Letter from the Board President Tondee Lutterman

I am so grateful that a friend, Richard Wetzel, connected me with Nonprofit Connect six years ago when he asked me to consider joining the Board of Directors. At the time, I was trying to balance my own life having just returned to work from maternity leave. While I was hesitant to take on this kind of commitment, I am also a huge believer that life is constantly providing us opportunities that are perfectly designed to support our own personal growth needs. Volunteering on the board of directors has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am thrilled to serve as the board president for 2017.
 
In my paid job, I lead the national nonprofit practice for BKD, a national CPA and advisory firm. In my role, I have the pleasure of meeting lots of nonprofits and learning about the wonderful initiatives they are employing to positively impact our communities. However, I also see the challenges these organizations face on a daily basis. Much of the nonprofit sector is drowning in a sea of uncertainty as they attempt to address the challenges of financial sustainability, meeting service demands and responding to an ever changing political environment. Fortunately, the team at Nonprofit Connect is dedicated to equipping our members with the tools, resources and education needed to tackle these hurdles.
 
In 2017, Nonprofit Connect will provide even more online, on-demand training for our members. Recognizing that increased need for services translates to less time for professionals development, we are meeting our members where they are by offering webinars, videos and downloadable content in our eLearning Center.
 
And Nonprofit Connect recognizes the importance of our sector's voice in the current environment. We support the advocacy rights of nonprofits, and want to make sure that our members are educated and equipped to engage in public policy change. This year we've affiliated with the National Council of Nonprofits to ensure that our members receive timely and accurate information about policy issues that affect them.
 
As board president, I am honored to lead an inspired group of nonprofit, business and funding professionals on the Nonprofit Connect board of directors. I am fully confident that the strength of our board, staff and membership will enable us to tackle any uncertainty that may come our way, and achieve our missions. For a full roster of the 2017 - 2018 board of directors, click here.
 
Thank you for your continued support of the Kansas City community, and I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming Nonprofit Connect program.
 
Tondeé Lutterman
President, Nonprofit Connect Board of Directors