Leadership Academy 2013-14 LeadingAge New York Feb. 2014 | Page 4

Kenneth Allison
Accountant
LeadingAge New York

New Opportunity for Non-Profits
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How would you describe your Action Learning Project and the difference you hope it will make to
advance your organization’s mission (or the field) and benefit the individuals you serve?

My Action Learning Project addresses some of the financial and structural challenges facing many not-for-profit continuing care
providers. Specifically, my Action Learning Project attempts to offer not-for-profit continuing care providers the same type of
administrative and back office efficiencies that many recently consolidated proprietary nursing homes employ. The same cost
savings efficiencies have not easily translated to our membership. We are creating an opportunity to both reduce the cost related
to administrative/back office work and allow providers more time and resources to fulfill their independent missions. By utilizing the
knowledge, experience and technology of two financial outsourcing and consulting firms we believe that many will see significant
operational advances.

2

How have the relationships you’ve developed as part of your project (with mentors, partners,
stakeholders, etc.) influenced this direction and you as a leader?

This project is based on relationship building and has been greatly influenced by the evolving relationships. The primary influence
created by this project came from a mentor’s suggestion to take this project from simply a resource of financial best practices to a
much larger purpose. We are now addressing essential business needs facing LeadingAge New York membership. My leadership has
also been influenced by building relationships during the preliminary stages of my Action Learning Project. As a leader, I have learned
the value of empowering others.

3

What have been important turning points for you, in your own learning, as you’ve engaged with
the action learning process (you might consider a surprise, insight, setback, or challenge)?

My biggest turning point occurred simply by taking on a project with great significance. When the scope of the project increased the
challenges also increased. There is now a great emphasis on leadership, relationships, and collaboration. This project has proven to be a
very difficult but rewarding challenge.

4

How do you hope your project might unfold in the months and years ahead and what impact do
you hope it will have on the field at large?

The primary goal of this project is to provide efficient back office support models to not-for-profit providers. Beyond that goal I
expect this project to have a greater influence on the industry as a whole. There will be great opportunities for collaboration and
relationship building that may not have been present in the past. I would love to see organizations that were once perceived as
competitors gain strong regional alliances. As relationships are built involving administrative collaboration, I also expect to see many
new valuable opportunities for idea sharing to develop.

5

How has the action learning process in the context of the Leadership Academy experience
contributed to your growth as a leader?

The marriage between the Leadership Academy and our Action Learning Project has greatly influenced my leadership growth. Putting
learning into action is a welcome challenge. The opportunities to lead change, empower others, and foster collaboration have been
instrumental tools in helping me grow as a leader.

LeadingAge New York

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