As an nonprofit CEO, I specialize in transforming struggling nonprofits into high-performing and sustainable organizations. With over 20+ years of executive experience in the public / nonprofit sectors, I have a proven track record of leading strategic planning, innovation, and turnaround initiatives that deliver positive impact and fiscal health.

Most recently, I finished my 7th interim executive position. I was the Interim CEO of the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, a visual and performing arts center in the heart of the cultural and convention district of San Francisco. There, I helped reduce a projected $4M deficit to $600K surplus and built back trust with the staff after a major public relations crisis.

Previously, I led Downtown Streets Team, a $17M+ and 300 staff organization that helps the unhoused move to self-sufficiency. Before that, I was the VP of Strategy at CivicMakers where I led major projects for cities and nonprofits using design thinking, lean startup, and strategic roadmaps. I also served as the interim executive director for two environmental nonprofits and another homelessness nonprofit where I successfully resolved complex financial and operational challenges.

I hold a master's degree in public policy from Duke University, and I was a policy fellow at the Humphrey School, a White House innovation fellow finalist, and a Minnesota Idea Open winner.

HIGHLIGHTS include:

• Leading a $17M nonprofit with 300 employees
• Led the creation of the City of Hayward's strategic plan
• Served as interim Executive Director for two environmental nonprofit organizations, turning around an in-debt capital building campaign to a successful conclusion and reducing staff turnover from 50% a year to zero.
• As interim COO for international girls education nonprofit More than Me, reversed a six-figure deficit into a 90 percent year-to-year revenue increase. Our CEO was named Time Person of the Year.
• As CCO for the American Red Cross, acquired more free media coverage than any other nonprofit in Colorado while also increasing web traffic 900 percent.

Know for:

• Being a consultative leader, asking lots of questions that lead a team to the discovery
• Taking an entrepreneurial approach to stubborn public problems
• Introducing business practices into the public sector
• Playing offense and being pro-active instead of always putting out fires
• Bringing a passion and energy that excites staff and supporters
• Delivering a strong public presence, being the face of the organization
• Holding myself to high expectations and expecting that of my team members.

I am looking to create that which transforms, to build that which counts, to experience what is true, and to do stuff that matters.

https://www.jimrettew.com