As Strategic Advisor, Marci is a trusted partner to the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors providing counsel in setting and implementing goals and managing key initiatives to sustain impact in education, philanthropy, and arts and culture in the communities in which Flamboyan works. An in-house organizational development specialist, she provides executive coaching and mentorship to staff and supports the management team in leadership development, culture stewardship, external affairs, and strategic decision-making in alignment with Flamboyan’s short-and long-term plans. Prior to this role, Marci served as President and Chief Operating Officer at Flamboyan for 10 years where she oversaw overall strategy, program, communications, finance, and operations to ensure that the foundation achieved its strategic goals in the Washington, DC and Puerto Rico offices.
A nonprofit management veteran with more than thirty years of experience, Marci started her career as a kindergarten teacher and has always believed education is the foundation for young people to thrive and achieve their dreams. Marci is a “fierce fighter” on behalf of students, especially those who are farthest from opportunity and has spent her career working at the local, state, and national levels to improve the lives of children and youth. Marci’s track record includes having been a Partner at Venture Philanthropy Partners, Vice President of Impact at United Way Worldwide, and having held leadership roles at The Pew Charitable Trusts and Center for the Child Care Workforce. She has served on numerous local and national boards and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Stanford University and a master’s degree in early childhood education with a specialization in policy and administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
Marci is inspired by the connections and community we share because she believes our shared humanity is a powerful and positive force. She and her husband are the proud parents of two young adult sons who live in Chicago working to be “forces for good” in their own right.
Who was your favorite teacher in school? Mrs. Cleveland believed in my success even when I doubted myself. She always pushed me to do my best and overcome challenges (in the classroom and beyond).