Roland Lundy, Nonprofit Practice Leader, Announces Retirement
Roland Lundy has been a Partner at Buffkin/Baker since June 2001, where he has made significant contributions across a diverse range of industries. His most recent role has been leading the Nonprofit Practice, where he has combined his passion for service with strategic leadership to create impactful changes in the sector. As he approaches retirement in December, he will pass the leadership of this practice to Jen Coleman, who also serves as a Partner and is poised to continue the legacy of excellence that Roland has established.
“Roland has been a dedicated and valued part of Buffkin / Baker for many years, his presence has greatly contributed to the firm’s success and culture, and his retirement marks the end of an impactful chapter. Over the years, Roland has exemplified not only dedication but has also served as a mentor, colleague, and friend to many of us. We will miss him greatly but wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement,” says Craig Buffkin, Managing Partner.
An Experienced Leader
Roland has been a vital part of the nonprofit sector for many years, serving in various capacities. Before joining Buffkin/Baker, he was the President and CEO of Word Entertainment, a $130 million global Christian media company. During his tenure at Word, he managed the careers of renowned artists such as Amy Grant, Sandy Patti, Point of Grace, and the award-winning VeggieTales children’s video series. In 2015, Roland was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He currently serves as the President of the Gospel Music Trust Fund, which provides financial support to individuals in the Christian industry facing financial hardships due to medical issues. Additionally, he is the past Chairman of the Nashville American Red Cross board and has continued to serve on the board for the past eleven years.
“It was only natural that I would gravitate toward nonprofit work at Buffkin / Baker because of my previous experience in the industry. Nonprofits, like other organizations, require strong and effect leaders to help them succeed. However, their key difference lies in their mission. The ideal candidate must not only be driven by a passion for the cause but also possess the vision and capability to create a lasting impact in the communities they serve,” Roland explained.
Reflecting on his time at Buffkin / Baker, Roland noted that one of the most rewarding aspects of his role has been the ability to discover the right talent at just the right moment, and to witness their remarkable success unfold. “Identifying individuals who make significant contributions to the organization and watching them grow in their roles has been incredibly fulfilling. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of meeting many fascinating people, each with their own unique stories and talents. Witnessing their evolution and success adds a profound sense of purpose to the work I have done.”
A New Practice Leader
Jen Coleman, who has been an integral part of Buffkin / Baker since 2008, has played key roles in the firm’s Healthcare, Private Equity, and Digital Practices. With her deep consulting expertise, she excels in working closely with clients to understand their unique needs and goals, adeptly filling critical leadership gaps. This skill set will amplify the success of the Nonprofit Practice. “Witnessing Buffkin / Baker’s impressive growth over the years has been inspiring, and seeing someone like Jen, who has worked diligently to advance into a Partner role and now a Practice Leader, is incredibly rewarding,” remarks Roland, reflecting on her remarkable journey within the firm.
Jen elaborates, “I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of Roland and leading the Nonprofit Practice, steering it into an exciting new chapter. Over the past 17 years, I have found joy in helping clients reach their goals and having the opportunity to carry on the legacy Roland has built, is an honor and a privilege. Having worked on some nonprofit roles with Roland in the past, the passion in these organizations and mission-driven focus is something I found I am drawn to. My time at Buffkin / Baker has been incredibly rewarding, and I feel very fortunate to have learned from many successful and insightful individuals. My goal is to build on our solid foundation and our achievements by broadening our outreach efforts and refining our strategies to identify the right mission-driven leaders who will guide the organization into a visionary future.”
“As I look back over my time with Buffkin / Baker, I have nothing but the fondest memories. I am excited to see the company continue to grow and witness Jen step into this role. Her skills and background will undoubtedly enhance the foundation of the Nonprofit Practice,” adds Roland.