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Executive Transition

501 Commons begins a new chapter

501 Commons welcomes LeeAnn Stivers as our next executive director!

501 Commons is thrilled to announce the selection of LeeAnn Stivers as our new Executive Director. LeeAnn’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for our organization as we continue our mission to amplify the strengths of nonprofits and foster flourishing communities.

The selection process, led by 501 Commons’ Board Transition Committee in collaboration with Glick Davis Associates, involved a rigorous search and the evaluation of more than 70 candidates. LeeAnn’s deep commitment to the nonprofit community, experience providing professional services, and alignment with 501 Commons’ values distinguished her as the ideal leader to guide our organization forward.

“I am incredibly honored to accept the role of Executive Director at 501 Commons and am eager to begin this exciting new chapter in the new year. 501 Commons has an extraordinary legacy of empowering nonprofits to thrive, and I am inspired by the opportunity to lead such a mission-driven organization. As we navigate this transition together, I am committed to managing it with care and collaboration. I am excited to work alongside the dedicated team, board, and partners to deepen our impact, strengthen the nonprofit sector, and create sustainable solutions for our communities,” said LeeAnn.

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Nancy Long plans to retire as the executive director in 2025

501 Commons, a keystone nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of the nonprofit sector, announces the retirement of its executive director, Nancy Long. Nancy will retire in early 2025, marking the end of more than two decades of remarkable service.

Under Nancy's leadership, the number of staff, volunteers, and services have each grown by a factor of 20, expanding the reach and impact of 501 Commons’ services to 2,000 nonprofits annually across 25 states. The organization now provides affordable IT and cybersecurity programs, Salesforce/data solutions, HR, coaching, finance, tax preparation, learning opportunities, free nonprofit advisory services, fundraising advisory services, and management consulting. The Washington Gives fundraising platform supports 1,400 Washington State nonprofits year-round and during the annual GiveBIG and GivingTuesday community campaigns. The organization’s research capabilities include the Nonprofit Wage & Benefits Survey, which helps nonprofits benchmark their compensation, retain employees, ensure equity, and comply with laws and regulations.

The Board of Directors has been preparing for this transition and has initiated the search process for a new executive director. The board will engage a broad range of stakeholders with the intent of having a new leader in place by the start of next year.

"Nancy's leadership has been transformative for 501 Commons and has positively influenced the nonprofit sector," said Board Chair, Richard Starnes. "Her vision and dedication have been critical to the success of so many nonprofits and nonprofit leaders, and we are committed to finding a successor who will build on her legacy of creating lasting value for the nonprofit community."

Nancy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve thousands of inspiring organizations alongside extraordinary staff and Executive Service Corps members. She also credits the organization’s partners, donors, and funders with helping 501 Commons rise to meet the sector's evolving needs. "Leading 501 Commons has been a learning experience each and every day. I can’t imagine a more rewarding way to spend the last two decades. I am confident in the board's ability to find a passionate and capable leader. They will benefit from the knowledge and support of our dedicated administrative and program managers."

About 501 Commons

501 Commons’ mission is to amplify the strengths of nonprofits, so ALL people and communities flourish. Learn more about our mission and services.