Getting to Know Andrea Hill
We’re launching a new series of blog posts that will feature Q&A’s with the staff of Momentum Nonprofit Partners! Next, we’re featuring our new Chief Programs Officer, Andrea Hill! As the Chief Program Officer (CPO), Andrea works in partnership with Momentum’s CEO and COO to design and implement Momentum’s programs and services to expand outreach and business development efforts. As the CPO, Andrea will be building strategic partnerships and develops special projects and initiatives with external partners. We’re so excited that she has joined us!
Andrea Hill has received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services Management from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and her Master in Public Administration from Kennesaw State University. She is certified in Volunteer Administration through the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration. She served as the 2018-2020 President of Directors of Volunteers In Agencies (DOVIA). She is also an appointed member of the Volunteer Tennessee board.
She has been named one of the 2017 Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite professionals. She was also named one of the 2018 Memphis Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 professionals. She was awarded the National Urban League Young Professionals Inaugural Heroes In The Movement Award. She is the 2017 Junior League of Memphis- Provisional of the Year, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis- GIVE 365 member, Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement Board member, Leadership Memphis Alumni, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Andrea is also a proud supporter of WKNO.
Learn more about Andrea Hill below.
Why are you excited to work for Momentum Nonprofit Partners?
The advocacy work that Momentum Nonprofits Partners has been a part of is admirable. I am honored to be a member of a team working to better the nonprofit community and, in turn, these nonprofits will change lives for the better. I see Momentum Nonprofit Partners as the thread in a beautifully woven tapestry. This thread has influence (knowledge), has the power to guide your eye along the length and width of the work (big picture), holds the work together(partnership), and helps you see the bigger work better (focus).
What is one thing people might not know about you?
People may not know that I actually have a comedic performance background. I was a part of a two-person comedy skit. I can possibly be convinced to come out of retirement for the right cause. (Editor’s note: We plan on it!)
Why did you choose a career in the nonprofit sector?
As a child, I always had the desire to help others. I love the idea that if there is a need, there is a group or organization that was created to help. In college, I selected Human Services as my field of study. I was introduced within that department to American Humanics (now Nonprofit Leadership Alliance) and various classes on nonprofit management. I never looked back. I have worked professionally for nonprofits and volunteered in them as well since then! Working in the nonprofit field has been quite an amazing journey.
What are some of the biggest challenges you think the nonprofit sector is facing right now?
I believe there are three big challenges. The first is mission creep. Stay on mission. Don’t chase the money. Like the Kevin Costner movie says, “If you build it they will come”. If you focus on the mission, funders will see the work and donate to support it. Depending on the capacity of the organization, branching out to meet multiple grant performance measures may put undue strain on staff and negatively affect the area you want to impact. Stay on mission, solve the issue, and then move forward.
The second issue is the lack of collaboration. It's not as hard as we make it. In the last few years, I have seen more collaboration and partnerships. Formal and informal collaboration can only enhance our collective impact. We have to reconcile if we are truly interested in impact or not. If we are, we are going to have to get in the sandbox and learn to share. Competition has its place, but collaboration is often more beneficial.
Flexibility is the third challenge. I could also use the word “pivot.” Nonprofits will have to learn how to be flexible with clients, staff, and volunteers. During this pandemic, many nonprofits have taken a reflective look at their processes and how services can be offered more effectively and efficiently. To do our nonprofit business better, we must be flexible and willing to adapt or pivot to create a better environment for employees and clients. Be open to changing office hours, office policies on children or pets in the workplace, and many other aspects. Policies can be tweaked and the work can still get done. It is no longer business as normal; it is business in the new normal and we have to create an environment that is open to this change.
What are your three favorite movies?
Please do not judge me! My first is The Matrix. I am a big Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne fan, but beyond that I love sci-fi. I love how the Matrix series created a whole new reality, but it parallels with the present day. We all have a decision to make daily: what type of person we want to be and how should we our skills and talents. We figuratively choose the red or the blue pill daily.
My second movie is the Hunt for the Red October. There is a point in the movie where the Soviet submarine captain (Sean Connery) tells the US captain to turn towards the missile. This maneuver proved successful because, by turning towards the missile, the opposing submarine has not actually activated the missile yet. Turn toward any issue you face and address it head-on.. You can essentially be successful and possibly hit the issue before it becomes detrimental.
I actually love movies so my list could go on and on, but my last one will be Frozen. In Frozen, the idea of “let it go” is so powerful. Don’t hold on to the past, bad things or feelings, or just drama… Let it all go. Letting it go leaves room for all the good things that have been waiting for you but could get in because of the “junk” that we hold on to sometimes.
Why do you choose Memphis?
I love Memphis. I am a native Memphian. Memphis chose me. I have lived in a couple of cities, but I was always destined to come back home to Memphis. I am so fortunate to be a part of the ever-growing landscape of such an iconic city. The music, the people, the culture, the grit, and the grind of the city are wonderful. It is truly no place like home.
Where is your favorite restaurant spot in Memphis?
Mellow Mushroom. I love this place. They are about the only place that I frequent that has roasted wings. I get the hot sauce on the side, no ranch, no blue cheese, and please mix the celery and carrot in. I know I will lose a few people here but I am going to say it: I want the flats and the drums. Let the debate begin! I know I may have a few notes in the comment section over this, but I said what I said and I stand behind it 100%. The pizza is great as well. I love the mighty meaty with vegan cheese. Look, I know it is odd, but what can I say? I am a complex soul.