Gwinnett Coalition, Inc.

The Coalition is evolving to serve as the lead community development organization for Gwinnett County. Utilizing a “collective impact” approach, the Coalition brings people and organizations together in a structured way to achieve social change. Key elements of collective impact include a common agenda, shared measurement, mutually reinforcing activities, and continuous communication. The framework prioritizes a few strategic issues, leverages subject matter experts and community partners to develop and test solutions, and scales success to effect sustainable systemic change.

Before this work can truly begin in earnest, the organization must ensure an effective operational structure, sound business and staffing model, and program alignment.

1. Restructure and establish an appropriate nonprofit governing structure and right-sized Board of Directors to support organizational change and implement nonprofit best practices.
2. Develop a succession plan for a leadership transition.
3. Review and develop a staffing structure to support the collective impact approach including evaluating current positions, creating job descriptions and filling positions.
4. Invest in upgraded technology infrastructure and systems to support research, communications and project management.
5. Revamp branding to reflect a change in mission and organizational priorities.
6. Evaluate all programs and projects to determine their fit with the new mission; establish criteria and development recommendations for realignment, restructuring, and spinning-off existing programs.

The Gwinnett Coalition has successfully transitioned into a more traditional nonprofit with a governing Board of Directors who provide fiduciary oversight and guide strategy. As well, the President and CEO is a 27-year resident of Gwinnett County with past professional experience in both private and public sector organizations. Previous work experiences include executive roles in advancement at a 4-year public college, community relations / corporate citizenship at two Fortune 100 tech companies, and a consulting firm serving organizations seeking to increase organizational capacity. Additionally, new hires consist of experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds and sectors. This combination of talent allows the Gwinnett Coalition to transcend industry and functional boundaries while leveraging an extensive network to achieve desired outcomes.

1. Disbanded a 60-member advisory board and reconstituted the Board of Directors to a 12-member governing board. Established Finance and Audit Committee and Governance Committee to provide oversight of finance and audit activities and governance and nominating of Board members, respectively.
2. In December of 2020, the founder and Executive Director of 30 years retired and a new President and CEO.
3. Developed a new staffing mode and hired experienced professionals to lead future collective impact work. Increased staff from five to eight with plans to hire five more in 2022.
4. Secured grants and invested $50,000 in technology infrastructure and systems to improve Gwinnett Coalition operations and increase nonprofit effectiveness.
5. Updated the organization's name from Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services to Gwinnett Coalition and created a new logo and brand identity.
6. Transitioned two programs (GREAT Little Minds and Great Days of Service) to other organizations with similar missions, thus eliminating duplication of resources. Combined the Gwinnett Cares Helpline (an Information and Referral resource) and Gwinnett Cares Website into one as the one stop shop for community resources who "need help" and those who wish to "give help.

The Gwinnett Coalition is now leading collaborative work to improve healthcare outcomes and access in partnership with local public health, behavioral and mental health, government, hospitals, and other providers. The Gwinnett Coalition will soon engage local partners in strategies and activities that enhance and support education at all levels and ultimately builds the talent pipeline necessary for a successful community.