Agnes Zach
Agnes has a wealth of expertise in operational and strategic leadership within nonprofit organizations and over 30 years of experience in governmental affairs and financial services.
For 12 years, she was Executive Director for Willamette Valley Development Officers (WVDO) where she created a number of programs focused on teaching the art and science of professional fundraising to help nonprofits thrive.
Under her leadership, WVDO started the Certificate in Nonprofit Fundraising in 2011 for 40 weeks of basic fundraising skills training, and in 2012, the Leadership Academy for advanced fundraisers who wanted to move into director-level roles. In 2017, they launched the Management Academy to help mid-level nonprofit managers grow their skills, and in 2019, the Grants Academy for hands-on grant writing tools and techniques.
In 2012, NPN formed as a WVDO program out of a growing number of program participants who wanted to know where they might find success and enjoy their work, alongside nonprofits who wanted to hire professionals dedicated to long-term growth within their organization. NPN served as the middle piece to make those partnerships happen.
In 2016, NPN became a wholly-owned corporation of WVDO, and Agnes served as leadership to both until 2020 when she began dedicating herself to NPN full-time.
Agnes is passionate about identifying what drives people in their professional roles, supporting them in their careers, and helping them find success and fulfillment in their work. Most of all, she’s driven by finding the right partnerships to help nonprofits achieve long-term success.
She holds a master’s in business administration from Willamette University Atkinson School of Management, Seth Godin’s altMBA, and a bachelor’s in business from Carroll College.