…whatever it is that they are involved in they need to be able, at any given moment, to genuinely present enthusiasm for their project, their program, their business, whatever it might be…

…if you don’t have the commitment, and strength, and enthusiasm, and excitement it is nearly impossible to then develop stronger leadership skill. If I’m going to be a leader for OASIS, I have to be able to talk passionately about what we are doing, and I have to believe it in my heart. I think that is the key component in my perception of a really good leader.-Marcia Kerz

Marcia Kerz is President of OASIS, a national non-profit organization that strengthens communities by providing lifelong learning, health and service opportunities that inspire diverse audiences of adults age 50 and older to pursue vibrant, healthy, productive and meaningful lives. As President, she provides the leadership for the national program, the administration and management of the Institute and all Institute staff; and, working directly with the President and Board of Directors, oversees 25 OASIS centers throughout the United States.

 

Prior to her present position, Marcia served as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the Missouri Historical Society, a position she held for nearly six years. During her tenure at the Society, the organization undertook successfully the largest capital campaign in the history of the organization and raised $20.1 million to complete a major expansion plan for the Society. 

 

Prior to her involvement at the Missouri Historical Society, Marcia served as the Director of Development and Public Relations at the Missouri Botanical Garden for eight years.

 

With over 20 years experience in non-profit administration, Marcia has been actively involved with the International Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), serves on the international board and chairs the Government Relations Committee. She is a member of the National Council on Aging’s Leadership Council, responsible to present policy issues to the Board. She served as a delegate of the 2005 White House Conference on Aging. She held an adjunct professor position at Washington University in St. Louis from 1990 to 2000 as a part of the Non-Profit Management Program. She also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Public Library for five years and is a Board member of Metro Theater Company of St. Louis.

 

She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Illinois State University and taught special education for five years.