Ron Guisinger leads our executive search and placement practice. He helps our clients find and onboard talented nonprofit executives. He has more than 25 years of human resources management experience in both the public and private industry sectors. His experience in the human resources (HR) field includes HR strategy & planning; workforce alignment; mergers & acquisitions; performance & talent management, job & organizational design; and total rewards. Prior to joining Benefactor Group, he was the director of workforce alignment and a human resources manager for software and technology companies with multi-national workforces.
Read on to learn more about Ron and what drives him to serve…
Tell Us About Yourself
Before Benefactor Group, I worked in Human Resources in the corporate sector, where I was fortunate to work with a number of growing, cutting-edge companies. Now, I find it incredibly fulfilling to apply that experience to working with nonprofit organizations and their talent/leadership needs. Leadership is critical to every organization – and the opportunity to work with the talented leaders (of our clients) is very fulfilling.
How did you get involved in serving nonprofit organizations?
At the time I joined the Benefactor team, I was supporting corporate and foundation fundraising as a volunteer for the local steering committee of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). HRC does so many things well, including fundraising. It was a great opportunity to learn donor relations firsthand and to be able to work with some excellent community and corporate partners.
What inspires you to serve the common good?
I see our clients doing absolutely amazing work. They are the inspiration; supporting them is truly at the heart of what we do. I believe that the services that the nonprofit sector provides are more needed now than ever.
One word that best describes how you work?
Teamwork. It is the essence of our organization. I know it sounds clichéd, but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Where can someone find you when not at work?
Hanging out at the house with our dogs. I like theatre, so that is often an activity on weekend evenings. Seeing Hamilton in Columbus was a real treat. In November we went to NYC to see a couple of shows.
What everyday thing are you good at that might surprise people?
I am an open book. I don’t think there is anything that people will find too surprising!
What are you currently reading, or what do you recommend?
I just finished Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming. I found it to be very humorous, sincere, and uplifting during a time when there is not much uplifting about politics in America. I particularly like the part toward the end where she shares a story about Lin-Manuel Miranda visiting the White House – she wishes him luck with that “Hamilton thing.”
What’s some good advice you’ve received recently?
I’ve heard it a number of times over the years, but it’s worth repeating— “perfect can be the enemy of good.”
What gives you hope for the future of philanthropy over the next 5 years?
The young professionals in our office who have chosen to work with nonprofits and philanthropic organizations. They are committed, smart, and open to new ways of doing things. They give me great hope for the future.
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