REINHOLD FOUNDATION HOSTS 2023 CLAY NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST
On October 17th, the Reinhold Foundation gathered nonprofit community leaders for the Foundation's annual fall Nonprofit Leadership Alumni Breakfast. Since 2006, the Reinhold Foundation has invested in strengthening the leadership and capacity of the many diverse and dedicated nonprofit organizations that make Clay County a very special place. The Breakfast unites organizations that have participated in the Foundation's leadership programs taught by Rollins College Edyth Bush Institute; the Capacity Building for Clay Series produced in partnership with the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida; or Individual Leadership Development grants to help fund leadership programs selected by an organization. Overall, more than 100 charitable organizations serving Clay County citizens have participated in a Reinhold Foundation training program.
The guest speaker of the 2023 Nonprofit Leadership Breakfast was Rena Coughlin, CEO of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida. After decades of leadership, Rena is retiring in December of 2023. Rena captivated the audience as she shared her “Lessons from the Field.”
Throughout her career, Rena has been a leading advocate for the nonprofit sector in Northeast Florida. Her impact has generated significant progress and support that has strengthened the sector and laid a foundation for continued connections and advocacy.
She has been instrumental in helping governments, philanthropic organizations, and citizens recognize the vital importance and positive impact of local nonprofits on the quality of life and the financial well-being of the region.
Rena championed the creation of the Nonprofit Center's online fundraising platform, WeGive.org, and its community platform, TheNonprofitLink. Alongside the Board of Directors, she has provided leadership in shaping the organization's strategy, allocating crucial resources, and developing a team poised to fulfill the Nonprofit Center's mission.
Prior to her role as CEO of the Nonprofit Center, Rena served as the CEO of Girls, Inc. of Jacksonville, worked as a Special Projects Manager for Leadership Florida, and served eight years in Washington D.C. as a legislative aide to Senator Bob Graham, where she worked on a wide range of legislation addressing issues important to Florida constituents.
Rena's early dedication to public service took her to Liberia, West Africa, where she joined the Peace Corps after graduating from the University of Florida.
Rena will retire this December leaving a remarkable legacy of hard work, growth and trusted leadership. When she assumed the role of CEO in 2006, the Nonprofit Center had 1 ½ employees and a budget of $150,000. Under Rena's leadership, the Center has grown to a budget of $1 million and a highly regarded team of 8 full-time staff members and 2 consultants.
