DBD Team

YMCA Emergency Assistance Fund and DBD Group Team Up to Provide Support to YMCA Staff and Retirees in Their Time of Need

On April 8, 2022, at the national NAYDO Conference, the YMCA Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF) and DBD Group announced their partnership to strengthen the EAF’s fundraising efforts to continue to meet the need for crisis assistance. EAF provides financial support to Y professionals and retirees in their hour of need. This is especially significant because the EAF board has recently decided to remove YPN (YMCA Professional Network) membership as an eligibility requirement for an EAF award.

One of our core axioms at DBD Group is "Leadership is Everything.” The success of an organization can be directly tied to the strength of its leadership.

We recognize that leaders can be found throughout the organization and in non-profits big and small. More than a title on a business card, leadership is the ability to guide and influence others toward a bigger vision. We are pleased to highlight and recognize examples of leadership all month.

We’re proud of the work we do to help nonprofits thrive. But we’re REALLY proud of the work our clients do to improve life for others.

Every day we are inspired by their vision, leadership and commitment to making the world a better place.

Here’s one of those stories.

“It’s possible to save a camp. We need to share that story.” -Gretl Dupré Galgon

Pictured left to right: Tack Hammer, Camp Soles board member and alum; Andy Dillon, Camp Soles Director; Gretl Dupré Gagon, Camp Soles board member and alum; Sue Fletcher, Camp Soles board member and alum; and Michele Goodrich, DBD Group Senior Consultant.

A strong board starts with a thoughtful recruiting process. In this 23-minute podcast, Jon Simons and Mary Ramirez from DBD Group discuss three principles to help your board members succeed... thereby helping your organization to succeed.

Leaders of non-profit organizations across the country have faced tough questions about how to successfully navigate disrupted plans and services due to Covid-19.  How do you lead with confidence in times of uncertainty?  How do you support your team, reconnect with your "why", and move boldly towards positive change and opportunity?  

In the Fall Forward DBD Podcast series, Jon Simons interviews leaders about how they were able to innovate and serve their community during the pandemic.

In the third and final part of the series, Jon Simons interviews founder and DBD Group President Bruce Berglund.

In this twenty-one minute episode, Bruce gives insights into how he was able to stay connected and provide unwavering service to clientele in midst of a crisis, move with confidence despite the uncertainty of the times, and support his team.

The pandemic has made strategic planning a challenging prospect for organizations across the country.   Many teams have had to revisit their mission, vision, or even their values.  Pre-Covid plans no longer fit the times and leaders have had to take a fresh look at community needs.  Given the current landscape, how do we "fall forward" with purpose and planning?    

In part two of the Fall Forward DBD Podcast series, Jon Simons interviews executive coach and fellow DBD Group partner Kellie Wardman about strategic thinking and planning for the modern era.

In this seventeen minute episode, Kellie shares insights about how leaders and teams can get unstuck and take new, energized approaches to thinking and planning for the future.

Covid-19 disrupted plans and services for non-profit organizations across the country.  Many programs had to be re-conceived and significant changes were made under pressure.  With these unprecedented circumstances, some significant lessons were learned and in some cases, opportunities occurred.  What creative problem solving arose for leaders and teams and what new community partnerships emerged?  

In the Fall Forward DBD Podcast series, Jon Simons interviews leaders about how they were able to innovate and serve their community in challenging times.

In part one, DBD Group's Jon Simons interviews Justin Ihne, CEO of YMCA Plattsburgh in New York.

Justin shares insights into how he and his team were able to choose "creation" over "crisis", pivot, and deliver exceptional service to their community.