From Andy’s nominator:
Andy Brunsman is one of the most dynamic, determined and dedicated young nonprofit leaders in Northern Kentucky at the tender age of 32. Executive Director at Be Concerned since 2014, he has led the organization through an unprecedented five years of growth and innovation. His efforts have built Be Concerned into one of the two largest food-assistance organizations in Northern Kentucky, and established it as a best-practices leader among such groups.
Andy’s admired and respected in the Northern Kentucky nonprofit universe not only for what he’s accomplished but for how he’s done it, as well as his high standard of ethical leadership. He is an absolute champion for the people Be Concerned helps, ensuring that they are treated with dignity. He goes out of his way — often way out — to address their needs, with courtesy and kindness. That includes adding programs to Be Concerned such as senior home delivery, school feeding programs, and adjusting rules for Be Concerned shoppers such as the requirement for social security cards, which now allows non-residents to receive food when they are in need.
Andy’s enthusiasm gets people excited about helping their less fortunate neighbors. And he makes it fun to volunteer in projects to do that. He conveys — without saying it — the message that such volunteerism is not only important, but the absolute right thing to do. His example prompts people to make continuing commitments to help.
Andy’s had multiple “defining moments” in his years leading Be Concerned, including guiding the agency in 2016 through a move from its home of 31 years on Washington Street in Covington to new digs on Pike Street in Lewisburg. That was a complex and at times scary adventure, but when the organization completed the move, it found itself in a newer and more functional building worth nearly $1 million. Perhaps most importantly, a debt-free building.
Be Concerned, under Andy’s leadership, acquired United Ministries through a merger on February 1, 2019, and added its food pantry and thrift store to Be Concerned’s repertoire of services. Following the merge, the former United Ministries pantry was upgraded into a walk-able choice pantry, and more than 400 families are getting free food there each month. With this addition, Be Concerned provides food to more than 1,200 families each month across two sites in Northern Kentucky.