Lessons From 20+ Years of Leading Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee

I’m continuing to explore a series of leadership conversations with nonprofit CEO’s, Executive Directors, and Chief Development Officers across our sector.

In today’s conversation, you’ll hear a discussion with Elaine Streno, Executive Director at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. 

With more than 20 years of leadership experience in East Tennessee, Elaine shares great wisdom and insights with us, including:

1. The importance of humility and how that trait can influence leadership success
2. Why working in the nonprofit sector shouldn’t mean personally sacrificing 
3. Understanding that as a leader, you’re always under the microscope, and why that requires deep integrity
4. How to have difficult conversations with employees without destroying relationships
5. The importance and value of having strong relationships with your board
6. Navigating the political and relational differences between front-line and administrative staff
7. The difficulty of parting ways with long-term employees, and how to have those difficult conversations with care and compassion