Tides Taps Social Entrepreneur and Progressive Thought Leader as New CEO

Melissa L. Bradley to Build on Organization's Track Record of Incubating Innovative Ideas to Advance Social Change

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Tides names Melissa L. Bradley as CEO to continue the organization's work to find creative solutions to society's most critical issues – from economic justice to human rights to environmental challenges. Following a six-month national search, Bradley will replace Tides' founder, Drummond Pike, who will step down after 34 years of leadership.

"We have found in Melissa Bradley a leader who will build on the achievements of Tides to date and use them as a spring board for greater impact in the future," said Lawrence Litvak, chair of the Tides board of directors. "Her spirit, insight and skills are right for Tides and for the many donors and programs we represent in community health, economic development, youth services civil and human rights, the environment, and more."

Tides works in partnership with donors and leaders to create a better world by leveraging and advancing new thinking and translating ideas into action. Bradley brings extensive knowledge of Tides, having served on the board of the Tides Foundation and as chair of Tides, and a strong background in creative and innovative leadership. Bradley founded New Capitalist, an organization that leverages human, financial, and social capital to create economically profitable and sustainable individuals, businesses and communities. At Green for All, she created the Capital Access Program and assisted in the creation of the Energy Efficiency Opportunity Fund and the Green Jobs Award Program. Bradley was selected as a Soros Justice Fellow for her innovation in the area of criminal justice.

"This new role with Tides creates an opportunity to re-imagine what's possible to support innovation and entrepreneurship in solving today's most pressing problems," said Melissa Bradley. "I will work to advance the next generation of leadership in the areas of community impact, thought leadership and asset management."

Drummond Pike, one of the original social entrepreneurs, has evolved Tides from a great idea to one of the top 100 social sector organizations in the United States. His leadership leaves the organization well-positioned to pursue extraordinary opportunities to reach new levels of excellence.

"I am inspired by Drummond's vision of social enterprise and what he has built over the past 34 years," said Vikki Spruill, a member of the Tides board of directors. "His ability to identify and provide critical support services within the progressive social movement space as well as provoke new models and ideas for real solutions to problems makes him an unparalleled leader in the field. He leaves with the assurance that we will carry his dream forward at a time when our planet needs it most."

Tides' new leadership will continue to drive the organization's ambitious agenda and high expectations for the impact of its partnerships. Tides' has a passion for incubating new ideas and organizations and serves as a vital resource for the nonprofit sector through its grantmaking, nonprofit management, an nonprofit real estate programs. In partnership with its donors, Tides granted more than $100 million in 2009 alone, and it manages more than 200 nonprofit projects, using extensive expertise to provide a framework that reduces administrative hurdles and allows organizations to spend more time and energy focused on achieving important missions.

About Tides

Tides actively promotes change toward broadly shared economic opportunity, robust democratic processes and the opportunity to live in a healthy and sustainable environment where human rights are preserved and protected. Founded in 1976, Tides offers an array of services that amplifies the efforts of forward-thinking philanthropists, foundations, activists and organizations to make the world a better place. With offices in San Francisco and New York City, Tides provides fiscal sponsorship for over 200 groups across the country, operates and supports green nonprofit centers and granted more than $100 million in 2009 alone. For more information, visit www.tides.org.

SOURCE Tides Network