Nancy Frohman joined Career Resource Center August 1 as its new Executive Director. She comes to CRC from her role as Director of Development and Marketing for The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy (FPN) which is based in Buffalo Grove.
Nancy started her career as a banker in New York City. After some time in NY, she moved overseas in 1999 and worked for various for-profit and not for profit organizations in Indonesia and Singapore.
Nancy established her own consulting firm because she “wanted to help for-profit and nonprofit organizations perform better and find better ways to manage”. Much of her consulting work was performed for companies, universities, and government ministries in Singapore. Later, Nancy became General Manager of Singhealth Foundation, where she was responsible for managing the organization’s key operating functions.
In 2014 Nancy returned to the US so her two daughters, born in Singapore, could attend junior high and high school. “I’d never lived in Chicago before…but I became familiar with several local job resource agencies (like CRC) …I started networking and exploring the local job market”. As she did when she went overseas, Nancy first hung up her own shingle and did nonprofit consulting work as founder/principal of Bridgeway Advisors. She has been at FPN since 2018.
“I saw the ad for CRC and thought that it would be an interesting experience and a great way to apply my knowledge, experience, and skills…I’ve always tried to help people achieve what they want from a job, support their networking and efforts to build their confidence” so the role at CRC is a great fit. “I enjoy meeting people and helping to build an organization…as well as working on interesting projects”.
Throughout her career, Nancy has been an active mentor and volunteer for organizations ranging from charities in Singapore to the Girl Scouts USA and Stevenson High School Foundation. “I’ve always volunteered my skills to not for profits as a way to build relationships, support worthwhile projects and as a great way to network…I love sharing my experiences with other people, every experience is valuable…One thing I’ve also learned is how to listen to other peoples’ viewpoints; I love the perspectives I get from other people”.
Nancy was also attracted to CRC’s ED role because of its mission. “I like running organizations with a strong mission and that need leaders with skills in fund raising and not for profit management…CRC is serving a very important function and role in the community…Also, I appreciate the Board’s commitment and what they’ve been able to deliver”.
“There is still a lot of opportunity for fundraising by aligning with corporate funders, foundations and townships”. Nancy plans to devote her time and energy to developing relationships and new partnerships. She also hopes to tap into CRC’s alumni network to take advantage of those resources.
Nancy sees opportunities for membership growth by continuing to target “people who have jobs but are looking for a change, wondering if they are in the right job, or getting back into the workforce” as well as new constituencies given how the job market has changed in the past two years. “I’d like to see CRC continue its efforts around virtual networking…as people have become more comfortable with virtual work”.
Nancy’s final comments say it all: “It’s a fantastic opportunity and organization. I’m struck by the warmth and camaraderie of the organization, and the clients feel it too. CRC is really an organization of people helping people”.
