Jeff Potts

Background

About Jeff Potts

I'm a passionate, energetic, risk-taker and my personal mission has always been simple:"Be different and make a difference." I believe strongly in showing up. To shake hands, to share knowledge, to tap your foot along to whatever band has taken the stage. Showing up doesn't let down. And that is what led me to fall in love with supporting community initiatives and historic revival efforts; I love to see communities grow and thrive. My leadership roles in nonprofit arts have taught me many things-but mostly how to do this work with limited resources and an eye toward efficient outcomes. Most important to me as an executive leader across all my roles has been the sense of ownership, belonging and empowerment I have been able to create among my team members, volunteers, donors, board members and the community at large—and that is why I do what I do as a “nonprofit guy”; this is the work I love. However, my time working with small (and start-up) organizations has shown me that passion alone isn't enough to be a strong leader and business professional. In 2015, I pursued an MBA through the Executive MBA path at UW Oshkosh-a graduate program created for respected business and community leaders focused on strategy, leadership and globalization.