JANESVILLE — KANDU Industries Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that provides programs and services to people with disabilities and disadvantages, announced today that Linda Ross has joined the company’s management team as the director of fund development. In her new role, Linda will cultivate and strengthen donor relationships to build KANDU’s visibility, impact, and financial resources.
Linda joins KANDU from the Leadership Development Academy of Rock County (LDA), a non-profit leadership organization that welcomes people from all walks of life to focus on personal development and civic responsibility in order to become community activists. After graduating from the program in 2014, Linda joined the board of directors and has served as the executive director and program facilitator since 2015.
One of Linda’s biggest accomplishments during her time at LDA was “challenging others to push themselves and become stronger leaders, while bettering Rock County through community involvement and team projects,” a mission she can carry on at KANDU. “I developed an in-depth understanding of Rock County and the people who live there, and there is nothing I like more than to tell the world about the great things happening in the area,” said Linda. “KANDU is an integral part of our community and I have enjoyed getting to know the mission and supporting it.” “We are so excited about Linda joining our team,” said KANDU Executive Director Kathy Hansen. “She brings so much talent and expertise to KANDU at a very critical time for our future. Her contacts and knowledge of Rock County will be a huge benefit, not to mention that she is such a wonderful human being! We are privileged to have Linda join the KANDU family.”
In addition to her new appointment as fund development
director at KANDU, Linda serves as a Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce ambassador, is on their government affairs advisory committee, and was recently elected to the town of Beloit supervisory board. Linda’s dynamic network of community leaders and activists and her strong ties to the Rock County region lend plenty of opportunities for collaboration and support between KANDU and local organizations. “It’s all about relationships,” said Linda, “I have been blessed with so many wonderful friendships during my career. They make life worth living, so don’t be afraid to work hard, but be sure to encourage and support those around you along the way.”
When asked about her motivation and goals for KANDU Linda said, “It’s all about the mission: supporting your community and building people up by giving them a hand up, not a handout.”