ASU Lodestar Center executive director named to The Nonprofit Times 2012 Power & Influence Top 50 list

Dr. Robert F. Ashcraft, executive director of the Arizona State University (ASU) Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation and professor of nonprofit studies in ASU’s School of Community Resources and Development has been named one of the top 50 in The NonProfit Times 2012 “Power & Influence” list. “[We] annually highlight 50 of the sector’s leaders for their impact and influence on the broader sector. These honorees must have made substantial waves during the previous 12 months throughout the sector, as well as at their own organizations,” said Paul Clolery, vice president and editorial director of The NonProfit Times. “These executives were selected for the impact they have made now and for the innovative plans they are putting in place to evolve the charitable sector,” he added.

Honorees for The NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50 are selected from over 200 nominations made by editorial staff of The NonProfit Times, its contributing editors and suggestions from former nominees – with an emphasis on ensuring that most disciplines within the sector have a representative.

“We are enormously proud of this richly-deserved recognition. Under Robert Ashcraft’s leadership, the ASU Lodestar Center has emerged as the critical resource for nonprofit organizations in Arizona and beyond,” said Dr. Jonathan Koppell, dean of ASU’s College of Public Programs. “As an intellectual leader in this arena and go-to resource for those seeking to improve the governance and impact of nonprofit organizations as instruments for social change, Robert exemplifies the values of Arizona State University.” he added. 

Honorees this year include Bill Gates, former CEO of Microsoft and co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Brian Gallagher, president & CEO of United Way Worldwide; Paul Schmitz, CEO of Public Allies; Cecile Richards, president & CEO of Planned Parenthood of America; John Seffrin, CEO of the American Cancer Society and Neil Nicoll, CEO of YMCA of the USA – among many others.

“Robert has established the ASU Lodestar Center as one of the premier nonprofit academic centers in the country. He is one our nation's top go-to sources of innovative thinking and leadership about how to build effective nonprofits for impact,” said Paul Schmitz, CEO of Public Allies, a national AmeriCorps program, author of Everyone Leads: Building Leadership from the Community Up and a member of the White House Council on Community Solutions.

The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation has been recognized as a national leader in undergraduate and graduate nonprofit education, research and technical assistance. The Center also enhances the quality of life in communities through the advancement of nonprofit leadership practices and provides knowledge and tools to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations, professionals, board members, donors and volunteers by offering a selection of capacity building workshops, conferences, classes, and programs. Such programs and initiatives provide immediately usable, real-world skills that help nonprofit professionals continue to excel in an ever-changing environment.

“It is encouraging that our ASU Lodestar Center has gained national attention in our mission to build the capacity of the social sector for those who lead, manage and support nonprofits," said Dr. Robert F. Ashcraft, the first individual to earn this award from Arizona in the history of The NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50. "It is humbling to be honored in this way when the real credit goes to our team of faculty, staff, practitioners, philanthropists, students, alumni and other champions who advance our work. What a privilege it is every day to serve by advancing our Center's vital mission,” he added.

All honorees will be recognized and celebrated for this achievement at the upcoming 15th Annual NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50 Gala on September 20, 2012 in Washington D.C. For the complete story, please read the The NonProfit Times’ August 1, 2012 article here.

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Photo by: Felipe Ruiz

ASU LODESTAR CENTER FOR PHILANTHROPY AND NONPROFIT INNOVATION
The Center helps practitioners, volunteer leaders and philanthropists make decisions, clarify issues and policies, and improve day-to-day practices within the nonprofit sector. For more information, please visit: lodestar.asu.edu.

Media Contact:

Nicole Almond
(602) 496-1085
Nicole.Almond@asu.edu