Season of Giving: From News Reporter to Nonprofit Leader, Kelley Tuthill on the Importance of Giving Back
“My parents and the education they made possible instilled a commitment to serving others as a key part of living a meaningful life.” Today’s woman dreamer, Kelley Tuthill is a dedicated nonprofit leader, currently serving as COO of Catholic Charities of Boston. From Emmy winning broadcast journalist to now a nonprofit leader, Kelley shares key advice on the importance of storytelling for organizations. She shares her journey in navigating career change, her work as a breast cancer awareness advocate, and key learnings from working in the nonprofit sector. We are excited to kick off our 2022 Season or Giving series with her story! Enjoy!
You are a dedicated nonprofit leader, currently serving as COO of Catholic Charities of Boston. What inspired your interest in storytelling and serving the community?
My parents and the education they made possible instilled a commitment to serving others as a key part of living a meaningful life. In high school, I became interested in journalism because an inspiring teacher showed me the potential of this field be a force for good. Journalism serves the public by providing information citizens need to fully participate in our democracy and in our communities. Once I felt ready to pursue other opportunities outside journalism, a non-profit organization seemed like the right fit. I am committed to using my experience in storytelling, government, public relations, fundraising and leadership to ensure we compassionately and effectively respond to those who come to Catholic Charities seeking help.
2. You started your career as a News Reporter before transitioning into communications and eventually nonprofits. How did you navigate career change? Any tips for women looking to try a new path?
It is not easy to break into journalism, but the skillsneeded in that field serve me well in my role as Chief Operating Officer at Catholic Charities Boston. You have to be curious, persistent, flexible, compassionate, organized, able to multitask, and a concise communicator. Navigating a career change can be humbling and usually requires that you ask others for guidance and support. Building and expanding your network either in person or online is important if you want to try a new path. My advice to other women is to focus on your skills, not necessarily the positions you have held. What do you do well and how might that benefit the company you want to join? Remember it is not necessarily about you; it is about what you can offer the employer. The key is getting the hiring manager to see your skills and attributes, especially if you have a non-traditional resume for the role.
3. You are also a breast cancer advocate, serving on the advisory board for Breast Cancer Research. As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, what drove your interest in the cause?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36 when my oldest girls were just 2 and six months old. I had no family history of the disease and was stunned and overwhelmed to receive this diagnosis. Once I had a treatment plan, I decided to use this challenge in my life to help others. Another survivor introduced me to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, founded by Evelyn Lauder with the sole purpose to cure breast cancer. It has a simple mission and that is to fund the most promising research around the world. In fact, I would not be alive 15 years after my diagnosis if BCRF had not funded the trials into Herceptin, a targeted treatment that attacks the type of breast cancer I was facing. I also would not have my seven-year-old miracle daughter!
4. You are certainly a busy woman. How do you relax and unwind after a long day at work? If you could pick up a new hobby, what would it be?
I love to read fiction and find it relaxes me after a day filled with Zoom meetings and emails. I try to put the phone down for good by 8 pm and relax with a good book or watch a binge-worthy show with my husband.
If I could pick up a new hobby it would probably begardening or sailing. Both get you out in fresh air, enjoying nature and focused on nothing else but the task at hand.