By Hannah Carver
NKyTribune reporter
After 13 years of service, Florence Tandy will retire as executive director of the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission on Friday, June 1.
She is being honored at a retirement dinner tonight at Receptions in Erlanger.
After 13 years as NKCAC’s executive director, Florence Tandy will retire June 1 (photo by Hannah Carver).
Since 2005, the organization, under Tandy’s leadership, has grown immensely in responsibility by creating new programs, expanding its facilities, and building lasting community partnerships.
“Partnership is kind of what we do here,” Tandy said. “We are very intentional about it. We know that we can’t do it all alone. We want to be holistic in what we do.”
Lincoln-Grant Scholar House – one of Tandy’s proudest accomplishments in her time with NKCAC – is a great example of the power of community. The two-generational program provides housing for 45 single-parent families and helps parents obtain college diplomas.
The initiative not only builds a sense of community within, but it also helps bring different groups in Northern Kentucky together. Local churches outfitted the children’s library, while Keep Covington Beautiful helped with landscaping, and Gateway Community and Technical College students hosted a food drive for the families living there.
“That approach where we are part of the community, and the community is part of us, I think has made us stronger,” Tandy said. “And I think it’s made the community stronger.”
Partnership is also instrumental for Early Head Start, another program that Tandy holds close to her heart. From the moment she started working at NKCAC, she wanted it implemented. Since the program’s introduction in 2015, it has grown to include six centers in Northern Kentucky.
Looking back on her legacy, Tandy said she hopes to see those initiatives continue and grow.
Tandy onsite during the renovation of the Lincoln-Grant Scholar House (photo by Anthony Wyatt)
“I think that our agency is poised for the next leader to do so much more and do it so much better than I’ve been able to do. I think we’ve set the stage for a really strong organization,” Tandy said. “We’ve got a good reputation. We’ve got great staff. . .and we’ve got, without a doubt, the best board of directors that any nonprofit organization could ever hope to have.”
Among those on the board is Linda Viox, who has served as Tandy’s mentor for the past several years.
“I find it hard to completely define the many ways Florence will be missed,” Viox said. “She is a leader who always strives to make the best decisions while meeting all standards and keeping the focus on improving the lives of others.”
While the board has yet to release the name of Tandy’s replacement, the nation-wide search for her successor was very methodical. After many weeks it led to the selection of a well-qualified executive director, according to Viox.
Tandy’s advice to the next generation of nonprofit leaders: “Get fear out of your vocabulary. Don’t be afraid to dream. This world needs the imagination and energy and excitement of committed people.”
Knowing full well the challenges that leading a nonprofit presents, and the curveballs it throws, Tandy said there’s no greater joy than to have a career that serves a community.
“Every night when I lay my head on my pillow, I know I have done good,” Tandy said. “Even in those hardest of days, I have not forgotten how joyous this world really is.”
As for what’s next for Tandy, this summer will be about enjoying her son’s wedding and growing the “best garden you will ever see.” Now that she has the time, she’ll also begin a new role serving on a statewide board for Kentucky Nonprofit Network.
“While I’m gardening and pulling weeds and harvesting zucchini, I will also be kind of planning out my next act. I’m retiring, not dying, so I’ll be around. There will be other opportunities to serve, I’m sure.”
Tandy’s retirement marks a 30-plus year career in nonprofit leadership. In joining Kentucky Nonprofit Network, Tandy said she looks forward to advocating on behalf of nonprofits and spreading the value of their work.
Contact the Northern Kentucky Tribune at news@nkytrib.com
Florence Tandy sets the bar high for nonprofit leaders. It is to the benefit of the nonprofit sector that she continues to share her time and talents during her retirement. Because of the untiring efforts of people like Florence, the world is a better place!