Andrew Oosterman: Championing Community Service and Technological Innovation in the Non-Profit Sector
For the past seven years, Andrew Oosterman has been a driving force behind the scenes at the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, leveraging his background in accounting and business administration to make a significant impact on our community.
Andrew’s journey in community service began during his years at St. Lawrence College, where he served on the Student Association Board of Directors and later as a student representative on the College’s Board of Governors. This experience ignited a passion for advocacy and community involvement that has shaped his career.
After a brief stint in the private sector, Andrew found his way back to the non-profit world, joining the Community Foundation in August 2018. “I was excited to return to the not-for-profit sector,” Andrew shares. “The work is diverse and challenging, but incredibly rewarding.”
In addition to his role at the Community Foundation, Andrew currently volunteers as Board President and Treasurer of the St. Lawrence Youth Association, an organization that provides crucial support to youth in conflict with the law. This dual role allows him to make a broader impact on the Kingston community.
One of Andrew’s most significant contributions at the Community Foundation has been upgrading the organization’s technology infrastructure. He implemented Community Suite, an integrated database system that has revolutionized operations. “It’s not just about keeping up with technology,” Andrew explains. “It’s about finding solutions that allow us to work more efficiently and focus more on our community initiatives.”
The new system has streamlined donation processing, grant applications, and financial management, allowing staff to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on impactful community work. While Andrew acknowledges that investing in technology can be challenging for non-profits, he firmly believes in its long-term benefits. “As you get your efficiencies down, you can focus more on your mission, especially with smaller teams,” he notes.
Looking ahead, Andrew is eager to continue growing his impact in the non-profit sector. Eventually Andrew is considering joining another board, hoping to share his expertise in financial management and technology to improve governance and operational practices in other organizations.
Andrew’s story is a powerful reminder of how combining passion for community service with innovative business practices can drive significant positive change in the non-profit sector. As community needs continue to grow, leaders like Andrew are helping non-profits rise to the challenge, ensuring they can maximize their impact and serve their communities more effectively than ever before.