Love Community Center Team
Behind every program and service at Love Community Center is a passionate team dedicated to serving our community. Our team brings together expertise from education, wellness, social services, and community engagement to create a space where everyone feels welcome. Get to know the friendly faces working hard to make Love Community Center a vibrant resource for all.
Zuzana Smith, Love Community Center Executive Director
Zuzana “Zuzi” Smith brings over seven years of experience managing outdoor recreation properties to her role as the first director of the Love Community Center (LCC). Her expertise spans facility management, budget oversight, hospitality, staff development, and community collaboration.
Originally from Slovakia, Zuzi grew up with a deep appreciation for community and hard work, values that align perfectly with LCC’s mission. She and her family recently moved to Rush County from Utah, excited to embrace a simpler life on their newly purchased farmhouse.
A passionate advocate for building community, Zuzi’s leadership style is warm, approachable, and inclusive. “If I had to pick one word to describe myself, it would be ‘host,’” she reflects. “Creating welcoming spaces where people can connect and thrive is what drives me.”
Outside of work, Zuzi enjoys outdoor adventures, cooking, and volunteering with her family. Her vision is for the Love Community Center to be a vibrant, inclusive space where everyone feels valued and at home.
Why do you LOVE your job? “I can do everything I am passionate about doing. I can interact with the community and create new experiences,” Zuzana said. “I love seeing the direct impact the Love Community Center has on the community through my position.”
Sandra Walter, Rush County Recreation Center Manager
Sandra spent the first six (6) years of her career in education in Rushville Indiana. She was a mathematics teacher, track coach and assistant athletic director. After completing her master’s degree, Sandra left Rushville, the classroom, coaching, and newfound family to pursue her career as an athletic administrator. Twelve years were spent at Lawrence Central High School before joining the IHSAA staff as an Assistant Commissioner.
“When the opportunity to return to Rushville was presented, it was truly a full-circle moment. The connections from my first days at Rushville (i.e. Chris May, Rush County Foundation Executive Director - incidentally an excellent geometry student and Christie Love, former Executive Director of the Lawrence Township Foundation) transcended my entire career path and have ironically led me back to Rushville and the Love Community Center. The opportunity was too perfect, the work too close to my heart not to pursue. I am humbled to have been offered the position and look forward to working for Zuzana Smith to once again serve the community of Rushville. I look forward to reconnecting with so many family members.”
Why do you LOVE your job? “This facility is community built and community based, and it is a joy to work here,” Sandra said.
Nikki Kirchoff, Rushville Public Library
Nickki Kirchoff has been the director of the Rushville Public Library for 5 years. Prior to her current position, she was a school librarian for 20 years, serving the Metropolitan School District of Pike Township, Shelbyville Middle School, Rushville Consolidated High School and Blue River School District.
Nikki is originally from Pretty Lake, Indiana and moved to Rush County in July 2006. She is married to her husband, Andy, and has one son, Jacob.
If you are ever looking for something, Nikki is the person to go to. “I don’t know all the answers, but I know where to find all the answers,” she said.
Why do you LOVE your job? “I love my job because it brings people together. The library is a community builder, which brings people together to talk about lots of things!”
Darilyn Bedel, Rush County Community Assistance Food Pantry
Bio and photo to come soon!
Jenny McCarrell, Firefly Children & Family Alliance
Jenny McCarrell is the director of Firefly Children and Family Alliance. She has served in the director role since 2019. Prior to becoming the director of Firefly, she worked as a case manager. SHe has been with Firefly since 2011.
Why do you LOVE your job? “I love seeing families overcome challenges and the genuine connections that happen in this field,” Jenny said. “I like collaborating with community partners and brainstorming ways to provide new and innovative support to families.
