NWA C-Suite: Tyler B. Clark
What advice would you give someone wanting to be a leader in your industry? Nonprofit is a safe place to try new things. Stay away from the phrases, “We’ve always done it that way,” and “We’ve never tried it that way.” I fully believe that success can come from unfamiliar or uncomfortable places.
How do you stay current with industry trends and changes? Trends in fundraising are easy to find with local and national resources like the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
However, top leadership in nonprofit organizations can be a lonely place. I do rely on professional development, regionally and nationally. In the spring of 2025, I will finish my capstone project and scholars track at the Center for Nonprofit Management Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Chicago.
Do you use artificial intelligence (AI) software in your work, and if so, how so? We are seeing a lot of AI in grants and fundraising, especially in donor stewardship. We are testing messaging that might resonate differently. We are moving into this space slowly. We firmly believe that fundraising should be a person-to-person relationship.
In recruiting applicants to our program, we’re moving faster into AI. There are so many resources to learn about and implement.
What is the best business advice someone has ever given you? Lead with grace, and good things will always follow.
How do you relax? Live music. I follow The Avett Brothers, a North Carolina American folk rock band. Like-minded friends and I have founded an NWA fan club. I’ve seen them well over 10 times.
My adopted dachshund/hound mix pup, named Abbie, provides me tons of entertainment and relaxation after a stressful or busy day.
I’ll do anything to spoil my “niece,” the daughter of my best friends.
How significant to you is developing a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) culture within your organization? We began by establishing a comprehensive non-discrimination policy as the foundation of our DEI efforts. Next, I appointed a dedicated individual to lead diversity initiatives across the organization. DEI goals are incorporated into our annual strategic plan, and each department sets its own specific goal each year. I believe it is essential that staff cultivate a shared understanding of DEI through collaborative learning and development.
What are some aspects of leadership you are still working to improve? As a leader, I’m always striving to improve. I think it is important to ask for feedback from your team: not only ask for feedback but make changes.
One area I’m focusing on is enhancing my delegation skills. I tend to get involved in many details to ensure things are done well, but I’m learning to trust my team more by giving them greater ownership of projects. I’m also strengthening my active listening skills to fully understand diverse perspectives before making decisions. Lastly, I want to keep evolving my ability to navigate change and uncertainty, especially in today’s dynamic environment.