FIRM FOUNDATION
New director Moser: ‘I don’t feel like there’s ever been a better time to be a Dodger’

Nik Moser spent nearly a decade learning the ins and outs of the Fort Dodge Community Schools Foundation as an active board member.

Today, the 2001 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate officially returns to the organization as its new director.

“I was fortunate enough to serve on the board for nine years and really see the positive impact it has on the community,” Moser said. “The board believes in the district, its teachers and its students; we’re proud of the work we do, and everything we are able to provide in and around the classroom.

“We offer so much in Fort Dodge that other surrounding communities and schools can’t because of our size and resources. The Foundation plays a pivotal role in that. I’m looking forward to this challenge. I don’t feel like there’s ever been a better time to be a Dodger.”

Moser graduated from Iowa State University in 2005, then moved back to town with his wife, Katie. With three sons now in the district — fifth-grader Sam, second-grader Lou and first-grader Mack — Moser’s investment through his new position is both professional and personal.

“We’re definitely heading in the right direction as a district,” said Moser, who also has 11 years of service as a FDCSD finance committee member under his belt. “We have an outstanding administrative team in place, from (FDCSD superintendent) Dr. (Jesse) Ulrich on down. It really inspires the leader in me to get more directly involved. My job will be to make myself consistently visible and present in the district, whether it’s spending time in the classroom, meeting with teachers, or simply having conversations about how we can improve the overall student experience.

“My door will always be open; the relationship (with the FDCSD) is a two-way street.”

FDCS Foundation board president Jennifer Pederson was able to see Moser’s passion and vision for Fort Dodge first-hand during his first stint with the organization. His return as director will be a “phenomenal asset” to the group moving forward, according to Pederson.

“Not only because of Nik’s financial background (Moser has most recently served as a vice president at Great Western Bank), but given his working knowledge of who we are, what we do and why,” Pederson said. “Plus, Nik is a die-hard Dodger. His family has a long-standing, vested interest in our community and our schools.

“Nik will bring great ideas on how to handle a capital campaign and how to fundraise to the table. We are extremely fortunate to have him back on board with us, and we’re excited about both the immediate and long-term potential he brings to the organization. He believes in our mission.”

As the full-time director of the FDCS Foundation, Moser will concentrate on marketing, fundraising, donor cultivation, on-site development and relationship building within the district, and communication activities. Moser will also captain the annual “Go Big, Go Dodgers” event, which attracted over 400 people and raised more than $80,000 in 2019.

This year’s “Go Big, Go Dodgers” event is April 3 at Fort Frenzy.

Moser, a 2014 Fort Dodge Senior High Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, is replacing Jodi Martin at the helm.

The FDCS Foundation was formed in 1985 to provide supplemental support to FDCS students and faculty through generous donations, fundraisers and business partnerships.

“The Foundation helps to bridge the gap and provide opportunities for students that may not otherwise be available,” Moser said. “I’ve seen the tangible impact first-hand through my own kids. Whether it’s utilizing a new technology, going to a conference, taking a trip … we see a lot of cool, new experiences come to fruition because of this organization. That’s incredibly meaningful.”

Moser’s parents, Sam and Sharon, live in Fort Dodge.

FEB 17, 2020
ERIC PRATT
Sports Editor
epratt@messengernews.net