The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy’s (NCRP) Board of Directors is a diverse, engaged group of nonprofit and foundation leaders. While we’re always excited to welcome new members each year, saying farewell to outgoing ones can be difficult. This year, we honor three outgoing board members by sharing their reflections about their time with NCRP.
Marjorie Fine, Ana Garcia-Ashley and Judy Hatcher have all served during an exciting time in NCRP’s history, where much growth and impact has taken place. Last week, at their final board meeting with NCRP, they each shared their thoughts in response to the following questions:
1. How has NCRP changed during your time on the board?
Margie, who served on the board for nine years, noted that NCRP is increasingly engaging the grassroots to inform its programming. Margie noted how NCRP Executive Director Aaron Dorfman leads with an organizing philosophy, and that she has seen how this makes NCRP’s programming more strategic.
In her six years as a board member, Ana observed the growing innovation in NCRP’s programming and applauded the organization’s willingness to take risks.
Judy, who has also served for nine years on the board, mentioned one big change during her tenure, when she was a part of the leadership transition hiring process that led to Aaron Dorfman becoming executive director. She highlighted his strengths as an organizer, and how an organizing approach is useful in many settings and organizations, including NCRP.
2. What lessons will you take with you?
During her time as a board member, Margie has been pleased to see an increase in board members’ engagement levels and an improvement in board practices, some of which she championed.
Ana saw parallels between her personal growth and NCRP’s, as her board service helped her to develop more courage and integrity. She realized that if you want change, you may receive backlash for your choices, but in that challenge lies an opportunity for growth.
Judy’s time on the board has taught her that despite the strategies we use, there is a constant tension between positive reinforcement and constructive criticism as we seek to shift philanthropic practices.
3. What are you most proud of from your time with NCRP?
Margie is most proud that NCRP “walks the talk,” mirroring the behavior we set as a standard for all of philanthropy. The organization has a diverse staff and board, not only along lines of identity, but also in ways of thought.
Ana praised the NCRP Impact Awards, launched in 2013, after observing its growth in popularity and the program’s ability to influence changes in behavior.
Judy shared comments about the evolution of the board, both the deeper engagement of board members, and better board practices overall.
The camaraderie and respect among the three was evident during our conversation in which they laughed, joked and shared high expectations for the future of NCRP. They clearly were inspired by one another, and the warmth of their responses showed their high esteem for their board colleagues and the staff. We will miss all of them, but we know that they will continue to be great ambassadors for NCRP. Thank you, Margie, Judy and Ana for your service!
Jeanné Isler is field director at the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) and staffs the NCRP board of directors’ governance committee, which leads the transition of board members each year. Follow @NCRP and @j_lachapel on Twitter.
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