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Gon Erez is an experienced nonprofit management consultant currently living in Cleveland, Ohio.
With fundamental expertise in psychology and economics, his career path has been significantly shaped by his early experiences in Israel as a human rights officer in the IDF Spokesperson’s Office. In an effort to broaden his horizons, Gon moved to the US at the age of 30, where he continued his education with a bachelor’s degree from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Gratz College. He is now enhancing his skills with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Eastern University.
In his professional life, Gon has been instrumental in revolutionizing the operations of several nonprofit organizations through strategic planning and the application of business principles. His roles ranged from Program Director at the Youngstown JCC to Chief Program Officer at the JCC of Greater Buffalo. Currently, as a freelance consultant, he dedicates his expertise to helping non-profit organizations streamline their processes and increase their social impact.
Outside of work, Gon Erez is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys activities such as snowboarding, hiking and sailing. These pursuits not only fulfill his adventurous spirit, but also allow him to live a well-rounded life, harmonizing his professional endeavors with his personal commitment to wellness and community involvement.
What first got you interested in the intersection of psychology and nonprofit management?
My fascination started during my service in the IDF. I observed how psychological principles could be applied to improve soldier morale and overall unit effectiveness. This experience made me realize the potential of psychology in shaping organizational culture and increasing the impact of nonprofits, which rely heavily on people-centered approaches to solving social problems.
How has your approach to nonprofit management evolved since you started your career?
Initially my focus was mainly on direct services and program delivery. Over time, I have moved to a broader strategic approach, focusing on organizational sustainability and impact measurement. This evolution was influenced by my studies and the realization that long-term planning and efficiency are crucial to achieving lasting change.
What is a common misconception about nonprofits that you often encounter?
A common misconception is that nonprofits shouldn’t spend money on marketing and overhead. Many believe that these organizations should operate with minimal administrative costs. However, investing in areas such as marketing and technology is crucial to increase impact and ensure operational effectiveness.
Can you describe a particularly rewarding project you have worked on?
One of the most rewarding projects was developing a digital literacy program for older community members at the JCC in Buffalo. The joy and independence it brought to participants was profound, and it highlighted the critical role of nonprofits in addressing the diverse needs of the community through innovative solutions.
What are some strategies you use to ensure project success in the nonprofits you work with?
I always start by setting clear goals and involving stakeholders. It is crucial that everyone involved understands the objectives and feels committed to the results. I also implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation practices to track progress and make adjustments as necessary so that the project remains aligned with its objectives.
How do you measure the impact of your consultancy work?
Impact measurement varies from project to project, but generally includes both qualitative and quantitative measures. I look at immediate outcomes, such as improvements in service delivery or increases in funding, and broader indicators of organizational health, such as staff satisfaction and community engagement.
What advice do you have for nonprofits struggling to balance mission- and business-oriented strategies?
It’s critical to view business strategies as tools that can enhance your mission, not detract from it. I advise nonprofits to clearly define their core values and ensure that all business strategies are aligned with these values. This alignment helps maintain mission integrity while embracing effective business practices.
How do you think nonprofit management will change over the next decade?
I believe there will be a significant shift toward data-driven decision-making and greater reliance on technology to manage operations and connect with donors and beneficiaries. Nonprofits are likely to adopt more flexible management styles to respond quickly to changing donor interests and global challenges.
Can you give an example of a difficult decision you had to make in your career and the outcome?
Early in my career, I had to decide whether to continue in a secure but unfulfilling role or take a risk at a start-up nonprofit. Choosing the startup was risky, but it paid off by greatly expanding my skills and network. This experience has taught me the value of following my professional instincts and passions.
What’s next for you in your professional journey?
I am currently focused on completing my MSW, which I believe will deepen my understanding of social issues and increase my ability to effect change. Professionally, I plan to expand my consultancy to more international nonprofit clients, using my multilingual skills and cross-cultural experience to bridge gaps in global nonprofit initiatives.