Joanne Muckenhoupt, Director of Development

jmuckenhoupt [at] coastbus.org (jmuckenhoupt[at]coastbus[dot]org)

What is your role at COAST?

You will find me collaborating with the Executive Director, board, and staff to support the mission of the organization. I'm committed to strengthening relationships with our donors, growing our community of supporters, and creating a strategy that will ensure the future of COAST.  It's a privilege and a source of inspiration to do this work alongside such a passionate team, all united by a shared vision of accessible public transportation on the seacoast.

What is your first memory of public transit?

Growing up in rural New Hampshire, I had little exposure to public transportation. That changed when our dad took us on a trip to New York City.  Wide-eyed and amazed, my siblings and I experienced buses and subways for the first time. It was unlike anything we had ever seen!

What is something unique about you?

I’ve always been creative, and with our home doubling as an art studio, inspiration is everywhere. I enjoy making jewelry, transforming junk mail into stationery, crafting mixed media pieces, and recycling paper into clay and creating light fixtures and bowls. When not consumed with fundraising strategies, you may find me immersed in one of these projects, covered in glue, paint, or paper shreds, and loving every minute of it.

What is one thing you love about your career?

Working in the nonprofit field reminds me every day that we are a part of something greater than ourselves. I love feeling united in purpose, driven by compassion, and standing in solidarity with those in need. The heart of this work is not only about what we do, but about the bonds we form, the lives we touch, and the communities we help to strengthen together.

What is one thing everyone should know about COAST?

COAST is a unique and diverse organization with a high level of commitment to public transportation in the Seacoast region. The community has an opportunity to support this commitment by becoming a COAST donor!