As executive director, Lynch is responsible for helping to sustain the Community House as a civic, social and cultural community center.
While she was looking to return to work after a long stretch of staying at home as a full-time mother, Moorestown resident Caryn Lynch was sent a Facebook post from friends about the recent opening for an executive director of the Moorestown Community House. Her friends knew she would be a perfect fit, and they were right, seeing as she has now filled the position.
As executive director, Lynch is responsible for helping to sustain the Community House as a civic, social and cultural community center. Although this is an all-encompassing position, she is no stranger to success in her professional, personal and community life.
“I am a positive, motivational leader. I believe in a collaborative way of leading — empowering others to step up and lead,” said Lynch, who grew up in Haddon Heights. “I strongly believe in creating a positive work environment in which everyone feels good about coming to work and is proud of their contributions.”
Professionally, she has worked for former Gov. Whitman’s Office of Constituent Relations and the Briefings Office, most notably as director of the Briefings Office and as director of government relations for the Delaware River and Bay Authority. With her education in nonprofit management and public administration, public sector and management experience and her passion for nonprofit work, Lynch, who is well-versed on government programs, community development and public finance, has stood out as a leader in her line of work.
To come into these influential positions, she earned a degree in political science from Trenton State College in 1996, and completed a graduate program in public policy and public management from the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. She attended these graduate classes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday so it would not interrupt her career.
Along with balancing and maintaining her career, Lynch also places value on her family, comprised of her husband of 16 years, Patrick, and three children, Grace, 14, Ryan, 11, and Charlotte, 8.
Yet, it was in 2008 when her oldest daughter was about to start kindergarten when the family decided to relocate to Moorestown for its strong sense of community, beauty, charm and excellent school system. Her three children are all in different Moorestown Township Public Schools, keeping Lynch constantly running around.
“Like many of you, we put a lot of thought into our move to Moorestown. I share your passion for this town, its rich history and its amazing offerings,” Lynch said. “I absolutely love our little town and call many of its residents my friends.”
Lynch has been very active in Moorestown Home and School and is a fundraiser and volunteer with Sean Fischel Connect, Inc. Lynch is also a recreation softball and field hockey coach, an active volunteer for Live Civilly, the Moorestown Ministerium Food Pantry and Project Night Night and is team captain for the Pedal With a Purpose Spinathon to benefit the YMCA.
“My family and I also frequent our wonderful local restaurants and small businesses, and I adore the Moorestown Library, Perkins Center for the Arts, the Recreation Center and all our of great ball fields,” Lynch said. “ I feel right at home in our four wonderful schools, which have provided my children with a top-notch education thus far, but my favorite place is the Community House, of course.”
She said she has cherished the Community House ever since her family had her grandfather’s 75th birthday party there in 1995. Lynch said she has also enjoyed many events at the Community House, including the annual tree-lighting, the annual Wine Tasting event, free movie nights, comedy nights, concerts on the lawn, scarecrow making on Autumn in Moorestown Day, Home and School fundraisers and the Moorestown tradition known as Dance Assembly.
While in the past she has frequented the Community House, which has been open for more than 90 years, in her new role, she plans to continually evaluate the space and look for ways to enhance the interior and exterior of the building while maintaining its historic roots. Although the Community House is still undergoing changes due to the Nov. 17, 2015, fire that caused damage to the building, Lynch is excited to showcase a new bridal suite, improved Club Room, Executive Boardroom and fully equipped modernized kitchen, among other changes in the near future.
“I am eager to get out in the community and talk about the Community House — what we do and our vision for the future. I will look to attend local business and nonprofit meetings and community events,” Lynch said. “I am excited to reach out to existing and potential donors and spread the word about the wonderful opportunities that exist here.”
Lynch says she also looks forward to collaborating with nonprofits and community leaders in the coming years, especially seeing as she has many positive relationships with small business owners, community leaders and residents, to fulfill the Community House’s mission to strengthen Moorestown and its surrounding areas. She is also hoping to expand the center’s programs, organize a volunteer program and welcome even more people through its doors.
“I am very honored to have been entrusted to lead the growth and vision of Moorestown’s most beloved and unique treasure. I am especially thrilled that I was able to take time out from my career to raise my three children and immerse myself in the community, and then easily transition back to a career doing what I love,” Lynch said. “I look forward to welcoming each and every one of you to the Community House, whether you’re an old friend or a new one.”
