Presenter: Cathy Zanon, March of Dimes Executive Director

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could slot volunteers into positions where we needed them most?   If volunteers said, “just put me where you need the most help” our jobs would be so much easier!   Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.   These days, volunteers are looking for opportunities where they can utilize their skills and talents to work for a cause that matters to them.   Our presenter, Cathy Zanon, will explain how keeping volunteers affiliated with your organization is a matter of making sure 1) each volunteer is engaged in the way that is most meaningful to them, 2) that they are communicated with in a meaningful and timely manner, and 3) that each volunteer is thanked in a way appropriate to their personality and preferences.  HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: Please bring a copy of your agency’s initial volunteer assessment form(s) with you (ie: when an applicant calls in asking for volunteer information, what do you do).  

Speaker Bio:   Cathy Zanon has been the Executive Director of the March of Dimes Central Division (a territory including 27 counties) since March 2008.   She oversees a $1 million operation with a team of 3 staff members.   March of Dimes focuses on raising money to fund research to help reduce and eliminate the incidents of birth defects, infant mortality, and preterm birth.   Prior to accepting this role, Cathy was an Organizational Development Consultant in the Central Ohio area with a focus on nonprofits.   Her work included strategic planning, internal and external communications and process improvement.   Prior to this, Cathy worked in the for-profit industry for 20 years in advertising and marketing.   Cathy has a BA from The Ohio State University in Communications and a Master of Science in Human Services Management from Franklin University.