David Weiss

By David Weiss, Former Executive Director of the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative  

Summer is winding down and a change of season is ahead. That excitement of change is in the air here at the Community Foundation and its Nonprofit Leadership Initiative (NPLI) program, as well.     

After two years leading NPLI and continuing the great work started by my predecessor Kim O’Brien and the many community leaders who brought this great vision to life, I recently decided, with mixed emotions, to pursue and accept an opportunity to become the Director of Donor Services with the Community Foundation. I’m excited to share that Hope Schaefer has been promoted to become NPLI’s next Executive Director.      

Hope Schaefer

During Hope’s initial time with NPLI as Program and Communications Manager, she and I have worked closely together on all aspects of the program. Hope has more than 10 years working in the nonprofit sector, including six years as the first full-time Executive Director for Girls on the Run of Northeast Wisconsin, as well as Program Coordinator and Program Manager positions with Oshkosh Area Community Pantry. She brings significant nonprofit and community knowledge to this role and looks forward to building a relationship with all who love the nonprofits that make our community great.

Hope said, “As a 2019-2020 graduate of NPLI’s Leadership Institute and a self-proclaimed life-long learner, I am grateful to have the opportunity to support other nonprofit leaders and help them and their organizations thrive. I have a deep love for the nonprofit community, and I look forward to continuing to support nonprofit leaders with the tools, resources, and programs so they, and their organizations can grow and thrive.”  

Following what NPLI teaches nonprofit leaders, through August, Hope and I will work together on a seamless transition so NPLI can continue to offer the familiar and impactful programming our local leaders and partners have come to expect from us.  

Pictured left to right: Kim O’Brien, NPLI’s first Executive Director, Hope Schaefer, NPLI’s new Executive Director and David Weiss, NPLI’s most recent Executive Director

Also, NPLI is about to pilot a new offering, called BoardBound, to encourage and equip aspiring board members with the knowledge it takes to be an active and engaged board member. With the excellent foundation laid by former NPLI teammate Annette Look, Hope has assumed leadership for this program and has partnered with UW-Green Bay to bring it to life. 

There are so many things to look forward to in the coming months and years from NPLI under this new leadership. Please join me in congratulating Hope!         

Planning is underway for hiring NPLI’s next Program and Communications Manager. If this sounds exciting to you, please subscribe to NPLI’s email list to keep up on all the latest news and programming. Nonprofit Leadership Initiative (npleadershipfv.org) 

The Nonprofit Leadership Initiative within the Community Foundation is a partnership of Fox Valley-area nonprofits, funders, educational institutions and businesses dedicated to providing resources needed by effective nonprofit boards and executive leaders. NPLI offers a wide range of leadership, management and technical skill-building programs, as well as peer learning circles, to the entire nonprofit sector in the Fox Valley. Interested in supporting NPLI’s important work? Go here to donate now.