Calling Executive Directors and Development Directors: please participate in this important new research by sharing your experiences! CompassPoint and the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund are conducting a national research project exploring the role of development director in nonprofit organizations. Through this research we hope to deepen the sector’s understanding about what successful development leadership looks like and how nonprofit leaders can better identify and support the talent they need in this essential role. If you are a Development Director or an Executive Director, please take the survey today (it takes just 20 minutes to complete) – and encourage your colleagues at other organizations to take it, too! For more information on the study, contact Marla Cornelius at marlac@compasspoint.org or 415.541.9000.

We are excited to welcome Shannon Ellis – CompassPoint’s newest staff member. Shannon will train and consult primarily in CompassPoint’s growing strategy and financial management practice areas. She has served in the nonprofit sector for nearly 20 years and has a strong commitment to organizations working toward social change, particularly those related to ending violence against women. Shannon worked for twelve years at the Family Violence Law Center in Oakland, where she most recently served as Interim Executive Director. Shannon’s perspective on a key value she offers clients: “I understand that financial statements are more than just numbers—every balance sheet tells a story. I have a strong ability to help clients understand the connection between their financial story and the organization’s goals and performance.”