Lead for Good: A Conversation with Chris Simonsen - Episode 5

In this compelling episode of Lead for Good, host Chris Looney sits down with Chris Simonsen, Chief Executive Officer of the Orangewood Foundation, for an insightful conversation about purpose driven leadership, financial stewardship, and what it really takes to transition from CFO to CEO in the nonprofit sector. Chris’s journey is anything but typical. After achieving his career goals in the for profit world as CFO of a $3 billion organization, he made a bold decision to accept a 70 percent pay cut and step into nonprofit leadership. What followed was not only personal alignment, but transformational impact for thousands of young people across Orange County. From navigating the Great Recession to building a $70 million charter school campus and growing the organization’s endowment from $2 million to $30 million, Chris shares candid lessons from nearly two decades of mission driven leadership. In this episode, you will learn: Why a successful for profit executive chose purpose over paycheck What nonprofit leaders can learn from financial discipline and long term sustainability planning How to successfully transition from CFO to CEO and earn board confidence The mindset shift required when moving from operations to organizational vision and fundraising How servant leadership shapes culture, trust, and team performance Why nonprofits must rethink outdated views on overhead and investment in talent What the “network nonprofit model” looks like in action and how collaboration stretches limited resources How broadening mission definitions can unlock new funding streams and greater impact Chris offers practical guidance for interim leaders seeking permanent roles, emerging executives building board relationships, and nonprofit organizations striving for financial resilience in uncertain times. He also challenges the sector to embrace deeper collaboration, innovate beyond traditional funding silos, and prepare for a future where government resources may decline and nonprofits must adapt creatively. If you care about sustainable growth, mission alignment, culture building, and long term impact, this episode delivers practical wisdom from a leader who has walked the path from financial steward to chief executive. Subscribe to Lead for Good and join us as we continue exploring the leadership journeys shaping the future of the nonprofit sector.