06/13/2019
Kathy Young's journey with the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance (TVNPA) began with a chance encounter in an elevator. Five years later, she has reached the top floor by being named TVNPA's first ever President & CEO.
In 2014, Kathy and fellow community leader Mony Nop, independently of each other, identified a need to unite the Tri-Valley's nonprofits. The idea that Kathy and Mony shared was that by working together, nonprofits could increase their impact, strengthen each other and expand the reach of their services.
The two met on an elevator in February 2014, exchanged ideas and business cards, and fast-tracked a process that would culminate only a month later with the formation of TVNPA.
Thirty-five attendees convened in a cramped conference room for TVNPA's inaugural meeting in March 2014. The group soon outgrew that venue and moved to much more spacious digs at the Bankhead Theater. TVNPA's free monthly programs now attract about 80 attendees, representing over 300 nonprofits from Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin and Santa Clara counties. TVNPA also hosts an annual Grantmakers Panel, Speakers' Forum and "Stronger Together" nonprofit festival.
"I'm incredibly proud of the nonprofit community that's grown up through TVNPA," says Kathy. "TVNPA has created a network of connections that brings nonprofits together to share best practices, collaborate and learn from industry experts. Because our monthly programs are free, TNVPA's benefits are accessible to all nonprofits regardless of budget constraints."
As President & CEO, Kathy looks forward to expanding TVNPA's footprint and helping its member organizations thrive. "My main priorities are to raise awareness of nonprofits and of the services they provide, connect nonprofits to prospective donors and volunteers, expand TVNPA's membership base, and increase participation in TVNPA from businesses and consultants who can help nonprofits grow."
For the past 12 years, Kathy served as an executive for the Fannie & John Hertz Foundation. She will continue to serve as Hertz Foundation's Executive Director of Programs as she transitions to her new role with TVNPA. She also served on the steering committee of the Tri-Valley Anti-Poverty Collaborative. In 2018, in recognition of her work with TVNPA, she received the Pleasanton Community of Character Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award. Kathy earned a BS in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from the University of San Francisco.
"Kathy Young's vision helped make TVNPA into what it is today," says Susan Houghton, founder of Sunflower Hill and a member of TVNPA's first Board of Directors. "Moving her into a President / CEO role will help TVNPA transition from a working, all volunteer Board into a staff driven, mature organization. Under Kathy's continued leadership, I have no doubt great things are ahead for TVNPA."
For more information about TVNPA visit tvnpa.org.
