Frank Woodruff is an accomplished executive director with over 20 years of experience driving organizational change, policy advocacy, and capacity building for the community development sector. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director of the Community Opportunity Alliance (formerly NACEDA), a national field-building organization representing more than 6,000 community development organizations across the United States. Under his leadership, the Community Opportunity Alliance has evolved from a small organization to a powerful advocate for community developers nationwide, significantly expanding its membership and budget while shaping policies that advance equitable investment in low-income communities.
Throughout his career, Frank has been deeply committed to fostering growth and development within the nonprofit sector, especially in the areas of affordable housing, economic development, and public policy. He has a strong track record of transforming organizations and advancing initiatives that address systemic inequalities and support marginalized communities. At the Community Opportunity Alliance, Frank played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s budget from $200,000 to $1.5 million and successfully engaged new funders from philanthropic, banking, and government sectors. This growth enabled the organization to expand its programs, including capacity-building initiatives and advocacy efforts, which have had a profound impact on the field of community development.
In addition to his organizational leadership, Frank is a respected thought leader and advocate in the field of community development. He has written extensively for industry publications, including Nonprofit Quarterly, Shelterforce Magazine, and the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank’s Community Development Innovation Review. His academic articles and op-eds focus on topics such as community reinvestment, housing policy, and the effects of racial equity in community development strategies. Notable among his contributions is the Money Meets Community Series, which is part of the Community Opportunity Alliance’s Grounding Values in Research Program. He has also authored pieces on housing policy, including “Redlining Would Be Relegalized by CRA Reform Proposal,” and has been a vocal advocate for policies that support creative placemaking and sustainable development in underserved areas.
Frank’s leadership at the Community Opportunity Alliance has been marked by strategic innovation and an unwavering commitment to advancing the goals of the community development sector. He was instrumental in launching the Thriving Networks Capacity Building Program, which provides over 1,900 hours of service annually to local organizations through peer learning, training, and organizational capacity assessments. Additionally, he founded the People & Places Collaboration, a groundbreaking initiative that brings together racially diverse national community development networks to advocate for policy changes that support vulnerable people and places. Through his efforts, the Community Opportunity Alliance secured multi-year philanthropic support for the Collaboration and hosted the People & Places Conference, which attracted hundreds of diverse placemakers for training, peer-sharing, and advocacy.
Beyond his work with the Community Opportunity Alliance, Frank has served on numerous boards and advisory committees, including the BBVA Compass, TD Bank, and the Economic Advisory Commission in Fairfax County, Virginia. His public sector experience and expertise in nonprofit management have made him a valuable asset to organizations seeking guidance on policy and advocacy, particularly in the areas of economic justice, community reinvestment, and housing reform.
Frank’s commitment to community development is matched by his passion for education and mentoring. He has served as a guest lecturer on leadership and community development at institutions such as George Washington University, Georgetown, and the University of Maine-Bangor. His academic background includes a Master’s Degree in Public Policy with a focus on Community Development from George Washington University, as well as executive education at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
In his personal life, Frank is an avid traveler, scuba diver, and music enthusiast, with a deep appreciation for poetry and family life. His personal motto, “Live the dream everyday,” reflects his enduring belief in pursuing meaningful, impactful work that aligns with his values. Frank is actively seeking new board opportunities to expand his influence, particularly in the private sector, where he aims to leverage his public sector experience to drive innovation and create opportunities for all people and places.
Character
Frank Woodruff is a dedicated leader known for his integrity, accountability, and commitment to advancing equity in community development.
Knowledge
He possesses deep expertise in community development, housing policy, economic development, and public sector advocacy, informed by over 20 years of experience.
Strategic
Frank has demonstrated strong strategic vision, driving organizational growth, policy change, and capacity-building initiatives within the community development sector.
Communication
He is a respected thought leader and effective communicator, publishing influential articles, speaking at national events, and advocating for policies that support marginalized communities.
