Meet Rodman for Kids’ fearless leader, Amy Rossman! Amy has been with Rodman for Kids for almost 20 years and has been Executive Director since 2019! Amy has been a driving force behind Rodman for Kids’ growth and success, and we’re so grateful we were able to sit down and talk to her about her time with the organization.
What is your role at Rodman for Kids and what do you do on a daily basis?
In my role as Executive Director, I oversee all aspects of our organization! On any given day I might be working on budgets, meeting with stakeholders, or attending a Theatre for Kids performance. No two days are the same, and that keeps the work interesting and exciting!
What initially drew you to Rodman for Kids and how has that evolved over your time with the organization?
My first experience with Rodman for Kids was as a staff member of one of our Charity Partners for the first few years they participated in the Ride for Kids. As a volunteer, rider, and Charity Partner representative, I was enthusiastic about an opportunity to work on such a large event with broad impact, and I jumped at the opportunity to apply for a Development Assistant position in 2005. Since then, the organization has evolved to be so much more than a Ride. That constant growth makes it easy to remain passionate about our work.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the work Rodman for Kids does for youth-focused nonprofits?
I wish more people knew we are much more than a Ride! We provide wrap-around support for youth focused charities to help remove the barriers to their success. These supports include professional development, fundraising opportunities, direct funding, and most importantly access to a community of peers through which our partners can learn, collaborate, and share best practices.
What’s something about your job that you’re passionate about, and how does that passion drive your leadership?
I am driven by the importance of access for all kids. I think of the organizations we support – and in turn Rodman for Kids – as the “village” so many kids and families need but don’t organically have. We offer these organizations support and resources to help them meet kids right where they are, and to provide whatever it is they need to reach a brighter future. The notion that just one opportunity or person can be game-changing for a child really lights a fire for me.
Last question – if you could have dinner with one of your biggest role models, who would it be and why?
I had countless dinners with our founder, Don Rodman, but I would love to have the chance for one more now. It would be a thrill to fill him in on how the organization has grown and what we are doing to carry his incomparable legacy forward.