COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE
2017 Nonprofit Leadership Making a Difference Starts with Committed Leaders
Effective leadership is vitally important to any organization, and that is certainly true for nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations seek to create public good. They foster community engagement and civic participation. Yet the nonprofit sector’s ability to provide its services has come under ever-increasing pressure with changes in public policy and growing competition. To meet these challenges, today’s nonprofit executives need to stand up and stand out. They need to have a wide repertoire of knowledge, skills and experiences, and know when to apply their array of skills. These leaders are known not only by what they accomplish, but also by how they accomplish it and how they influence people in the process. “Leadership is a relationship in which leaders and those being led are connected and emotionally engaged in pursuit of common purposes,” states an article by the Giving Institute. “When nonprofits are fortunate to be advanced by this kind of a leader, they are usually able to achieve high levels of success.” The MBA Business Magazine is taking a unique look into the community of innovative nonprofit leaders. Here are a few of the people who are out there innovating, inspiring supporters and creating impact every day of the year:
CHARLOTTE
RUTH
Executive Director at the Achievement Center
Director at the A.N.N.A. Shelter (Association for Needy and Neglected Animals)
RERKO
What is the Achievement Center’s Mission? Serving more than 3,400 children each year, the Achievement Center helps children and young adults to maximize their potential. With a variety of therapeutic services for children, from birth to age 21, the Achievement Center meets the unique needs of children and teens with behavioral, emotional, mental health, developmental and physical challenges. Tell Us About Your Experience. I have a variety of experience in the field of behavioral health and have served in progressive leadership roles for more than 17 years. I have a passion for humanity and am committed to the health and well-being of anyone I meet. Describe Your Passion for the Work You Do. I share the Achievement Center’s vision that every child will be valued, respected, and will have opportunities to succeed. I have a strong desire to serve — removing obstacles, building capacity and being a voice of advocacy for the children and their parents. Contact Information: 4950 West 23rd Street Erie, PA 16506 814/459-2755 achievementctr.org
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JULY 2017 • mbabizmag.com
THOMPSON What is the A.N.N.A. Shelter’s Mission? To provide stray/unwanted pet animals with a place where they can be reunited with their owners or placed into a new loving responsible home; and to provide this care in a loving, nurturing, clean, safe environment. Rescuing and rehabilitating one animal at a time. Tell Us About Your Experience. I started the shelter in 2004 with rose colored glasses. The past 14 years have been humbling and rewarding beyond belief. I have a background in business and a passion for helping others, which has helped me maintain our nonprofit organization. Our community support is amazing. Describe Your Passion for the Work You Do. The A.N.N.A. Shelter isn’t a job for me. It is who I am, a direct reflection of my heart and soul. As the founding director, I work hard every day to stay true to our mission. To help not only the animals who enter our doors but to provide compassion to the people we serve as well. Contact Information: 1555 East 10th Street Erie, PA 16511 814/451-0230 theannashelter.com