A Legacy of Leadership: Sam Skillern Reflects on 28 Years with Salem Leadership Foundation

As Sam Skillern III prepares to step down as Executive Director of the Salem Leadership Foundation (SLF) at the end of December, his nearly three decades of service reveal a profound legacy of community-building and collaborative leadership. Skillern’s career, shaped by experiences in Salem and Seattle, underscores the importance of fostering connections and empowering others to serve.

“Every milepost on my employment journey…served to prepare me for the job of executive director at SLF,” says Skillern, reflecting on his career path. From running a business as a college student to working in public relations and nonprofit roles, each step contributed to his skill set for leading SLF.

Skillern didn’t initially envision himself in a leadership role. “When Jane Arst offered to sell me the public-relations business in 1994, I told her, ‘I don’t see myself running my own organization,’” he recalls. Yet, circumstances propelled him forward, first as a consultant and later as SLF’s inaugural hire. Over time, he developed his leadership style, guided by lessons from those he served and learned from.

A pivotal moment came in 2011 when SLF faced financial struggles during the lingering aftermath of the 2008 economic downturn. Skillern and the board implemented an innovative solution: a temporary “plant idle” to raise funds. “We took the month of August off…and began seeking funding by telling the business-metaphor story to donors,” he shares. The approach resonated with supporters, allowing SLF to avoid layoffs while reinforcing its mission.

Under Skillern’s leadership, SLF has focused on being a connector rather than a direct-service provider. One of its hallmark initiatives is the Churches as Neighborhood (CaN) Centers network, which brings together faith-based and secular organizations to serve local communities. Through this collaboration, SLF has supported programs like Salem Free Clinics, Church@the Park, and Salem for Refugees.

“Most of the programs stay small and neighborhood-based, but some take flight and grow into major programs,” Skillern explains. These initiatives exemplify SLF’s ethos: empowering others to lead while addressing critical community needs.

Skillern’s ability to harmonize diverse perspectives has been instrumental in resolving community challenges. He recounts facilitating dialogue between developers, neighbors, and Salem Alliance Church during the City of Salem’s North Downtown Plan. “Through SLF and the Grant Neighborhood Association, I helped convene meetings…which led to significant improvements in the projects’ design and use,” he says. Today, these developments are seen as assets to the neighborhood.

As Skillern transitions out of his role, his vision for the community remains optimistic. “We need hope and we need action,” he says. He emphasizes the importance of local engagement—whether through mentoring, neighborhood associations, or simply helping a neighbor.

For aspiring leaders, Skillern offers two key pieces of advice: “Show up and stick with it” and “Learn to embrace and tell the stories of others.” These principles, he believes, foster authentic connections that transform communities and individuals alike.

Skillern’s faith has been a guiding force throughout his journey. “I rely on God’s help daily,” he says. His legacy at SLF, characterized by resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to service, leaves an indelible mark on Salem and beyond.