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How Service in the U.S. Military Translated to a Career at Blackbaud for Customer Advocacy Manager Tim Newborn

How Service in the U.S. Military Translated to a Career at Blackbaud for Customer Advocacy Manager Tim Newborn

Published 03-06-20

Submitted by Blackbaud

Blackbaud Customer Advocacy Manager Tim Newborn serves meals at the Affordable Veterans Housing Projects with other members of the Blackbaud Veterans affinity group.

Blackbaud is proud to have a diverse group of employees that leverage their unique experiences and skills to help good take over inside and outside the company.

The following Q&A with Tim Newborn, Marketing Programs Manager, Customer Advocacy and member of  the employee-led affinity groups for LGBTQ+ community and veterans at Blackbaud, was featured in the 2019 Blackbaud Social Responsibility Report.

 

Q: What's your role at Blackbaud?

A: My role at Blackbaud is a bit of a unicorn. Each day I have the privilege of encouraging and highlighting the magic of our customers through unique engagement and advocacy efforts. Our customers wholeheartedly want to do good, and I get to cheer them on along the way.

Q: What previous experiences do you bring to that role?

A: I come from an impoverished and medically and academically underserved rural area in Mississippi, where opportunities for personal and professional development are scarce. I joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 as a photojournalist. My service was an invaluable learning experience that taught me about the tenacity of the human spirit and power of togetherness. When I departed the Navy a decorated veteran, I attended Savannah College of Art and Design, where I could explore my appreciation for everyday beauty in the world. I think what makes me an excellent fit for my role is that I genuinely care about our customers and my colleagues as the individuals they are.

Q: Can you share a specific experience that highlights the importance of affinity groups to the work environment at Blackbaud?

A: I met with a young Marine while at a recent recruiting event at the College of Charleston. He was transitioning out of service. As he walked up, it became apparent he had a sense of trepidation and uncertainty. I remembered that feeling when I went to ask about open positions in a similar scenario. The small connection we had put him in a place where he could articulate what he was good at without worrying about saying something clumsily. We even covered a few tips on how to beef up his resume and translate what he does into a corporate setting. Affinity groups are a positive movement in the dynamic of our company culture. They’re important. They’re necessary. They’re human.

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