The Virginia Funders Network is excited to launch a new chapter in our Member Spotlight series by featuring, for the first time, a Partner Member — PKF O’Connor Davies.
As a Partner Member, PKF O’Connor Davies brings a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge to our community of funders. Their commitment to strengthening the philanthropic sector is evident in their work with over 4,000 exempt organizations and over 600 Private Foundations.
Here’s a little more from Joseph Ali, CPA and Partner for Private Foundation Practice on the organization and his leadership:
What types of resources do you offer to the philanthropic community?
Beyond our services for Private Foundations, we offer educational resources such as sector specific thought leadership and webinars. Our professionals are regularly asked to speak at philanthropic conferences across the country.
What leaders have “influenced” your leadership style, views, and/or goals?
I have been fortunate enough to work with amazing private foundation clients with strong effective leaders and founders. In every interaction I am always being influenced by them in one way or another, even if it is a small thing here or there, in informing and developing my own leadership style and goals.

As a new Partner Member, what are you looking forward to the most?
As a new Partner Member, we are most looking forward to engaging with members via educational sessions and webinars and getting to know everyone better. We are currently working with VFN directly on some educational offerings, and we look forward to bringing that to the network.

What is your organization’s mission and what would you like Members to know?
We ensure our clients “Know Greater Value” by advancing client goals and empowering our people. We go beyond passive value protection to active value creation.
I love hearing and taking in client situations, scenarios, and problems; and working with them to come up with creative, practical, and right-sized solutions.