"In nine years working directly with the homeless, I learned about de-escalating conflict, managing calmly amid apparent chaos, structuring work for volunteers, and how to get buy-in from almost everyone. Now, I have moved out of a customer-driven environment into a field requiring constant initiative and proactivity. I’m learning that leadership doesn’t transfer to new environments just because you have the right management skills.”
- Blase Bova, Director of Development, Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Fellow Biography
Blase Bova has worked at St. Vincent de Paul for 10 years primarily in program management as the Director of Special Works Ministries, which serves the homeless and families facing homelessness. More recently, Mr. Bova has taken on responsibilities for development, a wholly new area for him. Away from the frontline, he now must transfer his leadership skills to a new environment of fundraising initiative and proactivity.
Field Notes
To build more traditional fundraising skills, Mr. Bova will complete Indiana University’s fundraising certification program. During his sabbatical, he also will meet biweekly with a personal fundraising mentor and attend the executive training program at Stanford University’s Center for Social Innovation. To acquire more personal and cutting-edge skills, Mr. Bova will participate in the University of Iowa’s Summer Writing Festival, Stanford’s Digital Media Academy and an Inward Journey/Outward Bound program.
Contact Information
Blase Bova
Director of Development
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
623.261.6884
bbova@svdp-phx-az.org
http://www.stvincentdepaul.net