Northern California Grantmakers

Rahsaan Harris, EPIP’s new Executive Director

Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) has announced that Rahsaan K. Harris has been selected as the organization’s new Executive Director.

“Rahsaan’s experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector will serve the organization well as we harness the potential of emerging professionals to create social change,” said Trista Harris (no relation), EPIP Board of Advisors Chair and Executive Director of the Headwaters Foundation for Justice. “His laser-like focus on strengthening the value proposition of EPIP, and amplifying the voices of our members, will take our work to the next level.”–EPIP announcement.

NCG congratulations Rahsaan on his new position and EPIP on beginning a new chapter under a new Executive Director.

Learn more about Rahsaan K. Harris on EPIP’s website.

Trading Power: 18 Interviews with Philanthropic Leaders Who Talk About What the Next Generation Has to Offer in Exchange For What Seasoned Leaders Can Provide was produced in partnership by the Council on Foundations, 21/64, Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy and Resource Generation.

The report highlights insights from both seasoned leaders in philanthropy and Next Gen philanthropic professionals. And considering how the economic downturn severely depreciated retirement plans resulting in executives postponing retirement, the report recognizes that Next Gen leaders are left “wondering when or if their careers will take the next step.”

Trading Powers’ “Tips For Seasons Leaders” include:

• Guaranteeing that power will be tradted, that Next Gen individuals will have seats at the table in exchange for their ideas.
• Recognizing that Next Gen people will have multiple stops in their careers, and each organization will be one place where they can both contribute and learn new skills about “what great leadership looks like” to help them when they make a move.
• Informing new staff members or trustees they will be challenged and given opportunities to represent the foundation in the field.
• Accepting the fact that positions aren’t filled by osmosis but rather by aggressively talent spotting.
• Creating multiple paths that the Next Gen can benefit from–such as leadership development programs, fellowships offered by regional and national organizations.
• Modeling next generation leadership on your board, among your staff–or when an expert is brought in to speak to a Next Gen group, consider having a Next Gen presenter.

Read the full report online.