“They are the first to come and the last to leave…”

If you’re a baby boomer like me, you might recall this lyric from the classic 1977 song “The Load-Out” by Jackson Browne. It’s a tribute to the roadies of the concert circuit who would set up and break down the gear and equipment for bands, night after night.

I was reminded of those lyrics recently when thinking about the unsung mid-level managers who make it all happen in nonprofits. From the start of each day to the end, these dedicated leaders ensure the work gets done.

Mid-level managers—such as operations directors, community outreach managers, and program leads—are the ones who keep things running smoothly in many of our longest-standing nonprofits. Though their titles vary, they share a common goal: orchestrating daily operations, often behind the scenes. These are the people who carry the load, ensuring that the nonprofits continue to function efficiently.

While they may not receive public recognition or accolades, their contributions are invaluable to the success of San Joaquin County’s largest and most essential nonprofits.

Historically, the nonprofit sector has been the third-largest private employer in the U.S. economy, but it struggles with employee retention—only 7% of the workforce stays in the sector for more than ten years.

According to Nonprofit Quarterly, the average tenure for an executive director or CEO at small to midsize nonprofits is about six years. And having a strong second in command secures a succession plan of that CEO, but more importantly ensures the long-term viability and sustainability of our local nonprofits.

To provide real-life examples, three major San Joaquin County nonprofits stand out: Emergency Food Bank, St. Mary’s Community Center, and Gospel Center Rescue Mission. These organizations are supported by highly experienced “second in command” leaders whose skills and long tenure are vital to keeping their missions alive. 

While CEOs may change, these leaders remain a constant presence, quietly ensuring the work continues with dedication and time-earned expertise.

Among them are Britton Kimball, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director at Gospel Center Rescue Mission (GCRM); Teo Navarrete, Senior Director of Operations at St. Mary’s Community Services; and Jimmy Garza, Director of Warehouse Operations at the Emergency Food Bank. Their commitment is the foundation on which these nonprofits thrive.

These key leaders exemplify why strong organizational operators are the backbone and steady hands of each agency. They help their CEOs manage large budgets, support hundreds of employees, and, as the song goes, they’re packing it in and tearing it down, working year-round at their respective nonprofits.

Together, they have over 50 years of combined service to the community. They lead by handling the day-to-day essentials—managing donations across the county, addressing emergencies, and overseeing the continuous, often unseen, tasks required to keep operations running 24/7. Their responsibilities are immense, and the CEOs’ ability to focus on the mission would be diminished without the skill, dedication, and expertise of these leaders.

Garza started at the food bank 18 years ago as a volunteer. Today, he oversees eight employees and arrives at 6 a.m. daily to set up food distribution for over 500 working-class families and unhoused individuals. “We try to help everyone in need,” he says. “It’s a lot of work, but I love it.” His CEO, Leonard Hansen, refers to Jimmy as the “hub to our wheel,” crediting him with playing a crucial role in EFB’s operations.

During his time at EFB, Jimmy has worked under six CEOs. He remains a constant at the organization and has no plans for retirement.

Kimball is a quiet yet highly effective leader. For more than 20 years, he has been a steady force at Gospel Center Rescue Mission. Britton understands the struggles of the individuals the mission serves, having faced homelessness and addiction himself. He has worked under five CEOs and says, “Managing programs is something I’m good at. It’s a calling, not a job.”

Britton’s straightforward, no-nonsense demeanor makes him a reliable leader in offering food, shelter, and hope to the mission’s clients. He began at Gospel Center as a client, quickly rising through the ranks due to his strong management abilities. Today, he is the most senior staff member and lives on campus with his wife, Monica, to stay connected to the people he serves.

Despite the challenges, including low pay and a changing, often more difficult homeless population, Britton continues his work out of a desire to give back. “The culture has changed, “clients are much more entitled, aggressive and ungrateful” Britton unhappily shares-there is risk when working for the mission, but the need remains as does Britton’s commitment.

Navarrete, known as “Teo”, has been with St. Mary’s Community Center for over 28 years. He played a significant role in the abrupt 2023 merger between St. Mary’s and the Stockton Shelter. Throughout his tenure, Teo has seen the homeless population rise, especially after the 2024 Point in Time Count, yet he remains dedicated to St. Mary’s mission. “I believe in what we do, and every day I fall more in love with this agency and the clients we serve.”

Starting as a volunteer, Teo worked his way up from delivery truck driver to his current senior-level position, overseeing the growth of staff and services at St. Mary’s. “I started from the bottom, and now I’m in the business of changing lives,” he says. “The future of this nonprofit is bright, and I want to see it through.”

These leaders, though often viewed as secondary in the organizational hierarchy, are essential to the success of their nonprofits. They are driven by outcomes, not politics, and stand as the trusted arm of their staff, accountable and focused on the mission. Their passion for feeding, counseling, and sheltering others drives them year after year.

Britton, Teo, and Jimmy may not be in the CEO spotlight, but as Jackson Browne’s song says, “you guys are the champs.” Without these champions, the music of our nonprofits wouldn’t be nearly as sweet.