Development Professional to Executive Director
Pam Gaston, MPA
Executive Director
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of GA

By Michele Banares
Many fundraising and development professionals equate becoming an Executive Director as the next step in their nonprofit career path. However, development professionals experience anxiety at the thought of “selling yourself,” in interviews when articulating leadership and management skills an organization is searching for in an Executive Director.

This was also the case for Pam Gaston, Executive Director of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia who has over 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Since 2006 Pam has worked in development, working as Director of Annual Giving for the Children & Family Resource Center in Hendersonville, NC and Director of Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia.

In 2002, Pam received her BS in Sociology from Kennesaw State University then two years later, she received her Master of Public Administration from KSU as well. For ten years as the Family Connection Coordinator in Polk County, Georgia Pam moved to North Carolina.

Wanting to relocate back to Georgia, Pam began her 5 month job search before landing the Executive Director position for Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies of Georgia.

“I interviewed with 3 other organizations. Even though I was seeking a job in Georgia while living and working in North Carolina, Opportunity Knocks still worked for me,” said Pam.

Pam wasn’t afraid of applying for Executive Director postings on Opportunity Knocks. She knew she had the leadership skills and wanted to utilize her Master of Public Administration degree.

“My resume had a recent development flavor, but I wanted to get back into overall direction. I was worried I’d be perceived only as a development candidate, especially in a down economy. I’m thankful Opportunity Knocks employers looked at the big picture and I got the executive director interviews I wanted.

Without Opportunity Knocks, I never would have found my dream job as Executive Director of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia,” said Pam.

As Executive Director Pam’s duties include daily management of finances, fundraising, human resources, marketing, and programs. She also works with the Board of Directors to support advocacy and collaboration.

Pam is especially proud that Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia provides the state’s toll-free, bilingual PowerLine call center, which helps 25,000 Georgians find the healthcare they need each year. PowerLine is 1-800-822-2539

“I’m pleased to help improve access to healthcare for Georgia’s mothers and children,” said Pam.

All in all, Pam wants to encourage development professionals to apply for Executive Director or Program Management positions if they have the proper leadership expertise. “Opportunity Knocks’ employers know you have the skill set,” said Pam.

Click here to Learn More about Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia.

Mark Your Calendars!

“Let’s Feed Our Babies the Best Way: Breastfeeding”
Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Location: Auditorium, State Bar of Georgia
104 Marietta Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
For more information, please contact HMHB at 770-451-0020 or pamela.gaston@hmhbga.org


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