Announcing Ascend’s Next President and CEO
Ascend Nonprofit Solutions – whose mission is to strengthen the Charlotte area’s nonprofit community through access to facilities and services that lead to greater impact and efficiency – is pleased to announce its next President and CEO. After a nationwide search, James L. M. Taylor was unanimously approved to lead the organization.
James spent more than 25 years with United Way, serving in resource development roles before moving into a 20-year tenure as CEO in the communities of Hagerstown, MD, Lafayette, IN and Richmond, VA. During that time, he was also engaged in fostering and encouraging shared services models locally and at the state level. He comes to us from the Shepherd University Foundation in Shepherdstown, WV where he leads their advancement efforts as Executive Vice President. James is a native of Blacksburg, VA, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and a Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
“James brings a great deal of experience that will elevate our work as we continue to strengthen the nonprofit sector with capacity-building support,” said Tra Kelly, Board Chair for Ascend. “His background in nonprofit leadership, fundraising and shared services will be instrumental as we gain momentum on our path of strategic growth and expansion. The Board and I are very excited to welcome James to Ascend Nonprofit Solutions and the Charlotte community!”
“I am honored for the opportunity to lead Ascend Nonprofit Solutions and excited to work with the Board and staff of this great organization,” shares James. “Together, we will further realize the promise of its strategic plan and mission to strengthen the Charlotte area’s nonprofit community.”
Longtime President and CEO Shelley White is retiring after more than 30 years in nonprofit leadership and 12 years with Ascend Nonprofit Solutions. We wish her all the best in retirement and extend our gratitude for her leadership and dedication.
James will begin with Ascend Nonprofit Solutions on September 18.
About Ascend Nonprofit Solutions
Ascend Nonprofit Solutions is a capacity-building nonprofit dedicated to strengthening other nonprofits through access to facilities and finance, HR and IT solutions. In turn, nonprofits are able to redirect time and resources back to what they do best – advancing their missions. Ascend opened its doors in 2003 in uptown Charlotte to six nonprofits as a shared space with shared cost and a common purpose, then began offering finance, HR and IT support in 2009. By leveraging economies of scale and sharing in the cost, nonprofits have saved more than an estimated $34 million in rent and back-office support since Ascend’s founding.
