New board members bring expertise in nonprofit
operations, finance,
law and passion for skilled volunteering
NEW
YORK, June 25, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Taproot is pleased to announce the election of
three new members to its Board of Directors: Russatta Buford,
Timothy McClimon, and Junna Ro. Each is a professional at the top of
their field with expertise in operations, finance, nonprofit
management, and legal compliance, as well as a passion for
Taproot's mission. With more than 20 years of expertise, Taproot is
a leading voice in the field of pro bono service, connecting
volunteers skilled in areas such as marketing, strategic planning,
HR, technology, and finance with social good organizations in need
of their support.
Russatta Buford brings more than 20 years of
experience in strategy, operational excellence, and change
management. She participated in her first Taproot project in 2016
while working with American Express, and it was that experience
that propelled a career shift from the private to nonprofit sector.
Buford most recently led finance, operations, and human resources
at the Ms. Foundation for Women. Prior to that, she served as the
Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO at DataKind, and held
leadership positions at Teach for America, Brooklyn Org, and Global
Health Corps. Before working in nonprofits, Buford worked in oil
& gas and financial services. She holds a bachelor's degree in
chemical engineering from Florida A&M
University and an MBA from the Ross School of Business at
the University of Michigan.
"I am passionate about acting responsibly to address the
societal challenges we face. In order to do that effectively, it
takes all of us—regardless of our sector," Buford shared. "Taproot
is largely responsible for my career shift to the nonprofit sector
over a decade ago and I'm honored to be in a position to contribute
to Taproot's continued impact."
Timothy McClimon is a
strategic nonprofit and corporate executive and consultant who
serves as President of The Celeste Group, a management consulting
firm, and as the Executive Director of Signature Theatre, a
nonprofit in New York. Previously,
McClimon served as President of the American Express Foundation and
Senior Vice President at American Express, as well as working with
AT&T Foundation, Second Stage Theater, and as a lawyer for
nonprofit clients. McClimon is a dynamic thought leader in
corporate social responsibility, leadership development, and
nonprofit management. He is a regular contributor to Forbes, an
adjunct professor at New York
University, and serves on the boards of Signature Theatre
and the Mark Morris Dance Group.
"As a former business and foundation executive, I have long
admired Taproot's expertise in recruiting, training, and placing
corporate volunteers with nonprofit organizations in need of
assistance," McClimon shared. "Now as a nonprofit leader, I more
fully understand Taproot's place in the sector. I am proud and
humbled to join the Taproot Board of Directors and be part of the
team that helps sustain the organization's vital place in the
nonprofit world."
Junna Ro is a
seasoned legal and compliance executive with experience in higher
education, insurance, and technology. She currently leads strategic
legal initiatives at the University of
California Office of the President (UCOP), which serves as
the headquarters for the university system's ten campuses, five
medical centers, and three affiliated national labs. Ro previously
served as General Counsel and Head of People at Metromile; VP,
Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer for AAA; and Corporate
Counsel for Symantec and VERITAS Software in Silicon Valley. She
serves on the board of Community Boards, the longest–running
nonprofit conflict resolution and restorative justice center in the
country, and on the advisory council for the Asian Pacific Fund. Ro
earned her JD from Santa Clara
University School of Law, and her BA in Political Science
from UCLA.
"I am honored and thrilled to join the board of Taproot, to
further their commitment to help nonprofits access skilled pro bono
resources," Ro said. "Taproot's values of authentic engagement,
passionate optimism, and realistic impact-orientation resonate
deeply for me. I look forward to meaningfully supporting its work
to advance resource equity, strengthen communities, and drive
sustainable social change."
The three new members were recommended to the Board of Directors
by former Taproot CEO Linsday Gruber
in one of her final acts before departing the organization in June.
Taproot is grateful for her leadership during this transition and
looks forward to the strategic insights that Russatta Buford,
Timothy McClimon, and Junna Ro will bring to the Board.
About Taproot:
Taproot is a nonprofit organization that connects social change
organizations with passionate, skilled volunteers who share their
expertise pro bono. Taproot's programs help organizations overcome
their most pressing challenges and create lasting impact in their
communities. Learn more at www.taprootfoundation.org.
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SOURCE Taproot Foundation