February 2026 Issue

Greetings to our JASAN Members! As I write this, I’m looking out the window in southwest Florida where the sun is shining but the temperatures are in the mid-30’s. This is very unusual for this part of the country. So, seeking a warmer image, I pulled out the calendar and circled July 22-24, 2026 to save the dates for this year’s JASAN Annual Meeting in conjunction with JA USA’s National Leadership Conference. This year’s conference will happen in Salt Lake City, Utah…the first time the event has ever been held in the “Crossroads of the West”. 

And things are starting to heat up as spring approaches. Please read this newsletter for more information about our fundraising efforts, the kickoff of our web-based Museum project, oral history project, and much more. And please visit our website at jasan.ja.org for more information.

Above all, I appreciate your support and I am honored to serve as your chair.

Stay warm!

Dennis

Chair, JASAN

gilfoyle@comcast.net

The Impact That 10% Can Make!

In preparing the 2025-26 fundraising effort for JASAN, the impact of modest increases in giving by our ongoing supporters - a target of 10% over the prior year - became part of a goal to expand our abilities to give back to the organization that played an important role in each of our lives. When we all pull together and do "a little bit more", the results can be amazing. With renewal request letters going out in waves, responses have been strong for both our operating needs and matching the Achievement Foundation's terrific challenge grant supporting attendance at the national conference. Your investments are truly appreciated!

The other element of this year's campaign is to encourage those who have not given to JASAN to consider a modest first investment. While $25 or $50 may not seem like it will go far, if 100 first time givers contribute, we will be able to match several more scholarships! Together we can make an incredible impact on a JA staff member's life. 

Please watch for a personal request from me for your financial support. Your consideration is deeply appreciated!

Tom Dewar, Campaign Chair.

JA Virtual History Museum

The purpose of the (virtual) JA History Museum is to document, preserve and showcase the history of Junior Achievement. The site will be periodically updated and maintained by JA USA, and all archives will be preserved at IUPUI as the final repository.

An initial task force meeting was held on January 28^th with JASAN members and the JA USA staff members assigned to this project. The JASAN task force is focused on the content and the National office on design. The stand-alone museum site will be linked to both the JASAN and JA USA websites.

The museum will showcase activities by decade, featuring both artifact photos and descriptions. We anticipate content to include materials, awards and award winners, logo history, etc. Ideally, we will roll out the museum at NLC this summer. 

If you are interested in working with a team of JASAN members, along with some talented people at JA USA to figure this out, please let us know - jastaffalumninetwork@gmail.com. 

Do you know who these people are? Send us your guess (jastaffalumninetwork@gmail.com)

Oral History Update

The committee, with much help from the JASAN membership, continues to record oral history interviews. Our goal is to have at least 10 more recorded by June 30^th. You can listen to the interviews on our website.

In addition to the interviews, past interview transcripts are being edited for posting on the website as well.

If you would like to help edit or interview, just let us know by email.



We look forward to continuing to preserve and highlight our JA history!

Welcome Our Newest Members!!

Jordyn Singer

Jordyn started her professional JA career in August of 2018 with JA of Dallas. Throughout her career in Dallas she held various positions beginning with Volunteer Coordinator, JA Finance Park Manager, Virtual Experiences Manager, wrapping up her career as the Data and IT Manager. Jordyn left JA in May 2025 and is currently leading IT and data initiatives at The Dallas Foundation, where she manages systems, optimizes processes, and turns data into actionable insights. Her experience spans IT project management, stakeholder collaboration, business process improvement, and user training — all with a focus on aligning technology with organizational goals.

Joining JASAN, she is hoping to continue to gain a professional network and peer group to support all the positive changes within JA.

Welcome to JASAN, Jordyn!

Marcia Forston

Marcia started her professional JA career in May of 2016 with JA of Southwestern Indiana in Evansville. She shared…“JA totally changed my life! It has been the greatest joy and privilege to serve this organization and to get to serve alongside some of the most amazing leaders I've ever known! I joined as President & CEO and finished my nearly ten year career as CEO Emerita”.

Marcia just recently retired January 1, 2026. During her career, she was honored to be a Karl Flemke Award finalist.

Still figuring out her next steps in retirement, Marcia is grateful for the opportunity to stay in touch with dear friends and colleagues and all that continues to happen with JA. Welcome to JASAN, Marcia!

Dates to Remember

July 22-24, 2026 Salt Lake City, Utah

It’s easy to stay connected…find us on Facebook, join us on LinkedIn, check out our YouTube videos, and keep an eye on our website! We welcome your thoughts and ideas…always!

The mission of the JA Staff Alumni Network is to provide a network for staff alumni ​and to further the mission of JA USA.

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