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Volunteer Leadership

The impact of generosity: The MPI Foundation at 40

“I’d love to challenge everyone to get involved in the MPI Foundation…I GUARANTEE you will get more than you expect,” says Jim Russell, past chair, MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees.

By Blair Potter

Throughout 2024, we’ve been celebrating the 40th anniversary of the MPI Foundation by catching up with some significant current and past volunteer leaders who have contributed to the Foundation’s growth and enduring success.

Today, we hear from Jim Russell, executive vice president, client relationships for Freeman and a past chair of the MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees (GBOT), about the importance of setting up the Foundation’s endowment and a personal highlight from his leadership tenure. 

Next month, don’t miss a special issue dedicated to the MPI Foundation’s 40th anniversary!

Can you tell us about an important initiative of the MPI Foundation during your MPI leadership tenure?

During my tenure with the MPI Foundation GBOT, the endowment was set up. This endowment is intended to eventually provide enough returns to support the operating costs of the MPI Foundation. That way, we achieve closer to a dollar-for-dollar contribution to benefit ratio. Every dollar given to the MPI Foundation goes back out to the community vs. supporting operating costs.


Can you tell us about a personal highlight from your involvement with the MPI Foundation?

So many personal highlights—too many to list, really. However, I will say that it always makes me smile when I think about those that the MPI Foundation was able to help during the most trying time in our industry’s history—the pandemic. So many stories of those impacted by the generosity of our supporters!

How has your involvement with the MPI Foundation contributed to your professional or personal growth?

I have been blessed to have so many friends in the industry that also serve the community. I’ve found that there are so many in our industry that you simply cannot out-give! Not just in dollars of course, but with inspiration, servanthood and mentorship.

Why would you encourage other meeting professionals to get involved with the MPI Foundation?

I’d love to challenge everyone to get involved in the MPI Foundation…I GUARANTEE you will get more than you expect. You will serve alongside like-minded industry leaders and make an IMPACT on this amazing community we are privileged to be a part of.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Blair Potter
Blair Potter is director of media operations for MPI and editor in chief of The Meeting Professional.

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