in this issue: Passing the torch: MIFA welcomes new leader Sally Jones Heinz Support MIFA through Plus-1 Join MIFA’s community fast MIFA remembers Dr. King Metropolitan Inter-Faith AssociationHOPE • mifa.org • (901) 527-0208 IN ACTIONSpring 2011 • Volume 29 • Number 1 MIFA Board of Directors Executive Committee MIFA friends, Jef Feibelman, Chair Rev. Steve Montgomery, Vice Chair Amy Poag, Secretary Margaret Craddock has transformed this agency in many ways during her tenure, and after working to focus Ward Mayer, Treasurer MIFA’s efforts, streamline its programs, and further solidify its stance as a nonprofit leader in Memphis, she has Paul Berz opened the door for our newest opportunity: to move forward under new leadership. Peggy Brewer Yvonne Madlock MIFA has a long tradition of strong leaders, each of whom has been in place at the right time. Each executive Jordan Barré Otha Brandon director has possessed the skills to carry this organization through the era at hand—whether finding its youthful Deborah Craddock footing, growing with temperance, or learning to efficiently meet the community’s most pressing needs. Margaret Meg Crosby has been no exception, as her outstanding contributions can attest. I am confident that her successor, Sally Jones Mark Finestone Heinz, will also thrive here. Price Ford Rev. Milton Hawkins Wilma McGee In Sally, we find another exceptional and talented director who is, most importantly, a good fit. Sally has already Kojo McLennon proven her dedication to this organization as its vice president of development, and her experience and talent Snow Morgan will serve to move MIFA forward. Rev. Ollie Rencher Judy Royal Chris Suhoza Many thanks to Margaret for her years of visionary leadership, to Sally for her willingness to work for our cause, Peter Tosches and to each of you for continuing to support us as we greet a new era. Blanchard Tual Cathy Van Leit Sincerely, David Waddell Emily Woodside Executive Director Sally Jones Heinz The FY2010 MIFA annual report is now Jef Feibelman Hope in Action staff available online at mifa.org/financials. Ellen Whitten, Editor MIFA Board Chairman [email protected] (901) 529-4507 Our mission: MIFA engages the community to sustain the independence of seniors, transform the lives of families in crisis, and equip Jessica Jones, Designer teens for success. James Seacat, Communications Director Our vision: MIFA works to unite our diverse community to address the challenges of poverty. On the cover: MIFA celebrates the outstanding service of Margaret Craddock and the new appointment of Sally Jones Heinz as executive director. 2 • Spring 2011 • HOPE IN ACTION mifa.org • (901) 527-0208 mifa.org • (901) 527-0208 MIFA honors Dr. King’s legacy On Monday, January 17, MIFA held its annual observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. Bishop Edward Houston Stephens, Jr. of Golden Gate Cathedral of Memphis delivered the keynote address. We were honored to have in attendance Tennessee’s governor and first lady, Bill and Crissy Haslam, in addition to Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Jr. and WMC-TV anchor and MIFA volunteer Joe Birch. The governor, first lady, and mayor spoke to the event’s crowd of 300 before departing to deliver MIFA Meals on Wheels. During the celebration, the 10 finalists in MIFA’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Contest were announced. This annual competition, sponsored by Nina and Matthew Thornton, is open to area high school students, with prizes awarded to the top three winners. The first-place winner will deliver the key- note address at MIFA’s Day of Reflection and Service on Saturday, April 2. 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Contest finalists Kiyah Anderson Taryn Graham Rehema Justine Chrysta Smith Central High School Central High School Central High School Memphis Academy of Health Science Nekiaya Elam Keneshia Ingram Olivia Kennedy Central High School Central High School Central High School Breana Turner Central High School April Geralds Notoria Itson Jasmyne Rucker Booker T. Washington Hollis F. Price Middle Central High School Alexis Wilson High School College High School Booker T. Washington High School Join us on Saturday, April 2, at 10 a.m. at MIFA for Day of Reflection and Service, presented by ServiceMaster. Mayor A C Wharton, Jr., Arnetta Macklin, MIFA VP of Senior Programs, and Crissy and Governor Bill Haslam are pictured at MIFA’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration. mifa.org • (901) 527-0208 HOPE IN ACTION • Spring 2011 • 3 Passing the torch: MIFA welcomes new leader Sally Jones Heinz Margaret Craddock’s relationship with MIFA began long before she be- came executive director in 1997. A referral from a fellow church member led her here, and the kinship she found with the organization’s vision, good works, and people led her to stay. She said in a 1997 Memphis Business Journal article, “I went to MIFA, and I was enchanted by what I found. Here was a very powerful organization that worked to change the lives of everyone.” After a stint as a VISTA volunteer with “Margaret embodies MIFA’s belief in the dignity of all people. She is at home MIFA’s neighborhood development with people of power and position as program, Margaret joined MIFA full- well as those who need MIFA’s help time in 1988. Over the next decade, simply to exist. Margaret has made she worked her way through the ranks a better community by making us all to become associate executive director, better persons.” and when Allie Prescott announced Rabbi Harry Danziger his departure in 1997 and board chair Former MIFA board member Snow Morgan assembled a search com- mittee, Margaret expressed her interest in the position. “She was behind the scenes before,” Morgan says. “When she became executive director, she blossomed. She possessed an incredible abil- ity to deal with people from all political persuasions, from all walks of life.” When Margaret began as executive director, MIFA had seven service areas and nearly 30 programs. Over time, Margaret and MIFA’s management pri- oritized and streamlined programming, and today, MIFA’s three platforms and nine proven programs are perhaps more effective than ever before. She also professionalized and empowered MIFA’s staff, diversified upper management, After 13 years as MIFA’s executive director, Margaret Craddock announced her departure in November. 4 • Spring 2011 • HOPE IN ACTION mifa.org • (901) 527-0208 hired well-educated and experienced “As MIFA’s leader over the past candidates, decentralized the manage- thirteen years, Margaret has been ment structure, increased directors’ the complete package. She has been responsibilities, and improved benefits. passionate about MIFA’s mission There is no denying that, in Margaret’s and has translated that passion into 13 years at the helm, MIFA has effective programs. Her tenure has changed drastically and for the better. set the bar high as an inspiration to board, staff, volunteers, and our Vision, initiative, stewardship, entire community.” and collaboration have been te- Jef Feibelman nets of Margaret’s tenure, and her MIFA board chairman impact on this organization can- not be overstated. She will be missed, but she also leaves behind an or- ganization that, thanks to her sound leadership, will thrive and endure. Given MIFA’s long history of strong leadership, it came as no surprise when Sally Jones Heinz joined the ranks of leaders like Margaret Craddock, Allie Prescott, Gid Smith, Bob Dempsey, and Berkeley Poole. The search committee’s unani- mous decision to appoint Sally as MIFA’s “I have known and worked with Sally new executive director came in February. Heinz for many years. She is caring and compassionate yet focused and Sally’s roots are in Memphis—she grew goal driven–the ultimate professional. up in Midtown, went to Evergreen She will provide great leadership for those within MIFA and will be a Presbyterian Church, attended strong representative of MIFA in the Snowden School, Central High, and community.” Rhodes College, and settled down with her husband Brad a few blocks from Paula Jacobson her childhood home. And service is in President, Methodist her genes. Her father, Jameson Jones, Healthcare Foundation was dean of Rhodes College and presi- Sally Jones Heinz, MIFA’s vice president of development since 2007, received unanimous approval from the search committee and MIFA’s board. She assumed the executive director role in February. photo: Murray Riss mifa.org • (901) 527-0208 HOPE IN ACTION • Spring 2011 • 5 dent of Memphis College of Art; and her uncle, Dr. Paul Tudor Jones, was pastor of Idlewild Presbyterian Church and a founder of MIFA. Sally has held leadership positions at Memphis Heritage, Robert F. Sharpe and Co., Rhodes College, and Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. She has been MIFA’s Vice President of development since 2007, leading her fundraising team— with grace and humility—to meet and exceed its $3 million goal each year. “MIFA is indeed extremely lucky to In addition to making MIFA fundraising have Sally at the helm of this important history by collecting record donations community organization. She has from various corporations, founda- become a dear friend and is a colleague tions, and congregations across the city, that I admire and respect greatly. Prior Sally and her team developed Feed the to her arrival at MIFA, the Brooks Museum benefited immensely from her Soul, the Something Good in Memphis cam- vision, determination, and good humor. paign, and a new user-friendly MIFA website, all while overcoming the chal- I can still hear her infectious laugh!” lenges of a major economic downturn. Kaywin Feldman Former director, Sally believes this directorship is the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art culmination of her life experiences. “My parents set an example of ser- vice and love,” she says.