Executive Service Corps- Florida

Background

Executive Service Corps- Florida (ESC-FL) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of resource-constrained nonprofits across Florida. Established in February 2015 by six retired C-suite executives, ESC-FL revitalized a dormant affiliate of the National Executive Service Corps, originally founded in 1977 by Frank Pace and John D. Rockefeller in New York. The organization leverages the extensive management expertise of its volunteer consultants—former senior executives from diverse industries—to provide affordable, high-quality consulting services tailored to the unique challenges faced by nonprofit organizations.

Key Strategic Focus

ESC-FL's strategic focus centers on delivering comprehensive consulting services that address the multifaceted needs of nonprofit organizations. By assigning teams of 2-3 consultants to each client, the organization ensures personalized and impactful support. The core services offered include:

Business and Strategic Planning: Crafting strategic plans that refine the client's vision, set goals, resolve conflicts, allocate resources, identify new opportunities, and establish actionable steps to achieve objectives.

Marketing and Public Relations: Developing strategies to enhance the organization's visibility and ensure that its message resonates positively with funders, clients, and the community.

Executive Search and Recruiting: Managing the entire recruitment process, from drafting job descriptions to conducting final interviews, to secure top-tier executive talent.

Financial Management: Ensuring financial stability through realistic budgeting, cost identification, and audit preparation.

Operations and Organizational Analysis: Evaluating organizational functions to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and expand programs, including IT systems assessments.

Board Development: Enhancing board effectiveness by analyzing roles, responsibilities, and membership structures.

Executive Coaching: Providing senior executives with a sounding board for strategic, organizational, leadership, and operational issues.

Fundraising Strategies: Creating strategies to diversify donor mix, increase existing funding streams, and identify new revenue opportunities.

Feasibility Studies: Conducting fact-based studies to assess the strengths and challenges of new initiatives.

Metrics and Outcome Measurement Development: Developing measurement profiles with verifiable outcomes, dashboards, and scorecards to meet funder expectations.

Surveys: Gathering candid feedback from stakeholders to inform organizational decisions.

Leadership and Management Development: Implementing organization-wide approaches to leadership and management development through consulting, teambuilding, values creation, and training workshops.

Financials and Funding

As a nonprofit entity, ESC-FL operates with a model that combines volunteer expertise with affordable service fees. Consultants volunteer their time on a pro bono basis, allowing the organization to offer services at significantly discounted rates compared to for-profit consulting firms. Fees are structured per hour, on retainer, or as a flat fee, depending on the project's scope and the client's budget. This financial model ensures that high-quality consulting services are accessible to nonprofits with limited resources.

Leadership Team

ESC-FL's leadership comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors:

Mark Gorman, Board Chair: An expert in nonprofit accounting with over 35 years of experience, including roles as CFO for organizations like Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the San Francisco Opera. He has also served on various boards and committees within the accounting profession.

Joel Greenbaum, President and CEO: Brings a diverse background spanning the music industry, nonprofit management, and retail. His experience includes serving as Executive Director of Youth Resource Development Corporation and Leadership Broward Foundation, as well as founding and leading Match Point Tennis.

Hanna Fink, Corporate Secretary: A results-oriented executive with extensive nonprofit sector experience, particularly in health and social services. She has held leadership roles in community centers and development corporations and is a Certified Senior Advisor.

Kathy Octavio, Treasurer: An experienced CIO and executive manager with over 35 years in the oil and gas industry, including founding a successful startup and holding senior positions in major international companies.

Barbara Gray, Board Member: Over 25 years of senior management experience in healthcare, focusing on operations management, organizational development, and start-up/turnaround success.

Amelia Waters, Board Member: A managing partner with EDSO Edge, specializing in operational excellence and organizational alignment, with experience in healthcare and education sectors.

Laura Yorks, Board Member: A retired management consulting/software executive with expertise in insurance, healthcare, and financial services industries, including roles at IBM Global Business Services and Pegasystems.

Frank P. Cupido, Board Member: Nearly 40 years in the telecommunications industry, with experience in finance and business development roles at companies like Northern Telecom and Bechtel Telecommunications.

Ken Stenicky, Board Member: Former Senior VP with Chase Merchant Services and VP for New Market Development for Visa, with experience in converting cash and checks to electronic payments across various industries.

Melanie Hillenbrand, Past President & CEO, Board Member Emeritus: A founding member of ESC-FL with extensive experience in leadership and organizational development across various sectors.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The nonprofit consulting sector in Florida is characterized by a diverse range of service providers, including both for-profit firms and nonprofit organizations like ESC-FL. The demand for consulting services is driven by nonprofits seeking to enhance their operational efficiency, strategic planning, and overall impact. The market is competitive, with organizations differentiating themselves through service offerings, pricing models, and the expertise of their consultants.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the nonprofit consulting space include:

Executive Service Corps of Chicago (ESC-Chicago): A nonprofit consultancy providing consulting and coaching services to approximately 150 philanthropic organizations annually. ESC-Chicago engages highly trained professionals to deliver services across various sectors, including arts and culture, education, health, and social services.

OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence: Serving the Greater Cincinnati area, OneSource offers consulting services, training, and resources to nonprofits, aiming to strengthen their capacity and effectiveness.

Empower Success Corps: Operating in New England, this organization provides consulting and capacity-building services to nonprofits, leveraging the expertise of experienced professionals.

These organizations share a common mission of supporting nonprofits but may differ in their regional focus, service offerings, and operational models.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

ESC-FL is affiliated with the Executive Service Corps United States (ESC-US), a network of organizations using the ESC model to strengthen nonprofits nationwide. This affiliation provides access to a broader network of resources, best practices, and collaborative opportunities, enhancing ESC-FL's capacity to serve its clients effectively.

Operational Insights

ESC-FL's distinct competitive advantage lies in its team of volunteer consultants who are former C-suite executives with extensive real-world operational expertise. This model allows the organization to offer high-quality consulting services at affordable rates, making them accessible to nonprofits with limited budgets. The personalized approach, assigning dedicated teams to each client, ensures tailored solutions that address specific organizational challenges.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, ESC-FL aims to expand its reach within Florida, offering services to a broader range of nonprofits across various sectors. By leveraging its affiliation with ESC-US and fostering strategic partnerships, the organization seeks to enhance its service offerings and impact. Continued focus on recruiting experienced volunteer consultants and adapting to the evolving needs of the nonprofit sector will position ESC-FL to achieve its mission effectively.