Minneapolis, Minn., June 1, 2023 -- Propel Nonprofits, a leading resource and partner for nonprofit organizations, announced today that its President & CEO, Kate Barr, will be retiring at the end of 2023. Barr has been with the organization for over 22 years and is an influential voice in the nonprofit sector. Her dedication, leadership, and vision have been instrumental in the growth and success of Propel Nonprofits, and many nonprofit leaders and organizations.
"Kate has been an exceptional leader and a tireless advocate for nonprofits and the communities they serve," said Sarah Clyne, Chair of Propel Nonprofits' Board of Directors. "Her vision, passion, and commitment to championing the work of nonprofits has been instrumental in shaping Propel and the nonprofit sector more broadly."
During her tenure, Barr has led Propel Nonprofits through a period of significant growth and transformation. In 2017, she led the merger of the Nonprofits Assistance Fund and MAP for Nonprofits, bringing together the organizations to create Propel and making the important connections between strategy, finance, and governance. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its services and impact, and established its identity as a go-to resource for nonprofits.
Barr’s impact can be felt throughout the sector and beyond:
- Propel’s loan fund has provided over $250 million in capital to nonprofits throughout Minnesota for working capital and community facilities.
- She created several innovative loan products to address capital gaps and disparities for nonprofits.
- She broadened the reach and impact of the organization to support nonprofits in every stage of development through programs like the Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program and other capacity building initiatives. These programs have leveraged almost $10 million in grant funds and forgivable loans to benefit over 300 nonprofits since 2017.
- She championed the essential role of nonprofits in stable, vibrant communities including the value of financial and organizational strength.
- She mentored, coached, educated, and provided feedback to hundreds of nonprofit leaders as they led or built their organizations and influenced the nonprofit sector.
"‘Revered' is the word that comes to mind when I think about Kate and her standing in our sector,” Matt Varilek, President of the Initiative Foundation, said. “Her generosity of spirit, wisdom, and expertise make her the kind of person others are eager to learn from – as I have. Countless nonprofits and nonprofit leaders in every part of Minnesota are stronger and more effective in advancing their diverse missions because they had the good fortune of crossing paths with Kate."
“Who is really behind the curtain making this such an exceptional center of nonprofit excellence? No one more than Kate Barr, whose deep structural knowledge and even deeper personal commitment to community has improved thousands of lives,” R.T. Rybak, President of the Minneapolis Foundation, said.
Nonoko Sato, Executive Director of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, said: “Minnesota nonprofits are stronger and healthier because of Kate Barr’s leadership and vision. I am grateful to be included in the hundreds, if not thousands, of seasoned and emerging nonprofit leaders who have benefited from her mentorship, guidance, and support – which she has and continues to give so selflessly and generously. While her constant presence, perspective, and energy will be deeply missed as one of the most recognized experts of nonprofit finance and governance, she leaves Propel Nonprofits operationally strong having cultivated such immense talent on their staff and board. Kate is a true champion of nonprofits, and Minnesota Council of Nonprofits is deeply grateful for her partnership, and we wish her the very best in her next adventures ahead.”
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have helped build Propel and to have served the nonprofit sector for so many years," said Barr. "I am proud of all we have accomplished together, and I am confident the board and staff leadership are wellpositioned to continue its important work in the years ahead."
The Propel Board of Directors has formed a search committee and begun a search for Barr’s successor in partnership with BroadView Talent Partners, a national, executive search firm.
“We are honored to partner with the Propel Nonprofits Board of Directors to navigate the process of recruiting and retaining the remarkable Kate Barr’s successor. These are big shoes to fill, and we will work in partnership with the board to find the right, next leader for this phase of Propel’s lifecycle,” Tracy McMillan, CEO and Managing Partner, BroadView Talent Partners, said.
In this exciting time of transition, the organization remains committed to its mission and looks forward to continuing to serve the sector under new leadership.
ABOUT PROPEL NONPROFITS: Propel Nonprofits fuels the impact and effectiveness of nonprofits with guidance, expertise, and capital. Its services include accounting and finance, board governance, fiscal sponsorship, lending, skills and knowledge sharing, strategic consulting, and training. Propel Nonprofits serves nonprofit organizations in Minnesota and the adjacent states of Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Learn more at propelnonprofits.org.