Eric L. Welch, CFRE
NAMI Greater Orlando (FL) Executive Director
Member, NAMI Greater Orlando (FL)
Nominated by Nick Richard, Executive Director of NAMI St. Tammany (LA), seconded by Ken Dority, Executive Director of NAMI Greenville (SC)
Listen to Eric's Candidate Speech
Specific Strengths and Attributes:
- Knowledge of the philanthropic community and track record with donor cultivation
- Experience with a variety of revenue models and financial oversight and management
- Human capital management including professional experience in human resources and personnel development & management
- Legal and risk management
- Criminal Justice experience, professional and/or lived
Job Title or Position:
- NAMI Greater Orlando (FL), Executive Director
NAMI Leadership Experience:
- NAMI Greater Orlando (FL), Executive Director (2016-present)
- Executive Director Council, Executive Committee (Secretary, current)
Additional NAMI Involvement:
- NAMI Basics, NAMI Ending the Silence, NAMI Smarts for Advocacy, NAMI Advocacy, NAMIWalks
- EDLE Planning Committee (2019)
Other Board Service:
- Central Florida Cares (Board Member, 2019-present)
- Central Receiving Center (Board Member, 2016-present)
- Association of Fundraising Professionals Florida Caucus (Vice President, 2010-2012)
- Association of Fundraising Professionals of Central Florida (Board Member, 2004-2010; President, 2008)
- Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Youth Committee (Chairperson, 2006-2012)
Relationship to Mental Health:
- Family member or direct/front-line support of someone with a mental health condition; Other Professional; Non-Profit Advocate
Candidate Strengths Assessment
The candidate indicated they have experience in the following areas that will help NAMI achieve its mission and strategic goals:
- Business/Nonprofit Leadership, Advocacy, Mental Health Service/Support, Risk Management, Business/Nonprofit Administration, Philanthropy/Donor Cultivation, Program Research/Evaluation
Estimated years of experience in the above areas:
- Advocacy - 6 years
- Business/Nonprofit Administration - 25 years
- Business/Nonprofit leadership - 25 years
- Mental Health Service/Support - 6 years
- Philanthropy/Donor Cultivation - 25 years
- Program Research/Evaluation - 25 years
- Risk Management - 4 years
The candidate indicated they have connections and networks in the following areas:
- Criminal Justice, Information Technology, Entertainment/Film/Television/The Arts, Philanthropy, Social Media, Lobbying, Marketing/Public Relations, Human Resources/Personnel, Politics/Elected Officials, Traditional Media
Additional information about the connections and networks:
- My role as Executive Director for a thriving affiliate requires that maintain networks and knowledge on a variety of subjects. The topics listed above are those in which I have expertise and networking.
Candidate Leadership Style
The candidate indicated the following descriptors represent their leadership style:
- Action-Oriented, Consensus Builder, Data Driven, Decisive, Outcome-Oriented, Risk Taker, Innovator, Team Player
Over the past few years, I have established a solid working relationship with both NAMI National staff and fellow Executive Directors. I will assist the communication efforts on both sides, establishing common ground and areas of opportunity where both can grow and thrive. My diverse background in non-profit management, especially in fundraising, can assist all tiers of the alliance.
My "Strength Finder" survey results list strategic thinking, charisma, and the ability to think win-win/long-term as my top assets. I will bring this winning, team-player attitude to the board. I also have many years of experience in coalescing groups in a mission surrounding a common goal, especially through volunteers.
As a day-to-day operations manager of a $450,000+ organization, I coordinate financials, profit/loss, revenue/expense analysis. I can work closely with the operations team to maximize profit and limit expenses. With a staff of 6, I maintain a high-quality staff with exemplary, recruiting, management, and accountability. I will bring my expertise in this area as well. I also have a natural ability to quickly analyze situations and make recommendations to alleviate issues.
I look forward to bringing my 25+ years of experience to the NAMI board as we continue our education, support, and advocacy mission.
I served on the EDLE planning committee in 2019, and then as an officer in 2020 and 2021. Especially in 2019, we created a conscious effort to blend the training with a win/win/win mindset between the board, staff, and ED council. I continue to monitor the ED Listserv and bring solutions wherever possible. I combine long-term strategies with the ability for group achievements.
The NAMIWalks team has selected me multiple times to be used as an example on events. The next one is in July. I have solid relationships with Shirley, Dan, and many of my fellow EDs. I use these relationships to best understand all needs and guide the different teams to success. I also assist to maintain schedules and deliverables to ensure deadlines. I look forward to expanding the relationships to incorporate more EDs and innovative solutions.