Points of Light Announces Two New Executive Team Members

Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, announced today the addition of two new members to its leadership team, Elizabeth Schwan-Rosenwald, chief program and network officer, and Katie Stearns, chief global corporate solutions officer. 

“On behalf of our executive team and board of directors, it’s my pleasure to welcome Katie and Elizabeth to Points of Light,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO, Points of Light. “Companies are seeking more ways to engage with communities they serve and increase their impact, and according to our latest global research, 82% of respondents expect companies to address social challenges. As recognized leaders in the sector, Katie and Elizabeth bring valuable experience that will help move our mission forward. By leveraging our research data, the Points of Light Civic Circle and their expertise, we’ll continue to support organizations in realizing their full potential as nonprofit, NGO and corporate citizens.” 

Schwan-Rosenwald joins Points of Light from Common Impact where she has served as chief program officer, overseeing the organization’s consulting and field building initiatives. Her career has focused on the development of cross-sector partnerships that drive social change by advancing the use of service and civic engagement as a resource for communities worldwide. She has previously held leadership roles at Leadership for Educational Equity and The Taproot Foundation, supporting the launch of Pro Bono Week, a now internationally recognized celebration, and growing the Global Pro Bono Network into a community of global pro bono providers.  

Previously, Schwan-Rosenwald founded 20% Theatre, an all-women’s theatre company dedicated to addressing gender inequity and the power imbalance in the theatre arena. In addition, she founded J.A. Consulting, a practice dedicated to innovation, equity, leadership development, program approach and positioning to enable the achievement of critical social goals.  

“Volunteers are the backbone of our social impact sector, giving their time and talent to ensure impact and sustainability,” said Schwan-Rosenwald. “The next few years will challenge our sector, requiring organizations worldwide to adapt to a myriad of changing expectations, from diversity and inclusion to issues of social, racial and climate justice, the necessity to operate on a virtual stage, and the drive to leverage agile technology. There has never been a more important time for the leadership of Points of Light and I’m excited to join them in charting a path forward that is increasingly responsive, authentic and innovative.” 

Stearns also joins Points of Light from Common Impact, where she has served as chief partnerships officer, leading the organization’s business development, corporate partnerships and marketing efforts. She has connected companies and people to meaningful civic engagement for decades and previously served in leadership roles at iMentor, Chicago Cares and Points of Light, creating unique social impact and employee programs for many Fortune 500 companies. 

Stearns has worked with dozens of nonprofit partners and companies to translate social impact, talent development and employee engagement goals into meaningful, inclusive community change and is a lifelong volunteer and native Chicagoan. 

“Civic engagement and corporate citizenship have never been more important, and I’m excited to return to Points of Light to create pathways for both,” said Stearns. “Employees, communities and nonprofit organizations are asking more of companies, expecting more authentic, deep and equity-driven social impact programs, and the Points of Light Civic Circle is a great roadmap for us to take action together. That kind of cross-sector collaboration is the way we’ll create real change.” 

Schwan-Rosenwald and Stearns will both officially start with Points of Light on Monday, July 11, and will be present for the organization’s annual gathering, the 2022 Points of Light Conference, a hybrid experience which will be held in-person at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort from July 13-15. 

About Points of Light 

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million people in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.