Beyond the Boardroom Linda Jacobs, CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL)
C enter for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership CEO Linda Jacobs, has spent more than four decades championing nonprofit leadership, community engagement and volunteerism across the Bay Area. Since joining CVNL in 2002, she has guided the organization’s transformation from a county-based volunteer center into a four-county regional leader serving Marin, Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties. Linda is widely respected for her expertise in nonprofit boards, leadership development and organizational strategy. Under her leadership, CVNL expanded training, consulting, volunteer engagement and signature recognition programs that strengthen nonprofits of all sizes. As she prepares for retirement in 2026, Linda leaves a legacy of stronger organizations, empowered leaders and a more connected nonprofit community. She has demonstrated beautifully an enduring belief that thriving communities depend on well-supported nonprofits and the people who lead and serve within them. To learn more, visit cvnl.org. By Kim Claypool What belief about leadership has been most strengthened and most challenged by your lived experience? Over time, I’ve learned that leadership is less about having the right answer and more about stewardship — relationships, listening and creating conditions for others to lead. Some of the most meaningful progress came from taking the time to be thoughtful, asking questions and letting solutions emerge. Leadership includes creating space for discovery. What has sustained your love for this work and how have you protected your sense of joy along the way? What sustains me are the nonprofit leaders, staff, volunteers and community members whose commitment and creativity never stop inspiring me. Making room for laughter, music, movement, exercise, nature, or whatever brings you joy is essential. What does equitable leadership look like in practice, not just in intention? Intention starts the process, action puts it into practice. For CVNL, it meant reducing financial barriers, being flexible in how learning happens, and listening closely to those who were not yet at the table. Equity shows up in who has access, whose voices are centered, and whether leadership development truly reflects the communities we serve. Over the course of your career, what has been your greatest accomplishment? It isn’t a single program or milestone — it’s helping build an organization and community of leaders that will continue to serve long after I step away. Watching people grow into their leadership and seeing nonprofits better equipped to fulfill their missions has been the most meaningful measure of success. What’s been the most challenging part of your preparation to step away from CVNL? My work is deeply connected to my identity, so letting go has been hard for me. It’s been a process of honoring my past while making space for new leadership and new chapters. What do you envision for CVNL’s future? I see a future where CVNL continues to lead with clarity, compassion and courage, strengthening volunteerism, expanding leadership development, and serving as a trusted voice for the nonprofit sector. The needs of our communities will keep evolving, and I’m confident CVNL will continue to evolve alongside them. If you could offer a few words of advice to an upcoming CEO stepping into this role, what would they be? Pace yourself, be true to yourself, speak up and out, build a strong support network, and work hard. What is something you’re looking forward to in retirement? Spending time with my grandkids, traveling and getting many home projects done. Upon research, I discovered that you are a fan of the San Francisco Giants. Any special memories from the 2010 Giants World Series win? They had great pitchers that year. One big moment I remember is the famous “Buster Hug” between Buster Posey and Brian Wilson celebrating their first title win since the Giants moved from New York to San Francisco. Is there a song that instantly lifts your mood, no matter what kind of day you’re having? Aretha Franklin is always a guaranteed mood-lifter. Music is a large part of my day. My playlist has thousands of songs, mostly from the 70’s, my favorite.
66 NorthBaybiz
March | April 2026
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs