Michelle Whiting & Associates News
Top Executives Placed With Two West Coast Nonprofits
(2019) – MWA is pleased to announce the successful completion of two senior executive searches so far this year. In late 2018, The Bolsa Chica Conservancy, stewards of the treasured 1,300-acre wetlands and ecological reserve in Huntington Beach, sought out the assistance of MW&A to perform a development assessment as they readied for a capital campaign. As a result, a new Chief Executive Officer position was created and Huntington Beach City Councilman Patrick Brenden was selected from a qualified field of candidates to lead the organization forward as they enter a new era of expanded growth and impact. Brenden will start his tenure as CEO in July. Simultaneously, MW&A conducted a search for the Chief Development Officer for Think Together, one of California’s most dynamic organizations dedicated to closing the achievement gap for students throughout the state. Joel Wyatt, formerly Vice President of Didi Hirsh Mental Health Services, was chosen for the role. He will be charged with expanding the current board of directors that reaches across the state, as well as implementing a plan to achieve increased revenue growth. Congratulations to both Patrick and Joel as they embark on their new professional...
read moreMW&A Reaches 25-Year Milestone
(2019) – This year marks the 25th anniversary of Michelle Whiting & Associates. Since first launching in 1994 to provide consulting to nonprofit organizations across the globe, MW&A has worked with more than 200 nonprofit partners and conducted over 80 executive searches. Over the years, the nonprofit world has experienced a roller coaster ride as a result of economical and political changes. We are proud that organizations have turned to us to help them through these times. Moving forward into 2019 and well beyond, our commitment to provide unequaled counsel will...
read morePacific Chorale Turns to MW&A for Development Assessment and Chief Executive Officer Search
(2018) – As their 50th year drew to an end, the Board of Directors of Pacific Chorale, one of Southern California’s premiere music ensembles, turned to MW&A with a desire to assess their organization, explore potential new funders and find a CEO to guide them through their strategic goals. As a recognized specialist in the field of nonprofit executive search and development assessment, MW&A was contracted to help advance the organization in the right direction. After concluding with a development assessment and providing an extensive report of possible funders, MW&A developed a detailed profile for the CEO position and launched the executive search. In December 2018, the Board of Directors welcomed Andrew Brown, formerly the Chief Operating Officer of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, as the new CEO to help set the direction for the next generation of the Pacific...
read moreMW&A Secures Over $1M in Funding for Our Clients in 2017
(2017) – Working on behalf of and in partnership with our clients, MW&A secured well over $1M in grants in 2017. Reaching out to foundations such as the Annenberg, Koret, Sharon D. Lund, Weingart, Hearst and Ralph M. Parsons among others, these grant awards benefitted MW&A clients throughout the country. In addition to executive search services, MW&A also offers development assessment & planning, foundation relations and grant development and philanthropic advisement, all designed to dramatically increased exposure to grant making opportunities from the nation’s most respected charitable...
read moreMW&A Completes Executive Searches on Both Coasts
(2017) – MW&A recently completed senior executive search projects for two major nonprofits, one in New York and the second in Los Angeles. MW&A launched an appeal for a Director of Development for the New York office of global nonprofit CDP (formerly the Carbon Distribution Program). After a nationwide search, CDP selected Jonathan Labozetta to direct their growing North American operation. Labozetta had held the position of Institutional Giving and Government Relations for the Rainforest Alliance and brought over two decades of experience in international philanthropic and institutional environment fundraising, and an unmatched background in foundation and government grant procurement to his new position with CDP. In Los Angeles, The PUENTE Learning Center welcomed Matt Wells, former Chief Operating Officer for the Diavolo Dance Company, as their Vice President of Development. In his new role, Wells is charged with expanding the fundraising efforts of this educational nonprofit which has worked with the underserved population in the neighborhood of Boyle Heights in Los Angeles for more than 30...
read more2016 MW&A Summer Newsletter
(2016) – Over the summer we have watched the stock market inch past its highest point, and the national job reports show steady growth. Our economy is definitely looking up. Yet, it seems the philanthropic sector is always the last to feel the positive effects. But there can be no doubt– the positive economic impact is reflected in everyone’s bottom line. During the first half of 2016 we’ve seen greater investment in staff, creation of new positions and a resurgence of capital campaigns with many of our current and former clients. Meanwhile, on the giving side, 17 new foundations have emerged in the West Coast region alone, with an anticipated 110+ traditional grant-making foundations nationwide by the end of the year – all with well-defined guidelines and plans to support health, education, social services and the arts. Of course at MW&A we have already begun canvassing many of these new Foundations to discover the viable opportunities that will be coming up in the New Year. This outreach is invaluable, but as I preach to all our clients, it is all about relationships. Consider giving us a call about our Foundation Relations and Grant Development program specifically geared to identifying funders best suited to your organization, as well as maximizing your development efforts with each grant request. To view our Summer Newsletter in its entirety, please click here and feel free to forward along to your friends and...
read moreSaratoga Performing Arts Center has selected Michelle Whiting & Associates
(2014) – Michelle Whiting & Associates has been selected to conduct a search for one of the most beautiful performing arts venues in the country. Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has it all–history, majestic location, dedicated staff, a blue ribbon board, and an annual roster of performances and artists that is unparalleled. The new Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations will provide the creative vision to further enhance the SPAC brand, implement a marketing plan to support two years of activities leading to the 50th Anniversary in 2016, and leverage long term partnerships as the summer home of the New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra. Saratoga is nestled in a region where the Adirondacks, the Berkshires and the Hudson River Valley converge in a sophisticated town known for its horse racing, polo, and upscale resorts. This is a career-making opportunity with the added benefit of a beautiful locale. Click here to view the job...
read moreOrange County United Way has selected Michelle Whiting & Associates
(2014) – Orange County United Way has selected Michelle Whiting & Associates to conduct their search for a Vice President of Investor Relations. Orange County United Way (OCUW) is a 90-year old organization with powerful brand influence. They focus on issue-specific priorities to drive change in a diverse community comprised of 34 cities and 28 school districts. In the most recent fiscal year, OCUW raised $18.4M through the generous contributions of more than 1,000 companies and 40,000 donors. Over 187,000 people have benefited from OCUW’s support of life changing programs. The Vice President of Investor Relations will cast the donor engagement and major gifts strategy to support the mission of...
read moreVice President of Investor Relations for Orange County United Way
ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY MISSION & ORGANIZATION (2014) – Orange County United Way (OCUW) mission is to “improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of Orange County to strengthen our community.” OCUW engages individual donors and local corporations to support the education, income/financial stability, health and housing needs of Orange County’s most vulnerable populations. Over the next ten years, Orange County United Way is challenging the community to come together to help the next generation of Orange County children succeed by focusing on the building blocks for a good quality of life: Education, Income, Health and Housing. This focus has created an organization-wide commitment to mobilize all sectors of the community: corporate, grant-making, donors, and 87 community impact partners. Towards this goal, OCUW has redefined its approach to individual donor engagement. VICE PRESIDENT OF INVESTOR RELATIONS The Vice President of Investor Relations is a newly enhanced position intended to oversee the planning, strategic development and implementation of all major gifts procurement from both individual and institutional donors. The Vice President will provide the strategic direction and oversight of OCUW’s Investor Relations team members focusing on individual major donors, donor affinity groups, grants, endowments, and special events related to these areas. Ultimately, this leadership position will create the strategies, program based campaigns, and major gifts leadership circles that engage existing donors, identify potential new donors, advance relationship building with those prospects, and pursue timely and appropriate solicitation of gifts. The Vice President of Investor Relations will be required to: Increase the non-workplace giving from the current $4 million to $8 million over the next four years. Design, plan, develop, and execute a comprehensive strategy to increase major unrestricted gifts on behalf of OCUW to enhance the mission and vision established by the Board of Directors. Implement a comprehensive plan to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward individual donor prospects at the $100,000+ level, and work collaboratively across the organization to secure maximum gifts from identified prospects. Work collaboratively with OCUW volunteers and staff members to identify opportunities to connect donors to OCUW through the four targeted programs as well as one-time projects. Design process that will increase the use of community philanthropists in the leadership, cultivation and solicitation process. Implement creative ways of packaging and marketing OCUW programs to targeted philanthropic supporter Design strategies to enhance both the planning giving program and the endowment fund. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE and CAREER PATH The ideal candidate has a creative, entrepreneurial and innovative approach to work, the ability to represent OCUW professionalism, and possesses strong and engaging communication skills (both written and spoken.) At a minimum, this position requires: Bachelor’s Degree, a Masters is preferred Seven – ten years of increasing experience and responsibility in Major Gift Solicitations and Campaigns, Endowment Development, Communications and Special Events as they relate to Major Gifts and Individual Donor Engagement Campaigns. Significant knowledgeable of the Southern California philanthropic sector COMPENSATION OCUW is offering an industry competitive salary based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience, OCUW also offers health, dental and retirement benefits. APPLICATION PROCESS Please submit the following to . 1.) Cover letter: All candidates are strongly encouraged to develop a cover letter that describes how their qualifications, experiences and past successes in building major gifts and individual giving programs fully intersect with United Way Orange County’s needs for...
read moreCollaboration, Strategic Partnerships, Collective Impact
(2014) – Collaboration, Strategic Partnerships, Collective Impact…One funder I know jokingly says that she ‘fines’ people who use the latter term in her presence. Why? This jargon is overused, misused, and often sometimes works better in theory than in practice. Too often nonprofits seek partnerships with other mission- like organizations, where different philosophies–and competition for donors–mire progress. But we are seeing great success with organizations trying a different strategy: partners offering totally different services, but with an aligned philosophy. And to take it a step further, partners that are eager and willing to share not just ideas, but donors and resources. A brilliant example is two former MW&A clients, Project Hope Alliance and Art & Creativity for Healing. These two nonprofits serve very different missions. Project Hope Alliance, is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless children living in Orange County motels. Art & Creativity for Healing is all about using paint, canvas and imagination to heal emotional trauma in children and adults. Working on projects with Art & Creativity for Healing instructors, the children served by Project Hope Alliance have revealed some specific emotional health needs. Now that those needs are identified, appropriate services can be delivered. More evidence: follow the money. These two organizations jointly applied for and won grants for after school programming. Now they’re heading into a second cycle. Funders like the synergy. Another bonus: some of the expertise has migrated across the borders, as Project Hope Alliance’s child case-worker is now a trained Art for Creativity and Healing facilitator. Not-so-obvious partnerships are successful because the complementary missions extend, rather than duplicate. The more is more, there is no redundancy, and clients benefit. It’s found synergy, and, we are seeing daily that it...
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