Big Duck’s big changes
There have been profound changes in the communications field, the nonprofit sector, and in the world-at-large since I founded Big Duck back in 1994. From the start, we’ve tried to grow, evolve, and learn so we can do the best possible job helping the nonprofit organizations we work with and believe in.
Now, we’re on the brink of a huge change ourselves.
As of today, Big Duck is taking the final steps to become a worker-owned cooperative. Cooperatives create good jobs, build local and personal wealth, and create meaningful change to fight economic inequality. They are values-driven businesses that put “worker and community benefit at the core of their purpose.”
As a business that works with nonprofits to help advance their missions, this transition feels like the clear, logical next step. By becoming a co-op, Big Duck is evolving our own management, governance, and ownership structure to align with our hearts and beliefs.
In many ways, this will be a seamless transition. Big Duck will continue to provide branding, campaigns, planning, and other services–not to mention outstanding insights and conversation on important topics impacting nonprofit communications and fundraising.
I am stepping down as Big Duck’s CEO and majority shareholder, and moving into a new seat on Big Duck’s newly formed board of directors. Farra Trompeter and Elizabeth Ricca will move into new roles as co-directors of the company. Farra and Liz have been at Big Duck for over 14 years each and have been central figures in our growth and strength, including co-leading the business with me for several years and becoming my business partners in 2019. Together with the board and fellow member-owners, Farra and Liz will continue to make sure that Big Duck is a healthy, thriving company—one that provides a great work environment, is financially stable, produces work that successfully meets or exceeds client’s needs, and that prioritizes diversity, inclusion, equity, and antiracism.
We’ve promoted other members of our team and have some wonderful new additions (see who is doing what on our team page here).
I plan to embark on new professional adventures of my own, working as a coach for small business leaders, creative entrepreneurs, and women in professional leadership roles. I will continue to cheer from the sidelines and advise the business as a member of its board.
If you are interested to learn more about worker-owned businesses I encourage you to read this article and consider joining the movement! If you’d like to learn more about our process, you can register for one of our open town hall sessions on November 3 and November 10 or ask any one on our team!
