Neighboring Movement co-founder celebrates 10 years of impact and names interim executive director.

The Neighboring Movement, a Wichita-based nonprofit dedicated to sparking a cultural shift from scarcity to abundance by discovering, connecting, and mobilizing the unique gifts of neighbors, today announced that Co-Founder and Executive Director Adam Barlow-Thompson will step out of day-to-day leadership on March 17 after a decade of transformative service. The organization's board of directors has appointed Associate Director Amy Draut as Interim Executive Director, effective immediately upon Barlow-Thompson's departure.

Barlow-Thompson co-founded The Neighboring Movement alongside Matt and Catherine Johnson and Ashley Barlow-Thompson with a simple but powerful belief: that connection, presence, and asset-based leadership could reshape a neighborhood. Over the past ten years, that belief took root in the South Central (SoCe) neighborhood of Wichita, growing from conversations in living rooms and on front porches into a movement that has cultivated neighborhood-based leadership, built lasting relationships across South Broadway, advanced a model that blends social fabric and economic development, and helped position SoCe as a community on the cusp of lasting transformation.

"Ten years ago, a small group of us believed that good neighbors could change the world — and this community proved us right," said Barlow-Thompson. "The Neighboring Movement does not belong to me. It belongs to every staff member, board member, volunteer, donor, and neighbor who poured themselves into this work alongside us. I leave knowing it is in exactly the right hands."

Amy Draut brings deep organizational knowledge and a genuine commitment to The Neighboring Movement's mission to her new interim role. As Associate Director, she has been instrumental in strengthening the organization's internal systems and operations, building the infrastructure that will carry TNM into its next season of growth.

"I’m excited to have contributed to The Neighboring Movement's five-year strategic plan, which lays a strong foundation for future success,” said Draut. “Our commitment to our neighbors and fostering relationships remains central to our mission. I look forward to advancing our goals during this transitional period."

The Neighboring Movement's board of directors expressed full confidence in the transition and in Draut's leadership.

"Adam's vision and relationships helped make The Neighboring Movement one of Wichita's most distinctive community development efforts," said Dallas Owen, Board President. "The board is grateful for everything he has built, and we are equally excited about what Amy will bring to this role. The organization is strong, and our mission has never been more relevant."

Barlow-Thompson will continue to serve in a defined capacity as Manager of the SoCe Economic Development Group, LLC, ensuring continuity for current neighborhood development projects during the transition.

The Neighboring Movement's core programs and community commitments remain fully active. The board will launch a search for a permanent Executive Director in the near future and anticipates naming a new leader later this year.

Read the letter from Adam Barlow-Thompson here.