Advancing Social Impact Today: How Employee Champions Drive and Scale Social Impact Success
Register now for Points of Light’s upcoming webinar, “How Employee Champions Drive and Scale Social Impact Success,” on March 23, 2023, at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET.
As a leader in corporate social responsibility, you have likely experienced significant change since 2020, particularly when it comes to engaging your hybrid or remote workforce. Despite these changes, the importance of driving and scaling employee engagement programs across your organization has remained constant. There are many factors to consider when striving to promote and increase engagement. This webinar will provide valuable insights and strategies from industry experts so that you can strengthen your employee engagement program.
Our Panel of Engagement Expert Answers Your Social Impact Questions
Diane Hauser, senior program manager, Citi
Melissa Abbett, senior program manager, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Rachel Kimball, community outreach program manager, Southwest Airlines
You may have wondered how effective the people-powered support mechanisms that companies implemented before 2020 are in reaching the social impact and business goals of today. Find answers to this and other pressing questions. Plus, you’ll learn:
Why people-centric models matter – especially in today’s hybrid and remote working environments.
How to keep participating employees engaged and empowered.
BONUS! Download our new white paper to learn the answer and all the considerations that come with it. Plus, get eight best practices you can implement today with strategies including:
Points of Light Recognizes FEMA Corps Team Leader as 7,500th Daily Point of Light Honoree
Joanna Glover was named Daily Point of Light Award Honoree 7,500 by Points of Light, a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. Glover, who currently serves as a FEMA Corps team leader stationed at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C., received this recognition for her service in response to natural disasters.
The Daily Point of Light Award is given five days a week as Points of Light honors individuals and groups creating meaningful change to meet community needs, efforts that often lead to long-term solutions and impact social problems in their local communities. Glover received her award during a special presentation at Points of Light’s board meeting in Washington, D.C.
“It is an honor to be able to present this milestone Daily Point of Light Award to Joanna Glover, a FEMA Corps team lead who supports disaster response and recovery,” said Diane Quest, interim president & CEO, Points of Light. “As natural disasters occur increasingly frequently, service members and volunteers like Joanna show up to provide support and share their light during a moment of darkness for others. Joanna’s work over the years has been incredibly impactful and she is a shining example of the power of volunteerism and service.”
FEMA Corps, a partnership between AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA, is a unique, team-based service program that gives 18-24-year-old participants the opportunity to help communities prepare for and respond to disasters across the U.S. In her role as Team Leader, Glover has assisted with the deployment of FEMA Corps teams to sites across the country, supervised FEMA Corps members on project sites and works with AmeriCorps and FEMA staff to support the organization’s mission to help people before, during and after disasters.
Glover’s expansive service has included planning and modeling for Hurricane Fiona in the fall of 2022, hazard mitigation for sites damaged by Hurricane Maria and database development to support environmental historic preservation projects in Oakland, California.
“Growing up, my mom has always instilled the importance of doing service work,” said Glover. “At every holiday, it was often that my family and I would volunteer our time at events in our community. So, doing these events over the year, service work became a hobby of mine that centered me. Whenever I was in a new moment in my life, I always found myself searching for service work to keep me centered. Receiving the Daily Points of Light Award is very humbling but satisfying and gratifying.”
Points of Light’s founder President George H.W. Bush was the first president in American history to institute a daily presidential recognition program from the White House, conferring 1,020 Daily Point of Light Awards on citizens and organizations during his term.
To learn more about the Daily Point of Light Award and nominate an individual supporting causes they care about, visit pointsoflight.org/daily-point-of-light.
ABOUT POINTS OF LIGHT
Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org.
ABOUT THE DAILY POINT OF LIGHT AWARD
For more than 30 years, Points of Light has been honoring individuals five days a week with its Daily Point of Light Award. This award honors individuals and groups creating meaningful change to meet community needs; efforts which often lead to long-term solutions and impact social problems in their local communities.
President George H.W. Bush was the first president in American history to institute a daily presidential recognition program from the White House, conferring 1,020 Daily Point of Light Awards on citizens and organizations making a big difference in other people’s lives and solving community problems. Points of Light continues the recognition each weekday and now have 7,500 honorees to date.
13 Key CSR & ESG Insights From Points of Light’s 2023 Corporate Service Council Summit
On February 7, 2023, Points of Light hosted its annual Corporate Service Council Summit at Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government & Public Service in Washington, D.C. The Summit brought together top CSR, ESG and social impact experts and leaders from across the country for a day of thought-provoking discussions, facilitated networking, engaging workshops and presentations as well as CSR best practices.
“The professionals who lead corporate citizenship within their companies are a powerful force for transformation around the world and in communities. It was incredibly inspiring to have so many gathered in-person together learning, exchanging ideas, and supporting each other in this important work,” said Christine Schoppe, chief strategy and growth officer, Points of Light.
This year’s Summit featured presentations and conversations led by:
Carol Cone, founder & CEO, Carol Cone ON PURPOSE
Andrea Hagelgans, managing director, U.S. Social Issues Engagement, Edelman
Dave Leichtman, director of corporate civic responsibility, Microsoft
Steven Levine, director, Civic Alliance; co-founder, Meteorite
Saumya Narechania, program director, National Basketball Social Justice Coalition
Najma Roberts, senior director, communications and equity, Democracy Fund
Judy Samuelson, founder and executive director, Aspen Institute Business and Society Program
Points of Light hosted its annual Corporate Service Council Summit for a day of thought-provoking discussions, facilitated networking, engaging workshops, presentations and CSR best practices.
Key Insights and Themes From the 2023 Summit:
Being a good corporate citizen means actively advocating for truth and delivering trustworthy information to stakeholders.
Free and fair elections are good for business and supporting them requires year-round efforts.
Non-partisan support for elections and voter participation is an equity and engagement opportunity for employees.
True systems change to address complex social issues requires companies to not act alone and to invest in partnerships with other companies, community organizations and government.
On social issues, employees are an important accountability mechanism and seek progress, not platitudes.
Silence on societal issues is no longer safe for companies, or CEOs.
Companies can avoid playing “issue ping pong” within the “woke” debate by being consistent with clearly defined organizational values and using them as a blueprint for decision making.
The ESG long game will be won by playing offense – not better defense.
Employees aren’t just stakeholders in the ESG conversation – they are the enterprise.
The business case continues to get stronger for integrating purpose throughout every department and level of an organization.
The moment for DEI theater is over; real, integrated actions must be a part of every company’s roadmap.
Corporate citizenship leaders are uniquely positioned to listen and learn from employees and community stakeholders.
Successful employee champion and council networks enable companies to scale, manage and drive deeper engagement as part of their social impact strategy.
Participating Companies: AbbVie, Aetna/CVS Health, Ally, Altria, Amazon, BWXT, Caesars Entertainment, Citi, Clif Bar & Company, Comcast, Cox, Enterprises, Edelman, Fidelity Investments, Forbright Bank, General Motors, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, KPMG, Microsoft, Monitor Institute by Deloitte, Northrop Grumman, NUE Capital, Paramount, Phillips 66, Prudential Financial, Raytheon Technologies, Starbucks, State Street Corporation, Truist, UnitedHealth Group, UPS Participating Organizations & Partners: AmeriCorps, Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals, BoardSource, Carol Cone ON PURPOSE, Civic Alliance, Common Ground Committee, Democracy Fund, International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE), National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, PYXERA Global, Taproot Foundation, True Impact, The Aspen Institute, VeraWorks, and Volunteer Alexandria.
The Corporate Service Council represents more than 300 CSR, corporate citizenship, social impact and corporate philanthropy leaders from more than 100 leading brands and Fortune 500 companies. The council empowers and equips leaders with actionable resources such as benchmarking data and in-person and online learning opportunities. It also facilitates access to a network of industry experts to spark innovation and achieve business and social outcomes. To learn more about how to become a member of the Corporate Service Council, email [email protected].
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 144 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org.
Points of Light to Host Annual Corporate Service Council Summit With CSR & ESG Corporate Leaders and Social Impact Experts
On February 7, 2023, Points of Light will host its annual Corporate Service Council Summit in Washington, D.C. The gathering will bring together CSR, ESG and corporate citizenship leaders with social impact industry experts from across the country for a day of thought-provoking discussions, facilitated networking, engaging workshops and presentations, and CSR best practices.
Andrea Hagelgans, managing director, U.S. Social Issues Engagement, Edelman
Steven Levine, director, Civic Alliance; Co-Founder, Meteorite
Najma Roberts, senior director, Communications and Equity, Democracy Fund
Judy Samuelson, founder and executive director, Aspen Institute Business and Society Program
This year’s attendees can expect:
Intentional and facilitated networking opportunities with peers and industry experts.
Actionable strategies and ideas for engaging your employees and stakeholders.
Inspiration for reinvigorating purpose in your role and work.
“Points of Light looks forward to welcoming our Corporate Service Council members, in person, to Washington, D.C. The council is at its core a learning community, and we are excited to have this meaningful time together to hear from sector experts as well as share best practices, opportunities and challenges as we work individually and collectively toward our social impact goals,” said Christine Schoppe, chief strategy and growth officer, Points of Light.
The Corporate Service Council represents more than 300 CSR, corporate citizenship, social impact and corporate philanthropy leaders from more than 100 leading brands and Fortune 500 companies. The council empowers and equips leaders with actionable resources such as benchmarking data and in-person and online learning opportunities. It also facilitates access to a network of industry experts to spark innovation and achieve business and social outcomes.
Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org.
Points of Light is looking for our next leader!
Our search firm, Russell Reynolds Associates, has officially begun their active search for our organization’s next president and CEO.
At this pivotal time in its history, Points of Light’s Board of Directors is seeking an experienced and strategic leader with a passionate concern and calling for its mission, who has demonstrated the ability to create impact across a complex, global organization.
Points of Light is a global non-profit that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. Through our Global Network of 177 affiliates across more than 38 countries, and partnerships with thousands of non-profits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year.
Cast from the vision of one thousand points of light shared by our founder President George H.W. Bush in his 1989 inaugural address, Points of Light was founded in 1990 as an independent, nonpartisan, non-profit organization to encourage and empower the spirit of service. The organization extends President Bush’s vision that “any definition of a successful life must include serving others”. Today, Points of Light continues to transcend politics and borders to inspire millions of individuals worldwide to take action.
For questions about or interest in this position, please contact [email protected] directly.
Points of Light Launches The Civic 50 2023 Survey to Recognize America’s Top Civic-minded Companies
Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, launched The Civic 50 annual survey on Dec. 1, 2022, which will remain open through March 17, 2023. Points of Light will host an informational webinar for interested companies on Dec. 8, at 1 p.m. ET to review the survey sections, benefits to participating, and benchmarking reports. The survey and additional information can be accessed on the applicant page, including key dates, FAQ, eligibility requirements and a list of survey questions.
For more than 10 years, The Civic 50 has recognized the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation as determined by an annual survey. Since it was launched in 2012, the program has served as a roadmap for good corporate citizenship, and showcases how leading companies are moving social impact, civic engagement and community to the core of their business.
“As The Civic 50 launches for its eleventh year, the trajectory of business as a societal leader is without question. Through this initiative, Points of Light is not only thrilled to honor exceptional corporate citizenship but provide companies with a framework to deepen and accelerate their social impact work and create connectivity within the corporate community to grow and learn from each other’s best practices,” said Christine Schoppe, chief strategy and growth officer, Points of Light.
The Civic 50 honorees are public and private companies with U.S. operations and revenues of at least $1 billion and are selected based on four dimensions of their U.S. community engagement program:
Investment: How the company strategically invests its resources in community engagement and social impact, including employee time and skills, cash, in-kind giving and public leadership.
Integration: How the company integrates its community engagement and social impact programs throughout its business functions and interests (i.e., “doing well by doing good”).
Institutionalization: How the company institutionalizes its community engagement and social impact programs through organizational policies, systems, and incentives.
Impact: How the company measures the social and business impact outcomes of its community engagement and social impact programs.
This will mark the third year of tracking data related to companies’ progress on commitments to racial equity and their communities since Points of Light introduced new racial equity questions in 2021.
The Civic 50 survey is administered by True Impact, a company specializing in helping organizations maximize and measure their social and business value and analyzed by VeraWorks. The survey instrument consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform The Civic 50 scoring process. For more information, please visit: pointsoflight.org/the-civic-50.
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million people in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.
About True Impact
True Impact is a social impact reporting solution that helps Fortune 500 companies and their nonprofit partners measure how much their philanthropy benefits society. For more information, visit trueimpact.com.
About VeraWorks
VeraWorks is a global firm that advises and supports companies on ESG (environment social governance), CSR (corporate social responsibility) and purpose, including on how to offer employees the opportunity to do societal good through their everyday jobs. For more information, visit veraworks.com.
Points of Light’s Service Enterprise Program is Changing Hands to AL!VE
Points of Light announced today that AL!VE, the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement, will take on operations of the Service Enterprise Program effective immediately.
Global nonprofit Points of Light announced today the Service Enterprise Program will now be operated by AL!VE, the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement.
Service Enterprise has been a signature initiative at Points of Light, a presidential legacy foundation with a global presence, for more than 10 years. This research-based program set the standard for high-quality volunteer experiences. As Points of Light broadens its efforts to include the many ways individuals and organizations are able to take action to advance causes they care about through the Points of Light Civic Circle, the organization has determined that Service Enterprise can attain new heights of growth and impact by being embedded in an organization where volunteerism is an area of focus. AL!VE has been selected as the organization with a vision for how to continue to grow the value and reach of Service Enterprise by building upon what Points of Light and its hubs and partners have achieved.
“AL!VE was carefully selected through a rigorous process that included both Points of Light leaders and experts in the field,” said Diane Quest, chief external affairs officer of Points of Light. “Their thoughtful presentation placed the Service Enterprise hub community at the center. What set them apart was their national scope, engaged membership and a strong long-term strategic plan.”
“AL!VE is thrilled to be partnering with Points of Light to enhance and expand the Service Enterprise Initiative,” shared AL!VE Board President, Michelle Raymer. “As an association dedicated to the profession of volunteer engagement, the work aligns closely with our mission and will help advance volunteerism while expanding the capacity of nonprofits and government entities across the country.”
Points of Light will remain engaged for the next few years in partnership to ensure a seamless transition as AL!VE continues to grow the Service Enterprise community and impact.
Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most.
ABOUT AL!VE (ASSOCIATION OF LEADERS IN VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT)
Founded in 2009, AL!VE (Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement) is a national membership organization of leaders and professionals in volunteer engagement. AL!VE serves to enhance and sustain the spirit of volunteering in America by fostering collaboration and networking, promoting professional development, and providing advocacy for leaders in community engagement.
Points of Light Announces Fourth Annual Awards Celebration Will Recognize José Andrés and Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg and Honor President George H.W. Bush’s Legacy of Civic Engagement
Global nonprofit Points of Light announced today it will hold the fourth annual celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards on October 24, 2022, at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. Two honorees will be recognized at this year’s event: José Andrés, internationally recognized culinary innovator, New York Times bestselling author, educator and humanitarian and Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg, chairman and CEO of Starr Insurance Companies, chair of The Starr Foundation as well as former chair and CEO of American International Group (AIG).
“We are honored to recognize two incredible individuals who have made an impact in not just the communities where they live and work, but around the world,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO, Points of Light. “By lending their time, talents and resources to causes that mean the most to them, José Andrés and Hank Greenberg shine as points of light, inspiring us all to take action toward building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for all.”
Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama will once again serve as honorary co-chairs, with Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush Hager, Lauren Bush Lauren, Mike and Jacquelyne Love, Wendy Stapleton and Andy and Marie Unanue serving as co-chairs for this year’s in-person event. The celebration honors the legacy of President George H.W. Bush and the people who demonstrate the transformative power of service and drive significant and sustained impact through their everyday actions.
The evening will feature performances by Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer Branford Marsalis with Joey Calderazzo and Ukrainian singer and 2022 Grammy performer Mika Newton.
“We are honored to recognize two incredible individuals who have made an impact in not just the communities where they live and work, but around the world,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO, Points of Light. “By lending their time, talents and resources to causes that mean the most to them, José Andrés and Hank Greenberg shine as points of light, inspiring us all to take action toward building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for all.”
Previous honorees include Maria Rose Belding; Marc and Lynne Benioff; Garth Brooks; Captain Sir Thomas Moore; Khloe Thompson; Hamdi Ulukaya; Shreyaa and Esha Venkat; Hugh Evans; Francine A. Lefrak; and Bryan Stevenson.
About The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Honorees
About José Andrés
José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, New York Times bestselling author, educator and humanitarian. He was named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in both 2012 and 2018 and awarded the 2015 National Humanities Medal from President Barack Obama. As the chef/owner of the award-winning ThinkFoodGroup restaurant collective, Andrés has been a pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States and is also known for his groundbreaking avant-garde cuisine. As a naturalized citizen originally from Spain, Andrés has also been a tireless advocate for immigration reform.
In 2010, Andrés formed World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit which uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis. His team served over 3.6 million meals to the people of Puerto Rico following Hurricane María. Since then, WCK has been activated on six continents, serving fresh meals in the aftermath of both natural and human-made disasters. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization partnered with thousands of restaurants, farmers and community leaders around the country to combat food and nutrition insecurity, laying the groundwork for smarter national food policy—one which builds longer tables in the U.S. and around the world. Most recently, Andrés and World Central Kitchen have been working in Ukraine and seven neighboring countries, feeding tens of millions of meals to refugees who have fled their homes.
“Food is a connector. It’s about so much more than ingredients. It tells us where we come from and where we’re going,” said Andrés. “To be recognized by Points of Light and The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards for doing what I love, for the work I do with so many inspiring and dedicated people, it’s humbling and exciting.”
About Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg
Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg is Chairman and CEO of Starr Insurance Companies, a global insurance and investment organization founded by Cornelius Vander Starr in 1919 in Shanghai, China. Mr. Greenberg retired as Chairman and CEO of American International Group (AIG), a former Starr subsidiary, which became the first fully licensed foreign insurance company in China. Under his nearly 40 years of leadership, AIG grew from an initial market value of $300 million to $180 billion, becoming the largest insurance company in the world.
Mr. Greenberg is also the chair of The Starr Foundation, a philanthropic organization initially funded by Cornelius Vander Starr’s estate. Under his leadership, the Starr Foundation has grown to become one of the largest private foundations in the United States. The Foundation has awarded more than $3.8 billion in grants worldwide to many academic, medical, cultural and public policy organizations around the world.
Among his numerous awards and appointments, Mr. Greenberg serves as Vice Chairman of the National Committee on United States-China Relations, Honorary Vice Chairman of the Council on Foreign Relations, and as a member of the Board of the US-China Business Council. In 1990, he was appointed by Zhu Rongji as Shanghai’s first Chairman of the International Business Leaders’ Advisory Council (IBLAC). Greenberg has been named an honorary citizen of Shanghai and was appointed as a Senior Economic Advisor to the Beijing Municipal Government.
Mr. Greenberg was presented with the Friendship Medal for Contribution to China’s Reform by President Xi Jinping in 2018 – one of only two Americans among 10 foreign leaders to receive the award.
A decorated United States Army veteran, Mr. Greenberg served in both World War II and the Korean Conflict, rising to the rank of Captain and serving as a company commander.
“I’ve dedicated my life to defending our country, building companies and supporting charities that help people,” said Greenberg. “President Bush was a good friend and an excellent leader. He believed that we all can help change the world by getting involved. It’s an honor to be recognized by Points of Light, which has activated his vision of the power of volunteerism.”
Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most.
A Statement on the Passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II from Natalye Paquin, President & CEO of Points of Light
Points of Lights joins millions around the world celebrating the life of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, a life-long public servant. Her historic 70-year reign as longest-serving incumbent head of state has been an inspirational act of service.
Additionally, The Queen held a commitment to hundreds of causes and patronages throughout her life, including animal rights organizations, armed services, healthcare and hospices, education, children, sports and recreation, arts and culture and more.
HRH Queen Elizabeth II meeting Commonwealth Point of Light honorees at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, April 2018.
Her Majesty The Queen established the Commonwealth Point of Light Award in 2018, when she honored volunteers from the 54 Commonwealth countries, running up to the Commonwealth Head of Government meeting in 2018. Her Majesty The Queen continued honoring an outstanding volunteer from around the Commonwealth each week, even meeting with some via Zoom during the pandemic. To date, she has honored more than 230 Commonwealth Point of Light Awards. She was truly a champion of those who were making a difference in their communities and beyond.
HRH Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her life to serving others and inspiring individuals to be a light in their communities through service. We know her legacy will continue through her family, inspiring others around the world to become deeply involved in their communities and country.
Points of Light Announces Leadership Transition
Points of Light President and Chief Executive Officer Natalye Paquin, who has led the nonprofit for the past five years, announced that her last day as CEO would be Dec. 1, 2022. She will be joining The Rockefeller Foundation as chief operating officer. Chief External Affairs Officer Diane Quest will serve as interim president and CEO starting on Dec. 2, 2022, until a successor is identified through a global search.
Points of Light President and Chief Executive Officer Natalye Paquin will be joining The Rockefeller Foundation as chief operating officer.
“My time at Points of Light has been marked by the incredible transformation of our organization, meeting the demands of the 21st century with an updated vision and innovative ways of work, growth and impact throughout a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, and steady progress toward our collective mission. I’m most proud of the collective light we have brought to the world through our work,” said Paquin. “It has been an honor to serve as Points of Light’s president and CEO these past five years, and I am confident in Diane Quest’s experience and leadership to continue as interim president and CEO and carry our organization forward.”
Under Paquin’s leadership, Points of Light developed and implemented a new strategy for new times. The organization’s focus was shifted to the power of people to lead, lend support, and take action for the causes and communities they care about through the framework of the Points of Light Civic Circle while achieving financial stability, investing in operational efficiencies for the organization, and cultivating an experienced and dedicated executive team who has the expertise to continue building on our work and elevating Points of Light’s brand and mission.
“On behalf of the Points of Light Board and my family, we are incredibly grateful to Natalye and the impact she’s had on the organization to inspire and lift others. She has been a dynamic and transformative leader at Points of Light, driving our organization into the future. Because of her steadfast commitment and incredible leadership, Points of Light is positioned for its new phase of growth and impact. I look forward to working closely with the Board, Diane Quest and the executive leadership team as we kick off a global search for our next leader, who will drive our strategy forward, carrying on my dad’s legacy and enabling the transformative power of service,” said Neil Bush, Points of Light Board Chair.
The Points of Light Board and executive leadership team have established a search committee, co-chaired by Points of Light Board Members Brenda Robinson and David Williams, and composed of individuals from the Points of Light Board, including Jean Becker, Neil Bush, Michelle Gavin, Pam Norley, Gregg Petersmeyer, Eric Tanenblatt, as well as Michael D. Smith, chief executive officer, AmeriCorps and Charlene Lake, chief sustainability officer and senior vice president, corporate responsibility, AT&T. Additionally, the board will retain a search firm in the coming weeks to conduct a global search for the next president and CEO. The search committee and firm will partner on a thorough search beginning immediately. The priority will be to move swiftly while also providing time for a thoughtful search, which often takes four to eight months from when the firm is brought on to making an offer in addition to any time needed for the new CEO to transition from their prior role.
Interim President and CEO Diane Quest, who has been a leader in executive roles at Points of Light for more than six years, has been integral to the success of Points of Light during her tenure. She, along with the entire staff at Points of Light, is well-equipped to carry forward the 21st century Civic Circle strategy and the shared vision for delivering Points of Light’s mission.
“I welcome the incredible opportunity to lead Points of Light during this important time for our organization and will continue building on our established vision, working toward our clear enterprise goals and growing Points of Light’s impact by partnering with our talented, enthusiastic and dedicated team,” said Quest.
For questions about this announcement, please contact the following:
