It all began with turkeys
I like to say that I began my career in the non-profit world raising turkeys in Israel, but the true beginning was in 1977 as Director of AZA in Michigan Region BBYO. From there, a Master’s Degree from the Columbia University School of Social Work taught me theory and practice and these words to live by from Dr. Irving Miller “Always tell the truth but know how to tell it”.
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I began my social work career working in foster care but soon switched to non-profit administration. Over 40 years, I guided organizations across North America, mentored numerous professionals, and conducted many strategic plans. I served as executive director of three organizations including two start-ups that forged new ground – one serving families with children with autism spectrum disorders and the other elevating grandparents’ roles in today’s changing families. I have consulted with foundations, university-based organizations, and start-up non-profits
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All along, I have attended to my professional growth, studying financial management for non-profits, non-profit board consulting, strategic planning, group facilitation, Positive Psychology, and Conscious Leadership.
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I like to think of myself as a good listener, someone who recognizes the importance of relationships. I’ve worked hard to be a lifelong learner. I try not to take myself too seriously and am universally recognized for my odd sense of humor.
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I look forward to meeting you, learning from you, and seeing how we can work together.
"When you reach a fork in the road, take it"
Yogi Berra
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A great laugh. But wait….
Yogi Berra was an 18-time All-Star and won 10 World Series championships as a player – more than any other player in history. His lifetime batting average was 285. To give you a sense of how good that is, the batting average of all major league baseball players in 2024 was .243.
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It takes a 90-mph fastball 400 milliseconds, about the length of a blink of an eye to reach home plate. Thus, when Yogi came to the fork in the road of whether to swing at a pitch or let it pass, he was ready. His training, his experience, and his strategic insights prepared him.
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I can’t hit a baseball and have never even watched 10 World Series games. But if you or your organization has reached a fork in the road, give me a call. Together we can explore the road ahead choose the right fork to take.
Skill Areas
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Executive Leadership: Twenty-three of executive leadership, including fund and board development, strategic planning, managing staff teams, and financial management
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Organizational analysis: Ten years of experience as a salaried consultant for an international non-profit organization working with community-based organizations across North America.
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Strategic planning: Facilitated strategic planning processes in multiple organizations.
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Board development: Over 23 years of executive experience working directly with non-profit boards of directors. Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting through Board Source.
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Change management: Facilitated major organizational change as an executive director and interim executive director of multiple non-profit organizations.
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Fund development: Experience in both annual and capital campaigns.
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Master Facilitator Certificate, Case Western Reserve University, Weatherhead School of Management.
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Professional Coaching: Coaching of professionals from the United States and abroad.
