Introducing 2012 ProInspire Fellow: Collin Evans
Name: Collin Evans
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Organization: National 4-H Council
Previous Employer: Insight Global
What inspired you to make the switch into the nonprofit sector?
Making the switch was an easy decision once I realized what was missing from my experience in the for-profit sector. I know I may not be able to save the world, but I wanted to use the skills I had developed in a framework for social improvement with a focus on youth development. I consider myself a passionate individual, and the corporate lifestyle of working simply toward bottom-line was not enough to drive me forward in my career. From my previous work on the executive board of a large university non-profit, I knew that I enjoyed non-profit work and I yearned to recapture the feeling of meaningful work.
What is your current position, and a typical day like?
I am the Marketing and E-Commerce Coordinator for the National 4-H Council, the largest positive youth development organization in the US. A typical day consists of meetings with the marketing team and Chief Marketing Officer to discuss strategies across this division of the organization. Other tasks include analyzing and reporting on the sales numbers for the 4-H Supply Services Division, as well as generating content for the 4-H Mall Facebook and Twitter Accounts. Periodically evaluating Search Engine Optimization and website usability as new products are added also falls under the scope of my responsibility.
Where did you work prior to making the switch?
Prior to 4-H I worked for the ninth largest technical staffing and recruiting firm in the United States while living in Newport Beach, California.
What is your professional background and areas of expertise?
My professional background is in sales, marketing, and public relations. I am wary of calling myself an expert in any of these fields as I am constantly learning new things from my colleagues and other fellows every day.
What are you involved in outside of work?
Outside of the fellowship and 4-H, I am a member of the Capital Rowing Club Masters Rowing Program. I see it as a great way to continue one of my favorite activities from college and compete with and against like-minded people.
Tell us about your past leadership experiences and how they are helping you in your current role.
My first truly immersive experience in the non-profit sector occurred while I worked as the Director of Public Relations for USC Troy Camp, the official philanthropy of the University of Southern California. Taking the leadership and technical skills I developed there and moving into the for-profit sector was extremely helpful as a young professional. With Insight Global Inc. I was responsible for handling full recruitment processes while managing up to five recruiters at any given time. Bringing my knowledge from USC Troy Camp and my professional marketing and sales experience from my prior job has allowed me to be successful as the marketing and e-commerce coordinator for the National 4-H Council.
What are you some of the myths surrounding working in the nonprofit sector that have been debunked by your experience?
Many of my former colleagues and some of my friends in the for-profit sector run on the assumption that non-profits employees are people who simply couldn't "cut it" in the for-profit sector. I wish I could bring them to work with me to see what kind of people they are talking about. Non-profit employees are driven, passionate, and intelligent. I am in awe of the other Fellows in my program and the other employees of the National 4-H Council.
What is your dream career if money was not an option?
If money was not a consideration I would be making music videos with the cast of the Lonely Island from Saturday Night Live. When we aren't filming I would travel around the world searching for the perfect wave to surf.
What book are you reading right now or what is your favorite book?
I just finished A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, a book that has been recommended to me by many friends as an essential read. My favorite book is a toss-up between Catch-22 by Joseph Heller and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.