Inspired Nonprofit Leadership

Latest Episodes:

046: "It starts at the top." A CEO's insights about the board/CEO relationship Jan 16, 2020

Show notes

My guest for this episode is Dr. Mary VanHaneghan. Dr. Mary started her career in the human services field two decades ago as a direct service professional. During her tenure she has worked across the country in various capacities: day habilitation; post-secondary education; transitional services; case management; supported employment; behavioral health; and more.

Dr. Mary received her doctorate in education from Walden University in 2012, with emphasis in higher education and adult learning,; a master of science degree from Buffalo State College in 2007; Her academic research has ranged from historical institutional models to the benefits of post-secondary education.

Dr. Mary has been recognized for her accomplishments and contributions at a national level as a result of her work on behalf of people who experience intellectual disabilities and their families. In 2015 Dr. Mary was the National Conference of Executives (NCE) of The Arc of the United States "Rising Star Award" recipient and in 2017 received the award for "Program Innovation".

In 2019 Dr. Mary was appointed to the National Conference of Executives (NCE) of The Arc of the United States Steering Committee. She serves as CEO of The ARC of the Capital Area in Austin, Texas.

In this episode, we chat about what Mary has learned from her experiences as CEO about the importance of the board/CEO relationship and strategies she has used to build it.

Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!

Let me know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that, and follow us, on Facebook.

To get the free guide I created for you go to: How to Engage Your Board in Fundraising

To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to www.hilandconsulting.org.

You can learn more about Dr. Mary by going to her nonprofit's website: www.arcaustin.org

045: How you can use and benefit from design thinking in your nonprofit Jan 09, 2020

Show notes

My guest for this episode is Carol Hamilton.

Carol grew up overseas and learned at an early age that cultures vary and there are few absolutes. Living in the world between her home American culture and European culture, she became a student of history, culture and language. Carol is fascinated with ways to better understand human organizing systems and the cultures that emerge within these systems. Also Carol grew up the younger sister of a brother with special needs. Observing how the world treated him, interacted with his difference and how in many cases systems were not set up with him in mind helped me appreciate the challenges of those that our society marginalizes. Both of these experiences drew her to the nonprofit sector. Carol has more than 25 years of experience in the association and nonprofit sectors. Her consulting business, Grace Social Sector Consulting, LLC helps nonprofits and associations become more strategic and innovative for greater mission impact.

Carol speaks and trains frequently on leadership, strategy and innovation topics. She graduated from Swarthmore College and has her Masters in Organization Development from American University. She has a certificate in design thinking from University of Virginia's Darden School of Business.

Carol has expertise in innovation, the design and facilitation of learning programs, both in person and online, as well as organization and leadership development.

In this episode, we talk about design thinking and the process that can be used at many levels by nonprofit leaders.

Let me know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that, and follow us, on Facebook.

To get the free guide I created for you go to: How to Engage Your Board in Fundraising

To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to www.hilandconsulting.org.

You can learn more about Carol, including how to connect with her, at www.gracesocialsector.com.

044: Nonprofit exposures from an insurance expert Jan 02, 2020

Show notes

My guest for this episode is Jan Berthold.

Janice is a Senior Vice President with Heffernan Insurance and one of the few brokers who works with clients on a "Referral Only" basis.

Prior to merging her firm with Heffernan, Janice was President and CEO of J. Berthold Insurance Service Inc. and a Principal of All West Insurance Brokers, one of the top five closely held insurance brokerage firms in Silicon Valley.

She has over 25 years of commercial insurance experience and holds the insurance designations of Professional Workers' Compensation Advisor, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, Chartered Life Underwriter, and Chartered Financial Consultant. She has been an Advisor for the California State Senate Committee on Insurance and is a featured writer for the Business Journal.

Janice has received numerous awards. In 1999, she was named Small Business Owner of the Year by the San Jose Mercury News and the Women's Fund. In addition, The Business Journal named her Enterprising Woman of the Year in 2003. In 2016 she was the YWCA's Silicon Valley 2016 Tribute to Women Honoree

Janice is a graduate of the University of San Francisco. She sits on Santa Clara University Board of Fellows, Opportunity International Board of Governors and Housing Industry Forum Board & Advisors.

Today we tap into Janice's extensive expertise and experience working with nonprofits on insurance.

Let me know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that, and follow us, on Facebook.

To get the free guide I created for you go to: How to Engage Your Board in Fundraising

To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to www.hilandconsulting.org.

You can connect with Janice via email: janiceb@heffins.com.

043: To build relationship act first! Dec 19, 2019

Show notes

This is a bonus episode with Mary. Relationships are the most important currency nonprofit leaders attract. You influence the quantity and the quality of the relationships your nonprofit has with the people who care about - or could care about - your mission. Mary has a story to tell and a tip for you.

Let me know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that, and follow us, on Facebook.

To get the free guide I created for you go to: How to Engage Your Board in Fundraising

To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know Mary, go to www.hilandconsulting.org.

042: Lessons learned from an experienced executive director Dec 12, 2019

Show notes

My guest for this episode is Mindy Berkowitz.

Mindy has been Executive Director of Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley since July 2003. In her tenure as Executive Director, Mindy partnered with the Board of Directors take the agency from a position of near crisis to one of success and growth. Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley is well-respected in Santa Clara County, and serves thousands more people than ever before with a volunteer base of 700 people of all ages.

Mindy has many years as a nonprofit executive, holding several executive positions in several nonprofits. Mindy has also held leadership positions in several county collaborations. She is currently a member of the Santa Clara County Emergency Food and Shelter Board. Prior to this she served as a member of the Self-Sufficiency Task Force that helped set direction for United Way Silicon Valley's Community Impact strategy. She was also an active member of the Santa Clara County Child Abuse Prevention Council, Santa Clara County Children's Report Card Committee; and was Projects Manager for Santa Clara County Disaster Application Center (FEMA) following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

Mindy has a Masters of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis; and a Masters (and Honorary Doctorate) of Communal Service from Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. She lives in San Jose with husband, Rabbi Allan Berkowitz. They have four grown children and one grandchild and are tremendously proud of them.

We talk about what to do as an executive director when you don't have answers to a challenging situation and other lessons learned from Mindy's years as an ED.

Let me know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that, and follow us, on Facebook.

To get the free guide I created for you go to: How to Engage Your Board in Fundraising

To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to www.hilandconsulting.org.

You can learn more about Mindy at: www.jfssv.org.

041: Creating your nonprofit's culture: the executive's role Dec 05, 2019

Show notes

My guest for this episode is Josh Selo. Josh is the Executive Director of West Valley Community Services, a Silicon Valley-based human services nonprofit. He is a CFRE certified fundraiser with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit development, programs, and management. Josh has worked in senior positions for the YMCA of Silicon Valley and the Jewish Community Centers in both Rockland County and Manhattan. Josh has an MBA in Finance from Washington State University, and a Masters Degree in Education from the William Davidson Graduate School of Education.

Josh is very active in the community, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Cupertino, the De Anza Kiwanis Club, and the 2019 President for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Silicon Valley.

In this episode, we talk about the Executive Director's responsibility for creating the culture of his/her nonprofit. Josh shares his experience and ideas, particularly as they relate to creating a culture to attract and retain staff in a competitive environment. Josh shares some quality of life changes he created for his staff – things rooted in his nonprofit's values.

Let me know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that, and follow us, on Facebook.

To get the free guide I created for you go to: How to Engage Your Board in Fundraising

To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to www.hilandconsulting.org.

You can learn more about Josh at www.wvcommunityservices.org.

040: Giving vs generosity - thoughts and tips for nonprofit leaders Nov 28, 2019

Show notes

This is a bonus episode with Mary. She discusses some insights gained from an article she read while considering the common belief: It is better to give than to receive.

Learn some interesting distinctions between giving and generosity and some tips for yourself.

Let me know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that, and follow us, on Facebook.

To get the free guide I created for you go to: How to Engage Your Board in Fundraising

To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know Mary, go to www.hilandconsulting.org.

039: Thoughts on the need for a reserve and risk management Nov 21, 2019

Show notes

My guest for this episode is Maya Tussing. Maya is a Partner at Fairlight Advisors, providing investment management and risk consulting services for philanthropic institutions and individuals. Fairlight Advisors was founded to help philanthropic leaders fulfill their missions with investment and risk solutions.

Fairlight provides investment management services offering nonprofits and philanthropic individuals a widely diversified and cost-effective investment strategy aligned with their financial goals. Fairlight also provides risk management consulting, taking a disciplined approach to helping philanthropic leaders deliver on their missions and prepare for the unexpected.

Maya has worked in the investment services industry for almost 25 years. Over the last 20 years, she has held senior risk management roles at firms such as BlackRock, Barclays Global Investors, Visa, and GE Capital. Maya has coached hundreds of men and women at all levels of corporate and non-profit organizations to achieve personal and professional success and satisfaction.

Maya has been sitting on boards for over a decade and volunteering for many more years. Maya holds a B.A. from Pomona College and an MBA in international finance from the University of Washington.

Maya and I discuss risk management and why nonprofits need a reserve, how much it should be and other insights.

Let me know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that, and follow us, on Facebook.

To get the free guide I created for you go to: How to Engage Your Board in Fundraising

To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to www.hilandconsulting.org.

You can learn more about Maya at Fairlight Advisors

038: 7 steps to "Fundraising Freedom" Nov 14, 2019

Show notes

The guest for this episode is Mary Valloni.

Mary has over 17 years working with hundreds nonprofits. Former Development Director for the American Cancer Society, the ALS Association and Special Olympics, Mary has raised millions of dollars and spent countless hours in the field of development. In 2014, she started Mary Valloni Consulting to spread a message of hope and encouragement to nonprofit leaders and missionaries across the country as a fundraising consultant, author, and speaker.

Mary works with international, national, and community-based organizations, individual fundraisers and missionaries to help them develop fundraising strategies to generate revenue so they can impact the world with their missions.

Mary received her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communications with a minor in Religious Studies from Missouri State University. She currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband, Geno, and their Dalmatians, Kota and Puck.

Based on her experience, Mary wrote her award-winning book, Fundraising Freedom, in which she presents the 7 core strategies for long term fundraising success – her proven system.

In this episode, we tap into Mary's extensive experience and expertise in fundraising – exploring the 7 steps she share in her book: Fundraising Freedom.

Let me know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that, and follow us, on Facebook.

To get the free guide I created for you go to: How to Engage Your Board in Fundraising

To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to www.hilandconsulting.org.

You can learn more about Mary Valloni and connect with her at her website: www.maryvalloni.com and her book is on Amazon.

037: Board Committees: board capacity and principles to consider Nov 07, 2019

Show notes

This is one of Mary's bonus episodes. In this episode she shares some insights about how form follows function applies to how board committees are formed and how board member capacity comes into play.

Establishing strategic goals for the board and, following that, a structure – i.e., committees – to lead achievement of those goals can glaringly reveal whether or not the board really has the capacity to use that structure – in other words who is going to serve on what committee/task force.

Mary's facilitated board retreats where when they got to this point – the board members had a good idea how to organize to tackle the adopted goals but there were some committees or task forces formed and no one signed up for them.

When you're thinking about board structure remember that it goes hand-in-hand with capacity. It's really a capacity issue for the board.

Mary also shares 6 principles for you to consider when you are thinking about board committees.

Please be sure to subscribe and, while you're at it, rate and review.

For more details about me or my work please go to: Hiland Consulting

To get the free guide Mary created for you, How to Engage Your Board in Fundraising, go to: https://hilandconsulting.org/boardfundraising.