How Do You Scale Success as a Nonprofit Leader? (Erin McAleer)

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How do you balance rapid growth and building a strong team to support your nonprofit’s long-term success? In episode 284 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Erin McAleer, President of Project Bread, dives into the complexities of scaling a nonprofit organization while staying true to its mission. She discusses the critical balance between growth and sustainability, sharing lessons from her leadership journey. Erin highlights the importance of creating a strong organizational infrastructure, building a resilient team, and maintaining a clear strategic intent during times of rapid expansion. She also touches on the significance of engaging board members who can champion fundraising efforts and provide essential financial expertise. 

"Growth is exciting, but the real challenge is maintaining it with a clear vision, strong partnerships, and a committed team."

ABOUT ERIN

Erin McAleer, MSW, is the President and CEO of Project Bread, a statewide food security organization in Massachusetts that connects communities to reliable food sources while advocating for accessible food policies. With expertise in government affairs and nonprofit management, Erin has expanded Project Bread's annual budget from $6.2M to $14.5M since joining in 2017, leading a team of 80+ employees. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded programs, doubled staffing for its FoodSource Hotline, and introduced new departments focused on policy advocacy, research, and community engagement. Erin’s achievements include the passage of key state bills, such as Breakfast After the Bell and An Act Promoting Student Nutrition, and she played a pivotal role in making free school meals permanent for all K-12 students in Massachusetts. Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), Erin has prioritized DEIJ initiatives across Project Bread’s strategic plan, including recruiting a diverse board and leading the organization through inclusion dialogues.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid 
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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