Application Period Opens for Council on Foundations' Career Pathways Program

Source: Council on Foundations 01/24/2012

(Jan. 24, 2012) - Having established itself as one of the philanthropic sector’s premier leadership development programs to promote leadership preparation and diverse talents, the Council on Foundations’ Career Pathways Program is now accepting nominations and applications for its third class. The intense curriculum takes place over the course of 12 months, and all participants will walk away with the knowledge, experience, and professional network to prepare them for senior-level foundation positions.

Graduates of the 2011–2012 Pathways class can testify to the effectiveness of the program. “The Career Pathways program has been an amazing and transformative experience. The Council team and consultants have designed an intensive, comprehensive, and supportive program that is not just another leadership program, but whose goal and passion is to develop outstanding and diverse leaders for the field of philanthropy,” said Belen Vargas, vice president of grant operations for the Weingart Foundation.

Sharmila Thakkar, senior program officer with The Siragusa Foundation added, “It is a professional and life experience focused on what it takes to truly be a well-rounded and holistic leader in the [philanthropic] sector, showing me firsthand the power of vision, values, communication, and community. I am developing new skills and knowledge, broadening my perspectives on philanthropy and leadership, and growing confidence and energy to know what I stand for so I can push forward with intention.”

“The Career Pathways program, as a new entry to the foundation sector, was one of the greatest experiences in my professional career,” said Kenneth Jones, CFO and vice president for finance and administration with The Annie E. Casey Foundation. “The staff challenged us on the status quo, the readings and case studies provided us with unique perspectives, and the class gave us a family within the foundation community to share, learn, and grow together with. The one-year investment in this program will pay dividends long after you complete your year obligation and I would highly recommend this program to others in the foundation community.”

“Six of the Career Pathways graduates have already demonstrated incredible leadership within the field of philanthropy,” said Renée Branch, the Council’s vice president for professional development, diversity and inclusion,

• Tonya Allen was promoted to chief operating officer at The Skillman Foundation.

• Caroline Merenda was hired by and promoted to program director at CFLeads.

• Debra Joy Pérez was promoted to interim assistant vice president, research and evaluation at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

• La June Montgomery Tabron was promoted to chief operating officer and treasurer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

• Julie Walther was hired by and promoted to senior director of programs at the Center on Halsted. (She is leaving The Brinson Foundation on January 26.)

• Heidi Williamson was promoted to vice president, grants and communication at the Berks County Community Foundation.

“Participation in the Pathways program provided a vehicle, exposure, and tools for building one’s own leadership capacity to serve their home institutions and the broader philanthropic sector,” Branch noted. “Pathways graduates and participants are also contributing to the vibrancy and health of the field in other meaningful ways through service on Council committees and task forces and are giving back by serving as speakers and presenters for professional development programming.”

In creating Pathways, the Council sought to identify and share promising leadership preparation approaches. It also surveyed executives in the field about leadership traits, professional success, hiring practices, demographic characteristics, and advancement opportunities.

Participants engaged in self-directed career planning and research, in-person group learning sessions; site visits; one-on-one executive coaching, mentoring, and leadership projects; and made connections with professional networks and decision makers. The program continues to work with graduates to ensure they have access to the support and resources they need to effectively serve in senior, executive, and trustee positions.

Each participant also conducted an in-depth analysis of personal leadership styles and examined issues facing foundation executives, including strategic planning, administration, financial management, board relations, organizational culture, and public speaking.

The early bird deadline for applications is February 20. The final deadline is March 21. There are two informational calls scheduled for January 26 and February 28, 2–3 p.m. ET. Please RSVP at careerpathways@cof.org.

Pathways is made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Marguerite E. Casey Foundation, the California Wellness Foundation, the Weingart Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.