(KLZA)--There are certain specific traits that make up the ideal candidate for board membership on a charitable, non-profit organization like the Peru State College Foundation. Its newest director, Alec Gorynski, pretty much checks all the boxes.

Gorynski, who recently joined the Greater Omaha Chamber and Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership as its Senior Vice President for Economic Development, began his three-year term on the volunteer Peru State Foundation board in May. He is, in the words of Foundation Chair Jeff Greenwald (‘71), “as close to a perfect fit as we could hope for.”

A 2007 graduate of Peru State and until July President and Chief Executive Officer of the Lincoln Community Foundation, Gorynski has always retained a deep affection for his alma mater. His resume reflects progressive growth, be it in finance, economic development, government, or non-profit philanthropic groups.

Gorynski understands the unique demands of work in the public sector, having twice worked in Omaha city government. While the Peru State Foundation is not a public agency, Peru State College itself certainly is, and his experience will be valuable.

“I am a proud alumnus of Peru State College. With my professional experience in philanthropy, it will allow me to contribute to my alma mater,” Gorynski said. “The Foundation has done a great job of raising funds for students and the campus; I’d like to help add some structure to the fundraising strategy.”

Gorynski had led the $225 million Lincoln Community Foundation for the past two and a half years, managing a staff of nearly 20 professionals whose mission involves inspiring the community to give, act, and lead.

In other words, Gorynski knows firsthand how successful non-profits work. The Peru State College Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation whose only mission is to provide assistance and support for Peru State College, established in 1867 as Nebraska- first public institution of higher education. The Peru State College Foundation has over $22 million in assets and is led by an all-volunteer board and a staff of four.

Prior to his work with the Lincoln Community Foundation, Gorynski was Vice President of Community Development, Corporate Philanthropy and Social Responsibility for First National Bank of Omaha, President of the FNBO Community Development Corporation, Vice President for Community Affairs at Bank of the West, and Deputy Grant Administrator for the City of Omaha Mayor- Office.

Community service is at the heart and soul of a successful non-profit, and Gorynski has helped found three community development financial institutions. He- been appointed by the Nebraska Governor to two state boards, and has held numerous board, officer, and committee roles with multiple foundations and community development organizations.

A native of Lincoln who grew up in Topeka, Kan., he learned of Peru State when a high school friend and his family moved to Southeast Nebraska. The friend was headed to Peru State, and his family invited Gorynski to live with them while attending Peru State.

“The size of the campus” was a big attraction for Gorynski, “The small student body gave me an opportunity to get to know a lot of people.”

Though a criminal justice student, Gorynski had “the opportunity to be involved in a lot - theatre, student government, intramurals - and I had a great relationship with my professors.”

Current professional community service activities include treasurer for the Nebraska Arts Council and President for NAC Development Corporation, and board member for Public Art Lincoln, and Lincoln Community Learning Centers. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Gorynski and his wife Laura have three children, Jamie, Ben, and Claire.