Scott Maloney honored with Bridge Builder Award

Scott is a licensed graduate social worker who recently this year celebrated 25 years with Family Service Rochester. He began his career at FSR as a facilitator of the Family Involvement Strategies Program. For the past 10 years, he has served as Executive Director, leading the organization with vision, compassion, and a commitment to the community in which he has always called home.

Scott embodies the Principles of Partnership that Family Service Rochester has adopted as our pillars of culture, in everything he does. He leads with respect, listening first and waiting on judgments so that individuals and communities can define what they need most. He believes deeply that everyone has strengths and that people thrive when they share power and work together. These principles guide not only how Scott shows up as a leader, but how he shapes FSR’s culture and relationships across the community.

Under Scott’s leadership, Family Service Rochester has grown to serve thousands of individuals and families across southeastern Minnesota through more than 30 programs in 12 counties. He ensures services remain accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay, and that the organization stays deeply connected to community needs, always looking to step up where there may be gaps and when others turn to him as a trusted leader and partner.

Scott is a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He invites others to help educate and shape the work we do, leads strategic efforts, and fosters a workplace culture where staff truly feel respected, supported, and empowered. He is particularly passionate about employee wellbeing, making a truly employee and community-driven environment.

But the reason we are here today is that his leadership extends far beyond Family Service Rochester. Scott’s early interest in resource sharing helped spark the creation of the Nonprofit Consortium, and he continues to guide that collaborative group today. He regularly supports smaller organizations, offering mentorship, sharing resources, and even serving as a fiscal host for groups like Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.

During the pandemic, Scott’s commitment to our community was prevalent. He helped launch FSR FRESH to deliver food to families in need, expanded Meals on Wheels to reach isolated individuals, and partnered with local government and agencies to create the Incidental Command Center to provide essential goods to low-income families. While the world was shutting down, Scott made sure Family Service Rochester was leaning in, finding solutions, forging partnerships, and meeting emergent needs with compassion and action. Most recent he stepped up to offer supports and leadership when families in our community were challenged with SNAP benefits and food being cut.

Scott believes deeply in the power of people helping people. He strengthens connections across the community, supports new collaborative initiatives, and inspires others to step forward and be part of the solution.

While Scott is a very humble person and does not particularly like to be in the limelight, it is my honor to recognize him today because of the leader he is, one who unites, uplifts, and makes our community stronger. He truly deserves this recognition.

On behalf of all my colleagues, the individuals and families we serve, and our community Congratulations and thank you Scott.

The Rochester Bridge Builder Award, presented annually by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recognizes local individuals and leaders who foster understanding and cooperation across racial, social, economic, and religious divides for the benefit of the Rochester, MN community.