I am always inspired when colleagues from the SVP Network get together to learn, grow and support each other. This year’s Global Network Conference staff day was no exception. In fact, I give it a big thumbs up – and, candidly, I wasn’t expecting that.
Tim Schottman, pc: jerryandlois All rights reserved.
Some have asked why we are part of a network? Is it really worth paying in to be part of it? I can enthusiastically say “yes, without a doubt!” The pre-conference staff day gave me the opportunity to meet the new SVP Network CEO Tim Shottman, who has an impressive resume. Per his bio on the SVP website, Tim has more than 30 years of executive experience in building global networks, developing leaders, creating and implementing strategies, managing multi-cultural teams, and leading change in rapidly changing environments.
He spent 17 years at Starbucks in a number of roles, spanning from Director of Global Strategy to Vice President of Marketing. Tim helped Starbucks grow from 100 local stores to 15,000 stores in more than 44 countries. In search of greater significance, Tim crossed over to the nonprofit sector in 2009, starting a global program for SightLife, an organization devoted to restoring sight to millions suffering from corneal blindness.
How fortunate we are to now have him bring his expertise to the Network. His focus is providing great customer service with each affiliate being the client. As the SVP Arizona ED, I am now part of a cohort with ED’s from Sacramento, Los Angeles, Boulder, Tucson and Charlotte. A Vistage-like program for us where we can problem solve, be creative, be supportive, share ideas, and concerns with confidentiality. Kudos to the SVP Network!
Tim shared the board’s vision and strategy over the next several years and I am encouraged as to how this will impact us in Phoenix. He outlined three strategic goals:
- Strengthen Affiliates: With a $700,000 grant from the Ford and Gates Foundations, we will benefit from the Partner Development Initiative. Thirty-two modules will be developed over the next few years with “Nonprofit Fundamentals,” “Relationship Management,” and our “Culture, Values and our Approach” being launched in early 2017. This learning curriculum will be offered to our staff and Partners in person or via a web-based platform. What a great resource for us! Our Partners can get engaged by being a content expert and SVP Arizona will pilot the new modules. The Network is also retooling our Resource Center that can be accessed right from the Network website to make it much more user-friendly in finding information from around the network.
- Connect Affiliates and Partners: ED cohorts are being organized and facilitated by the Network to enhance the work we all do. Additionally, there is an effort to upgrade communication and how to better convene the 3,200 Partners from around the world. This may mean no big conference next year, but rather smaller more regional forums. Stay tuned.
- Strengthen the Networks capacity to influence: It is a goal to get a grant for marketing so that ads can be placed in national publications with first steps to research cost.
We have some exciting things to look forward to!
Written by Terri Wogan-Calderón, Executive Director and Partner, Social Venture Partners Arizona. Passionate about improving the nonprofit sector and public education in Arizona, Terri has served as Executive Director for Social Venture Partners Arizona for more than 10 years.