Samaritan Community Center director moves to new role, successor named - Talk Business & Politics
Samaritan Community Center, a nonprofit with offices in Rogers and Springdale, said Monday (Aug. 10) that Executive Director Debbie Rambo has transitioned to a new role, and Gardner Andreas has. . .
Samaritan Community Center, a nonprofit with offices in Rogers and Springdale, said Monday (Aug. 10) that Executive Director Debbie Rambo has transitioned to a new role, and Gardner Andreas has succeeded her. Rambo transitioned into the role of senior advisor for philanthropy after serving nearly 24 years as executive director. During her tenure, Rambo helped guide the organization through growth and expanded community impact. In her new role, she will continue supporting the nonprofit’s mission and relationships in the community. “I look forward to seeing Gardner lead Samaritan Community Center with integrity, compassion, and vision,” Rambo said. “I am excited to see the organization continue to grow and serve our Neighbors with excellence. ”Andreas started as executive director on Aug. 1. He is a retired U. S. Army colonel and has experience in executive leadership, financial management, communications and operations. He previously spent about five years as director of the Senior Advisors Office at the U. S. Army Medical Center of Excellence in San Antonio, where he directed the Senior Advisors Office staff in support of more than 6,000 students annually. He previously served in senior manager and director roles managing projects and programs and establishing policies and plans for the National Guard Bureau Chief Surgeons Office in Arlington, Va. , the Office of the Surgeon General in Falls Church, Va. , and Joint Forces Headquarters in North Little Rock. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in May 2001 and a master’s degree from Strayer University in June 2013. He serves on the board of directors for the UA Alumni Association and Armed Forces Alumni Society. He’s received multiple awards, including the Legion of Merit from the U. S. Army Medical Center of Excellence and the Meritorious Service Award from the U. S. Department of State. “I am grateful and blessed to have joined a team that is leading such an amazing community-focused organization,” Andreas said. “Every day, Samaritan Community Centers provide numerous services to our Neighbors throughout Northwest Arkansas. I am thrilled to be a part of what they do to uplift so many lives and families. ”Mark Schatzman, chairman of the Samaritan Community Center Board of Directors, said, “We celebrate Debbie Rambo’s wise and faithful leadership since the beginning, and we are equally excited to welcome Gardner as our next executive director. His passion for serving others and his commitment to our mission will help guide the organization as we continue to meet the needs of our community and further our mission. ”In 2025, Samaritan Community Center provided groceries to 81,676 people, served 82,547 meals, and distributed 196,690 snack packs to children through its nutrition programs. The Samaritan Care program supported 3,993 people with resource referrals and case management. Through its charitable clinics, the nonprofit provided free dental care to 1,560 uninsured, low-income adults and provided $117,600 in counseling services. The organization also harvested 29,003 pounds of organic produce from its Samaritan Farm. Samaritan Community Center operates two thrift shops in Rogers and Springdale, which generate approximately 40% of its annual operating support. According to the nonprofit’s most recent IRS Form 990, total revenue fell by 44. 7% to $8. 44 million in fiscal 2023, which ended June 30, 2024, from $15. 27 million in fiscal 2022. Total revenue is up 82. 5% from $4. 62 million in fiscal 2014, which ended June 30, 2015. Related