For Jody Longshore, Senior Vice President of Professional Services at Momentive Software, leadership doesn’t stop at the office door. Based just west of Minneapolis, Jody has spent the past year at Momentive helping customers achieve better outcomes — and decades outside of work giving back to causes close to his heart.
A Lifelong Connection to the Outdoors
Jody’s deep commitment to conservation traces back to his childhood. He grew up in a family that valued outdoor activities, and that love for nature became a guiding principle in his life. Today, he continues that legacy through his volunteer work with Ducks Unlimited, an organization dedicated to conserving wetlands and wildlife habitat.
“As Jacques Cousteau famously said, we protect what we love,” Jody shares. “Now that I have a family of my own, it’s even more important. My wife and I are working to instill a love of the outdoors in our children and to make sure those spaces are conserved for them to enjoy, just as I have.”
That passion translates into meaningful action. As the area chair for the Lake Minnetonka chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Jody not only volunteers his time but also helps raise critical funds. His chapter recently hosted the 7th largest Ducks Unlimited event in the nation, raising $560,000 in a single night — and nearly $1 million annually for wetland conservation.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond wetlands, Jody also volunteers with River City Fishing, a nonprofit that partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters to connect kids with the outdoors. Together, they host summer events where mentors and mentees learn fly fishing, conservation, and stewardship of local waterways.
“We provide every participant with donated fly rods, reels, and equipment so they can continue fishing long after the event,” Jody explains. “If kids are out fly fishing, they’re not getting into trouble. Instead, they’re gaining a healthy, lifelong hobby that takes them to beautiful places.”
These events are intentionally accessible — often held in local county parks, teaching kids that meaningful outdoor experiences don’t require expensive gear or remote destinations.
The Lasting Impact of Giving Back
Jody’s connection to Ducks Unlimited runs deep. He grew up with the organization—his father was recognized for his volunteerism in the 1970s—and Jody has carried on that legacy for more than a decade. After joining as a board member 12 years ago, he has served as chapter chair for the past three years.
“Personally, my involvement in DU has enabled me to give back to a cause I care about,” Jody reflects. “I’ve also made great friends through Ducks Unlimited who share common values and interests.”
His work with River City Fishing and Big Brothers Big Sisters has had a different but equally rewarding impact. For the past two years, Jody has helped kids experience the joy of fly fishing and conservation education.
“It’s been fun to see kids light up when they make their first successful cast—or even better, their first successful catch,” he says. “It’s also been good for my own kids to see what I’m doing and to learn about the importance of helping others.”
Lessons in Leadership
Jody’s volunteerism has not only enriched his personal life but has also shaped his approach to leadership.
“I’ve learned that people and teams are more engaged when they’re working toward a mission they’re passionate about,” he says. “As a leader, I believe it’s important to clearly define our mission, explain why it matters, and help every team member see how their contributions are meaningful to success.”
That belief resonates with his role at Momentive. “The more we can help nonprofits improve their efficiency and engage their supporters, the more effective they can be at delivering their mission. At Momentive, we get to be multipliers — helping our customers increase their positive impact every day.”
Turning Passion into Action
When asked what advice he would give to others who want to get involved in their communities, Jody emphasizes that giving isn’t one-size-fits-all.
“Find a cause you care about and then connect with that organization. Some people give financially, others give time, and others share expertise. We all have something to give, and you’ll gain immense satisfaction knowing you’re making a difference in an area that matters to you.”
As for his dream volunteer day? Jody doesn’t look far. Instead, he’d choose to work on a habitat restoration project close to home — something he could later enjoy with his family and see the results of for years to come.
“It may not sound glamorous, but it’s meaningful. I’d love to take my kids out one day to enjoy the same habitat I helped restore.”
