A Framework for Growth: How Chuck Posnecker Leveraged SLN for Personal and Professional Advancement
From Quiet Contribution to Confident Leadership
“Being a natural introvert, it was difficult over the years (decades) to open up and want to give back beyond just volunteer hours. That finally changed around 2020, when I joined a grant review committee at the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) and became exposed to the vast number of organizations that needed assistance. Eventually I was asked to join an investments committee and then two boards (DCF, Local Journalism Initiative/Spotlight Delaware),” stated Posnecker. “I guess I assumed that a lot of these grant applicants and larger organizations had things ‘figured out’ but realized I could provide some guidance and help in navigating strategy and in particular investments. Having worked in wealth [management] for 20+ years (and still learning new things all the time), I found I can help offload these responsibilities from others to let them focus more on their mission.”
Where Expertise Meets Community Need
Chuck Posnecker has always liked his job as a financial advisor, but there was a strain in attempting to merge his proficiencies with his desire to advance his community and connections. This is where becoming a board member bridged the gap between linking needs in the nonprofit sphere and Posnecker’s skillset. When Posnecker joined the Spur Leaders Network (SLN), he was already a member of one board. SLN provided Posnecker, as well as other attendees, a board management course that was a perfect refresher. This allowed Posnecker to level-up with tips and tricks while simultaneously building relationships.
“In the spirit of both networking and personal growth, I wanted to participate to reaffirm and deepen connections.” Now, Posnecker is able to combine his mastery as a financial advisor alongside the ability to give back in a meaningful way; subsequently meshing his expertise with nonprofit boards requiring his aptitude. Posnecker’s contributions have enhanced not only his career and the Delawarean nonprofit landscape, but also his life outside of his professional endeavors.
Learning Across Generations and Sectors
According to Posnecker, “In my career path I was most likely to meet others in wealth management at events, now I have connections in law, journalism, nonprofit, military, etc. This naturally feeds into my personal life, in that in some cases I now have new friendly faces to see in the rooms I enter. It is also enriching and good for the soul, in that it’s helped me focus on what missions are most important to me (education, financial literacy, civics) and provided new avenues for me to volunteer/give back. And in some cases, being mid-career I can learn from those that have more experience than me and be a conduit for those lessons to the upcoming generation, and vice versa in a reverse mentor/mentee relationship, learning from the youngsters and what is important to them as future leaders.” Posnecker’s open minded and knowledge seeking attitude set him up for practical success, but being on a board allowed him to find personal enlightenment in achieving positive impacts on others in consequential fashions.
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About the Spur Leaders Network
Launched in 2023, the Spur Leaders Network, an initiative of Spur Impact, connects nonprofits with prepared, mission-driven leaders ready to serve and make an impact. The program supports nonprofits seeking skilled board members while helping professionals grow personally and professionally through service. Through training, peer learning, and thoughtful matching, participants build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to lead effectively. Nonprofits gain access to emerging and experienced leaders who can contribute right away and over the long term. Together, this work is helping build a more connected, inclusive, and resilient nonprofit community across Delaware.
