Successful searches from coast to coast:
Orange County United Way in California and Saratoga Performing Arts Center in New York!
A 10-year strategic plan, entitled FACE 2024, is up and running at the Orange County United Way under the direction of President and CEO Max Gardner. FACE 2024, an acronym for Fund, Advocate, Collaborate and Educate, engages regional nonprofits to work toward common goals. Its implementation brought unique challenges to Gardner's staff. He turned to MW&A.
"We needed a pro, so we went with a pro," said Gardner, explaining why he chose MW&A to help fill the newly created position of Vice President of Investor Relations. "Many firms claim an understanding of nonprofit management, but I found they have a superficial level of expertise. I needed someone proactive to identify skills matching our operations, someone to approach the right people."
"Michelle sets high standards. Her sole interest is to get the right person for the job. She analyzes each candidate's skill set, qualifications and personality. Careful with your time, she acts as a filter to present only those candidates who are worth meeting."
Gardner and MW&A's collaboration hit the mark with the hiring of Lori Burrill who is responsible for individual giving and major gifts and loves the challenges her new job brings.
"I was immediately impressed with Max and the senior team and knew this was a good fit," said Burrill. "They provided the strategic vision and the support to move forward."
Burrill expressed her appreciation to MW&A for this opportunity. "Michelle's openness was a real plus," said Burrill. "She always provided honest assessments. And Megan was awesome, incredibly efficient."
The match now made, the OC United Way can FACE the future with increased confidence and optimism.
Max Gardner, President & CEO Lori Burrill, Vice President of
Orange County United Way Investor Relations
Across the country, another search was underway for the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), one of the nation's most prestigious performance venues and the summer residence of the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra.
MW&A was looking to fill the new position of Chief Marketing and Corporate Development Officer for SPAC. Tracy Strann, former Director of External Affairs at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, got the call.
"I have truly landed in an ideal place," said Strann. "I live in a charming community and work at one of the country's premiere performing arts centers."
Now part of SPAC's ensemble team, Strann's duties primarily encompass advertising, promotion, sponsorship and corporate funding. She is ever grateful to MW&A.
"Michelle and Megan contributed a tremendous amount of advice to showcase my talents," Strann said. "They had my best interest at heart as well as those of SPAC, making sure it was a win-win for both sides."
Marcia White, SPAC President and Executive Director, who initiated the search, felt the same. "The first time I spoke to Tracy, I knew she was the one."
"We had never done a search like this before, but this position was a challenge, requiring someone with proven skills in both marketing and corporate giving," White explained. "Michelle is a no nonsense woman with great resources and an instinctive sense. Her extensive performing arts background was an incredible plus."
"Michelle understands our business. She is very careful about the candidates she brings to the table," said White. "She listens and works incredibly hard. And, I knew I could trust her."
As SPAC celebrates its Golden Anniversary next year, White and Strann can both look to the future with great promise.
Learn more about Orange County United Way's FACE 2024 at http://www.unitedwayoc.org
Details on SPAC and upcoming events are available at
http://www.spac.org
Tracy Strann Marcia White, Executive Director
Chief Marketing and SPAC
Corporate Development
Officer at SPAC