Nonprofit Board Executives of the Year Awards
Survivor, advocate
After losing much to cancer, Joe Geraci works to help others
Joe Geraci
Chairman, leadership council
American Cancer Society Northern Kentucky
www.cancer.org
Joe Geraci understands what it means to be affected by cancer. His mother and sister both died from breast cancer. When his wife was diagnosed, Geraci stood by her side until she was able to overcome the disease. But it was his own battle with cancer that led to his commitment to greater cancer awareness.
In 2003, while training for a Cincinnati Reds fantasy camp, Geraci developed pneumonia. During his treatment, a spot was discovered on his lungs that led to his cancer diagnosis.
After his diagnosis, he received a great deal of support from his family and friends, but also from the American Cancer Society. He was encouraged to call the society’s hotline, which led to his involvement with the nonprofit that offers support and aid for those fighting the disease.
Since his first volunteer role, Geraci has participated in Relay for Life, which raises money to help fund the organization. He has also been active lobbying on behalf of cancer patients in Kentucky and Washington, D.C., during Celebration on the Hill.
In 2006, the American Cancer Society named Geraci an ambassador to represent his community at Celebration on the Hill, a gathering of 10,000 cancer survivors and volunteers who sought to engage members of Congress in the fight against cancer.
Geraci has served as a board member for the American Cancer Society Northern Kentucky for several years. Currently, Geraci serves as chairman of the Leadership Council.
Wide-reaching support
David Goodwin contributes broadly to help the community excel
David Goodwin
Director
Dress For Success Cincinnati
www.dressforsuccess.org
David Goodwin serves as director on the board of directors for Dress for Success Cincinnati, a local nonprofit that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women, providing professional clothing, a support system and career development skills. Founded in 1999, it has assisted some 12,000 women in the community.
His philanthropic efforts in the community extend beyond Dress for Success. In his role as co-founder and managing partner of Advanced Technology Consultants, Goodwin encourages, sponsors and facilitates employee volunteerism.
He envisions outreach as an ongoing initiative and engages both his employees and family to do the same. His network of volunteers has provided resources to 16 different community organizations and nonprofits. His team has participated in Dress for Success Cincinnati, Matthew 25: Ministries, youth sports and more. The causes he donates to are ones that he feels a connection to through personal ties, duty or admiration.
For these efforts, he recently received a Family & Privately Owned Business Leadership Award. Recipients of this award have seen steady growth, contributed their resources to impact the local community and have affected the lives of their employees.
Additionally, ATC was a runner-up for the Goering Center Private Business Award in 2013. The award recognizes companies or individuals who have made a long-term community impact through their commitment to philanthropy, community service, growth of employment and community image.
For Goodwin, leadership is a journey for continuous improvement and growth. Great satisfaction has been felt by community outreach that benefits and improves the lives of different parts of the community.
Recruiting for growth
Delores Hargrove-Young applies networking skills to nonprofit board role
Delores Hargrove-Young
Chapter vice chair, leadership development
American Red Cross, Cincinnati Area Chapter
www.redcross.org
Connecting people is what Delores Hargrove-Young does best. As president and COO of XLC Services, a single-source provider of manufacturing services and warehouse management, Hargrove-Young is well-versed in what it takes to lead a team to success.
And she knows all too well that recruitment of potential talent is vital to the sustainability of a business. So when Hargrove-Young joined the American Red Cross, Cincinnati Area Chapter, she translated her professional expertise to help the overall mission of providing assistance to stabilize families who have suffered from a disaster.
As the chapter vice chair of Leadership Development, her major responsibility is to identify potential matches and recruit new members for the board of directors. In the past two years, she has brought on 17 high-profile members.
Accomplishing this was no small feat. All of the new members are involved and active in their roles, and some of them represent new companies that the American Red Cross has not worked with before. These new connections have strengthened the chapter in its ability to carry out its mission and to raise much-needed funds.
These tangible contributions have strengthened the board of directors with newfound leadership and are a direct result of Hargrove-Young’s many talents. Her personality shines through when she reaches out to invite potential candidates on-board. Her energy, involvement in the community and excellent relationships with people and companies are major factors for the growth of the organization.
