Good morning! Welcome … Shannon Steene, Executive Director of Good Shepherd Housing & Family Services, which combats homelessness by renting apartments with supportive services, making grants to prevent evictions, and providing counseling and financial education — and which stabilized over 750 families last year.

1. What was your most interesting recent project, initiative, partnership, or event?

Maybe this is cheating, but what’s held my interest lately is the intersection of a consulting project (led by a Compass team – - thanks, Compass!) with a board development project (led by Maureen Robinson). Either of these on their own would hold my attention, but together they give me assurance that we are not only planning for our future, but also equipping ourselves with the structure and practices needed to make that future vision possible. It has taken quite a bit of energy from all involved. Compass and Maureen have all been amiable to adjusting from the original plans as needed, and that has been key to getting it all done. There are a few steps yet, but we’re on track!

2. What else are you up to?

The last few years have been about looking at regional projects and linkages, which has added an intriguing twist to things. That focus has led to stepping into a few different leadership positions, such as chairing Nonprofit NoVA, serving on the board of the Nonprofit Roundtable as well as the Fairfax County Alliance for Human Services. The connections among issues are fascinating and bring me into contact with other great leaders from the nonprofit, corporate, and governmental sectors. That makes my heart go pitter patter.

3. Is there a moment, person, or event that inspired you to do this particular work?

Hmm … there are so many folks that I’ve watched with admiration over the years, so choosing one is not easy. That said, I give a big hat tip to my predecessor, Shirley Marshall. I served as her Deputy Director for four years and have been honored to lead once she left her post as Executive Director here Throughout the transition she worked hard to transfer the knowledge she could, served as a resource when asked, and was a strong cheerleader (from a distance). To this day, I still appreciate how we worked together, the shared experiences we’ve had, and how the agency that we are today is due in large part to her efforts – - I inherited much. Thanks, Shirley!

4. Who is your hero in the nonprofit/philanthropy world?

Mary Funke from N Street Village. Over the years she’s built a very strong organization, all the while being willing to meet with peers to share ideas, motivation and to provide support. Her work life involves many of the challenges all executives face, but her optimism and can-do spirit carry the day. She’s so sincere, and that’s hard not to admire.

5. What is the single greatest (and non-financial) challenge to the work that you do every day?

Looking through the distractions and busywork to see and focus on the core priorities that hinge on my involvement and require my leadership. There are many things that you can spend time on, but only a limited pool that you should tackle. Recognizing the difference is the challenge.

6. What advice do you have for other people who want to work in your field?

It’s hard but rewarding work. There are many ways to get things done, but if you watch and learn from others, you’ll be fine. When in doubt, pick up the phone or send an email to someone whose work you admire and see if they’ll have a cup of coffee with you. Nine times out of nine they will.

7. What’s next?

Big things, for sure. GSH is in a position of relative strength, we have a committed base of supporters, a talented staff, and a leader that knows there is more than enough need to inspire us for years to come. There are certainly some obstacles before us, but with some ingenuity, a little luck and a lot of hard work, we’re going to do amazing things together.

EXTRA: If you could have a power breakfast with any three people (living, dead, or fictional) who would they be?

Billy Graham; Maria Callas; Willie Nelson.

(Imagine the networks within which they all had interactions!)