KOSCIUSKO – A well-known face is making a big change in Kosciusko County. Renea Salyer, formerly of the Kosciusko County Chamber, has joined Kosciusko Junior Achievement as the new executive director.

Salyer has a heart for both community and charity. After volunteering with first-grade students through the Junior Achievement program, Salyer found a passion for its mission. JA works to empower young people to “own their future economic success by enhancing the relevancy of education.”

The program exposes students at every grade level to learn to utilize basic business concepts and the skills that enable them to understand real-life economics. These skills in turn assist students in developing a strong economic knowledge as well as solid personal finance skills.

The program currently spans across 30 different countries with over 120,000 students participating. Salyer noted locally, Warsaw Community School Corporation, Wawasee School Corporation and Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation are all involved in the program.

For the past two years, Salyer has become more familiar with the program while also working as President of the Warsaw Kiwanis Club. After admiring former director Vicky Decker’s work, Salyer learned of the opening and felt a calling to help aid the organizations cause.

Salyer notes her responsibilities with the organization will include traveling to area schools, board development as well as fundraising and community outreach. A major goal for Salyer is to help raise awareness of JA and spark conversations between parents and children to discuss the skills learned in a real wold setting. Teaching children the difference between needs and wants; check balancing; and commerce are all important lessons students in the program learn.

And the courses can be applied to actual school credit. Salyer noted in class instructional time provided by volunteers from area businesses are designed to enrich student lessons without taking away from important daily lessons.

According to a notice posted in the Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce newsletter, Salyer celebrated her last day with the chamber on July. She is currently transitioning into her new role with JA. Salyer is the mother to Ashley Leon and Shane Leon and has three grandchildren. She and her husband reside on Yellow Lake near Warsaw.