Helping nonprofit leaders find a creative way to approach challenges is both a joy and privilege. My lifetime of experience as an Executive Director in the nonprofit sector has taught me that there is always a way – a less obvious approach – and each leader and each organization must find their own path.
I know how complicated it can be to build a collaborative team. I have lived through seismic organizational changes and shepherded boards and staff through unexpected and complex evolutions. In short, I have experienced and led through the full spectrum of organizational life: from start-up, to turn-around, to wind-down.
My leadership work began in 1984, when I founded Dancing in the Streets, to produce performances in public spaces. Fifteen years later I was selected to run The Kitchen – the cultural home of such iconic artists as Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson and many others. My mandate was to breathe life into an insular organization and bring it back to its early glory. I put The Kitchen back in the public eye and helped to secure its financial future.
Following my tenure at The Kitchen, and after a stint curating NY City Center’s Fall for Dance program, I became the CEO of the Foundation for Jewish Culture; a 53-year-old organization that had had the same Executive Director for 27 years. It was a huge transition. I streamlined the mission to support hundreds of artists and scholars. Ultimately, my tenure led to my learning how to gracefully sunset a respected organization whose work was finished.
In recent years, I have conducted multiple Executive Searches. Based on my experience as a CEO, my approach is different from traditional methods used by search firms. I immediately immerse myself in the culture of the organization. To find the right candidate(s), it is critical to understand the culture and dynamics of an organization – and each one is different. From there, I create and consult a cohort of trusted collaborators and allies to examine the needs and nuances of the position. Collegial recommendations and references create a “curated” circle from which to conduct the search. My methodology has repeatedly ensured successful matches of new hires with existing staff. As a solo practitioner, my pricing is flexible so I am able to help organizations of all sizes.
My decades of working with boards, staff, and diverse constituencies have also honed my skills as a facilitator. I relish the opportunity to help groups find common ground and agree upon critical goals.
You can learn more about me on LinkedIn.
Wherever your organization is in its lifecycle, I would be happy to listen, offer insight, and help you to find your unique solution.