By Mary Podlesny
What would we do without a little help from our friends?
We must thank Ernie Ackermann for his years of hard work as a Board member and volunteer for Mental Health America of FXBG. He is our go-to guy for help with our walks, our fundraisers, and anything we ask of him.
Ernie is a professor emeritus of computer science at the University of Mary Washington. We are so glad he shares his time and efforts with us since retiring.
He is a passionate advocate for mental health in the Fredericksburg community. He is one of our best ambassadors–he understands the mission of MHAF and knows our programs in detail. Ernie is also always happy to educate the community about who we are and what we do. He has hosted events on our behalf at his home, and he and his wife Lynn are some of the hardest working volunteers at our events.
Ernie recognizes the importance of fundraising to a nonprofit organization such as MHAF and has been a tireless champion in that regard. He has brought a whole network of supporters to us–those who give their time, talents and financial resources. He has been invaluable in this regard.
Ernie’s skill and understanding of technology and the importance of an online presence have advanced us by leaps and bounds in the past several years. He helps coordinate our website, online giving platform, walk registrations, online raffles, online marketing and everything in between.
Ernie is also the resident Board historian. He knows our bylaws and articles of incorporation better than anyone. He keeps us straight and has incredible institutional memory.
We would not be where we are without Ernie, his kindness, and his endless support of our organization. Thank you, Ernie!