The Young Nonprofits Professional Network RVA (YNPN RVA) believes that a great boss or supervisor supports, inspires and pushes others towards excellence; is an effective communicator, passionate, intuitive and resourceful; and finally, is truly committed to developing the careers of the people they supervise.

Over the past several weeks, YNPN RVA sent out a call to young nonprofit professionals all over Greater Richmond to nominate their boss or supervisor to be recognized as a part of our Great Nonprofit Bosses Celebration on November 1^st at the Hippodrome Speakeasy from 6pm to 8pm.

Below are the 2017 Great Nonprofit Bosses, along with an excerpt from the accolades they received from the person who nominated them!

2017 Great Nonprofit Bosses in RVA:

Elizabeth Bass, Executive Director, Virginia Mentoring Partnership 

“She is incredibly supportive of new project ideas from younger employees and will consider each suggestion with thoughtful constructive feedback. I feel that my own professional skills have strengthened tremendously under Elizabeth’s guidance”

Kerry Blumberg, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond     

“Kerry is an effective leader because she is able to see all aspects of our organization and how each intermingle to support our mission. She has a strong passion for strategic planning and process improvement which helps our organization continue to move forward while supporting our mission.”

Robert Bolling, Chief Executive Officer, ChildSavers

“He is personable, has an infectious passion, is a great listener, does not withhold feedback, and knows how to highlight good work.”

Katie Botha, Vice President, Development & Communications, Special Olympics Virginia                                                                                                            

“She is energetic and enthusiastic about new ideas and projects. You can feel her energy when speaking to her, or when listening to her speak to others. Her main purpose as a leader is to empower others.”

Lindy Bumgarner, Executive Director, The Podium Foundation

“She is a leader, mentor, and fully committed to everyone that has a stake in our organization. Whether it be a student looking for career guidance or a board member wondering how they can further support our organization, she makes a continued effort to be there for them and communicate how she can help their aspirations.”

Sara Conlon, Executive Director, OAR of Richmond  

“A boss says what to do, a leader shows the way. She’s a leader.”

Stefanie Fedor, Executive Director, Visual Arts Center of Richmond

“While Stefanie’s effective leadership is exhibited in many ways each day, perhaps her most outstanding quality is her ability to engrain her passion for the arts into both her workplace and community. Her approach to leadership is not to order, but to coach.”

Myra Goodman Smith, President & CEO, Leadership Metro Richmond

“Authenticity, accountability and accessibility are what make Myra an effective leader.      Myra is always her true self.  She is an advocate for inclusion, a champion for diversity, and an exemplary servant leader.  She has a genuine love for the Richmond region and the many communities that it encompasses.”

Nadia Gooray, Program Director, Project Yoga Richmond

“She is always kind, compassionate, and makes a point to be aware of what is happening in our personal lives to make sure the organization supports staff through life’s many phases. Nadia focuses on the whole person and the whole organization, working hard to support staff and develop a work/life balance.”

Chris Hairston-White, VP of External Affairs, Better Housing Coalition   

“Chris leads by example. She’s a coach, an obstacle remover. She’s creative, energetic, hardworking, and expects excellence from all team members. She innately understands our strengths and capabilities, and uses these insights to draw the best from us.”

Jeanine Harper, Executive Director, Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now)

“Jeanine embodies the idea of going beyond the call of duty each and every day. She personifies the concept of servant leadership. She expects SCAN staff to give 100% during the work day, but she is always right there alongside you giving it 200%.”

Bettsy Heggie, Chief Operating Officer, GRASP (GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.)

“One of her most positive attributes is that she sees you and listens.  Bettsy models kindness and good cheer for all of her staff and for GRASP students.  This enables staff to work collaboratively rather than competitively at all times, creating an atmosphere that lifts the spirits of staff as they arrive at work each day.”

Stephan Hicks, Executive Director, My Brother’s Keeper of Greater Richmond

“God-fearing, prayer warrior, compassionate, heart for people, dedicated, committed, go-getter, never quits. He’s the epitome of a leader.”

Margaret Hill, Executive Director, Hanover Education Foundation

“Margaret is an amazing supervisor.  She is able to lead and guide and make you feel as though you are part of a team at all times.  She allows you to take the reigns on projects she knows you can handle.”

Megan Hodges, Director of Development, NAMI Virginia

“It is evident from her involvement in her employees’ and volunteers’ time at work that she wants to see people succeed and grow while looking to prepare the best talent for the Richmond area non-profit scene. She is highly invested in her people and models excellent ethical and work behavioral choices in her role that set up those who work for her to learn best practices for a bright future at our organization and beyond.”

Bill Jones, Senior Vice President-Admin Services, Family Lifeline

“He is always willing to help or guide an employee in their endeavors.  He does not have the attitude of “that’s not my job” or “that’s beneath me”. He is a wonderful person to have as a Supervisor.”

Hunter Leemon, Executive Director, Sportable

“Hunter is such a positive guy full of enthusiasm and encouragement that overflows to the Sportable Team. He makes sure that things are in place for the team to also succeed.”

Blake MacIver, Executive Director, Advancement Services, VCU Development and Alumni Relations

Blake is endlessly positive and rarely critical.  Blake makes decisions and sticks with them, and is an agent of change and progress. He shares his knowledge with others, and fosters loyalty amongst staff members through his reliability.”

Nadine Marsh-Carter, President & CEO, Children’s Home Society of Virginia

“Our president has an open-door policy, she is always available to talk about ideas, suggestions or problems. When considering policy or change, she listens to other viewpoints and solicits input from the staff. The staff are the stars of the agency and we all shine under her leadership because we know we are part of a great team.”

Stephany Melton, Associate Director, NAMI Virginia

“Stephany helps develop the talents of those she supervises in a variety of ways. She encourages professional development, self-care and critical thinking. In addition to encouraging (and modeling) a healthy work-life balance, Stephany is not afraid to challenge herself while also challenging others. She has a quiet confidence about her that empowers others to try their best.  Most of all, she helps to develop talents of those she supervises by simply believing in them.”

Shawn Nicholson, Chief Operating Officer, Pathways

“Shawn has a can-do attitude, and is always positive in the face of adversity. Shawn is always open to suggestions or opinions from employees and coworkers and I feel that is paramount in a great boss.”

Jessica Philips, Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer, Commonwealth Autism 

“Jessica is a ray of sunshine.  She is always finding the bright-side in every situation.  She leads by professional example, provides support and encouragement, and provides effective feedback in the most tactful way.  Additionally, and probably most importantly, Jessica is a trustworthy boss and dependable friend.”

Diane Reale, Director of Volunteer Resources, Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services

“Diane is an effective leader because she leads by example. She is always willing to help another staff person or make time to discuss an issue, especially if it will help move a project forward. Diane is organized, so even during hectic days, she knows who is doing what and where everything is. That quality allows those working with her to be sure of their tasks and waste little time.”

John Shinholser, President, The McShin Foundation

“John’s visions for The McShin Foundation and our growth are endless.  He is constantly thinking of ways to better our community and solutions to the addiction epidemic.  His enthusiasm roars through our facility and he shows us how to be passionate about recovery.”

Jay Speer, Executive Director, Virginia Poverty Law Center

“Our Executive Director encourages and empowers us to take the lead on statewide policy and legislative issues and backs us up, which is very important.  He is a humble and soft-spoken person which is reflected in his leadership style.  His calm and thoughtful approach, even in the midst of crisis, is a great example to staff.”

Beth Vann-Turnbull, Executive Director, Housing Families First

“Beth regularly strives to not only highlight each staff members strengths but utilizes those strengths to build the agency to its full potential. Staff are regularly asked to participate in changes to the agency that have enabled us to be a low-barrier shelter and create an environment that clients, staff, volunteers, and guests feel good about.”

Congratulations to all of the 2017 Great Nonprofit Bosses!  We hope you will join us at YNPN RVA’s Great Nonprofit Bosses Celebration Event on 11/1!  All are welcome!