"The nonprofit sector is a powerful force for good-a tangible expression of the values and humanity our community holds dear. Individually and collectively, we create real solutions to complex societal problems. We are also thriving businesses that add thousands of jobs and millions of dollars to the local economy, improving the quality of life for our residents. Executive Alliance is uniquely positioned to advance our sector, engendering understanding of the diversity of crucial roles that the sector fills, and engaging nonprofit executives in community leadership alongside our public and for profit leaders."

Food Lifeline & EA Past Board Chair

MISSION : Advancing a powerful nonprofit sector

VISION: A nonprofit sector that delivers its full benefit to the community

EA carries out its work through the following program areas:

1. Leadership Effectiveness : Enhancing leadership effectiveness, professional networking, leadership recognition, shared identity and values as a sector and peer-to-peer learning and support.
2. Voice and Position of the Nonprofit Sector: Strengthen the position and voice of the nonprofit sector relative to:
   a) Community events and issues
   b) Planning and decision-making that affects the community
   c) Issues internal to the nonprofit sector.
3. Public Policy: EA has a Public policy manager who advocates for the nonprofit sector in governmental actions with significant impact on the nonprofit sector.  EA also sends out bulletins and announcements about pending legislation to its members in order to increase awareness and strengthen the voice of nonprofits in the policy arena.
   

EA provides access to an inclusive sector-wide venue that provides a forum for peer support, opportunities to share knowledge, and a structured means to extend members personal and professional networks.

When envisioning the future, executive directors have often have done so without the benefit of others’ perspective or knowledge, and without fully considering their organization in the context of the nonprofit sector and the community at large.

EA helps to address the challenges that nonprofit leaders face and to provide context and perspective relative to the sector as a whole through a variety of leadership enhancement activities

History:
Executive Alliance (EA) is a membership association that was founded in 2000 by nonprofit leaders united in the vision of a community that values the role of nonprofits and evidences that through adequate funding, prioritization in policy setting, positive public image and active involvement of nonprofit leaders in civic and community planning.

EA evolved from the long standing Executive Director’s Coalition (EDC), which served as a liaison between United Way of King County (UWKC) and what were then member agencies. Launched with a pledge of membership from thirty nonprofits, EA's original focus was executive directors from the human services, health, and housing areas of the nonprofit sector in the Puget Sound region.

EA has since expanded its focus to include other organizations that share a commitment to EA’s mission – advancing a powerful nonprofit sector. As a result, the membership mix now includes a wide spectrum of nonprofits, including the arts, civic organizations, and education, as well as some for-profit and public agencies.

In the fall of 2004, EA also began operating many of the programs previously offered by The Evergreen State Society, operationalizing its commitment to continue the legacy of TESS. 

EA’s has grown from the original 30 to well over 200 members and includes many of the most respected and influential organizations and leaders in the community. Organizational representation continues to be tied to the leadership of the organization. While the geographic focus is still primarily the Puget Sound Region, members’ scopes of service include local, state, national, and international. 

EA is active with the National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA) and looks forward to having a stronger national voice.