Recently I spent the day facilitating a strategic planning session with a foundation board. As is my custom, I brought buckets of balls and toys which may seem frivolous, but actually they are an integral part of the day.

Speaking out about unjust conditions – to friends, family, on social media – is the American way. Pointing to unfair treatment of individuals, groups, communities, or the environment is an important part of being civically engaged.

As the new executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, I am grateful to have the opportunity to be part of an institution that has been committed to supporting charitable works in North Carolina for 80 years.

Those who know me well know that I’m a bit of a political junky, especially around the presidential election season that rolls around every four years.

This can be a quandary or at least an ongoing topic of debate in nonprofits. Some feel asking their board members to give a specific amount and recruit a specific amount of funding from others is instrumental.

Donor Retention. Two of the most important words in fundraising. With only 1 in 3 first time donors renewing their gifts, non-profits are scrambling to find ways to help keep donors connected.

Leadership succession is inevitable in nonprofit (actually, all) organizations. It can be unexpected and chaotic, or the opposite—sclerotic and overdue. At either end of the scale, it’s a crisis.

When we do a search at Armstrong McGuire as part of our Executive Transition Management offering, we work collaboratively with clients putting together a detailed position announcement that outlines the opportunity, as well as the primary

I’ve spent 30 years working in various industries, both large and small organizations, in leadership and consulting, in I/T, program, and financial management.