, has been the completion of the Streetscape project in downtown Ottumwa. “It has completely transformed our downtown and made it a focal point for our community.” She is excited to continue to see our community move forward, also. “I’m looking forward to finding solutions to the housing issues facing this community and ways to enhance the quality of life for our residents.”

Taren is a graduate of the 2016 class of the Ottumwa Leadership Academy and remains active with the organization as an Advisory Board member. She credits the Academy with not only increasing her awareness of what was going on within the community but learning about the goals and values of different organizations. “For example, I gained the knowledge of the mission of the Legacy Foundation and am now delighted to be a part of such a collaborative, fun, mission-driven board,” she shared.

In addition to her role at the helm of the Ottumwa Job Corps Center and serving on the Legacy Foundation Board of Directors, Taren and her husband, Matt, have four daughters.

When asked how she balances all her commitments, she had wise words for anyone else looking to balance a high-level career, volunteering, and motherhood; “You have to find a balance that works for you, and I am lucky that I genuinely enjoy what I get to do every day. I have a wonderful husband who is a true pillar of support, and I am grateful to have him in my corner. We get to show our daughters what dedication and love to our family and our work can look like.