Our Bloggers

Audrey R. Alvarado, Ph.d., Executive Director

Audrey R. Alvarado is the executive director of the National Council of Nonprofit Associations. She has worked in the nonprofit field over twenty years as a staff and volunteer. Audrey finds great joy working in a field that is consistent with her values, interest and passion; that is, to make a difference in the world.

  

Ann Beltran, Public Policy Analyst

Ann is a recovered attorney and corporate refugee, having practiced law with the government, in private practice and as in-house counsel for 20 years. During a midlife transition, she earned her Master’s in Whole Systems Design and discovered the nonprofit sector, moving into the fields of leadership development, education and training and adjunct teaching. She has served as Executive Director of a small nonprofit for 5 years, served on nonprofit boards, facilitated many nonprofit meetings and retreats, and volunteered in a variety of organizations. Having recently relocated to Washington DC, she is re-acquainting herself with the field of public policy, with a focus on the Nonprofit Capacity Building Initiative of NCNA. She teaches at George Washington University in the Department of Strategic Planning and Public Policy.

 

 Elizabeth Clawson, Communications and Development Associate

As Communications & Development Associate at NCNA, Elizabeth writes things, wrangles the press, takes a stab at fundraising, and shepherds the Town Halls initiative. Nonprofits influence every aspect of her life, from work to school to the gym, and give her a glimmer of hope that she can actually make a difference in the sector. But she may just give it all up for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

  

Rick Cohen, Director of Membership and Technology

 Rick works on membership and technology issues for NCNA. Combining his passions for the nonprofit sector and music, you can expect his blog to include insights on technology tools for nonprofits and his world-views as a young nonprofit professional along with a musical interlude now-and-then.

 

Elisa Ortiz, Coordinator, Outreach and Special Initiatives
Elisa is an emerging nonprofit leader who has worked in a variety of social justice organizations throughout her career. Her interests include leadership development, political advocacy and engagement, student/youth activism, organizing (everything and everyone) and trying to figure out what do with her life.