Informed Opinions. Workable Solutions.

Al is not afraid of taking on controversial issues in the nonprofit world, including the impact of the widening wealth gap, the inefficiency and misdirection of major foundations, the disruption brought by donor-advised funds, the ethical and financial implications of Wall Street’s growing influence in the charitable world, and the power imbalance between funder and charity.

But Al offers more than criticism: he proposes solutions and new frameworks, and he does this with color and humor. In other words, hard truths need not be hard to read.

Al is an op-ed contributor to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Harvard Business Review, and other national journals. (See the links below for a sampling of his published articles.) His blog has attracted a diverse national audience, and he has been cited as an expert on charitable issues in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Atlantic, ProPublica, Vanity Fair, and National Public Radio.

Al’s effectiveness as a writer carries over to his public speaking. Al has a reputation as a dynamic keynoter and presenter who can break down complex issues and connect with audiences. Nonprofit leaders, academics, and philanthropists call Al provocative, memorable, and stimulating.

Interview by Forbes Magazine

Sample recent keynote addresses

• Righting a Sinking Ship: How manipulation of the tax code, lax governmental oversight, downright corrupt behavior, and Wall Street profiteers have undermined the charitable world – and how we must speak out and step forward to save the sector.
• Misgiving: How our infatuation with charitable endowments is hurting the very people and causes we’re trying to help.