Mission Matters

Rick Lochner – Connecting the Work to the Mission

Rick Lochner is the President and CEO of RPC Leadership Associates, a leadership and business consultancy that helps develop entrepreneurs, executives, nonprofit board members, and professionals. He honed his skills while serving 11 years in the military, leading soldiers in challenging environments worldwide. Upon leaving the Army, Rick spent the next 18 years in corporate leadership, ranging from frontline management to senior executive management. He successfully led organizations in Fortune 100 corporations and privately held entrepreneurial ventures in various industries. In this episode… Many nonprofit leaders find themselves consumed by day-to-day operations, focusing heavily on programs and tactical work while losing sight of their organization's core mission. As federal funding landscapes shift and competition for resources intensifies, the gap between daily tasks and long-term strategic goals widens. How can leadership teams ensure their work remains aligned with the mission to drive true, sustainable impact? Rick Lochner, an expert in leadership and strategic thinking, emphasizes that senior nonprofit leaders must prioritize connecting their work to their organization's mission. He suggests moving beyond measuring outputs and focusing on creating measurable impact through strategic thinking and mission-driven initiatives. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of fostering independence among those served, encouraging partnerships with other organizations, and building leadership teams capable of operating at a strategic level. Rick also stresses the importance of diversifying funding sources and maintaining a human-centric culture, even amid policy shifts like reduced federal DEI funding. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Rick Lochner, President and CEO of RPC Leadership Associates, about aligning nonprofit work with mission-driven impact. Rick explores the dangers of focusing solely on programs, the need for strategic leadership, and the importance of fostering independence. He also discusses funding diversification, the impact of DEI policy changes, and the value of coaching for nonprofit leaders.

Karen S Wells: Make-A-Wish America

Karen S. Wells is the Chief Operating Officer at Make-A-Wish America, a nonprofit creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. With over 30 years of distinctive career experiences, Karen has successfully held key leadership roles in a Fortune 500 company, multiple C-suite roles in nonprofits, and as an entrepreneur and small business owner. Before joining Make-A-Wish in January 2023, she served as CEO of Bridge Communities, a nonprofit organization supporting families experiencing homelessness. A renowned keynote speaker, guest lecturer, and panelist, Karen connects with audiences by openly sharing her diverse professional leadership journey shaped by courage, hope, and resilience. In this episode… Navigating a career transition can be overwhelming, especially when shifting from corporate leadership to the nonprofit sector. The challenges of managing financial sustainability, engaging volunteers, and staying mission-focused while leading an organization can feel daunting. How can leaders leverage their past experiences to create meaningful impact in a mission-driven role? Karen S. Wells, an experienced executive leader, shares how her background in corporate leadership helped shape her approach to nonprofit management. Drawing from her journey through operations, strategy, and entrepreneurship, she emphasizes the importance of adaptability, servant leadership, and maintaining a clear mission focus. Karen also highlights the critical role of volunteers, the power of storytelling in donor engagement, and the impact of fostering a strong organizational culture to drive success. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Karen S. Wells, Chief Operating Officer at Make-A-Wish America, about leadership, nonprofit management, and the transformative power of granting wishes. Karen shares her journey from corporate leadership to the nonprofit world, offering insights on adapting to a mission-driven environment. She also discusses overcoming leadership challenges, the emotional impact of a wish, and how nonprofits can engage communities more effectively.

Alice Sima - Friends of Imiliwaha

Alice Sima is the Board President of Friends of Imiliwaha, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing education and healthcare in Tanzania. As an alumna of Benedictine University, she has been instrumental in fostering partnerships between the university and the Benedictine Sisters of Imiliwaha. Under Alice's leadership, the organization has significantly contributed to developing educational facilities and medical centers in the region. Her commitment reflects a deep passion for improving the quality of life in Tanzanian communities. In this episode… Many communities in Tanzania face barriers to accessing quality education and healthcare, but Friends of Imiliwaha is working to change that. However, sustaining these efforts requires ongoing fundraising and volunteer support. Can global collaboration help expand access to education and healthcare in underserved regions? Experienced nonprofit leader Alice Sima shares her journey from nursing and academia to nonprofit leadership. She discusses how Friends of Imiliwaha has grown from a small volunteer initiative into an organization funding schools, dormitories, and medical centers across Tanzania. Reflecting on key milestones such as building a surgical center and implementing English language education, Alice emphasizes the importance of adaptability and long-term commitment. She also highlights the challenge of securing funding for essential projects like an X-ray facility, mammography machine, and clean water systems for schools. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Alice Sima, Board President of Friends of Imiliwaha, about the life-changing impact of Friends of Imiliwaha. Alice talks about the organization's evolution, the partnerships that help sustain their mission, the nonprofit's all-volunteer structure, and the ongoing need for financial and volunteer support.

Jenny Kopach - Science Olympiad

Jennifer Kopach is the CEO and SVP of Marketing Communications at Science Olympiad, the nation's largest K-12 team STEM competition. She oversees operations and manages partnerships with leading businesses, government agencies, scientific associations, and higher education institutions who join Science Olympiad's mission of improving the STEM experience for students, families, and teachers. Jennifer works tirelessly to position Science Olympiad as a well-functioning nonprofit organization devoted to program service and excellence at 50 state chapters and 57 alumni chapters across the US. She is also the President and CEO of the Science Olympiad USA Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to carrying out the charitable, educational, and scientific purposes of Science Olympiad. In this episode… Science competitions often focus on individual achievements, leaving teamwork and interdisciplinary learning as secondary concerns. However, Science Olympiad takes a different approach, combining hands-on collaboration with real-world scientific challenges to prepare students for future STEM careers. How does this program inspire the talented problem solvers of tomorrow by transforming an after-school activity into a nationwide movement? Jennifer Kopach, the driving force behind Science Olympiad, shares her journey from a PR and marketing professional to the CEO of a leading STEM competition organization. She recounts how Science Olympiad grew from her parents' basement endeavor into a nationwide initiative that fosters academic excellence and creates a robust community among students and educators. With a competition structure that allows students to specialize in diverse scientific fields while learning teamwork and problem-solving, they develop skills that translate into future careers in medicine, engineering, and research. Jennifer emphasizes the organization's role in shaping future scientists, highlighting its unique ability to offer students a broad choice of disciplines and the opportunity to compete and collaborate. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Jennifer Kopach, CEO and SVP of Marketing Communications at Science Olympiad, about the transformative power of Science Olympiad in STEM education. Jennifer discusses the organization's growth from a basement startup, the depth of educational opportunities it offers, how alumni chapters contribute to the ongoing passion for STEM and community service, and the impact of the Science Olympiad Foundation's grants on STEM research.

Sr. Anthony Veilleux - St. Patrick's Residence

Sr. Anthony Veilleux is the Director of Mission Integration at St. Patrick's Residence, a nonprofit organization providing care for the aged and infirm in Naperville, Illinois. A member of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm for 50 years, she has played a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents through compassion and dedicated service. Known for her deep commitment to end-of-life care and holistic support, Sr. Anthony is also a registered nurse who brings medical expertise and spiritual guidance to her role. Her leadership and faith-driven approach focus on ensuring that St. Patrick's Residence remains a beacon of love and compassion within the community, addressing the physical and spiritual needs of its residents. In this episode… In a world where people in the twilight of their lives often face isolation and neglect, the commitment to serve them with dignity and compassion becomes a powerful testament to humanity's capacity for care. What motivates individuals to dedicate their lives to enriching the final chapters of this vulnerable population? How does one woman's lifelong dedication to caring for the elderly become a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals? Sr. Anthony Veilleux, a registered nurse, unveils how her call to a life of service was clear from a young age. She shares her narrative — one that started in New Hampshire and led her through a fulfilling career in nursing to become a pillar in the Carmelite Sisters' community. Sr. Anthony discusses her service at St. Patrick's Residence, a haven of care and servitude deeply rooted in the core values of compassion, respect, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of the elderly. She describes the culture of St. Patrick's as one where love and faith intersect to create a nurturing environment for residents, staff, and volunteers. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Sr. Anthony Veilleux, Director of Mission Integration at St. Patrick's Residence, about the mission-driven work in senior care. Sr. Anthony discusses her inspiring faith-based journey from childhood calling to joining St. Patrick's Residence, the Carmelite Sisters' core values, mission, and their integral role in caregiving, the services and care provided by St. Patrick's Residence, and how the organization overcame its challenges.