Gon Erez, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is a distinguished professional with expertise in psychology, economics, and nonprofit management. Born and educated in Israel, he served as a Human-Rights Officer in the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit before moving to the U.S. at 30. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and completed a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from Gratz College. Gon is also furthering his education with an MSW from Eastern University.
His professional journey includes impactful leadership positions such as Program Director at the Youngstown JCC and Chief Program Officer at the JCC of Greater Buffalo. Currently, Gon offers his expertise as a freelance business consultant, helping organizations achieve their strategic objectives with his robust background in community leadership.
Outside of work, Gon Erez is passionate about the great outdoors, engaging in activities such as snowboarding, hiking, and sailing. He also enjoys playing pickleball. His dedication to personal development, community involvement, and family life mirrors the professional values he upholds.
What inspired you to pursue a career in nonprofit management?
I’ve always been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. During my time in the IDF and seeing the effects of proactive human rights advocacy, I realized that nonprofit work aligns deeply with my values—helping communities and creating sustainable change.
Can you describe a project you are particularly proud of?
While working at the JCC in Buffalo, I led a project to integrate technology into our community outreach programs. This initiative significantly increased engagement among younger demographics and streamlined our communication processes, making our programs more accessible to everyone.
What challenges do you face in your consulting work, and how do you overcome them?
One major challenge is the variability in organizational cultures and resistance to change. I address this by emphasizing the value of data-driven outcomes and tailoring strategies to align closely with the specific values and goals of each organization.
How do you stay updated with trends in your field?
I regularly attend webinars, participate in workshops, and am part of several professional groups that focus on nonprofit management and psychology. Staying connected with peers and continuing education are key for me.
What role does technology play in your professional life?
Technology is crucial. It facilitates better communication, enhances data collection and analysis, and improves project management. Tools like Trello and various CRM systems are indispensable in my day-to-day operations.
What’s your approach to work-life balance?
I firmly believe in the importance of disconnecting and recharging. I make it a point to spend time outdoors and with family, which helps me maintain a high level of productivity and creativity when I’m working.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Always be learning.” This simple advice has encouraged me to continuously seek new knowledge and skills, which has been instrumental in adapting to changes and advancing in my career.
What is one of the key traits someone should have to be successful in your field?
Empathy. Understanding the needs and emotions of both the people you serve and those you work with is fundamental in nonprofit management and consulting.
How do you measure success in your projects?
Success for me is measured by the sustainable impact the project has on the community and the client’s satisfaction. I look for tangible improvements in efficiency, engagement, and overall outcomes.
Looking forward, what are some goals you have for the next five years?
I aim to complete my MSW and potentially start my own nonprofit organization focused on mental health awareness. I also plan to expand my consulting practice to include more international nonprofits, leveraging my multilingual skills and cross-cultural experiences.