My Why, The Journey and Perspective On Non Profiting

I dreamed of becoming many things as a child, but being the CEO of a nonprofit was never one of them. I would guess that MOST of us in the nonprofit industry never dreamed about this world growing up. There is no one route people take that leads to running a nonprofit. My own path was far from linear, and I know many of my colleagues have similar stories. But when I tell my story, I think my path has been more meandering than average.

As a child, I made several moves that affected my view of myself and the world. I was born in Washington DC and grew up in Baltimore. I spent most of my childhood summers in Iowa, moved to Dallas in high school, moved to California for college, and eventually settled down in Southern California. I feel lucky that I have seen our country from many different angles. But I also know what it feels like to not fit in.

If you are looking to live a more inspired life, practice discipline, and succeed
- this book is for you.

Executive Director of Shoes That Fit

Amy Fass was named the Executive Director of Shoes That Fit in February 2014. She joined the organization’s staff in 2013 as the interim Development Director, having consulted with the organization on strategic planning and development since 2008.

She has worked in nonprofit management and development for over 20 years. Her development career began at Pomona College, where she served as Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations; she then worked for the University of California, Berkeley, securing major gifts. After the birth of her daughter in 1999, she began consulting non-profits on development and strategic planning; her clients included the Claremont School of Theology, the American Academy of Religion (Atlanta), Shoes that Fit, House of Ruth, Inc., and AMOCA (American Museum of Ceramic Art). She currently chairs the Board of Mt. San Antonio Gardens (retirement community) and City of Claremont’s Architectural Commission, and formerly chaired the boards of House of Ruth and Claremont Heritage.

Amy earned her B.A. at Stanford University and holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Amy since she joined Shoes That Fit in 2014. It’s impressive and inspiring to see the passion she brings to her role, which is such an essential ingredient to successfully lead a non-profit organization. Whether working with her team, the board, donors, schools or business partners, Amy’s authenticity and ability to bring the story and mission of Shoes That Fit to life has created an incredible community of support. It’s through years of experience that Amy has built her leadership style and gained the insights to write this book. I know it will be a fantastic resource for any non-profit organization.”

Scott Meden, Chief Marketing Officer, Nordstrom

“When I first met Amy she changed my perspective on the business of nonprofits with a single conversation that has stayed with me for many years. I was beyond thrilled when she told me about this book. Amy is a transformational leader that leads from the front and brings a depth and breadth of insights and experience that make this book not just timely but immediately applicable to nonprofit organizations everywhere.”

Tony Kopetchny, CEO, Parsons TKO

“Amy Fass is a force – a force that has had an incredible impact of the lives of children experiencing poverty. I am so proud to have partnered with Amy to serve youth and families who truly need us most. Amy’s understanding of the intricacies associated with nonprofits and the benefits of partnership make her a phenomenal leader. Her collaborative style is quite impressive, but more than anything I love that Amy continues to learn and lean on others for advice and authentic perspective on the communities she serves. She doesn’t turn a blind eye to what is needed but rather pivots to ensure her approach and that of her organization are community driven and sensitive to the needs of her beneficiaries.”

Nichol Whiteman, CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation