Announcement of Upcoming Leadership Transition

Dear members, 

At the start of 2025, I made the decision that this will be my final year with Inform USA. I was originally hired on a three-year contract, and while that time frame pushed me to move fast and work hard, it also always kept a potential sunset on the horizon. I love to grow things and the past three years have been a memorable season of guiding the evolution of AIRS to Inform USA and working with an incredible team and board to elevate the network and build support to uphold it. I know as I step away it is stronger and future-focused like never before.

Over the past few years, my consulting business, Nonprofit Nav, has grown from a “side hustle” into a team working nationally to help nonprofits clarify their strategy, build great governance and grow. This growth has forced a choice and while I am grateful for the peace of mind and certainty I have as I choose to step away, it will not be far. I look forward to maintaining the friendships and relationships I’ve been blessed to enjoy through my time with Inform USA.

Not long ago, I overheard my mom trying to explain my role at Inform USA to a family member. After a few clunky sentences, she sighed and said, “Well, it’s a big job.” (To be fair, I think she’ll explain it more easily once our Reframing I&R Campaign launches in a couple months.) But she’s right—this is a big job. The next leader will guide the sector through incredible challenges and defining moments. They will also work with a dynamic and talented team, a world-class board of directors and a network that is coming of age, over fifty years after coming together (If you haven’t heard, 50 is the new 30😉). It is an incredible opportunity. 

The Inform USA board and a designated hiring committee have been working since early in the year to plan, carefully recruit, and onboard the next leader. The job posting for the Executive Director of Inform USA is posted here. Please feel encouraged to share it far and wide. 

As we close out our final year together, I am thankful for each of you. For your work, tenacity, and passion for the people you serve. 

With gratitude,

Katie Appold