Betsy Smulyan

I have served as Interim Executive Director of four nonprofit organizations, and Interim Director of Administration of one.  So my work has focused on the “power in the middle;” the importance of using transition as a time to strengthen an organization.  This includes providing stable leadership and guidance to staff; it also includes building infrastructure – better systems for financial and HR management, board governance, donor and data management, etc.  I help nonprofits strengthen the business side of their organization so that they can be more effective in pursuing their mission.  Examples include: revamping board financial reporting, creating board governance policies, working with staff to adopt a new IT tool or data storage structure.

I also serve as a non-profit consultant.  Two recent projects are:  helping a non-profit develop a succession plan (for both executive transition and emergency contingency); and helping a non-profit plan for and negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.   The intersection of financial planning and human resources is my sweet spot.