Board Member Spotlight: Meet Ken Maddin- Co-Founder & Vice President, The Community Project

Behind every strong community organization, there’s someone quietly driving it forward with passion, humility, and heart. For The Community Project, that person is Ken Maddin —our Co-Founder and current Vice President.

Ken’s journey into service didn’t begin with a title or a plan. It began with a spark—an idea that bloomed into something bigger than he could have imagined.

A memory that shaped it all?

“The first year of our Christmas With Friends event,” Ken recalls. “I woke up one morning in November with the idea on my heart and told my wife immediately. Naturally, she had all the right questions—'Where? How? Who will help on Christmas Day?'—but I made a few phone calls, posted on Facebook, and within days… we had a location, a caterer, 50 volunteers, and donations rolling in. Our community showed up—without hesitation. That was the moment I knew: this place is truly special.”

Where does his passion come from?

“I think I was just born with it,” Ken says. From helping classmates in grade school to “adopting” families for Christmas with his wife, giving back has always been second nature. But one moment stands out:

“About twelve years ago, I met a homeless man at Lesko Park. What started as a conversation turned into a friendship—and it changed the way I saw homelessness. It changed me.”

And when he's not volunteering?

Chances are, Ken’s on his riding mower tending to the family property, watching classic Westerns, or hopping into the convertible with his wife to find a good "mom and pop" restaurant.

“I love Westerns—back when your word meant something. And we’re always up for a scenic drive and a good meal—just no chains or fancy places. Give us small-town charm any day.”

Go-to comfort food? No hesitation: pizza and ice cream.

“A good hand-tossed ham and pineapple pizza, followed by chocolate creamy whip... and life’s worries just melt away.”

Ken, thank you for being the steady, humble force behind so many of The Community Project’s successes. Your kindness, consistency, and quiet leadership continue to inspire us all.