MANNA Board Members Focus on Leadership

"Leading a Successful Nonprofit" was the topic at CLU's Corporate Leadership Breakfast on Tuesday March 3rd at the Sheraton in Agoura Hills.  And, based on the standing room only turnout, it was a very popular topic.  Many local nonprofit organizations were there, including four members of the MANNA Conejo board. The speaker was Thomas Vozzo CEO of Homeboy Industries.  Homeboy Industries serves high-risk, formerly gang-involved men and women with a continuum of free services and programs, and operates several social enterprises that serve as job-training sites. Tom Vozzo, as a global business executive in the service, retail and distribution industries, has been known for innovative ideas and strong execution, constantly exceeding earnings targets even during challenging economic times.  Two years ago, Vozzo left the private sector to take on the role of chief executive officer at the Los Angeles nonprofit Homeboy Industries, which was founded 25 years ago by Greg Boyle, a Jesuit priest.  Using his experience in leadership, marketing and sales, Vozzo is working to guide Homeboy’s social service programs and eight social enterprises on a three-year strategic plan and to build a foundation for Homeboy to thrive for another 25 years. MANNA's new president, Bob Engler commented  " One thing Tom Vozzo said that stuck with me was that  he noticed the difference between the corporate world and the world of nonprofits. The corporate world looks primarily to the business and to profitability. The nonprofit world has a passion for its mission above all else.  I think Manna has that focus on addressing hunger and food insecurity. That is our strength." During the presentation, board member Holly Sacks noticed how deeply the principles of kinship and compassion form the culture of Homebody Industries that includes clients, staff, and donors.  "I think we have a similar dynamic here at MANNA and it's exciting to think about how we could collectively strengthen and expand that in the future." Long time MANNA board member Karen Ingram appreciated that he acknowledged that nonprofits are mission driven but need to remember that they are businesses that have to have money to carry the mission out. Debbie Hazelwood, another long time MANNA board member, said it was evident how working and leading Homeboy Industries has inspired Thomas Vozzo personally and noted the similarity to how we at Manna feel inspired to serve our clients.  She them summed up what everyone in the room was probably thinking with her comment, "Very inspiring". And it was.  The MANNA board is beginning to reach out to other leaders in our community to share our vision as we intensify our efforts to provide a new home for MANNA that will continue to serve our mission of "Neighbors Feeding Neighbors" for many years to come.