Over the course of the next four episodes we will feature interviews with nonprofit leaders who serve in a variety of positions including founder, executive director, deputy executive director, and (drumroll, please…) a board member!
These amazing women serve in organizations across the United States and on the Fort Apache Reservation in Arizona.
In this episode, you’ll meet Amy McLaughry, CNAP, MBA—an entrepreneur and nonprofit leader who lives and serves in beautiful Colorado. She is the owner of Nonprofit Money Sense, a nonprofit accounting firm working virtually with nonprofits from all over the U.S., and she’s also a long-time board member of the Community College of Aurora Foundation.
🔎 Click to view larger image
Under Amy’s board leadership tenure, the Foundation has navigated some really uncomfortable, sticky situations, and her story will remind all of us why board service is not for wimps! Like Joan Garry says, “At its best, a great board serves as the strategic partner of the CEO on long term planning and short term crisis management.”
Two things to remember: Nonprofit board members are volunteers. Most have full-time job outside of the organization. And when a “crisis” arises, it’s the board members who often partner with the ED (or take control if the situation requires it) and help the organization come out on the other side of it stronger than before.
Amy is a strong leader for her organization, and her case in defense of the big hearts of board members is something we all need to hear.
🎧 Click here to listen to this episode:
About Amy McLaughry
My name is Amy McLaughry, and I started Nonprofit Money Sense (formerly ADEM Bookkeeping) to provide virtual bookkeeping services to Nonprofit Organizations. My mission is to help with the financial reporting requirements that your Donors, your Board, and the public want to see.
My background is in banking where I spent nearly 14 years starting at the bottom of the organization and working my way up to loan officer and branch manager. I helped customers with all aspects of their banking relationship from taking deposits, to finding the right financial solutions, to helping them achieve their dreams – buying their first home, helping their kids buy cars, and growing their business. I loved helping the customers and working the numbers. But let’s admit, the old days of “Banker’s Hours” don’t exist today, and thus it was time for a change.
With two kids growing up before my eyes, they would soon be entering middle school and high school, I was needed as a parent more than ever. So, I left my job to focus on my family, and ultimately take control of my life-work balance.
The last couple of years have been such a rewarding experience doing a very different kind of work. I have been able to attend my kids functions without feeling guilty, I have worked at being a better wife and mom, and we added to the family. During this time, I have found that my passion for numbers and helping others is still as strong as ever.
During my time at the bank, I became involved with a community college foundation whose focus is providing scholarships to students in one of the most diverse communities in the nation. Over the past nine years I have held many positions within the organization, ranging from Treasurer, Board President, to Interim Executive Director (the last two positions I held at the same time).
My years and positions at the Foundation have provided me with a greater understanding of the inner workings of a nonprofit organization: board dynamics, making sure they continue to support the mission, a full understanding of the financial requirements placed on nonprofit organizations, as well as the time constraints of the Executive Director, and the many hats that must be worn on a daily basis.
Thus was born Nonprofit Money Sense (formerly ADEM Bookkeeping) to help Nonprofit Organizations with their financial reporting requirements to the donors, the board, and ultimately the public and the IRS. Any burden that can be taken off the Foundation Staff and outsourced, allows for more time fundraising and fulfilling the mission and the vision of the organization.
🔗 Connect with Community College of Aurora Foundation:
- Website (nonprofit): http://auroragives.org
- Donate (nonprofit): http://auroragives.org/why-giving-matters/
- Website (business): https://adembookkeeping.com
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/amymclaughry
- Business website: https://nonprofitmoneysense.com
- Email: amy@nonprofitmoneysense.com
The Your Nonprofit Life Podcast is produced by the
Learn more about the Nonprofit Leadership Lab and
our exclusive online community “The Village”:
Website: https://nonprofitleadershiplab.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nonprofitleadershiplab
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
