Nonprofit To Bring North Korean Orchestra To U.S.

In what would represent a significant diplomatic development, an Atlanta, Ga.-based nonprofit is planning to bring North Korea's national orchestra for a tour of the U.S.

The Associated Press (AP) reported that the North Korean Symphony Orchestra will start the tour with a concert in Atlanta, the home of Global Resource Service (GRS), a humanitarian nonprofit that works in the secluded country. GRS hopes the concert will begin in the spring, but details, including government approval, are still left to be resolved.

The deal comes at a time when relations between the U.S. and North Korea are warming, but still fragile. The country's long time leader, Kim Jong Il, died in December, which created hope among some aid groups that relations would improve. This seemed to be confirmed when North Korea agreed last month to stop its nuclear activities and allow U.N. inspections to resume in exchange for food aid. However, recent plans by the country to launch a satellite have renewed tensions.

You can read the full article in the AP.

Peter Goldberg, CEO of Families International, Dies At 63

There was some sad news in the nonprofit sector over the weekend: Peter Goldberg, president and CEO of Families International, passed away after suffering a massive heart attack.  He was 63.  His death came weeks after he was named for the ninth time to NPT's Power & Influence Top 50.  Here is a brief excerpt from the article announcing his passing:

“This is a tragic loss for Peter’s family and the entire Families International network. We extend our deepest sympathies to Peter’s family,” said Richard J. Cohen, chairman of the Families International Board of Directors. Families International is the parent organization of the nonprofit Alliance for Children and Families, United Neighborhood Centers of America, Ways to Work, and the for-profit FEI Behavioral Health.


Cohen also said the Families International Board met to enact its executive succession plan, including appointing an interim CEO and launching a national search for a new CEO.


“We are guided by the key goals for 2011 that Peter articulated, and informed by his belief that we should strive for a better balance between outcomes and impact, and that a budget is a baseline of adequacy, not excellence,” said Cohen.


“Following the executive succession plan, the board decided that the best path forward includes naming Stephen Mack, current chair of the Alliance for Children and Families board, as interim CEO. The board wanted to ensure a steady hand at the helm and Steve’s role as chair of the Alliance for Children and Families Board will help ensure that happens,” said Cohen.


Cohen also said Mack will lead the board’s national search for a new CEO who can help build upon the successes of the five affiliated organizations.

Head on over to The NonProfit Times to read the full story.  Our condolences go out to Peter's family and friends.