High Impact Philanthropy: Jack LunsfordOf AARP Arizona On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A Successful & Effective Nonprofit Organization
An Interview with Karen Mangia
Remember your mission. Our focus is to empower people 50 years or older to live with dignity and purpose. This mission guides us through all that we do, from advocacy for affordable housing to promoting financial security. Here at AARP Arizona, we are proud of the content mix we can offer to our members. We can produce nationwide webinars put on by AARP national as well as pickleball clinics put on by our local organization to help give community members new skills and embrace the idea AARP is local.
For someone who wants to set aside money to establish a Philanthropic Foundation or Fund, what does it take to make sure your resources are being impactful and truly effective? In this interview series, called “How To Create Philanthropy That Leaves a Lasting Legacy” we are visiting with founders and leaders of Philanthropic Foundations, Charitable Organizations, and Non-Profit Organizations, to talk about the steps they took to create sustainable success.
As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jack Lunsford.
Lunsford was recently appointed as the State President of AARP Arizona. As an experienced leader, Jack has always advocated for change in his community with work spanning four decades in the education, local government and business development arenas. Lunsford has held several prominent advisory roles including with the Arizona Small Business Association and the Phoenix Mayor’s Office.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about a ‘top of mind’ topic. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?
I like to describe myself as a community leader and advocate. I am attached to my community and have spent my entire life in the Phoenix, Arizona area (besides the four years I went to Southern Methodist University). I have worked in a variety of industries including government, education and banking.
My first job after college was as a Loan Officer at the First National Bank of Arizona helping community members secure money to help their ideas prosper. At first, what was just a job turned into a calling to help people financially. It was rewarding to watch young entrepreneurs prosper. I joined the Arizona Investment Council as a board member to help spur investment in key resources throughout Arizona. I also began my own consulting business, The Lunsford Group, to help people’s ideas succeed.
However, it’s not just through formal roles that people’s lives can be positively impacted. You can give back to your community by volunteering. That is why I joined AARP Arizona as the statewide president. It is a position I sought out and a role I am so happy to be serving in. Officially in this voluntary position, I am the lead spokesperson on any issue impacting our over 900,000 AARP Arizona members. But, in reality, I like to describe myself as a volunteer. I attend as many in-person volunteer events as possible because I want to make a difference and work with our community. I don’t see myself as the leader of all the AARP AZ volunteers. I just see myself as someone who is looking to impact the organizations I choose to work with. I see myself as an advocate focusing on fighting for the political rights of those in the community we care about. I simply want to make a change. I want to be the voice for people who may not have one.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.
I believe the three character traits that played a role in my success were a commitment to my overall goals, a focus on our organization’s population, and the empowerment of my community through economic development.
Throughout my career, I have always focused on the bigger picture: creating a better quality of life for the people I serve in my community. This commitment has been essential to every leadership role that I have taken. When I was president and CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association, I led and directed the ASBA through a leadership transition and a re-branding. I made the Arizona Small Business Association innovative, dynamic and relevant through re-branding. It was a challenging process, but I remained committed to the goal through my interest in the organization’s mission of helping underserved entrepreneurs.
I feel the same way about the mission of AARP Arizona. This is an organization that is equally as committed to making an impact in people’s lives. Just as the Arizona Small Business Association was all about helping entrepreneurs, AARP Arizona is all about helping older people continue to thrive in Arizona. Falling in love with the mission of your organization is critical.
You can’t forget about the people within your organization either. When I took over as the Statewide President of AARP Arizona, I embarked on a mission to truly understand the people. I have lived in Arizona my entire life. But, when I talk to other people who are not from Arizona, all everyone talks about is Phoenix. As the leader in charge, I did not want other cities to be forgotten — residents of places such as Chandler, Peoria, Tucson, Prescott and many more.
I have made it my mission to reacquaint AARP Arizona with the rest of its members. Through the “Go Local” Campaign we launched this year, our organization looks to host events in cities like Glendale, Surprise and Mesa. Our members are spread across Arizona, so the events we host should be accessible to everyone, regardless of location.
I have encouraged my team and pushed myself to connect with members of our community. We have emphasized prioritizing the work in our Latino and African American communities. Our dedicated team leads focus on engaging with this community and look to make lasting change.
It is important to remain transparent when at the helm of any organization. As a leader, I believe fostering trust is essential to any success story. Whether it’s consulting at my firm, lobbying for better policies that will help Arizonans, or leading AARP Arizona on a successful journey, I prioritize open communication with my team, partners and the public. I will be honest when there is room for improvement on the AARP Arizona team. I don’t believe in “sugarcoating” potential issues because that just means it will take longer to reach a solution.
What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading your organization?
Working here marks one of only two jobs I have had with national ties in my four-decade career. The rest of my career has all been Arizona-centric. I have served as President and CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association. I have served as a Special Assistant in Phoenix’s Mayor’s Office. I even worked for Maricopa Community Colleges (a local community college district in Arizona). In all these roles, I had a mandate to the people of Arizona.
As the state president of AARP Arizona, I still have a mandate to the members of Arizona, but I have to work closely with leaders across other AARP institutions throughout the nation. This can make it hard to remain focused. Since I began leading the organization earlier this year, I made it a goal to remain local and invest right here in Arizona. I helped design and launch AARP Arizona’s “Go Local” campaign and its initiatives. The campaign showcases the power of AARP Arizona and the importance of investing in local and regional events. Since I started, the number of in-person events for our local community has increased. And not just in marquee cities like Phoenix. I am also investing in other relevant communities including Tucson, Prescott, Mesa and other cities in Arizona. I’ve found it more empowering to be able to help in the state and communities where I live and work with the people I know to make a difference.
Can you please tell our readers more about how you or your organization intends to make a significant social impact?
At AARP Arizona, our intentions are simple. We are a community-driven organization that is committed to empowering people to live the best versions of their lives as they age. Our focus is helping people 50+ find a healthy community while maintaining independence and financial responsibility. Whether it is through advocating on social issues, providing valuable resources, or creating opportunities through social engagement, AARP strives to have a meaningful impact on the lives of our growing community.
Our work in areas like healthcare access, financial literacy, retirement planning and community volunteerism is aimed at improving the quality of life for our members. We are also focused on influencing public policy to create positive change, ensuring that older adults have the support they need to thrive.
The biggest population we want to impact right now is caregivers — those who are taking care of children, elderly parents, or both. It is a subgroup that is often forgotten in our society. Anything we can do as a society to recognize the role that caregivers play in taking care of our parents, the elderly, and those who are not yet in some kind of a facilitated environment is important to us.
What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?
Despite having leadership roles in many major Arizona corporations, I have always enjoyed more of the people’s stories — especially ones where the people I am helping feel empowered and connected to their community. I always helped people by proxy, based on whatever industry I was in at the time. I got to change people’s lives in the banking industry by giving funds to those who needed it most. As a consultant, I planned how individuals could take their ideas forward and make an impact in Arizona. I even set up the infrastructure for innovation and doing good through roles at the Arizona Small Business Association and in local city government.
I have always championed the causes of those who are underserved. In my time in the education field, I focussed on how I can get better resources for those taking the non-traditional path to education. I was able to institute new policies on behalf of students at Maricopa Community Colleges to keep funding low, allowing them to explore further opportunities.
At AARP Arizona, it is all about my work that allows me to directly impact people through volunteering and advocating for our member’s causes. At AARP Arizona, our central cause isn’t just one issue. For more than four decades, I got to help people establish their communities. I now have the opportunity to actively work in one and make a difference.
I have a coveted role at AARP Arizona. I get to help people in the 50+ community find a sense of belonging and provide the resources they need to be successful. The role pushes a boots-on-the-ground leadership approach where I can appear in person at many of the volunteering events. AARP Arizona’s “Go Local” Campaign has encouraged me to push beyond just the places I am familiar with and truly learn more about Arizona and its people.
I have always cared about people, but working for AARP Arizona has made me even more passionate about the issues of our over 900,000 members. I now feel the commitment to improving the quality of life for older people and improving the image of aging throughout the US. I enjoy everything I have been able to do so far. At my other places of work, it has all been about planning. Our mission at AARP Arizona is all about doing and strategically executing, and that makes me happy.
Without naming names, could you share a story about an individual who benefitted from your initiatives?
I am big into advocacy, a strong branch of AARP Arizona. While at first, it may not appear philanthropic, advocacy has a big role and the same impact philanthropy does. Advocacy allows me to affect change. Earlier this year, I worked with the AARP Arizona advocacy team to pass bill HB2764 in Arizona. This bill allowed for more oversight in senior living institutions and memory care facilities. My work in advocacy for the right cause allowed me to impact more than one person. It impacts the future for many people. This is the thing I am most proud of.
We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?
Anyone can make a difference in addressing the challenges older Americans can face. First, educate yourself about the experiences and needs of older adults. Understanding their concerns — such as healthcare, financial security, and social isolation — allows you to be a better advocate and contribute to creating a more informed and inclusive society.
Second, treat all people equally. Ageism is still a significant issue, and by ensuring everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of age, we can help break down stereotypes and foster a more compassionate world.
Finally, volunteer. Especially those who are in the 50-plus community, it’s to their benefit because, going back to what I just said about being the voice, they’re the boots on the ground. They’re the ones who can be there when you are doing a community event. Supporting older adults through volunteering, whether by assisting with daily tasks, offering companionship, or helping organizations like AARP, can make a significant impact and enrich the lives of others and your own.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?” Please share a story or example for each.
1 . Remember your mission.
Our focus is to empower people 50 years or older to live with dignity and purpose. This mission guides us through all that we do, from advocacy for affordable housing to promoting financial security. Here at AARP Arizona, we are proud of the content mix we can offer to our members. We can produce nationwide webinars put on by AARP national as well as pickleball clinics put on by our local organization to help give community members new skills and embrace the idea AARP is local.
2 . Employ a boots-on-the-ground mentality.
AARP takes pride in its boots-on-the-ground leadership approach. The organization actively engages with communities through local chapters across every state. One such chapter is the one I lead, AARP Arizona. Here, we focus on the Arizona-specific needs of our members. Through our “Go Local” approach, we can save time and money by putting on programming and events that truly matter to our members.
3 . Remain adaptable and innovative.
Adaptability and innovation are crucial for sustainability in today’s fast-changing world. AARP Arizona embraces new technologies and strategies to connect with our audience. For example, we launched a digital platform to provide virtual events and resources during the pandemic, ensuring our members stayed informed and engaged. This is something that we have continued post-pandemic. Virtual events on our digital platform allow more members to participate and grow our community.
4 . Maintain strong leadership.
Effective leadership is vital to AARP’s direction and success. Our leadership team, including myself, is committed to inspiring action and fostering a culture of collaboration. A recent example is our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where we quickly adapted our programs to meet the needs of older adults during this challenging time. I see myself as a transparent leader always willing to be straight with my stakeholders.
5 . Think about the people and invest in them.
AARP Arizona and the world of non-profits play an interesting role when it comes to investing in people. Many organizations only have to think about their employees. In the non-profit world, the organization has to be there for its participating members. AARP Arizona has over 900,000 members, and it is our role to serve them. Without our members, we are nothing. We choose to go local to remember them. We invest in our participants by going to the cities in which they live.
How has the pandemic changed your definition of success?
The pandemic has significantly shifted our definition of success at AARP. Before, success was largely about reaching more people and expanding our programs. However, after the pandemic, we had to rethink our approach of how we can utilize volunteers to be successful. Our volunteers are truly the heartbeat of our organization. This has made us rethink our priorities.
Now, success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about rebuilding our community, reconnecting with those who’ve been affected, and finding new ways to adapt. We’ve learned that resilience and adaptability are just as important as growth. Success now means ensuring that we continue to support older adults in the most meaningful ways, even when faced with unexpected challenges, by focusing on the strength of our community and the dedication of our volunteers.
Under my leadership, AARP Arizona has placed a strong emphasis on education. I believe it is through education that our society will become stronger. My 20 years at the Maricopa Community Colleges taught me about this philosophy. After the pandemic, our society requires more strength and more connection. I believe joining AARP and focussing on philanthropy will help us achieve these goals.
How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?
When I face a setback, I turn to people more than just myself. I have had the privilege of working with companies of big and small sizes. Setbacks in organizations are inevitable. The best way to overcome them is to turn to your fellow leaders. Assembling a strong group of leaders through times, both thick and thin, is essential to getting back to work after a setback. At AARP Arizona, I have had the luxury of working with strong leaders across our various disciplines. They help me remember the people we serve — over 900,000 members just in Arizona.
You’re doing important work. How can our readers follow your progress online?
Thank you for recognizing the importance of our work. To stay updated on our progress and get involved, readers can visit our website, where we regularly share news, resources and updates on key initiatives. Signing up for our newsletter is another great way to stay informed about our efforts and how we’re making a difference in the lives of older Americans. Additionally, we encourage readers to get involved in their local communities — regardless if it is through volunteering, participating in events, or simply staying connected to AARP’s mission. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact.
Thank you for a meaningful conversation. We wish you continued success with your mission.
About The Interviewer: Karen Mangia is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world, sharing her thought leadership with over 10,000 organizations during the course of her career. As Vice President of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce, she helps individuals and organizations define, design and deliver the future. Discover her proven strategies to access your own success in her fourth book Success from Anywhere and by connecting with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
High Impact Philanthropy: Jack LunsfordOf AARP Arizona On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.