NEW ORLEANS – Twenty-three executive directors in the nonprofit sector recently completed an intensive program designed to give executive directors who have been in the role for three years or less the skills they need to succeed. The program, created by the Greater New Orleans Foundation Organizational Effectiveness initiative and Compass Point, a nationally-recognized leader in skill development for nonprofit leaders, combined expert instruction and peer-learning to tackle some of the toughest issues executive directors face. Funding for the program is provided by The Kresge Foundation.
“The job of an executive director is challenging, and these executive directors are now better prepared to tackle daily challenges creatively and strategically,” said Joann Ricci, vice president for organizational effectiveness at the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “We’re very proud of the 23 graduates.”
The 23 participants, representing a wide variety of nonprofits in size and sector, sharpened their skills in such areas as leadership, financial management, fundraising, and board relations.
“The program was highly informative,” said Jody Braunig, Girls on the Run executive director. “I acquired many new leadership and business skills that will help improve the operations of our organization.”
“The executive director bootcamp was transformative,” said Yanti Turang, LEARNTOLIVE executive director. “It provided me with time to reflect on the strategic direction of my organization, and I’m now refreshed and excited to begin applying the critical skills I acquired.”
The 23 graduates of the Executive Director Bootcamp are:
• Jody Braunig, Girls on the Run New Orleans
• Cindy Brown, The Trust for Public Land
• Angela Catalano, Shotgun Cinema
• Mark Firmin, Angel’s Place
• Rosana Gonzalez, CASA Jefferson
• Jeanne Huber, Monumental Task Committee
• Annie Irvin, Beaurgerad-Keyes Historic House and Garden
• Jennifer Kelley, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation
• Mary Ann Levy, St. Charles Community C.A.R.E. Center Foundation
• Jennifer Macias, GNO Breastfeeding Awareness Coalition
• Rachel Majoria, St. Charles Community C.A.R.E. Center Foundation
• Kacie Stillings Marler, MotherShip Foundation
• Alicia Neal, Groundwork New Orleans
• Kelly Pepper, Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations
• Jamie’ Regan, Abeona House Child Discovery Center
• Kimberly Davis Reyher, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana
• Cameron Shaw, Pelican Bomb
• Rebecca Snedeker, New Orleans Center for the Gulf South
• Thaddeus Sonmoni, Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
• Sarah Thompson, Christian Peacemaker Teams
• Yanti Turang, LEARNTOLIVE
• Kimberly VanWagner, Uptown Shepherd’s Center
• Emily Wolff, Broadmoor Improvement Association
