As the nation’s leading provider of philanthropic software and services, we attract the top subject matter experts across the country. Because of our in-house talent, we’re now at the forefront of PhilTech, continuing to expand and enhance our philanthropic software and solutions to meet the needs of the philanthropy, wealth management and technology sectors. And one steadfast leader who has been at the helm from the early days of our company’s history is our Chief Operating Officer Estee Shor. Whether she’s cheering us on during tax season or sending out links to songs that get us pumped up to do our best work, it’s safe to say that Foundation Source just wouldn’t be the same without her leadership. In this edition of our Executive Insights Series, we’re catching up with Estee to learn more about everything from her career-defining moments to her favorite causes—and how she and her team support all stages of the client journey.
Can you tell us about yourself and what drew you to the company?
I found my home and my passion at Foundation Source over two decades ago as a newly admitted attorney. Foundation Source was a small startup company then and it combined the disciplines of tax law, trusts and estates, and philanthropy. While building out our tax and legal team, I realized I loved just about every aspect of our day-to-day business operation and began to focus on my career. Because we were so small and lean back in the day, we had an all-hands approach—so I got to experience, learn, and grow in so many areas of the business. Even though we are a mature organization, I aim to give any employee who wants it the ability to experience as much as they can and affect as much change as they want at Foundation Source.
Please tell us about your role and your team.
I’m responsible for the client service and operations functions across our firm’s solutions. I lead the specialized teams responsible for supporting all stages of the client journey for private foundation administration, compliance and tax services; planned giving services, gift administration and consulting; and donor-advised fund services and administration. My teams and I also focus on strategic pricing for our clients and carry out a constant stream of scalability and efficiency initiatives to ensure Foundation Source offers smart and competitive services to our clients and partners.
Foundation Source (and its affiliates) sit at the intersection of philanthropy, wealth and technology. How does your unique experience help us lead and innovate to address the changing needs of key stakeholders, including private foundations, nonprofits and advisors?
With thousands of clients and decades of experience, we are in a unique position to leverage the experiences of working with other private foundations and apply and adapt that work to help other clients succeed. While there may be evolving needs in the ever-changing technology, wealth, and philanthropic spaces, I believe most people share an immutable goal of maximizing their impact.
What is the best part of your role?
The best part of my job is working alongside incredibly dedicated colleagues. I am in constant awe of our employees’ creativity, collegiality, and brainpower. They are unmatched.
Was there a defining moment in your career that helped lead you to where you are now?
A tremendous amount of hard work and perseverance has led me to where I am today. As I reflect on a full career spent at Foundation Source, I can say with confidence that every single step along the way was momentous. I was fortunate to find leaders that saw and appreciated my skills, hard work, and dedication to our company’s mission. I’m committed to doing the same for every employee at Foundation Source. As they hear me say all the time, Foundation Source affords all our colleagues the opportunity to grow their career and be very creative about it!
What was the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Know your audience.” I was taught this as a young child. Every single person you meet will have different experiences and expectations. Applying understanding and empathy (and kindness!) to any situation will benefit all involved. This is the best advice I can give and it’s something I tell my own children daily.
Can you share one of your favorite client moments? How did it change your perspective and what did you take away from the experience of working with them?
A private foundation came to Foundation Source after one of their advisors got them into a pretty messy situation. The client came to us feeling defeated and demoralized, wondering if philanthropy was the right path for them after a long and successful career in the for-profit space. We worked with the client to clean up the mess made by their prior tax advisor and we helped the organization apply best practices – turning a very tense and difficult situation into a very positive one for them. We did this not only by tapping our incredibly deep bench of expertise and knowledge, but also by applying a forward-looking perspective and outlook.
Once the matter was cleared up, the private foundation was able to return to their philanthropic mission. Because of our help and our attitude, the client did not give up on their goals. This client has been with us for years now and has been an incredible asset to the charitable community.
That experience underscored for me the need to balance challenging and stressful situations with a can-do, positive perspective. Our client-facing and back-office teams face any challenge with a wonderfully positive attitude. They know that even in the most trying situations or stressful seasons, we will always collaborate, put our heads together, and get the job done for our clients and each other.
Do you serve on any boards?
I have served on school boards as well as charities in my local community for many years. I now have my heart set on serving on boards of much larger charitable organizations, so that I can help bring my business operations skillset to optimize and transform more philanthropic endeavors!
What are your favorite causes and/or charities?
I am fond of organizations that help raise awareness, fund research, and provide families with treatment and tools to overcome infertility.
Do you have other ways of giving back?
I’ve always been driven by the desire to do good – whether it is through communal charity work or one-on-one assistance. In my opinion, private acts of support and encouragement go as far as any other good deed can. While I have a pretty hectic schedule, anyone who knows me knows they can reach me for advice and a listening ear. Being available for those in need—in the way they need—is quite literally my favorite way of giving back. Small but powerful acts of kindness change lives.
We’re proud to have Estee’s unique talents and skills as part of our team at Foundation Source and thank her for sharing her story with us!
Questions In the Meantime?
We’re here to help! Schedule a call with us or reach us at 800-839-0054. Together, let’s #begiving.
