Introducing Jana Anderson: Sustaining success through purpose-driven leadership

The Miracle-Ear Foundation has long provided hearing health solutions to people who may otherwise go without. With the appointment of its new Director, Jana Anderson, the Foundation is poised to build on that legacy with fresh perspective and renewed energy. With more than 15 years of experience at Miracle-Ear and a deep commitment to service, Jana brings a blend of heart, strategy, and vision to her new role.

A journey fueled by purpose

Jana’s path to leading the Miracle-Ear Foundation was not a conventional one. After building her career on the corporate side of Miracle-Ear, she found herself yearning for a new challenge and a deeper sense of purpose.

"I was drawn to the mission of the Miracle-Ear Foundation and the legacy being built," Jana shares. "I had visibility into the nonprofit side through volunteer work and knew it was where I could make a real impact."

Nine years ago, she transitioned to the Foundation, where she took on various roles and challenges, always looking for the next opportunity to grow. Determined to deepen her understanding of the nonprofit sector, Jana pursued a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and management at Metro State University—a journey she completed while balancing full-time work and the challenges of the pandemic.

"I didn’t just want experience; I wanted to learn the ins and outs, the textbook version," she says. "That education has helped shape how I approach leadership today."

A passion for service

From the outset, Jana’s work with the Foundation aligned with her lifelong passion for service—creating meaningful change not only for individuals receiving hearing aids, but for their families and communities as well.

"I’ve always had a service-oriented mindset—raising money for cancer research, volunteering at animal rescues, captaining diabetes walks—but working here, I saw firsthand how hearing aids change lives," she explains.

She recalls a moment early in her time with the Foundation when she assisted a young man named Travis during a mission event in Selma, Alabama. As they worked through the intake forms, it was clear that his hearing loss made communication a real challenge. Simple questions had to be repeated, and he often relied on reading lips or gestures. After receiving his hearing aids, he returned to the lobby with a beaming smile and simply said, “I can hear you now."

"It was such a simple moment, but it captured the life-changing power of what we do," Jana remembers.

Vision for the future

Now, as Director, Jana’s focus is clear: removing barriers that prevent the Foundation from fully realizing its mission. Rather than arriving with a list of directives, she’s committed to listening—to recipients, partners, and volunteers—to identify friction points and opportunities for growth.

"My goal is to amplify the purpose behind everything we do," she says. "That means increasing access to hearing health care, particularly in underserved communities.”

One of the ways the Foundation is doing this is by expanding mission events in areas without easy access to hearing services. A recent initiative will bring hearing care to the Grand Portage area in Minnesota, serving indigenous populations in partnership with local tribal nations.

Jana also emphasizes the importance of building stronger partnerships—both within Miracle-Ear stores and with external organizations that serve populations living with challenging medical or social conditions. She believes that enhancing these collaborations will extend the Foundation’s reach and deepen its impact

Tackling challenges head-on

Jana is also realistic about the challenges ahead. Chief among them is the persistent stigma surrounding hearing loss.

People often associate hearing aids with aging or a loss of vitality," she explains. "But the reality is that hearing loss touches people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles. It affects children, young adults, working professionals, parents, and retirees alike. We’re working to change that narrative by highlighting real stories and celebrating the lives transformed by our services.”

Another challenge lies in raising awareness about the Foundation’s offerings. Many people remain unaware that programs like the Gift of Sound™ exist for those who cannot afford hearing aids. Increasing visibility—especially online—and developing measurable success metrics are top priorities under Jana’s leadership.

Leadership rooted in service

Jana describes her leadership approach as a blend of coach and servant leadership.

"I believe in leveraging the strengths of my team, getting their input, and fostering a sense of ownership and pride in our work," she says. "If I can lead with integrity and by example, I’m confident we’ll not only meet but exceed our goals."

Looking ahead

As Jana steps into this new role, the Miracle-Ear Foundation is poised to continue its legacy of transforming lives through the Gift of Sound. Under her leadership, the Foundation will not only maintain its commitment to quality care but also push boundaries—expanding access, challenging stigmas, and building stronger, more inclusive communities.

"The work we do here inspires me every day," Jana reflects. "And I’m excited for what’s to come."

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