NONPROFIT
Beth Plavan
Governance Chair | Park City Community Foundation
Current board: Park City Community Foundation
Beth Plavan’s path to nonprofit board leadership began with her legal expertise. A California attorney who relocated to Utah, Beth found a perfect opportunity to apply her legal skills when the Park City Community Foundation (PCCF) sought a governance chair.
“Park City Community Foundation is a nonprofit in Park City that oversees other nonprofits in the area and pairs donors, interested community members, board and staff to collaboratively solve Park City’s greatest challenges,” Beth explains. Her background in labor and employment law — initially focused on the education sector and later expanding to private sector work — provided her with the perfect skill set for nonprofit governance. Her legal training continues to inform her approach to board service.
With her help, the foundation has tackled pressing community issues through a collaborative approach. These include addressing critical needs like zero food waste, providing youth access to sports, and supporting other nonprofits best positioned to solve specific community challenges.
“A very rewarding part of governance is it allows the community foundation and my team to establish a set of expectations that are clear and transparent,” Beth says. “By having the policies and procedures match our practices, we can create an internal culture that is one of trust and belonging, and we can take the policies that we have and mentor other nonprofits in our community.”
For those considering board service, Beth recommends taking the leap and watching the impact unfold — whether it be in the for-profit or nonprofit sector.
“A great way to give your time, expertise, professional talents and treasure is through board service,” she says. “Organizations need the support of strong boards and collaboration with staff to elevate outcomes.”
