A Message From Glyn

Greetings friends,  

After seven incredible and gratifying years at Propel Nonprofits, and over 40 years working in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, I am announcing my retirement at the end of this month. I will continue at Propel part-time for a few months and then become one of the many off-stage supporters Propel has.  

It has been an incredible honor to work at Propel, and it feels right to be ending my professional career here. It is amazing to be part of an organization so committed to supporting the nonprofit sector in Minnesota, including its leaders when they face new and unpredictable circumstances, as we all strive toward creating an equitable and just sector.  

As I think back on my time at Propel and my career before it, I realize how fortunate I am to have had such kind and thoughtful colleagues and mentors along the way. When I reflect on what I will most miss upon retirement, the relationships are the first things that come to my mind. 

I am incredibly proud of what I got to be a part of at Propel over the last seven years. In 2017, when Propel was formed, I was tasked with the daunting and exciting opportunity to help establish Propel’s brand and develop its new website. Having worked as a marketing professor, arts marketer, and grantsmaker, the formation of this brand is one of the highlights of my 40-year career.  

It was especially rewarding to work alongside my brilliant colleagues over the past 2+ years as they responded to the pandemic in their own lives, while also supporting our clients as they pivoted to serve their clients during those challenging times. From supporting nonprofits applying for PPP loans, converting in-person interactions to virtual learning and consulting, and launching new programs through our capacity building work, they handled the obstacles and opportunities with such grace and empathy.  

A sincere thank you to all the Propel colleagues and board members, both past and present, and the many nonprofit organizations and philanthropic, business, and government partners I have gotten to work with. It has been such a pleasure to work with you.  

Under the leadership of Kate Barr, Ellie O’Brien, and the rest of the Propellers, I am excited to see what new leadership will emerge. And I am also eager to see where this next phase of my journey takes me – maybe some projects, a little training or teaching, and lots of volunteer opportunities. 

Thanks everyone for all the memories! 

Sincerely,  

Glyn Northington