Big jobs bring big blessings. As a director and board member for several nonprofit boards over the past 20-plus years, I've observed a triangle of benefits: benefits for San Diego, as it is made a better community by the many nonprofit organizations funded by and for our citizens; benefits for the nonprofit organizations themselves, which excel by using the brainpower of key executives and business leaders working together; and finally, the blessings I've experienced knowing my dedication to these nonprofits has given me more than I could ever contribute.
As a chair of the YMCA of San Diego County, I witnessed firsthand the support and assistance our community received from this wonderful organization; in particular, I have seen it through the 165,000 local children the Y serves each year. A visit to the Copley or Jackie Robinson YMCAs will show you what a difference the Y is making in the lives of our city's underserved children and their struggling parents. I have read countless letters from family members grateful for the programs the Y provides -- programs ranging from free day camps to tutoring at-risk children and after-school programs that provide a safe, welcoming place for children to learn and play while their parents are at work.
As a board director, I am honored to play a small part in transforming the lives of children and building a stronger community, and privileged to witness the power of people helping people.
I've also witnessed firsthand how the active philanthropic leadership of a dedicated board can help a nonprofit organization reach new levels of excellence. As anyone who's been involved with a nonprofit knows, staff and volunteers are usually kept extremely busy with day-to-day operations. It is up to the board to consider the bigger picture, making sure the organization remains sustainable and delivers consistent programs and services.
Effective board governance is vital to a nonprofit organization's long-term success. I've served on many types of nonprofit boards -- some that focus on fundraising, others on policy-setting and accountability, and still others on community outreach or lobbying. The executive directors of these agencies look to their boards for guidance, creativity, influence and credibility.
In serving on the YMCA's board, I work alongside experts in all fields such as finance, legal, human resources and strategic planning. These are bright, dedicated individuals who collectively ensure the policies and objectives of our mission are being met by giving their time, treasures and talent. As chair of the board, I felt it was important to be fair, to listen and communicate effectively and, ultimately, to lead this diverse, talented group of individuals to consensus. Together, we worked to address critical risks at hand, while looking toward the future and delivering meaningful programs and services to the San Diego community.
Finally, I believe no one can help others without helping him or herself in the process. I was taught by my father to give back to the community that gave to you, and if you want things to change, you must begin by changing yourself. I have been fortunate enough to grow two businesses in San Diego and feel it is now my duty and privilege to give back to the city I am proud to call home. By serving on nonprofit boards and offering my abilities and resources to these worthy organizations, I have grown both professionally and personally. I have been taught a great deal by many talented people in our community. I have witnessed the miracles community outreach can accomplish, and made many wonderful friends throughout the process. The benefits and blessings I have received from my involvement far outweigh anything I could possibly give in return. Service to our boards and organizations help make them stronger and viable for years to come, and it makes each of us stronger, more compassionate and attuned to the needs of our community.
Hertzog is a board member of the YMCA of San Diego County, and was honored as Director of the Year for a not-for-profit board in 2008.
Nov. 20, 2009, 5 p.m. -- San Diego's web video news: Today's breaking major business events, economic, and financial announcements from the Daily Transcript/San Diego Source newsroom.
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