As Sam Skillern III prepares to step down as Executive Director of the Salem Leadership Foundation (SLF) at the end of December, his nearly three decades of service reveal a profound legacy of community-building and collaborative leadership. Skillern’s career, shaped by experiences in Salem and Seattle, underscores the importance of fostering connections and empowering others to serve.
“Every milestone in my career path… prepared me for the executive director position at SLF,” says Skillern, reflecting on his career path. From running a business in college to working in public relations and nonprofits, each step helped strengthen his skills to lead SLF.
At first, Skillern didn’t imagine himself in a leadership position. “When Jane Arst offered to sell me the public relations business in 1994, I said, ‘I don’t see myself running my own organization,’” he recalls. However, circumstances compelled him to forge ahead, first as a consultant and then as SLF’s first hire. Over time, he developed his leadership style, guided by the lessons of those he served and learned from.
A pivotal moment came in 2011, when SLF faced financial difficulties following the persistent economic crisis of 2008. Skillern and the board implemented an innovative solution: a temporary idle plant to raise funds. “We took the month of August off… and began seeking funding by telling the story of the business metaphor to donors,” he shares. The approach was widely accepted by supporters, allowing SLF to avoid layoffs while strengthening its mission.
Under Skillern’s leadership, SLF has focused on being a connector rather than a direct service provider. One of its signature initiatives is the Church as Neighborhood (CaN) Centers network, which brings together faith-based and secular organizations to serve local communities. Through this collaboration, SLF has supported programs such as Salem Free Clinics, Church@the Park, and Salem for Refugees.
“Most programs are small and neighborhood-focused, but some thrive and become significant programs,” Skillern explains. These initiatives exemplify SLF’s philosophy: empowering others to lead while addressing critical community needs.
Skillern’s ability to harmonize diverse perspectives has been instrumental in addressing community challenges. He recalls facilitating dialogue between developers, neighbors, and the Salem Alliance Church during the Salem North Downtown Plan. “Through SLF and the Grant Neighborhood Association, I helped convene meetings, which led to significant improvements in the design and use of the projects,” he says. Today, these developments are considered an asset to the neighborhood.
As Skillern leaves office, her vision for the community remains optimistic. “We need hope and we need action,” she says. She emphasizes the importance of local involvement, whether through mentoring, neighborhood associations, or simply helping a neighbor.
For those aspiring to be leaders, Skillern offers two key pieces of advice: “Be consistent” and “Learn to accept and share the stories of others.” She believes these principles foster authentic connections that transform both communities and individuals.
Skillern’s faith has been a guiding force throughout her career. “I rely on God’s help daily,” she says. Her legacy at SLF, characterized by resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to service, leaves an indelible mark on Salem and beyond.