By: Brett O'Daniell
"I think it's a ministry in itself to be hospitable and kind."
For Jeannie Crosby, community isn’t just about bringing people together. It’s about serving in a way that reflects God’s love.
As Community Manager for The Commons, NTx Connect, and the growing family of businesses surrounding them, Jeannie has become a familiar face in New Town. Whether she’s welcoming a member, helping a business owner connect, assisting someone planning an event, or simply taking time for a conversation, Jeannie sees each interaction as an opportunity to serve with kindness and purpose.
That heart for people has been a consistent thread throughout her career.
Before joining The Commons, Jeannie worked in marketing, advertising, real estate, freelance business ownership, and as office manager at her church. A graduate of Missouri State University with a background in marketing and fine arts, she spent years in corporate America before realizing she wanted work that allowed her to use more of who she was.
“I was looking for something that could put all my different talents to use,” Jeannie said. That search eventually led her to The Commons through a family connection.
The role immediately felt like a fit because it blended marketing, communications, events, and community engagement. “It checked all the boxes,” she said. “Every day is definitely unique, and I truly love what I do.”
Since joining the team, Jeannie has watched The Commons grow from a shared office space into something much larger. New office space, NTx Connect, community events, fitness offerings, event venues, and now Shire Lane Estate have all become part of the organization’s expanding reach.
“Everything is a surprise here,” she said. “It just keeps growing and evolving.”
Through that growth, Jeannie’s focus has remained steady: making sure people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. Whether someone is picking up mail, looking for a productive place to work, attending a networking luncheon, or planning a wedding, she wants them to feel seen.
One area she has especially enjoyed is the growth of the event business - hosting business meetings, weddings, baby showers, celebrations of life, pop-up markets, and local gatherings.
She is also excited about Shire Lane Estate, where families can create a destination-style celebration close to home — from rehearsal dinner to send-off brunch — without leaving the community they love.
Outside of work, Jeannie has made New Town home. She enjoys biking through the neighborhood, being outdoors, practicing yoga, and caring for plants. A self-described “plant nerd,” she has become known for rescuing struggling plants and helping them thrive again.
Her favorite is the pothos — a hardy plant that can often be propagated by simply placing a cutting in water and giving it time to grow roots. In many ways, that image fits her work, too. Jeannie spends her days encouraging people, connecting neighbors, supporting businesses, and helping communities take root.
When asked what she loves most about New Town, her answer was simple.
“The community in general,” she said. “Getting to know your neighbors and having neighbors become family.”
For Jeannie, that is the heart of it all.
“Community matters. Community helps in healing, in growth, and in the future.”
Through her faith, hospitality, and servant-hearted approach to people, Jeannie Crosby reflects a small glimpse of God's love to the community every day.