Holly Ross, the Executive Director of the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) is one of the smartest, most caring, and most genuine people I know. She's the definition of a community leader. But she's also one of the most self-effacing people I know, quick to deflect attention from her accomplishments and to credit her peers and colleagues, and at times I don't think she's gotten the recognition she truly deserves.
Not anymore. This week Holly was listed among the Nonprofit Times Power & Influence Top 50, along with 49 other key leaders from the nonprofit sector, and it's hard to keep a low profile when you're standing next to people like Bill Gates and Wendy Kopp, the founder of Teach for America.
As the first Executive Director of NTEN, I had the privilege of working alongside Holly for 4 years, first as a leading community member and a consultant and then as the second member of our staff. I'm really proud of what we accomplished as an organization, but one of my most lasting memories of that experience is simply how rewarding it was to work with Holly. And knowing how rarely she takes credit for her talents, it's particularly meaningful to me to see them recognized by the NP Times.
Kudos, Holly! It couldn't have happened to a nicer person--or a better leader.
