In this new role, Jenn will focus on building deep relationships with area professional advisors, who play a key role in expanding support for the region’s nonprofit organizations and collaborative efforts to tackle systemic social challenges. She will also provide charitable gift planning and support to Essex County donors as they make decisions about their philanthropic giving and consider a donor advised fund with ECCF.

At the kickoff, Buchanan, who spoke for about a half-hour before taking questions, talked about the irrationality of expecting nonprofits to run like businesses. He explained his frustration at the false rhetoric he often hears about the social sector – organizations spend too much on overhead or they don’t innovate – and how he seeks to counteract it in every interaction he has with donors.