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History
In the Spring of 2002 Rich Leimsider first considered the possibilities in launching an association for national service alums. By the Spring of 2003, just 12 months later, a small team had invested thousands of hours of research—including hundreds of interviews with alumni and service organizations—and submitted their work to the Harvard Business School Business Plan Contest. The judges were as enthusiastic about the plan as the team members, and awarded them Finalist status.

The National Service Alumni Network (NSAN) was launched in the summer of 2003. NSAN has quickly received its first grants, hired staff, and established an office. Dozens of service organizations and nonprofits are establishing formal partnerships, and thousands of alumni are ready to sign up. NSAN has also been integral in the ongoing effort to Save AmeriCorps by protecting federal funding for national service.

About the Founder
Rich Leimsider has been living within the national service “industry” for years—many friends and family members have participated in AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, and religious service programs. Rich is himself a national service alum, having participated in New York City’s Urban Fellowship from 1998-1999. He spent his fellowship year working with New York’s Department of Homeless Services.

After his service year, Rich continued to be surrounded by national service. He worked along side AmeriCorps members as a guidance counselor in Austin, Texas, and spent time with alums when he managed a leadership development nonprofit.

Rich spent his second year of business school building the model for NSAN. He personally conducted most of the interviews with alumni and service providers that provided the basis for the original business plan.

Rich has his BA, cum laude, from Williams College, and his MBA from Harvard Business School. Contact him at rich@nsan.org