2023 has certainly been a year of reflection for me. Between marking our 25th anniversary and handing the leadership baton fully over to the incomparable Tulaine Montgomery, I’ve happily had myriad opportunities to take stock of New Profit’s history, learnings, and impact, and my hopes for its future.
Every archival item I peruse humbles me and fills me with a deep sense of gratitude for all of the people who have made the past 25 years possible. From the original idea team and board, to the individual philanthropists who have joined us on a profound learning journey, to our amazing staff over the years, and—our reason for it all—the visionary social entrepreneurs whose heroic work transforms our country. We are extremely fortunate to be surrounded by a community of big thinkers and doers who are deeply committed to systemic change.
What all of these community members share is the ability to look around the corner, to consider what the present lacks, what the future holds, and what innovations are needed to create a more equitable America. As we reflect on our past, we at New Profit are very much focused on what is around the next corner and all of the future corners after that.
I can’t wait to see what the next 25 years of impact hold for New Profit. I’m excited about my new role of Founder-in-Residence and Senior Partner and thrilled to witness the organization continue to evolve into a multiracial, intergenerational, coalition for change under Tulaine’s leadership. As I have said before, I have no doubt that she is the right leader at the right time for New Profit. Since serving on our original idea team more than 25 years ago, Tulaine’s mark has always been on New Profit, and now it will be even more so. It has been a gift to partner with her and our amazing community, and I will continue to do so in my new role.