R & #201;SUM & #201;
– & #8201;Name: Valin Brown.
– & #8201;Company: Carlsbad Educational Foundation.
– & #8201;Title: CEO.
– & #8201;Education: Master’s in anthropology from Northwestern University; bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and anthropology.
– & #8201;Birthplace: Coatesville, Pa.
– & #8201;Age: 34.
– & #8201;Current residence: University Heights.
– & #8201;Family: Wife, Diane.
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
Essential business philosophy: Nonprofit organizations that are run effectively and efficiently can accomplish great things.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Hire highly talented staff who complement your own strengths and who share in the organization’s mission.
Guiding principles: Honesty, hard work and preparation pay off. I also strive to be fair and compassionate toward staff.
Yardsticks of success: Supporting programs that make a real impact in the lives of local students.
Goals yet to be achieved: To move the Carlsbad Educational Foundation from granting a few hundred thousand dollars per year to a few million dollars.
JUDGMENT CALLS
Best business decision: Accepting the executive director role at a Denver-based nonprofit organization when I was 26. That decision has led to a wealth of growth, accomplishments and opportunities.
Worst business decision: Announcing a retirement from one position a bit too early.
Toughest business decision: Choosing to leave a highly successful organization in Colorado to fulfill a longtime dream of living and working in San Diego County.
Biggest missed opportunity: Losing a large pharmaceutical company as a corporate sponsor after our one-year joint venture was completed.
Word that describes you: Organized.
TRUE CONFESSIONS
What you like best about your job: Helping to transform the foundation into a more focused and relevant institution.
What you like least about your job: The difficulty of balancing leadership with day-to-day management and individual projects.
Pet peeve: Slow drivers in the far left lane.
Most important lesson learned: At its core, life should be about living, loving and learning every day.
Person most interested in meeting: Our next major donor!
Three greatest passions: Traveling and exploring, learning and growing, and pancakes?
First choice for a new career: Travel writer.
PREDILECTIONS
Favorite quote: “Every man dies. Not every man really lives.” , William Wallace.
Most influential book: “Way of the Peaceful Warrior,” by Dan Millman.
Favorite status symbol: I honestly don’t have one!
Favorite restaurant: Il Latini in Florence, Italy.
Favorite place for business meetings: Bistro West in Carlsbad.
Favorite vacation spot: Italy.
Favorite way to spend time: With close family and friends.
What’s on your iPod? Third Eye Blind’s new EP, “Red Star.”
What do you drive? Toyota MR2 Spyder.
Do you use a GPS? No.
Do you use a PDA? No, I’m still an old-school calendar user.
Tom York is the editor for the Nonprofit Profiles. Send candidates for this recurring feature to tyork@sdbj.com.