NEO Philanthropy is pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Ballard to the post of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Ballard, who most recently served as Division Administrator at NYU School of Medicine, will begin her new role on September 12, 2016.
In her new role, Ballard will oversee finance, operations, human resources and administration functions of the organization. Ballard brings with her extensive management, finance and operational experience including serving as the financial and operations officer for more than 40 grants at NYU, leading human resources functions and providing supervision, mentoring, support and management for employees, faculty and staff.
As Division Administrator at NYU School of Medicine, Ballard was responsible for all fiscal and administrative operations, and developed and implemented long-term strategic plans for growth and stability. Ballard also served as Director of Operations for the Bellevue/ NYU Program for Survivors of Torture. Prior to joining NYU, Ballard worked for the Fund for the City of New York as the Director of Incubator Management. During her tenure, she served as the primary financial and operations manager for more than 20 organizations, provided budget development and management and developed internal systems and processes to improve efficiencies.
“Following a comprehensive search, NEO Philanthropy is proud to welcome Erin Ballard as Chief Operating Officer,” said Michele Lord, NEO President. “Erin’s skills, experience and proven success in managing complex multifaceted operations will strengthen NEO’s role in philanthropy and help us provide exceptional and dependable service to our fiscal sponsors, special projects, donors, grantees and other partners and stakeholders.”
In addition to her professional qualifications, Ballard has a commitment to social justice and believes in the mission and vision of NEO. She spends free time volunteering in the non-profit sector – particularly organizations with a focus on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender issues and women’s issues. Ballard received her Master of Public Administration with a focus on non-profit management and policy from New York University and her Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Sociology from Loyola University New Orleans.
“I’m honored to join this respected organization and excited to help lead NEO Philanthropy into the next phase of growth,” said Ballard. “NEO has a talented roster of professionals dedicated to making real social change, and innovative grantees and fiscal sponsors that I am proud to represent. I am passionate about NEO’s mission, and I look forward to the initiatives we will embark upon and the positive impact we will have on the social justice sector.”