“… She was a loyal and tireless leader who was committed to the success of the agency. During especially challenging times, she made the tough decisions that only real leaders can make…”
— Larry Holzman, Jewish Family & Child Service, Immediate Past President
Interim Executive Directorships
“Ruth came to HEAT Oregon with a strong recommendation that proved to be completely accurate! Her years and diversity of experience let her assess our needs and immediately begin strengthening our operation…”
— Adam Lowney, Past Board President, HEAT Oregon, McDowell Rackner & Gibson
“Given a very short and demanding timeline, Ruth quickly assessed the sustainability of Lift Urban Portland and immediately began to build on our strengths…”
— Bruce Strade, Past President, Lift Urban Portland
In reaching for that next level, times of transition often offer the best opportunity to assess an organization objectively and lay out the basis for real change. Experience has also taught me that change needs to be based on facts, diverse perspectives, strategic thinking, and quantitative measurables.
Jewish Family & Child Service
“I joined the JFCS Board in 2017. I served as Vice President for two years and then as President for four years. I was Vice President when Ruth was hired as Interim Executive Director. Ruth inherited an agency that, for many years, was sorely lacking in fundraising and visibility. She immediately brought confidence and years of experience that helped stabilize and grow the agency.
She was a loyal and tireless leader who was committed to the success of the agency. During especially challenging times, she made the tough decisions that only real leaders can make and effectively saved the agency from likely financial ruin. We worked well together to help the agency serve its clients and I will miss working with her.”
— Larry Holzman, JFCS Immediate Past President
Photos provided by JFCSInterim Executive Director
Summary:
Strategic Plan -- Developed and completed 3-year Strategic Plan that led the Board to decide against a proposed merger allowing both organizations to operate collaboratively and with independence.
Children and Counseling Services -- Strategic planning resulted in investment in Counseling with particular emphasis on re-establishing child services as well as increasing agency visibility.
Executive Director
2020 - 2023
Summary:
Succession Planning – Recruited, hired and mentored new deputy director who was successfully elevated to succeed me as Executive Director.
Donations Growth – Delivered over 250% growth in 5 years from increased donation size and number of donors including donor match of a $500,000 challenge grant in the last 8 months.
Systems Rebuild – Stabilized and streamlined internal functions with focus on financial & cash flow management, identifying cost overruns, implementing austerity measures and using actuarial and other predictors to bring finances in alignment with revenue.
2017 - 2020
"Ruth’s overall understanding of financial statements, tolerance for complexity, quick ability to synthesize the detail into the big picture, and program requirements were very helpful as a newcomer to the organization. These combined with her kind, gentle while firm management style made her easy to work with.”
— Michelle Farmin, Finance Director, Jewish Family & Child Service
Lift Urban Portland
"Given a very short and demanding timeline, Ruth quickly assessed the sustainability of Lift Urban Portland and immediately began to build on our strengths, while at the same time addressing our weaknesses. The result was a new major revenue stream, increased cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency, as well as notable staff development. Equally significant she brought a positive and energetic spirit that proved to be contagious.”
- Bruce Strade, Past President. Lift Urban Portland
Interim Executive Director I Executive Coach
2016-2017
Summary:
Revenue Diversification and Partnership Development with this 30-year organization, prepared it to move to its next level proficiency. A top-tier partner of the Oregon Food Bank, Lift Urban Portland is a food provider for low-income residents in NW and Downtown Portland.
Expanded Services today providing delivered Food Boxes to the home-bound in more than 20 residential towers as well as Emergency Pantries, a Healthy Eating Workshop series known as Supper Club, as well as the original Food Pantry.
Results also included an Operations, Development, and Business Plans that together laid out the path to sustainable growth and the recruitment and hiring of an executive director.
Oregon Energy Fund
formerly HEAT Oregon
"Ruth came to HEAT Oregon with a strong recommendation that proved to be completely accurate! Her years and diversity of experience let her assess our needs and immediately begin strengthening our operation. Increased and diversified revenue dominated her time with us while she helped us decide how and what our next level was to be. The results of her work with us include: new leadership, strengthened and energized board and staff plus a clear, strategic direction and new partnerships.”
- Adam Lowney, Past Board President HEAT Oregon, McDowell Rackner & Gibson
Interim Executive Director & Development Director
2015 - 2016
Summary:
Developed Strategic Plan based on extensive interviews for possible acquisition/merger, developed a growth-based plan reflecting Board passion, resources and vision.
Executive Search – Used Strategic Plan to refine job description, search and hire an executive director capable of delivering on the Strategic Plan.
Revenue Diversification – Assessed need and strengthened operations including revenue diversification. Initiated both traditional and innovative fundraising including extensive Return on Investment analysis and creation of an Advisory Council to support development.