Samantha “Sam” Corkern brings a unique blend of agricultural insight, operational expertise, and community development passion to her role as Impact and Operations Manager at First Southwest Community Fund (FSWCF). Raised in rural Colorado among generations of farmers and ranchers, Sam developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities. Her diverse academic background, including degrees in Business Administration and Human Services, coupled with an MPA from Cornell University, provides a solid foundation for overseeing FSWCF’s operational improvements and impact-tracking initiatives.

At FSWCF, Sam leverages her analytical skills, operational expertise, and passion for community development to measure and report on the impact of the organization’s grants and loans. Her professional experience spanning local government, the legal field, international NGOs, and tech startups equips her with a comprehensive view of public, private, and non-profit sector dynamics. This diverse background, combined with her longstanding involvement in agricultural youth programs, reinforces her belief in the power of equipping individuals and communities with the right tools and support to overcome obstacles.

In her free time, Sam enjoys spending time with her husband, a fellow Colorado native, and their two dogs, exploring all the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer.