Sean Damitz, the Executive Director of Utah Conservation Corps, has recently been appointed to The Corps Network's Corps Council. The Council plays a critical role in directing national service and conservation strategies within the network, which is the national association of service and conservation corps based in Washington, DC. This addition signifies an increased representation for AmeriCorps organizations across the United States.
The involvement of Damitz is expected to bring a unique perspective to the Council, which consists of dedicated figures from various member organizations. As a co-founder of the Utah Conservation Corps in 2001, he has the on-the-ground experience that the Corps Council often seeks to actively incorporate within their deliberations. The Corps Network aims to effectively respond to "the needs and goals of the more than 150 Corps programs" it represents, a vision Damitz is set to support actively, as per USU Today.
Damitz's leadership extends beyond the steering of the Utah Conservation Corps. Since 2013, he has also been at the helms of the Utah State University Center for Community Engagement. His dual roles have positioned him at the nexus of higher education and conservation efforts, experiences he expressed being honored to bring to The Corps Council. "I’m honored to serve on the Corps Council while bringing my experience of being at the crossroads of higher education and conservation corps communities for the last 24 years," Damitz said, as obtained by USU Today.
The significance of the Corps Council is in part its function to advise The Corps Network staff and Board of Directors. Each year, the network's initiatives help to enable around 23,000 young people to develop workforce skills and to directly contribute to improving their communities through varied Corps programs. The insights from council members like Damitz are poised to specifically impact service strategies and the fostering of youth development. "As the co-founder and longtime director of Utah Conservation Corps, Sean is an outstanding addition to this esteemed body of leaders," said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, president & CEO of The Corps Network, as noted by USU Today.
