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Highwood man helps non-profits in a pinch
Joseph M. Ross of Highwood, 77, finds his volunteer work linking non-profit organizations with interim leadership more gratifying than much of what he had on his retirement "to-do" list. | Joe Shuman~For Sun-Times Media
Updated: February 4, 2013 6:06AM
HIGHWOOD — Joseph Ross put together an ambitious “to do” list in preparation for his 2006 retirement as president of Hendrickson International, a Chicago-based manufacturer of parts for 18-wheel commercial vehicles. There were people to visit. Courses to take. Household projects waiting for the right moment. But after retirement, he found social queries like, “So Joe, what are you doing now?,” a perturbing reminder that his pursuits weren’t particularly fulfilling. The 77-year-old Highwood resident found gratification after joining the Executive Service Corps (ESC) of Chicago in 2007. As a coordinator for the Executive Director program, Ross helps to match non-profit organizations in need of interim leadership with executives with non-profit experience. His clients have included the Glencoe Historical Society, Art Resources in Teaching, Inner Voice Inc., River North Business Association and Services for Adults Staying in their Homes (SASI). Ross recently received ESC’s Hall of Fame award for his service to non-profits in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Q. What drew you to the Executive Service Corps?
A. It is an organization that employs volunteers with backgrounds like mine who want to do something purposeful in the community. When people ask me now, “So what is it you do?,” and I explain some of the assignments I have had, it is clear that it is a worthwhile and purposeful activity.
Q. What is your role?
A. Frequently when a not-for-profit loses its executive director, it occurs suddenly and without allowance for the board to properly locate an executive director. As coordinators, we meet with the client, learn about their mission, figure out what they need and prepare the job announcement.
The Executive Service Corps has developed a pool of former executive directors who are willing to step in on an interim basis. During that time, they try to achieve significant improvements in the organization. Their main job is to prepare the agency for the incoming executive director and make that transition as graceful as possible.
Q. Are the interim executive directors all retirees?
A. No. They are all from the not-for-profit world, with a minimum of five years of experience. They don’t want to do it full time. These jobs typically require a great deal of effort, dedication and passion for the organization’s mission. There are almost never enough funds or resources, but there is a desire to do still more for the community. Because of the many conflicting issues, they frequently get burned out. They know the interim position is only for a finite period of time. It is a far more appealing way to serve the community than the constant, never-ending stress associated with the job.
