Encore Fellow Spotlight: Scott Overson

Scott Overson has spent the past year as an Encore Fellow with Social Venture Partners Portland (SVP), focusing on updating SVP’s growth model to enhance community outcomes and strengthen the organization. His engagement includes:

• Leading the BizModel Dynamic Team to update SVP’s business model and growth plan. 

• Engaging with the leadership team and board on implementation plans.

• Collaborating with the Marketing Dynamic Team to refine SVP’s identity and key messaging.

• Working with the Evaluation & Metrics Team to showcase SVP’s impact and progress.

• Co-Designing the SVP Ready to Grow Cohort to accelerate preschool expansion through a business development cohort model.

We recently had a virtual conversation with Scott to reflect on his fellowship experience.

SVP: What were your initial expectations as you began your engagement with SVP?

Scott: I wanted to gain experience in the nonprofit sector, which has always interested me as a potential focus in retirement. Like a lot of people, I had volunteered or engaged with various nonprofits, and I wanted to learn what it was like from more of a staff experience.    

My expectations were threefold: First, to learn and grow – getting exposure to new perspectives and challenging my thinking. Second, to build a new community by meeting genuinely good people. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I wanted to contribute to positive change. I felt like my professional experience might benefit SVP, its partners, and ultimately the families and the future of the Portland metropolitan area.

SVP: How do you feel about those expectations now? Were they met?

Scott: By and large, I’d say yes. My expectations have been not just met but exceeded. I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with SVP over the past year. I learned a lot – not only about nonprofit operations but also about early learning gaps, community needs, equality, and Portland’s philanthropic landscape. The community has been wonderful. The people in and around SVP have been a real highlight for the fellowship. We’ll have to see how the community contribution plays out over time, but I’m happy with the progress so far. 

SVP: Were there any surprises along the way?

Scott: I was genuinely surprised by the commitment and dedication of many SVP partner volunteers. Their long-term investment of time and talent is truly inspiring!

SVP: Having examined SVP’s business model and growth plans closely, what do you see for SVP's future?

Scott: I’m optimistic about SVP’s future. Several interrelated factors are aligning to unlock SVP’s potential. I believe there’s clarity and focus to I believe SVP will expand its community partnerships, strengthen dozens of providers through the cohort model, and amplify its positive impact in the broader community. The future looks bright, and I’m encouraged by the progress already on foundational elements like the partner experience, identity & messaging, messaging, evaluation & metrics.

SVP: We appreciate your collaboration with SVP this past year. What’s next for you? Will you continue to be involved with SVP?

Scott: It’s been a wonderful year! I will continue my involvement with the Ready to Grow cohort pilot launching in November, where I’ll co-facilitate a module on Leadership & Management and collaborate with the team through the pilot that wraps up next spring.

When Scott’s not collaborating with SVP, he can be found enjoying the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, especially boating with family and friends.