Autumn months are traditionally a time of changes, and this month saw Finnriver Farm and Cidery co-founder Crystie Kisler announce her new position as director of nonprofit services for the Jefferson Community Foundation (JCF).

“After 20 years of wholehearted passion and community magic at Finnriver Farm & Cidery, and a wonderful founder transition passing leadership over to Finnriver’s new CEO Amanda Oborne and the amazing team there, I am committed to focusing my energy and efforts on buoying the work of community building and transformational change,” Kisler posted on her Facebook account Oct. 6. “I feel fortunate to join the JCF effort to connect people, ideas and resources to build a future of opportunity for all in Jefferson County.”

When Kisler spoke with The Leader, she noted the roughly 30 years of efforts she’s already invested “in rural economic development and community organizing” from “my vantage point in Chimacum,” so she regards her new role with JCF as a “graduation” of sorts from the work she’s already been doing.

Kisler hastened to add that she’s but one of a number of other positions that JCF has added, all occupied by folks she described as “incredible people,” so that JCF can expand its services, to yield more impact in carrying out its overall stated mission of helping people help other people.

Kisler sees her own role as connecting people with available resources, so that local nonprofits can connect with not only funds, but also networks, information, events, supplies and skilled volunteers, through tools such as the JCF center and social gatherings.

“Helping people develop connections has long been where my heart lies anyway,” Kisler said. “I want to help this community further develop the resilience of interconnectivity.”

In the meantime, Kisler rushed to reassure folks that she’s still connected to Finnriver, although she also emphasized that she sees Finnriver as being “in good hands.”

Kisler concluded by urging the community to keep an eye out for the annual United Good Neighbors “Give Jefferson” campaign, on which JCF is serving as a partner.