Meet Cindy Stutman who has dedicated over 25 years to Comcast Spectacor, with nearly 22 years spent with the Philadelphia Flyers. Initially working in customer service and ticketing, she transitioned to leading community impact efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift led her to her current role as Executive Director of Flyers Charities and SVP of Flyers Community Relations. Cindy's commitment to making a positive impact is further demonstrated by her pursuit of a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management at Temple University, which has enriched her approach to driving the Flyers Charities mission.
Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming the Executive Director of Flyers Charities?
I've been with Comcast Spectacor for more than 25 years and with the Flyers for almost 22. I spent the first 20+ years of my career on the for-profit side, primarily in customer service and ticketing, and for times oversaw other departments within our business operations.
During Covid, I had the opportunity to spearhead our organization's community impact efforts which led to an interim role with Flyers Charities. Though I didn't necessarily intend to enter the non-profit world, I really enjoyed the work and during that time I also had re-evaluated my goals and the impact I wanted to make in my career. I was able to transition into my current role that was the best of both worlds for me and allowed me to drive our community work on both the philanthropic and community relations worlds: Executive Director of Flyers Charities and SVP, Flyers Community Relations.
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your role at Flyers Charities?
Every day we work to further the Flyers Charities mission to "create strong communities by eliminating financial barriers and revive play spaces to grow the game of hockey and aid local families impacted by cancer" throughout the Philadelphia area. We are so lucky to be able to provide resources, experiences and have a positive impact on children, families and organizations in our region. Meeting and developing these relationships is most rewarding.
What motivated you to pursue a certificate in nonprofit management at Temple University?
Because I got into the non-profit world through an untraditional path, my knowledge of the sector was fairly limited. I thought it was important to have a stronger knowledge base to position our foundation for continued success.
How has the nonprofit management program at Temple University influenced your approach to your work at Flyers Charities?
It has allowed me to look at all of our programming, processes and results through a more knowledgeable lens. It has provided tools to evaluate our work and maximize our impact.
Can you provide an example of a situation where your coursework directly influenced a decision or strategy at Flyers Charities?
We have recently transitioned to create programs of our own in addition to funding other organizations. I've used coursework to help shape the philosophy and execution around evaluations and grant application processes.
What challenges have you faced in your role, and how have you overcome them?
One challenge we're consistently focused on managing is engagement. Engaging the larger organization and employees in our community impact, engaging fans with opportunities that maximize fundraising, and engaging our partners to best amplify the work and programs they do.
What advice would you give to other professionals considering further education in nonprofit management?
The non-profit world is so unique and our platform within professional sports is niche within that. My education in non-profit management has been an invaluable opportunity to learn best practices from other facets and types of foundations in the sector. There is such a wealth of knowledge available not just in the content of the classes but from the people and organizations tied to the program. Take advantage of all of it!