Nonprofit Executive Directors Meet with City Councilmembers

Executive Directors of over 20 important Pasadena-based nonprofits recently met with City Councilmembers Felicia Williams and newly elected Councilmember Jason Lyon to discuss their view of the post-pandemic relationship between city leaders and Pasadena’s charities.

“Pasadena is experiencing a dramatic change in leadership with more than 50% of the City Council joining in the last two years and numerous key leadership staff roles to be filled. It was important that non-profit Executive Directors talked directly with two of the new leaders to understand their beliefs on the role of the city and its charities,” explained Cindy Bengtson, Co-Chair of the Pasadena Executive Roundtable and community volunteer. “We cannot simply assume the close partnership of the past will continue.”

Co-Chair and new Jericho Road Pasadena Executive Director Kim Olpin described the role and activities of “PERT.”

“The Pasadena Executive Roundtable is a professional support group for non-profit leaders to talk about issues of common concern and hear presentations by expert speakers of interest each month. We network, encourage each other, commiserate, share resources and sharpen our skills and knowledge,” Olpin said. “This meeting allowed us charity leaders to learn of Felicia and Jason’s educational and professional backgrounds and experiences along with their personal motivations to serve on the Pasadena City Council,” Kim added.

Councilmember Williams provided insight on possible new grant sources for non-profits in addition to sharing her appreciation of and commitment to the city’s charities that provide so many needed social services.

Incoming Councilmember Lyon explained his views on the keys to our democratic way of life and the need for collaboration and comprise as well as sharing his goals for his first year on the City Council.

“It was important to hear both Felicia and Jason’s full support for our non-profit efforts and their understanding of the importance of what we do for our community,” commented PERT Steering Committee member and Clazzical Notes Founder and Executive Director Jerri Price-Gaines.