From the Desk of Deborah Royster, CEO

Taking on a New and Exciting Role - Post from Deborah M. Royster, CEO,

Seabury Resources for Aging

I am so excited to announce that I was named Chair of the Board of Directors for the Center for Nonprofit Advancement (Center) effective October 2019 and announced at the Center’s Annual meeting in November. Created in 1979, the Center is the nation’s first state association for nonprofit organizations.

The Center’s mission is to strengthen, promote and represent nonprofit organizations, empowering them to meet the diverse, changing needs of our communities. Among its many services, the Center provides training to nonprofit staff and board members; recognizes innovation through its awards programs; and helps nonprofits stretch their budgets with affordable health insurance and accounting programs.

As I take on this new role, I, along with my fellow board members, believe there must be increased dialogue and community focus on the critical issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our region and the nation are confronted with growing inequities in income, a lack of affordable housing, and disparities in the quality of education and healthcare - depending on your zip code. Each day local nonprofits are being asked to provide more support to growing numbers of clients who find themselves increasingly falling behind their more affluent neighbors.

Nonprofits have the same operational requirements as their for-profit counterparts. We must hire and retain talent, upgrade technology and maintain our infrastructure. The difference between nonprofits and for-profits is revenue streams and resources. We are mission driven organizations and benefit from the hard work of dedicated employees, but the increasing demands of our clients are placing great strain on our workforce.

I see the challenges of a nonprofit organization to provide services to their clients as a microcosm of a broader national debate. Unless we look honestly at and take action on the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, we will fail in our mission.

The Center has the right priorities and focus. I am honored to assume the responsibilities of the Chair of the Board. I look forward to advancing our mission and helping to drive the mission of our members.

For more about the Center visit nonprofitadvancement.org