With a mix of joy, gratitude, and sadness, I’m sharing that I will be leaving SAFSF at the end of the year. There’s no big answer to why now other than it’s time for me to make space to pursue other interests and take on new challenges. SAFSF is in a strong place, and I look forward to seeing new stories come from the network for years to come.
It’s hard to reflect on 17 years of SAFSF in a short email. The years have been full of growth, change, laughter, challenges, and deep commitment. I have an enormous appreciation and respect for the work of each person and organization in this network and, most importantly, for the collective power created together. When I accepted a part-time program assistant role back in the summer of 2009, I never imagined I’d still be here 17 years later. In that time, the network has nearly tripled in size, I’ve had seven different job titles, worked alongside many wonderful colleagues, and been inspired again and again by our network partners.
As for what’s next, I’ll be focusing on contract work, with event management and production at the top of my list, though I’m open to other opportunities as well. My skills span business operations and finances, logistics management, organizational development, team building, and more. If you have ideas, connections, or just want to talk about what’s next, I’d love to hear from you. Please email me at [email protected]. I’m also looking forward to carving out more time for furniture restoration, a hobby that’s been waiting patiently for some increased attention.
As part of this transition, SAFSF is hiring a Finance and Operations Senior Director. You can find the job description and application instructions on our website. Please share this opportunity widely. Applications are due by October 9, 2026.
I hope to connect with many of you in the months ahead.
Thank you for making SAFSF the special place it is.
WiIth gratitude,
Bridget Dobrowski, SAFSF Vice President of Finance & Operations
Departure Date: December 31, 2026
Reflections from Leadership
How does one summarize a 17 year tenure of an impactful leader like Bridget Dobrowski? Among SAFSF staff, Bridget is affectionately known as our “rock.” She has anchored us through many chapters of growth and change. From programs to organizational development to operations, Bridget has shaped every aspect of the work we do at SAFSF, always inspiring us to strive for clarity, connection, and greater impact.
She has led and contributed to 16 SAFSF Forums, more than a dozen staff retreats, multiple strategic plans, dozens of budget cycles, and many hundreds of programs and meetings with SAFSF members and partners. For many team members, she has been a mentor, coach, and guide. In her most recent role as Vice President of Finance and Operations, she led SAFSF’s transition from fiscal sponsorship into an independent 501(c)3 organization, and built and elevated the organization’s human resources, business operations, technology, and financial planning capabilities. Bridget has also been a strong advocate for strengthening SAFSF’s equity commitments and practices, and building an inclusive and people-first team culture.
Given her meaningful tenure at the time of SAFSF’s leadership transition in 2024, Clare knew she would be lucky to work with Bridget for even a full year, recognizing that these transitions provide seasoned leaders a logical departure window. But Bridget chose to stay, support, build, and lead toward a new chapter of SAFSF, which speaks to her commitment to the organization, passion for the work, and integrity as a leader. Now nearly 3 years after this transition, both staff and Board feel extremely grateful to have had the chance to collaborate with Bridget on building a new chapter of impact and sustainability at SAFSF.
On behalf of SAFSF’s Board of Directors and staff, we wish Bridget much success and joy in her next ventures as she transitions from her role at the end of the year, and we look forward to witnessing her continued impact in the world. Bridget, thank you for your steadfast, ethical, warm, and inspiring leadership at SAFSF. We are cheering you on!
Warmly,
Clare Fox, SAFSF Executive Director
Dave Nezzie, Waverley Street Foundation, SAFSF Board Co-Chair
Amanda Zakharov, Dirt Capital Partners, SAFSF Board Co-Chair
On behalf of SAFSF Board of Directors and Staff