Who
POLLY WILLIAMS, Principal
Investor in People
Supporter of Good Work
Mother to Twin Teenagers
Believer in the Power of Purpose
Why
Polly is a former CEO and Executive Director with decades of experience who believes the best nonprofits are run with a mystical balance of evolved leadership and smart professionalism. She has built teams, grown organizations, raised lots of money, created programs and projects out of nothing, and worked together with like-minded individuals to achieve the seemingly impossible.
From a first opportunity doing fundraising and special events for a major performing arts center to 15 years as the CEO of a trailblazing nonprofit serving foster youth, Polly has devoted her professional life to the greater good. She understands the pleasures and pitfalls of being a nonprofit leader and knows how to create an environment that supports success.
Purpose Partners was launched to enhance the nonprofit journey and create positive change for individuals and organizations.
Experience
President & CEO:
United Friends of the Children: Transformed UFC from a well-regarded nonprofit with a staff of seven and limited direct services into a nationally recognized organization with exceptional education and housing programs for foster youth, a staff of 60, and an $8 million operating budget.
Director of Development
Catellus Development Corporation: Took a lead role in a variety of projects including the NFL Stadium Feasibility Study and $50 million renovation of Dodger Stadium Catellus managed for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Duties included support for community and political outreach, public relations and charitable giving. At the time, Catellus was the largest private landowner in the State of California.
Executive Director
Getty House Restoration Foundation: Responsible for restoring the official Mayor’s Residence for the City of Los Angeles. Coordinated 19 interior/exterior designers and 17 committees comprised of over 300 volunteers who combined to raise over $1.6 million.
Associate VP, Arts & Cultural Affairs
World Cup USA 1994: Fulfilled a lifelong dream of working for an international sporting event while also raising the profile of arts organizations and producing cultural events. Projects included ARTS94, the cultural component for implementation in each venue city, a freeway mural program, and a week of concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.
Executive Director, Special Activities
The Music Center of Los Angeles County: Created a new department to oversee membership organizations and special events, managed a staff of six and a volunteer corps of 1,500, responsible for raising between $4 million and $8 million each year.
Community Engagement
Carlsbad Charitable Foundation: Member of the Board of Directors and Governance Committee Chair.
Boys & Girls Club of Vista: Board Chair.
Former member of the Westridge School Board of Trustees and the Getty House Foundation Board of Directors.
HONORS
Nancy M. Daly Founders Award
In June of 2016, Polly Williams received the Nancy M. Daly Founders Award from United Friends of the Children. With apologies for the video quality, this is her speech accepting the honor.
