UVA Finance Expertise Bolsters Local Nonprofits
A former University of Virginia administrator is spearheading an initiative to address a critical need within the Charlottesville area’s nonprofit sector: qualified treasurers. Melody Bianchetto, who concluded her tenure as the University’s vice president for finance in February 2023, is collaborating with UVA Finance and UVA Academic Outreach to prepare University employees for impactful volunteer positions on nonprofit boards of directors. This program aims to connect valuable skills with organizations often struggling to fill these essential roles.
The impetus for this effort stemmed from Bianchetto’s direct involvement with local community organizations post-retirement. “One of the things I started doing as soon as I retired was spend more time with some community nonprofits,” Bianchetto explained. She quickly observed a recurring pattern: immediate placement into key financial roles.
Addressing the Nonprofit Treasurer Shortage
Bianchetto recounted her experiences joining multiple boards, stating, “The first board I went on was SARA – the Sexual Assault Resource Agency – and I was immediately appointed treasurer.” This pattern continued with subsequent appointments as treasurer for Madison House and a position on the finance committee at The Haven. Recognizing a systemic issue, Bianchetto leveraged her understanding of the University’s talent pool to create a solution.
She understood that many UVA employees possess the necessary budgetary and financial acumen, but may lack confidence or awareness regarding nonprofit board service. “I knew from working at UVA that there are a ton of people who have budget and finance expertise,” she said. “While they may be intimidated by the idea of being a treasurer for a nonprofit, they probably have the skills that they need.”
Training and Pipeline Development
To build a sustainable pipeline of qualified volunteers, Bianchetto partnered with the area’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence. This collaboration resulted in the development of a specialized training regimen, including a December session titled “So you want to be a treasurer.” She also initiated a monthly forum for nonprofit treasurers and engaged Louis Nelson, UVA’s vice provost for academic outreach, to broaden the program’s reach.
Brian T. Ullman, the senior manager of learning and impact for the Center for Nonprofit Excellence – and a UVA School of Education and Human Development doctoral graduate – emphasized the importance of the treasurer’s role. “Boards are important, and the treasurer in particular is a really important position,” Ullman stated. “They ensure the organization’s financial health is sustainable so it can fulfill its mission and are the board’s eyes and ears on finances. That’s a challenging position.”
Impact and Success Stories
Ullman further noted that recruiting skilled board members, particularly those with financial expertise, is a widespread challenge for nonprofits throughout the state. “It’s a challenge finding board members who have the skills and the experiences that a board needs to have,” he said. “Then there are more specific skills that a treasurer needs to have. Melody’s efforts have helped a great deal.”
The program’s success is already evident, with individuals like James “J.J.” Sullivan, director of financial compliance at UVA Finance, now serving as treasurer for Loaves and Fishes, a prominent food pantry serving Charlottesville and Albemarle County. This initiative demonstrates a powerful synergy between University resources and community needs.
