As a former Executive Director with over 20 years of experience in environmental advocacy and nonprofit leadership, I am on a mission to prevent nonprofit leaders from experiencing isolation and burnout. A recent study* confirms what many in the sector have long suspected: being a nonprofit Executive Director can be incredibly isolating. These leaders often can't turn to staff or volunteers for social support, which only deepens their sense of loneliness.
Nonprofits and their leaders are the backbone of societal progress, tackling critical issues from social justice to environmental protection with limited resources and immense pressure. The passion, dedication, and resilience of these leaders drive positive community change and shape a better future for all. However, the unique challenges they face can lead to burnout and disengagement if not addressed.
During my ten-year tenure as the Executive Director of Green Foothills, I collaborated with a brilliant team to achieve significant milestones, including protecting 7,400 acres of open space and farmland in Coyote Valley. We launched a Leadership Program that graduated 260 changemakers dedicated to advancing environmental justice, and secured over $300K to support Native-led initiatives and tribal sovereignty. Despite our successes and the support of an incredibly dedicated community, I experienced firsthand the isolation and overwhelming workload that many nonprofit leaders face.
This realization, now backed by research, led me to launch my consulting and leadership coaching business in 2023. My services are designed to provide the social support and resources that are crucial for nonprofit leaders to thrive. I offer a combination of strategic thought partnership and practical, hands-on assistance, creating a holistic approach that addresses both personal growth and organizational health.
Key Services:
My approach combines a focus on the Big Idea with meticulous attention to detail, leveraging expertise in governance, fundraising, coalition building, program theory development, grant writing, tribal collaboration, human resources, technology, facilitation, coaching, public speaking, finance, grassroots organizing, and advocacy.
Whether you're a new leader finding your footing, a seasoned professional concerned about burnout, or an organization navigating change, I am here to be your ally and strategic partner. Together, we will work on both organizational health and personal growth, making your leadership journey more effective, sustainable, and fulfilling.
Let's discuss your vision and explore how we can create positive change together. I am excited to learn about your challenges and aspirations and to support you in making a lasting impact while avoiding the pitfalls of isolation and burnout.
*Understanding nonprofit leader engagement and turnover: A story of job demands and resources Benjamin J. Thomas October 2023
Nonprofits and their leaders are the backbone of societal progress, tackling critical issues from social justice to environmental protection with limited resources and immense pressure. The passion, dedication, and resilience of these leaders drive positive community change and shape a better future for all. However, the unique challenges they face can lead to burnout and disengagement if not addressed.
During my ten-year tenure as the Executive Director of Green Foothills, I collaborated with a brilliant team to achieve significant milestones, including protecting 7,400 acres of open space and farmland in Coyote Valley. We launched a Leadership Program that graduated 260 changemakers dedicated to advancing environmental justice, and secured over $300K to support Native-led initiatives and tribal sovereignty. Despite our successes and the support of an incredibly dedicated community, I experienced firsthand the isolation and overwhelming workload that many nonprofit leaders face.
This realization, now backed by research, led me to launch my consulting and leadership coaching business in 2023. My services are designed to provide the social support and resources that are crucial for nonprofit leaders to thrive. I offer a combination of strategic thought partnership and practical, hands-on assistance, creating a holistic approach that addresses both personal growth and organizational health.
Key Services:
- Executive Director Mastery and Balance: Provide both long term or short term 1:1 consulting to nonprofit leaders to enhance their effectiveness, joy, and job satisfaction. Services include operational effectiveness, governance, fundraising strategy, marketing, finance, grant writing, program impact, and crisis management.
- Leadership Coaching and Mental Fitness: Help leaders overcome personal and professional challenges, align with core values and life purpose, and enhance general effectiveness and well-being.
- Strategic Planning and Organizational Alignment: Facilitate comprehensive and inclusive processes to align team resources and efforts towards achieving long-term goals and mission.
- Leadership Transition Support: Provide tailored consulting and fractional executive leadership services to ensure smooth organizational transitions and maintain stability.
My approach combines a focus on the Big Idea with meticulous attention to detail, leveraging expertise in governance, fundraising, coalition building, program theory development, grant writing, tribal collaboration, human resources, technology, facilitation, coaching, public speaking, finance, grassroots organizing, and advocacy.
Whether you're a new leader finding your footing, a seasoned professional concerned about burnout, or an organization navigating change, I am here to be your ally and strategic partner. Together, we will work on both organizational health and personal growth, making your leadership journey more effective, sustainable, and fulfilling.
Let's discuss your vision and explore how we can create positive change together. I am excited to learn about your challenges and aspirations and to support you in making a lasting impact while avoiding the pitfalls of isolation and burnout.
*Understanding nonprofit leader engagement and turnover: A story of job demands and resources Benjamin J. Thomas October 2023
current and recent clients
American Leadership Forum Insights
CompassPoint Mentorship City of Gilroy County of Santa Clara Office of Education East Bay Regional Parks District Green Foothills Las Positas College Foundation |
MenloSpark
Muwekma Ohlone Preservation Foundation Peninsula Conservation Center Management Council Regional Parks Foundation Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority Tri Valley Conservancy |
community service
2023 - Present | Appointee, Santa Clara County Sustainability Commission
2021 - Present | Member, Rotary Club of San Jose
2020 - 2021 | Appointee, San Jose General Plan Task Force
2017 - 2018 | Co-Chair, No on B/Yes on C Campaign
2023 - Present | Appointee, Santa Clara County Sustainability Commission
2021 - Present | Member, Rotary Club of San Jose
2020 - 2021 | Appointee, San Jose General Plan Task Force
2017 - 2018 | Co-Chair, No on B/Yes on C Campaign
nonprofit leadership
2021 - 2023 | Board Member, Muwekma Ohlone Preservation Foundation
2013 - 2023 | Executive Director, Green Foothills
2009 - 2013 | Program Director, Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
2008 - 2009 | Community Director, GenerationEngage
2007 - 2008 | Director, Environmental Resource Center, San Jose State University
2021 - 2023 | Board Member, Muwekma Ohlone Preservation Foundation
2013 - 2023 | Executive Director, Green Foothills
2009 - 2013 | Program Director, Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
2008 - 2009 | Community Director, GenerationEngage
2007 - 2008 | Director, Environmental Resource Center, San Jose State University
education and leadership development
2024 | Positive Intelligence Coach Training, working toward certification
2024 | Interim Executives Academy Certificate, Third Sector Company
2023 - Present | Co-Active Institute Coach Training, working toward certification
2021 - Present | West Valley College, Philosophy AA
2018 - 2023 | Member, DEI CEO Affinity Group, American Leadership Forum
2022 | Participant, Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders, Stanford University (40 hours)
2021 | Participant, Investing in Future Leaders, Bridgespan Group
2004 - 2008 | San Jose State University, Environmental Studies BA, Political Science Minor
2024 | Positive Intelligence Coach Training, working toward certification
2024 | Interim Executives Academy Certificate, Third Sector Company
2023 - Present | Co-Active Institute Coach Training, working toward certification
2021 - Present | West Valley College, Philosophy AA
2018 - 2023 | Member, DEI CEO Affinity Group, American Leadership Forum
2022 | Participant, Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders, Stanford University (40 hours)
2021 | Participant, Investing in Future Leaders, Bridgespan Group
2004 - 2008 | San Jose State University, Environmental Studies BA, Political Science Minor
awards and recognition
2024 | Tree planted in Coyote Valley, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
2023 | United States flag flown over the US Capitol, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo
2023 | Commendation, State Senator Josh Becker
2023 | Commendation, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
2023 | Collaborative Leader Award, Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez
2018 | Special Recognition Award, Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters
2017 | Champion Award, Greenbelt Alliance
2024 | Tree planted in Coyote Valley, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
2023 | United States flag flown over the US Capitol, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo
2023 | Commendation, State Senator Josh Becker
2023 | Commendation, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
2023 | Collaborative Leader Award, Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez
2018 | Special Recognition Award, Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters
2017 | Champion Award, Greenbelt Alliance