Shawn is an effective leader with the ability to motivate and inspire. Shawn's trauma informed approach has lead to an improved culture among those that have been entrusted to our care. His fiscal and organizational wisdom has resulted in increased efficiencies both on the operations and program side of our center allowing us to do a lot with limited resources. We have benefited greatly from his leadership.

Danny Anderson MSW, LCSW

Danny Anderson Counseling Services LLC

- - - - - - - - - -

I am writing to highly recommend Shawn DeBaar. During my tenure as the Pastoral Associate at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Branson, MO, I had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Shawn, who was assigned to the Salvation Army in Branson. Our collaboration was a testament to the power of unity between evangelical and Catholic communities in serving the greater good. Shawn's dedication to his ministry and his unwavering commitment to helping those in need were truly inspiring. His ability to bridge the gap between different faith communities and foster a spirit of cooperation was remarkable.

Together, we initiated and executed numerous projects aimed at supporting the homeless and impoverished members of our community. This partnership not only made a tremendous impact on the area but also demonstrated the strength and effectiveness of interfaith collaboration.

Shawn possesses exceptional leadership skills, a compassionate heart, and a strong sense of integrity. He consistently demonstrated his ability to manage complex projects, coordinate with various stakeholders, and deliver results that exceeded expectations. His innovative approach to problem-solving and his tireless work ethic were instrumental in the success of our joint efforts.

I am confident that Shawn will bring the same level of dedication, passion, and excellence to any position he undertakes. His ability to work across different faith communities and build meaningful relationships is a true asset.

I wholeheartedly endorse him.

Sincerely,

David J. Wright

_____________________

It is with immense pleasure and without reservation that I recommend Shawn DeBaar.  I have known Shawn for about 10 years and first met him when he came to lead the Salvation Army in Branson, Missouri, and we have kept in  touch since then.

During his time in Branson, I served on the board of the local Salvation Army and, I was consistently impressed by his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to community service, and genuine passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of others. Honestly, he walked into a mess and immediately began mending strained relationships and settling debts the organization had.

I marveled at the way he transformed the organization and drew people to the organization. He earned the respect of people and organizations around the community and successfully rebuilt the organization. Shawn possesses a unique blend of strategic vision and practical execution.

He is a natural leader who inspires and motivates those around him, fostering a collaborative and productive environment. His ability to build strong relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds is truly remarkable, and I have witnessed firsthand his talent for uniting people towards a common goal. Specifically, I have observed Shawn's:

Exceptional Leadership: Shawn consistently demonstrates the ability to lead with empathy, integrity, and decisiveness. He is a skilled communicator and a thoughtful problem-solver, capable of navigating complex challenges with grace and efficiency.

Strong Community Focus: Shawn's dedication to serving the Branson community was evident in his ability to work collaboratively. He possesses a deep understanding of the needs of the community and a genuine desire to address them.

Organizational and Strategic Skills:  Shawn is highly organized and possesses a strong understanding of organizational management. He is adept at developing and implementing strategic plans, managing budgets, and ensuring operational efficiency. I saw strong evidence of this during his tenure in Branson.

Relationship Building:  Shawn has a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His genuine warmth and empathy made him a trusted and respected member of the community and well liked by everyone.

I am confident that Shawn's skills, experience, and passion.  I wholeheartedly endorse Shawn DeBaar.

Sincerely

Sue R. Head, Ed.D

Vice president

College of the Ozarks

_____________________

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Shawn DeBaar. I had the pleasure of meeting Shawn while serving on the Advisory Board of The Salvation Army in Elkhart, IN, Shawn was the Executive Director. During his time in Elkhart, we worked closely together through various board activities, including executive committee meetings, regular board gatherings, fundraisers, and community events.

Shawn possesses a remarkable array of strengths that will be an asset to any organization he joins. His exceptional ability to collaborate with other organizations stands out prominently. A prime example of this was when Shawn initiated the idea of developing a coordinated committee of various stakeholders in Elkhart County to be better prepared for disasters to our area. Recognizing the needs of emergency responders and the community during crises in natural disasters, Shawn worked tirelessly to implement a solution. He collaborated with the board and volunteers to provide training and spearheaded a fundraising campaign to establish this initiative as a permanent part of our mission at The Salvation Army to build an emergency disaster services vehicle.. This effort demonstrated Shawn's capacity to address community needs while effectively coordinating efforts across multiple organizations and managing volunteers.

In his role with the Advisory Board, Shawn demonstrated exemplary leadership. Stepping into a leadership position with an established board can be challenging, yet Shawn approached it with thoughtfulness and respect. He invested time in understanding the personalities and strengths of board members, allowing him to align the right people with the right tasks. His leadership skills shone through as he navigated sensitive issues, fostering an environment conducive to the board's success. Coming from a financial background myself, I was particularly impressed by Shawn’s comprehensive understanding of and attention to the financial performance of our organization. Many non-profit leaders I have encountered lack business acumen or financial insight, often relying heavily on their board or treasurer. However, Shawn’s ability to unite a team and maintain a holistic view of the organization was truly refreshing.

Based on my experience working with Shawn, I highly recommend him to you. Having him on your team will undoubtedly guide you towards a prosperous future.

Sincerely,

Juli Meyer

Former Board Member

__________

I am writing to offer my enthusiastic recommendation for Shawn DeBaar. Having worked under Shawn's supervision for nearly three years at The Salvation Army in Cedar Rapids, IA, I have witnessed firsthand the significant impact he has made both within our organization and in the broader community.

When Shawn joined us, he was thrust into a challenging situation that required immediate leadership and decisive action. He not only addressed the pressing issues at hand but also succeeded in boosting team morale and implementing essential protocols and policies. Throughout his tenure, Shawn exemplified hard work, professionalism, empathy, and a consistently positive attitude.

Shawn's exceptional ability to focus on details and his knack for troubleshooting and problem-solving set him apart. He possesses a remarkable talent for identifying needs, anticipating potential challenges, evaluating available resources, and devising a strategic path forward. His skills were evident in tasks ranging from organizing student field trips in our youth programs to addressing complex situations like a local apartment fire that displaced numerous residents, many of whom faced physical or mental challenges.

Moreover, Shawn excelled at fostering a sense of community among staff and program participants. To this day, I am frequently asked about Shawn by students in our youth programs. Many of the practices established during his time here, such as off-site meetings for brainstorming and team-building, continue to benefit our organization.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Shawn DeBaar for any position, particularly an Executive Director role that demands thoughtful planning, strong leadership, keen insight, and wise foresight. I am confident that he will be a tremendous asset in the short term and possesses the requisite skills to drive future growth.

Sincerely,

Chad Feight

Youth Ministries Coordinator

The Salvation Army

__________

I am pleased to write this letter of personal recommendation for Shawn DeBaar to the leadership of your organization. In my role as a member of the Advisory Board for the Cedar Rapids, IA Salvation Army, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Shawn and observe his remarkable leadership, vision, and ability to connect with those we serve, particularly focusing on individuals with the greatest and most immediate needs in our community.

Shawn has an exceptional ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including community leaders, donors, and board members. His clear and concise communication style ensures that every interaction is both meaningful and productive. I especially admired his skill in adjusting the depth of information he shared with Board Members, providing timely updates that were detailed yet never overwhelming. This balance speaks volumes about his strategic vision.

Under Shawn’s leadership, our local Christmas fundraiser consistently exceeded the lofty fundraising goals set by Shawn, of which some board members were skeptical could be met. His talent in rallying community support, inspiring donors, engaging media stakeholders, and his unwavering determination were vital to this success of The Salvation Army in Cedar Rapids seeing consistent record-breaking fundraising years under his leadership.

Additionally, Shawn played a key role in modernizing various processes and initiatives within the local Salvation Army, ensuring that the organization continued to serve our community efficiently and effectively.

It has been a privilege to work alongside Shawn, and I appreciate your consideration of him for this role.

Sincerely,

Scott Drzycimski

- - - - - - - - - -

I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Shawn DeBaar. I have had the privilege of working as a direct report of Shawn’s and have witnessed firsthand his exceptional leadership qualities that sets him apart as an outstanding leader and professional.

Shawn is a leader who embodies the values of support, open-mindedness, and collaboration. His ability to create an inclusive and engaging environment enables team members to share ideas freely and feel valued in their contributions. He actively listens to others, ensuring that every voice is heard, and he takes thoughtful approaches to decision-making that reflect a deep understanding of the team's strengths and potential.

Shawn trusts his team and empowers them to take ownership of their responsibilities. This level of trust not only fosters confidence but also inspires creativity and innovation. Shawn’s willingness and ability to lean into out-of-the-box thinking has led to strategic solutions that have driven efficiency, growth, and success within the organization.

Under his leadership, The Salvation Army Thrift Stores have achieved remarkable sales growth and reduced expenses, all while maintaining a motivated and positive team morale.

Shawn’s ability to lead with vision, integrity, and empathy makes him an invaluable asset to any organization. His leadership goes beyond driving results—it cultivates a culture of growth, collaboration, and empowerment, where every team member feels supported and inspired to reach their full potential.

Nicole Decker

Director of Operations

The Salvation Army