Crystal Kroeller
Crystal Kroeller is a seasoned nonprofit leader and the Executive Director of Camp Rosenbaum Fund, where she brings more than a decade of experience in program development, fundraising, operations, and community partnership building. Under her leadership, Camp Rosenbaum delivers life-changing camp and mentorship experiences to youth from low-income families across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Crystal oversees the organization’s strategic direction and daily operations, working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and partners to ensure strong governance, financial stewardship, and mission-driven impact. Throughout her tenure with Camp Rosenbaum, beginning as a volunteer and progressing to Project Manager, Program Director, and now Executive Director, she has led large-scale fundraising initiatives, managed complex budgets, secured grant funding, and coordinated multi-agency partnerships with housing authorities, schools, public safety agencies, and community organizations.
In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Crystal has served for over ten years on the Civil Service Commission Board for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, where she supports fair and equitable hiring practices and upholds standards of integrity in public service. Her operational expertise is complemented by strong technical proficiency in tools such as QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Greater Giving, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with certifications in QuickBooks Pro & Payroll and Mailchimp Essential Training. She is also a Youth Mental Health First Aid–certified leader, reinforcing her commitment to supporting the whole child.
At the heart of Crystal’s work is a deep dedication to equity, mentorship, and opportunity. She is passionate about creating programs that empower young people, strengthen communities, and leave a lasting positive impact, while uplifting the teams and partners who make that work possible. Whether guiding organizational strategy or advocating for youth-centered collaboration, Crystal leads with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of access and support to change lives.
• Youth Mental Health First Aid
• Portland State University- B.A.Sc.
• Associates in Information Systems at the Community College of the Air Force
• Civil Service Comissioner for the Clark County Sheriff's Office
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, hard work, and the discipline I developed through military service, paired with a deep passion for serving children, families, and communities. Beginning as a volunteer and committing to continuous learning allowed me to grow into leadership roles with humility and purpose. I have been fortunate to learn from mentors, colleagues, and community partners who believed in my potential and encouraged me to lead with integrity, compassion, and accountability. Above all, my success comes from staying mission-focused, listening closely to those we serve, and showing up consistently for the people and communities who place their trust in our work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to lead with integrity, stay grounded in service, and never stop learning from the people around you. Mentors in both the military and nonprofit communities taught me that leadership is not about titles or authority, but about consistency, accountability, and caring deeply about the people you serve. That guidance has shaped every role I have taken on and continues to remind me that lasting impact comes from putting purpose before ego and growth before comfort.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this field to be patient with the process, persistent in their purpose, and confident in the value they bring, even before they hold the title they aspire to. Early in my career, I was told “not right now” more than once, but I chose to keep showing up, building skills, and contributing as if I were already in the role I hoped to earn. Sometimes the path forward is not immediate, but consistent effort, curiosity, and a willingness to serve will open doors over time. Believe in your potential, advocate for yourself, and remember that leadership often begins long before it is formally recognized.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in youth-focused nonprofits is finding steady funding while running programs that are highly seasonal and labor-intensive. The need to serve more children than ever before continues to grow, but like many organizations, we are doing so with small teams, limited administrative support, and constant pressure to raise the next dollar. It can be difficult to balance long-term planning with the day-to-day reality of keeping programs running well and safely.
At the same time, there are real opportunities in building strong partnerships, sharing stories that show the true impact of this work, and finding new ways to reach families who might not otherwise have access to these programs. When organizations collaborate and stay focused on quality and relationships, we can expand services, strengthen communities, and create meaningful change for young people and their families.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, service, compassion, and perseverance. I believe strongly in doing what is right, keeping my word, and showing up consistently for the people and communities who place their trust in me. Service guides both my professional and personal life, and I am deeply committed to fairness, access, and creating opportunities for children and families who may not otherwise have them. I value lifelong learning, meaningful relationships, and leading with empathy, knowing that the way we treat people matters just as much as the outcomes we achieve.