A servant leader in a community will have a behavior characteristic based on the desire to serve others before oneself. A behavior that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and builds better caring communities.
This past Thursday evening our community lost a servant leader with the sudden passing of Adam Holder.
Adam was a life-long resident of Freeport and a Principal Partner with Fehr Graham Engineering & Environmental. Beyond his professional work, Adam served most recently on the Freeport Planning Commission, Freeport Park District Foundation and coached youth sports at Aquin Catholic Schools and Stix. Previously Adam served on the Freeport Chamber of Commerce Board and former Northwest Illinois Development Alliance, both of which make up in part the Greater Freeport Partnership today. Adam also served at Highland Community College where he taught an introduction to Engineering from 2008-21012.
I, along with other staff at the Partnership, have had the honor to work closely with Adam on several projects and witnessed firsthand how Adam was a listener first, and then led with his calm collaborating skills that helped drive to solutions that were best for the community.
The sudden passing of Adam was a shock felt throughout the community because of the lives that Adam impacted, worked with and coached; both young and old. It is a leadership void that will be hard to fill. However, the shock we are feeling in the community does not compare to the deep loss and grief that Adam’s family is going through.
On behalf of the Greater Freeport Partnership staff and Board of Directors, we ask that our Partners, members and whoever receives this message, hold Adam’s wife Jennifer and his children Jackson, Emma, Megan, and Andrew, along with other family members, in your thoughts and prayers and provide support as they take this journey of grief and healing. We will be forever grateful for the time Adam shared in service, friendship and leadership to the Partnership and our community. He will be missed.
Mark Williams
Greater Freeport Partnership
Executive Director
