Jami Marcum Promoted to Lead Community Development, Childcare Efforts at Dubois Strong

Dubois Strong has promoted Jami Marcum to the newly created role of Community Development Coordinator, a move intended to strengthen countywide efforts in childcare, talent attraction and retention, and overall community development. The promotion was announced with the role effective Monday, January 19, 2026.

In this position, Jami Marcum will oversee and advance initiatives aimed at improving quality of place and supporting workforce pipelines across Dubois County. Marcum joined Dubois Strong in August 2023 as office manager and quickly became a central organizer for collaborative projects such as the Childcare Taskforce, the Boys & Girls Club committee, and the Tour of Opportunity. Those prior duties and partnerships are expected to inform her expanded responsibilities.

“I’m deeply thankful for this opportunity and the trust placed in me as I step into this new role,” Jami said. “I look forward to growing in this position, connecting with our community, supporting local initiatives, and fostering opportunities that drive the county’s growth and continued success.”

Executive Director Colten Pipenger framed the promotion as a strategic adjustment for the organization. “Jami has been an incredible asset to our organization, and I cannot think of a better person to lead our community development efforts,” Executive Director Colten Pipenger shared. “This change positions Dubois Strong to strengthen and balance our community development and economic development responsibilities, allowing us to better support long-term progress and deliver meaningful results for the entire county.”

Local residents should expect more coordinated efforts around childcare capacity and programs that make Dubois County a more attractive place for workers and families. Expanding childcare and supporting after-school and youth programs are central to keeping employers staffed and parents able to work, and Marcum’s background with the Childcare Taskforce and Boys & Girls Club committee positions her to move those conversations into implementation and partnership-building.

The promotion also signals an organizational shift toward balancing community-facing development with economic development goals. Dubois Strong plans to align resources and partners to support sustainable growth, and Marcum’s role will focus on bringing stakeholders together to set priorities and measure progress.

For Dubois County residents, the change means a named leader responsible for shepherding local childcare solutions and talent-attraction initiatives. Until concrete project timelines are published, community groups and employers involved in childcare and workforce planning can look to Marcum as a primary contact for coordination and collaboration. Her leadership will be an important factor in the county’s efforts to improve quality of life and strengthen the local workforce in the months and years ahead.