Policy & Practice February 2018

staff spotlight

Name: Ann Flagg Title: Director of Collaborative Centers Time at APHSA: Three months Life Before APHSA: I bring nearly 20 years of experience in program development, administration, perfor- mance management, and advocacy for a wide range of human services programs in the public, philanthropic, and com- munity-based sectors. Most recently, I served inMaryland’s human services agency, supporting key initiatives in economic assistance and workforce, child support, and child welfare. According to the study’s findings, too many CBOs operate under persistent deficits, have few or no financial reserves, and lack access to capital to invest in technology and modern data-sharing tools. Addressing these complex and inter- related challenges will require a comprehensive response by human services CBOs, government, and the philanthropic sector. CBOs must be able to develop their capacity for innovation by ensuring a focus on both excellence in services and delivering measurable and mean- ingful outcomes. This can only happen through better data sharing and analysis, the ability to implement best practices with continuous quality improvement, modern technological strategies, and meaningful knowledge and leadership exchange within and across sectors. This means adopting more robust finance and financial risk management capabilities and developing strategic partnerships

What I Can Do For Our Members: I am a resource, sounding board, knowledge manager, problem solver, promoter, and advocate. Priorities At APHSA: My top priority at APHSA is to promote integration and collaboration across health and human services sectors to identify systems and strategies that lead to improved outcomes for families and communities. My inten- tion is to lead, develop, and support my team to provide exceptional service to APHSA’s members and stakeholders and be thought leaders within our field. and networks that can broaden their strengths and reach. Public and private funders will also need to recognize the impor- tance of CBO capacity for innovation, and the need to support it through funding. Funding should be targeted to outcomes and results rather than outputs or services delivered and financial resources should be allo- cated for supporting the development and success of innovative partner- ships that focus on generating solu- tions together. Regulators at all levels should engage with human services CBOs in reviewing and reforming CBO regula- tions, including litigation risk, which has become a serious issue for these organizations. Our report makes a clear and com- pelling financial and business case for making these long overdue changes, given the potential for larger economic and social returns. It also makes a strong case for the moral imperative of a strong and vibrant human services

Best WayTo Reach Me: By email, aflagg@aphsa.org or cell, (443) 386-8759. When Not Working: I am a lifelong Baltimore resident and spend much of my time engaged in civic and cultural community building events around town. I have the good fortune to be surrounded by many friends and a large family to whom I devote much of my time. MottoTo Live By: “Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to under- stand more so that we may fear less.” —Marie Curie ecosystem with CBOs working as a vital partner. To achieve these goals will require our nation to embrace the value and dignity of every human being—and the transformative power of a strong and well-equipped human services ecosystem—to transform our society and help us all achieve our full poten- tial. An investment in the ability of CBOs to play their vital role in that ecosystem will, in the long term, result in a healthier, more productive, and prosperous America. Reference Note 1. Visit http://bit.ly/2DtKRn8 to access “A National Imperative: Joining Forces to Strengthen Human Services in America.” Tracy Wareing Evans is President and CEO of the American Public Human Services Association. Susan N. Dreyfus is President and CEO of the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities.

ASSOCIATION NEWS continued from page 31

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