Volunteer Odyssey, a pivotal platform for volunteer engagement in Memphis, today announced a significant leadership transition. Founder & CEO, Dr. Sarah Petschonek, is stepping down after more than a decade of dedicated service to focus on national disaster response efforts in Washington D.C. Caroline Norris will assume the role of President & CEO, bringing her extensive experience in the social impact sector to the forefront of the organization’s future.
Under Dr. Petschonek’s stewardship, Volunteer Odyssey has become a cornerstone of community service in Memphis, contributing over 500,000 hours of volunteer service and generating an economic impact exceeding $12 million. “Reflecting on the past 11 years, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the community’s engagement and the profound impact we’ve achieved together,” said Dr. Petschonek. “While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, I am thrilled to pass the torch to Caroline, who I am confident will lead Volunteer Odyssey into an exciting new chapter.”
Incoming President & CEO, Caroline Norris, who has been an active participant and supporter of Volunteer Odyssey since moving to Memphis, expressed her enthusiasm about her new role. “It’s an honor to step into this role and continue the incredible work Sarah has pioneered. My journey with Volunteer Odyssey started when I first moved here, and it profoundly shaped my connection to Memphis,” Norris stated. She brings a wealth of experience from her recent work at Shelby Farms Park, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and other local nonprofits.
With this transition, Volunteer Odyssey is also excited to continue their strategic partnership with cityCURRENT, which will introduce innovative programs and expand the organization’s reach and impact. “We are poised to bring fresh, transformative initiatives that will continue to engage our community and strengthen our collective pathway to purpose,” Norris added.
Volunteer Odyssey remains committed to its mission of connecting people with meaningful volunteer opportunities in Memphis and fostering a community dedicated to service. Both leaders look forward to seeing the organization reach new heights in the coming years.
For more information about Volunteer Odyssey and its programs, visit www.volunteerodyssey.com
Sarah’s Next Adventure
More than 11 years ago, I started a blog called Confessions of a Volunteer. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how far that simple idea would go.
What began as a solo mission has become a group quest. My personal journey has grown into Volunteer Odyssey as you know it now with more than 30,000 volunteers, dozens of partners, plus a stellar staff and board.
Last Fall, I spent time abroad volunteering to work alongside Ukrainian Refugees. The experience was profound and I knew this work would be part of my future story.
It’s bittersweet to share that it’s time for me to follow my next adventure and serve on a larger scale.
This summer I’m moving to Washington, D.C. to pursue a career in international disaster response.
My board and I knew we’d have to find the right person to step in and guide our programs into the next chapter. Luckily, we found the perfect fit.
I am thrilled to introduce you to my friend, colleague, and life-long volunteer, Caroline Norris. For those of you who’ve already met Caroline, you know she has the nonprofit skills, passion for service, and the energy to charge forward. I’ll let her tell you more!
– Dr. Sarah Petschonek
New Face, Same Foundation
This is really a full-circle moment for me, and I couldn’t be more excited to build on the foundation that Sarah has laid to take Volunteer Odyssey into its next decade.
When I moved to Memphis 8 years ago, I became a Volunteer Odyssey user to find ways to serve my new hometown and meet new people. Since then, I’ve served at local nonprofits as a volunteer, as a board member, and as an employee. This has given me the opportunity to experience the partner-side of Volunteer Odyssey, leveraging its organized platform, audience, and programmatic best practices. Most recently I led the Sales + Events team at Shelby Farms Park, where we utilized the platform to regularly post opportunities critical to our operations and fundraising. I’ve seen how important this organization is from every angle and am honored to carry forward the legacy of connecting our community through volunteerism.
Volunteer Odyssey is already standing on very solid ground and fills several critical needs in our city. I’m really excited about what the future holds for us, especially with our new strategic partnership with cityCURRENT. I hope to bring my almost 20 years of experience in business development, operations, and finance to offer some new perspectives and fresh ideas. We already have some innovative programs that will be ready to launch soon, so watch for more updates!
I know that you all have helped add bricks to this foundation and Volunteer Odyssey would not be what it is without you and your commitment to serving Memphis. Together, we will continue to make a difference, and I look forward to meeting many of you and working together on our pathway to purpose.
-Caroline Norris
Introduce Yourself to Caroline
