About

Cory Pohley has provided executive and senior leadership and consulting services to social justice and community based organizations throughout her career. She enjoys serving as a strategic partner and resource to leaders and organizations working to advance the rights of those impacted by injustice and systems that fail them.

Cory has supported the growth and development of organizations and networks – large and small, and has successfully led numerous Bay Area organizations through challenging leadership transitions.

As a lifelong nonprofit professional she has held just about every title essential to  the healthy functioning of an organization. This has led to her deep respect and understanding of the contribution that every person plays in ensuring an organization’s well-being and impact.

Former roles include serving as CEO of California’s state-wide network of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) programs; this role was especially meaningful to her as someone who grew up in and emancipated from foster care. Accomplishments there included advocating on behalf of the statewide network in DC and at the State level; crafting a five-year strategic growth plan for the network that received the support and approval of 100% of CASA programs throughout 50 counties and securing funding for its implementation; expanding the provision of technical assistance and other supports network wide; increasing CASA visibility through a variety of innovative marketing and outreach campaigns; growing revenue; serving as primary spokesperson for CASA and representing the network on various child dependency and child welfare forums.

As a consultant her specialties include executive and senior level search support; interim leadership and transition management; executive coaching; organizational development; and providing hands-on project support to organizations where she has developed a deep commitment.

Paula Morris has worked to strengthen social change organizations for over thirty years, most recently as the Program Director for the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund’s Flexible Leadership Awards Program. Paula worked with the program from its inception in 2005 until 2015 and was responsible for the design and implementation of coaching, consulting, training, and peer learning opportunities for over 70 LGBT, Immigrant Rights and other advocacy organizations.

As Program Director at the Horizons Foundation, she was responsible for coordination of technical assistance support to LGBT programs and management of all Horizons Foundation grantmaking and donor advised funds. In the mid-1990s, Paula was Education Director and then Executive Director for IDEX and is a past Co-Chair of the Board.

She began her career working for seven years in Indonesia and Zimbabwe, where she was Field Director for Voluntary Services Overseas, before coming to the US in 1990. She has an Honours Degree in Modern Languages from Leeds University and Post Graduate Certificate of Education from York University, UK. Paula has also worked as an Interim Executive Director and Development Director and as a consultant to scores of advocacy organizations and foundation initiatives over the past twenty years.

Paula’s LinkedIn Profile.