Blackbaud’s VP of Professional Services Amy Chase Selected to Become Riley Fellow

Amy Chase, vice president of Professional Services at Blackbaud, joins other leaders selected from throughout South Carolina to participate in the 13^th class of the Riley Institute at Furman University’s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI). DLI class members are identified through a rigorous process including nominations from existing Riley Fellows, applications, and interviews. Individuals are selected to join the class based on their capacity to impact their organizations and communities.

“I’m looking forward to this unique opportunity to work with local leaders across various industries,” said Chase. “We all bring a diverse range of roles, backgrounds and perspectives to embark on a learning experience that will have a tangible benefit to the Lowcountry. Personally, I look forward to applying concepts from the
DLI to positively impact the Blackbaud culture.”

Over the course of five months, Chase will take part in a highly interactive curriculum consisting of case studies, scenario analyses and other experiential learning tools that maximize interaction and discussion among classmates and facilitate productive relationships. She will also work with other class members in one of five Capstone project groups formed to respond to real issues in the community.

“Discovering ways in which differences can strengthen our organizations is of utmost importance as we seek to grow and support a thriving economy and rich culture,” said Dr. Donald Gordon, executive director of the Riley Institute. “We now have more than 1,900 Riley Fellows statewide.  Each new class further extends the reach and impact of leaders willing to work together to make South Carolina a better place to live and work for all its residents.”

The DLI classes are expertly facilitated by Juan Johnson, an independent consultant and former Coca-Cola vice president. “DLI is unique among South Carolina’s leadership programs. In addition to the opportunity to develop new relationships and take part in positive action in their communities, participants gain deep knowledge of how to effectively manage and lead diverse workers, clients and constituents,” said Johnson.

DLI graduates become Riley Fellows, members of a powerful, cross-sector, statewide leadership network that includes CEOs of corporations, mayors, city and county council members, legislators, school superintendents, pastors and rabbis, non-profit heads, chamber of commerce directors, and community leaders. Chase will be Blackbaud’s third Riley Fellow, joining John Mistretta, executive vice president, Human Resources and Rachel Hutchisson, vice president, Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy.

For more information about the Diversity Leaders Initiative and a full participant list, visit https://riley.furman.edu/diversity.