As nonprofit leaders in Greater Washington, Roopal Mehta Saran and Jim Knight are invested in improving and advancing their organizations—and themselves. This year, we’re excited to announce them as our fourth annual David Bradt Nonprofit Leadership Awardees. Saran, Executive Director of Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (LCNV) and Knight, President and CEO of Jubilee Housing, will each receive up to $15,000 to attend an intensive executive training program of their choice.
Launched in 2017 as a salute to former trustee David Bradt and his many years of service to our community, the David Bradt Nonprofit Education Fund supports senior level nonprofit leaders in advancing their careers and leadership skills. Local business leader Alex Orfinger and Diane Tipton, David’s wife, established the Fund to surprise and honor David.
Tonia Wellons, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Community Foundation, extends her congratulations to this year’s class:
“Congratulations to the 2022 awardees! We are thankful for all you have done and will continue to do to strengthen our community. The Community Foundation is so pleased to support investments in exceptional nonprofit leaders and support the Fund’s impact in our region. Our thanks to David for the inspiration, and to Diane and Alex for creating such a wonderful way in which to honor him.”
Read on to meet these inspiring local leaders.
Meet Our Awardees
Jim Knight has led Jubilee Housing as its President and CEO since 2002, guiding strategic direction for the organization’s mission and vision. He leads a staff of more than 60 employees developing and managing affordable housing communities and supportive services for residents. In his tenure, the organization has completed development of ten properties totaling nearly $150M in investments, grown services for youth and families, and established housing and services for people returning from incarceration. Knight spearheaded the launch of two Justice Housing Partners Funds, impact investment funds that Jubilee used to acquire seven new properties. He also helped establish collective impact efforts with community partners, including the Platform of Hope. Knight currently serves on the board of Recovery Café DC and previously served on the Housing Production Trust Fund Advisory Board assisting two mayors in their strategic investment in affordable housing. He hopes to use his award to attend Stanford's Executive Program for Growing Companies.
Roopal Mehta Saran, Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (LCNV), oversees strategic planning, management, and implementation of beginning-level English language and literacy programs for adults to help them find jobs, support their families, and participate more equitably in the community. She previously served as the Director of Account Management at KaBOOM!, a non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play to the daily lives of all kids and as Senior Director of Community Development at First Book, a non-profit focused on children’s literacy. Roopal received her BA in English and MA in Education from Stanford University and her JD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She hopes to use her award to participate in the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program on Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management.