The Association of Nonprofit Executives (ANPE) would like to announce Clayton Naff from the Lincoln Literacy Council as the winner of the 2010 ANPE Nonprofit Executive of the Year Award.  The award, sponsored by US Bank, was presented at the ANPE annual awards luncheon held on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at the Embassy Suites.   

Each year the Association of Nonprofit Executives recognizes the 'Nonprofit Executive of the Year.'  This award recognizes nonprofit executives who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, direction, and vision, with the winner of the award receiving $500 and the nonprofit organization they represent also receiving $500.  US Bank representative Julene Schoen, presented this year's award.  Pastor Tom Barber was the keynote speaker for the ANPE Awards luncheon, with Rod Fowler as the Master of Ceremony.  Musical entertainment for the luncheon was provided by  Peter Bouffard. 

Clayton Naff was hired in 2005 as Executive Director of the Lincoln Literacy Council. Founded in 1972, Lincoln Literacy Council has since become the community's recognized leader in providing new arrivals with ESL tutoring and acculturation they need to make it up the first few rungs of the ladder of success. It trains and places over 100 volunteers a year as literacy tutors. Clayton has exhibited remarkable leadership abilities, continuing to improve the council's services while shepherding it through the trying economic times of the past two years. His leadership during the organization's extensive strategic planning helped guide the organization to the success that it enjoys today. Prior to working in the nonprofit world, Clayton  had a successful career as a professional journalist and writer.  

Dean Haist, ANPE President, Julene Schoen, US Bank, Clayton Naff, Lincoln Literacy Council & ANPE Executive of the Year, Tom Barber, People's City Mission   

Other nominees included: Bill Michener, Executive Director of Lighthouse, Marien Ruiz, Executive Director of El Centro de las Americas and Barbara Zach, Executive Director of Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra.

Past winners of the ANPE Executive of the Year Award include: Phyllis Ericson, Nebraska Community Blood Bank, Susanne Blue, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach; Robert Downey, Capital Humane Society; Jonathan Krutz, NE Hospice & Palliative Care Partnership; Susan Scott, YWCA Lincoln; Wayne Svoboda, Volunteer Partners; Deb Weber, Lincoln Arts Council; René Ferdinand, ARC of Nebraska; Nancy Ferneau, LMEF Cancer Resource Center; John Chapo, Folsom Children's Zoo; Renee Johnson, Community Services Fund; Mala DeBerg, Fresh Start; Dean Haist, Nebraska Jazz Orchestra; Gayle Andres, University Place Art Center and Marilyn Gorham, Lincoln Children's Museum.