Join staff each week as we comment on hot topics in the nonprofit community - the economy, nonprofit leadership, mergers and more!
To respond to a blog posting, click on 'comments' at the end of each posting. (Please note that the Roundtable reserves the right to post or not post a comment following a review by staff. Responses to postings do not necessarily reflect the views of the Roundtable).
The Nonprofit Roundtable Partners with The Leadership Sanctuary to support Nonprofit Executives
Written by Chuck Bean and Heather Kaye, on February 01, 2012
At a time when strong partnerships are needed more than ever, The Nonprofit Roundtable and The Leadership Sanctuary (TLS) are joining forces to support nonprofit executives in the Greater Washington DC region. Now, more than ever, leaders are feeling the stresses of daily life; economic turmoil, meeting overwhelming social need and adapting to rapid change. The Leadership Sanctuary gives these leaders an uncommon refuge in the form of small peer groups led by certified coaches. Participants develop strength and resilience from their practice, share case studies and build a network of trust and support that deepens over the course of the year long program. The results are communities of leaders better equipped to lead and healthier organizations with stronger leaders.
The Nonprofit Energy Alliance Generates its Own Clean Energy!
Written by Hope Gleicher, Suzan Jenkins, and Anthony Carter - Nonprofit Energy Alliance, on January 23, 2012
Talk about not just saving, but generating energy! After only one year of grassroots organizing The Nonprofit Energy Alliance (NPEA) was recognized by the Montgomery County Council on December 13 for its efforts to harness collective purchasing power to secure cheaper electricity and help build a greener economy. That was energizing!
A collaboration between Nonprofit Montgomery, the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, and the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington, NPEA, which launched officially in May 2010, has helped 50 nonprofit organizations save a combined $366,000 in electric costs.
Written by Mary Agee and Chuck Bean, on December 15, 2011
In 2012 the Roundtable will celebrate ten years of nonprofit leaders working together as a regional alliance. Together, we've accomplished a lot by putting the nonprofit community "on the map" and "at the table" with leaders in media, business, and government. Now we're getting ready for our next ten years.
One of the ways we're celebrating our anniversary is by hiring a Vice President. This is a new position for the Roundtable and is the Board's first step in our new strategic plan to promote the good works of nonprofit leaders... and facilitate their work together for the greater good.
We are seeking a skilled and experienced leader to join our team who will be responsible for the day to day management of the organization. The position is not simply a classic "insider/COO" role. Because the nature of the Roundtable's programs and services are "external" - supporting members and interacting with allies, the media, business leaders, and policy-makers -- the vice president will also naturally have external responsibilities. The VP will be a key partner in leading the organization. Ideal candidates for this position will have five or more years experience as an executive director or comparable high-level experience running a nonprofit organization (strategic planning, human resources, financial management, fundraising, communications) as well as experience in the following areas: policy, coalition-building, leadership development, and nonprofit capacity-building.
The ideal candidate will be smart, energetic, entrepreneurial and demonstrate exceptional people skills. An advanced degree such as an MPA or MBA or similar is preferred.
The search will be led by TransitionGuides. Please refer all questions, submissions and hot ideas to Ginna Goodenow or Don Tebbe at www.transitionguides.com or rt@transitionguides.com or (301) 439-6635.
Mary Agee, Nonprofit Roundtable Board Chair
(President & CEO, Northern Virginia Family Service)
Chuck Bean, Nonprofit Roundtable Executive Director
As we prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday, we give thanks for a Roundtable Team Member who epitomizes Gratitude-in-Motion: Eduardo Romero.
It is with sweet sadness that we relay the news that Eduardo and his
wife have announced plans to move to Peru by year's end. We are
thrilled for Eduardo, who is excited to return to Peru and the country's
bright future under a newly
elected president.
From Day 1...
Eduardo's contributions started literally on Day 1 of the Roundtable.
On September 12, 2002, Eduardo and Chuck, as the Roundtable's first
permanent staff, walked into their borrowed space at the Community
Foundation. And because of Eduardo's contributions, the region's
nonprofit community will never be the same. The list of his innovations
and achievements is too long for an email announcement, but we hope you
find the time to express your gratitude to him in the days ahead. More information about a Fiesta de Despidida will be forthcoming.
In many ways, Eduardo manifested the brightest parts of us. When we had
moments to breathe -- between plans, meetings, and deadlines -- we
would talk about why we love nonprofits ... and nonprofit leaders.
His personal support to Members went far above and beyond the call.
Beyond the founding of the Roundtable, Nonprofit Montgomery, Nonprofit
NoVA, the growth in membership, the events, the eblasts, the access to
the media, the publications, the Tables for Ten, the fellowships -- he
will be remembered for the visible, visceral and personal joy he took in
the accomplishments of Members. He could see that as he helped
nonprofit leaders be successful he was helping children and families,
building homes, cleaning the environment, working for civil rights --
and making the Greater Washington region a more just and caring
community.
Now, it is once again Peru's turn to benefit from Eduardo Romero...
How has nonprofit leadership evolved during your tenure?
My role has evolved through many different phases over 40 years. As PHILLIPS grew, I had to become more of a multi-faceted leader as opposed to one focusing primarily on the program. Development, fiscal management, human resources, and strategic planning all became more critical. Interacting with and helping to shape a governing board as compared to the original founding board has been a very important and successful evolution.
In the PHILLIPS field of special education and human services for children, leadership now involves a great deal of interface with governmental regulations at all levels: county, state and federal. To lead one must be able to strategize and maneuver within these sometimes confining requirements, yet still follow the mission and the organization’s values.
How does a nonprofit CEO thrive in today’s environment?
One must be creative, flexible and have foresight. Long range planning is very difficult to do in an ever changing environment so one must be able to be proactive and adaptive in a very timely manner.
To thrive, a CEO must have a strong board whose members are fully supportive in many ways with their talents, their networks and their resources. To successfully support a CEO a board must know the difference between governing and managing.
What are some of your most important leadership lessons?
In 40 plus years, the opportunities for learning have been great, obviously. I feel one of my most important roles has been as a mentor for key staff and some of the lessons I have learned are as follows: help them grow and show their strengths; help them to become less dependent on your guidance; accept their mistakes but help them learn from them; don’t focus on taking credit; and let go.
A critical lesson I have learned is captured in the quote “Leadership is not a popularity contest” (source unknown). It is tempting to make the popular choice and please, but there are times it is just not the right choice. That’s why there needs to be a leader.
When times are tough, communicate, communicate, and communicate.
Always be guided by your personal values and the articulated values of the organization.
Let us know if you are or know of a nonprofit CEO who would like to answer our leadership questions.
The 2011 CEO/Board Chair Summit, a joint presentation by the Roundtable and The Meyer Foundation and sponsored by Geppetto Catering, brought together 130 nonprofits CEOs and Board Members on October 25.
Here are some follow up resources we find useful. If you have others to share please send them our way.
The