Interview with Renetta Holloway

Pendle Hill is delighted to welcome Renetta Holloway as our new Director for Advancement. She arrived in July, taking the baton from Eleanor Harris, who will continue Pendle Hill’s Development work through late November, when she and her husband are moving back to the Midwest. Renetta brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit fundraising and management. We hope you will have the opportunity to meet her in person soon! In this interview with Shirley Dodson she talks about her new work with Pendle Hill and the rich background she brings to it.

Renetta, you arrived at Pendle Hill with more than 25 years of development experience, including service most recently as Director, Resource Development for the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. What are some highlights of your career? What professional experiences have been most meaningful to you?

One highlight is the fact that I worked for an organization for 25 years! Working with a good group of colleagues has been important to me. At United Way we worked together to fill needs in the community. No matter the stresses, everyone believed in what we were doing. I enjoyed raising money because I knew it was doing good for the community.

During my career, I have had the opportunity to work with some remarkable people, including the leaders of many companies and organizations. This gave me the opportunity to make connections between the nonprofit world and the corporate world – to bring that circle together for the common good.

My especially satisfying experiences were whenever I had the opportunity to meet recipients who received services as a result of the money that was raised. One man wound up homeless and was able to get back on track, and raise his two daughters - both honor roll students. I also recall a young woman from a dysfunctional family, who sought guidance from her school counselor and ended up completing high school, and received a full 4-year scholarship to college. Yes, it was great to raise money to support the human and health services needs of the community, but it was equally gratifying to see the impact on the lives of the people.

What attracted you to a career of service with nonprofit organizations?

Actually, I just fell into a career of service. I stayed because I enjoyed fundraising and making a difference in the community. When I first got started, I was newly married and moved with my husband from North Carolina to Pennsylvania. In my first nonprofit position – with the Girl Scouts – I was chosen by the executive to help with development work. I didn’t look back! The Girl Scouts were a member organization of the United Way, so we would go there with our hands out to seek funding for our programs. When the United Way had an attractive opening, I applied and got the job. I never thought I’d be there for 25 years!

How did you become involved with Pendle Hill? What made you want to work here?

A colleague at United Way shared the Director for Advancement job posting and said, “It really looks like you.” I got intrigued. I went on Pendle Hill’s website and thought “this looks like a nice place.” I decided to apply and things really moved quickly from that point. I came and met very welcoming people. When I left Pendle Hill after my first visit I told my husband I felt like I was at home!

When you’re not at Pendle Hill, what are some things you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending time with my family, particularly my husband and daughter, and extended family in this area. At least once a month the family in this area gets together. I also enjoy giving service back to the community through my involvement with three organizations. I’m pretty active in the community, mostly in services to youth and women’s health. I also like playing the piano, baking, and travelling, when I have time.

Recognizing that you just began employment as Pendle Hill’s Director for Advancement in July, what are some goals, hopes, and dreams you have for your work?

First, I want to make sure we have a strong team in Development and Communications so we can fully support Pendle Hill’s plan for the future. Second, I want to collaborate with other staff and volunteers to maximize our efforts to acquaint people with Pendle Hill. Last, I want to help ensure that the experiences people have at Pendle Hill are those that keep them coming and supporting this organization for years to come. Pendle Hill has a lot to offer the Quaker community as well as many other communities and individuals. I’m excited about supporting Pendle Hill’s mission and vision.

How can friends of Pendle Hill support this work?

Promote Pendle Hill! Promote Pendle Hill! Get the word out – let people know about Pendle Hill! You can help me in my work by:

• Sharing your personal stories about Pendle Hill with me;
• Sharing your thoughts and opportunities to advance Pendle Hill’s mission with me; and
• Helping me create a “buzz” about the good and meaningful things happening here.

We need everyone speaking with one voice about Pendle Hill. I look forward to meeting and working with as many of you as possible who are part of the world-wide Pendle Hill community.