About the Principal

Kim works closely with each client to understand the background, resources, and needs of the organization and to develop a customized approach to its particular circumstances. His objectives are to help the client:

  • Develop clear goals, strategies and timetables that are realistic in light of the available resources
  • Formulate and implement practical “on-the-ground” plans
  • Meaningfully involve all relevant stakeholders
  • Identify and access new resources
  • Position the organization to take advantage of strategic opportunities

Kim possesses strong written and verbal communications skills, including being conversant in Spanish. His career has required a steady stream of writing — strategic and business plans, fund development plans, grant proposals, program evaluations, government reports and legal documents.  He is a seasoned facilitator, with many years of training and experience. He has a strong track record in strategic planning, management, fundraising, grantmaking, program development, and evaluation. Kim has served as interim executive director for 12 nonprofit organizations.

As Vice President for Community Investments at the United Way, Kim managed the granting of over $20 million annually to virtually every human service endeavor. Serving as United Way’s Director of Initiatives and Allocations, he convened hundreds of individuals and organizations to design and implement a collaborative early childhood initiative called “Success By 6”.  He also directed multi-million dollar childcare and housing programs that have been replicated throughout the country by local United Ways and foundations.

Kim’s political and government career includes serving as legal counsel and government relations director for a state agency, managing electoral and ballot initiative campaigns, community and labor organizing, helping state and local officials secure federal grants, and drafting legislation.  As an attorney, he has a solid background in public interest litigation and resource development for his colleagues in the law.

Over 40 years in consulting, philanthropy, human services, government, law, community organizing and electoral politics.  Strong track record in program and organizational development, strategic planning, executive coaching, interim management, fundraising, grantmaking, evaluation and mergers.  Excellent communication and organizational skills.  Conversant in Spanish.

 

Principal, Comart & Associates, Needham, MA:  June 1995 – present

Provide consulting services to community-based organizations, private and corporate foundations, United Ways and government agencies, in the areas of program and organizational development, strategic planning, coaching, interim management, fundraising, grantmaking, marketing, evaluation and mergers.  Have served 140+ clients and completed 350+ projects.  Clients have included American Cancer Society, Associated Grant Makers of Massachusetts, Barr Foundation, Boston Foundation, Boston Health Care for the Homeless, Cambridge Family & Children’s Services, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Connected Beginnings Training Institute, Consumers Union, Elder Services of the Cape & Islands, Hale Reservation, Management Consulting Services, Massachusetts Families for Kids, Health Resources in Action, New Art Center, Partners HealthCare, RAW Art Works, Tobacco Control Resource Center, Topf Center for Dance Education, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Vietnamese American Civic Association, World Affairs Council, Youth Enrichment Services, and Wellesley College Centers for Women.

Vice President, Community Investments Department, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Boston, MA: March 1994-May 1995

Managed the granting of over $20 million to United Way member agencies in greater Boston.  Supervised seven-person professional staff that worked with 200+ community volunteers to review agencies and determine funding.  Staffed volunteer committee that oversaw allocation process.  Co-managed department research and planning functions, budget and personnel.  Staffed volunteer committees of “Success By 6″ early childhood development initiative.  Represented United Way with media, government, donors and funders.

Initiatives and Allocations Director, United Way, Boston, MA: October 1989-February 1994

Managed collaborative funding initiatives to address priority community needs in collaboration with corporate and community leaders, volunteers and foundations.  Directed planning and implementation of Success By 6 early childhood development initiative.  Directed multi-year, multi-million dollar childcare and housing initiatives.  Responsible for fundraising and public policy advocacy related to the initiatives.  Managed allocation process and agency relations for 50 United Way member agencies.  Provided analyses of agency services, management and finances; conducted site visits and allocation conferences; developed funding recommendations for volunteer committee to determine annual allocations of approximately $8 million.

Legal Counsel and Director of Government Relations, Massachusetts Council on the Arts and Humanities, Boston, MA: April 1986-May 1989.

Legal Counsel to gubernatorially-appointed board and staff of second largest state arts agency in the country.  Supervised department staff; developed political and legislative strategy for agency; planned and organized annual Arts and Humanities Appreciation Days at State House for approximately 500 participants; created and managed program which developed affordable live/work space for artists; drafted legislation; chaired Boston Bar Association Lawyers and the Arts Legislative Committee; wrote and negotiated contracts with over 750 vendors; developed program guidelines.

Policy Analyst, Governor’s Office of Federal Relations, Boston, MA: April 1985-April 1986.

Represented state and local officials through this office in securing federal grants for human services programs.  Drafted legislation; intervened in federal rule making proceedings; prepared Congressional testimony for Governor; produced analysis of federal budget impact on the Commonwealth; initiated and produced bi-monthly newsletter; organized informational workshops for municipal officials.

Legislative Consultant, Massachusetts Fair Share, Boston, MA: January 1985-April 1985.

Developed auto insurance reform proposals and presented them to the state legislature on behalf of this statewide consumer organization.

Campaign Field Director, John Houston for State Senate, Worcester, MA: June 1984-Nov. 1984.

Directed field operation of over 700 volunteers and staff for this successful campaign against a long-term incumbent; formulated campaign strategy, position papers and literature; represented candidate in public forums and media appearances.

Assistant Director, Public Interest Clearinghouse, San Francisco, CA: October 1982-Sept. 1983.

Developed training programs, organized skills training workshops and provided other resources for attorneys and other public interest advocates.

Attorney, Sutter County Public Defender’s Office, Yuba City, CA: April 1982-September 1982.

Defense attorney in criminal trial.

Field Coordinator, California Common Cause, San Francisco, CA: February 1982-May 1982.

Co-authored proposed state constitutional amendment to reform the reapportionment process and coordinated a successful campaign to qualify the proposal for the ballot.

Fundraising Consultant, Fundraising for Non-Profits, Oakland, CA: February 1982-May 1982.

Provided fundraising expertise and designed promotional materials for fund solicitation campaigns.

Attorney, Law Offices of A. Lee Sanders, Esq., Oakland, CA: March 1981-September 1982.

Associate in law firm that specialized in personal injury and public interest litigation.

Co-Field Director, Wilson for Mayor, Oakland, CA: February 1977-June 1977.

Co-directed field operation of over 1,000 volunteers and staff in successful mayoral campaign.

State Field Operation Co-Director, Ramsey Clark/Senate ’76, New York: Oct. 1975-Sept. 1976.

Co-directed statewide field operation of over 4,000 volunteers and staff for U.S. Senate campaign.

 

 

B.A., Political Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 1975.

J.D., Northeastern University School of Law, Boston, MA 1980.

 

  • Massachusetts State Bar Association
  • Boston Bar Association
  • Center for Nonprofit Leadership
  • Massachusetts Nonprofit Network
  • Third Sector New England Interim Director Program