Brendan Kane is a partner at the Peregrine Group, a property-management company in East Providence, where he is part of a team overseeing the day-to-day business operations and business development. He brings business development, finance and public-relations knowledge to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State board after previously serving as vice president of business development for New England Construction, regional sales manager for The Hertz Corp. and as chief operating officer for Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Ireland.
In addition to his role on the BBBSOS board, Kane serves on the boards of Fogarty Foundation, The Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund, Fort Adams Trust, The Rhode Island Business Development Co. as well as the advisory board of Overhead Door and is a member of Rhode Island Commodores. He is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island.
Seifert Systems Invests in Energy Efficiency to Strengthen Operations
For manufacturers, energy is more than just another operating expense. It plays a critical role…
Learn More
PBN: What intrigues you about the work of the BBBSOS, why did you want to head their board of directors?
KANE: I have a degree in early childhood education and previously worked in the Providence public school system at Ocean Tides – a school and residence for adjudicated children. When I was asked to join the BBBSOS board and got familiar with the mission and the folks that help implement the mission in the community, it seemed like a natural fit. I was motivated to be part of the continued growth and evolution of this dynamic group. BBBSOS is already led by an exceptional leadership team in Katje Afonseca, Lori Viner and Shannon Scurry. My goal is to be part of the team that helps shape short- and long-term strategy.
PBN: What are the biggest challenges the organization faces in the next five years?
KANE: The organization has an incredible balance sheet, which allows us to really focus on mentoring and striving to ensure we mentor all of those looking for help. That said, our economics are primarily supported by community donations of clothing and home goods, with a smaller portion accounted for from private donations and grants. Our plan, as a group, is to ensure we have alternative avenues to continue to grow and diversify our revenue streams.
PBN: What are your goals in this position and how will fulfilling them impact the BBBSOS community?
KANE: My goal – to help BBBSOS create a sustainable model that will succeed regardless of board members or who is at the helm daily – is not role-specific. This requires planning, strategic thinking and having the right folks in place to implement it. I think board leadership over the last eight to 10 years has truly set us up to allow current board members to be focused on bigger, broader topics and fly at 15,000 feet knowing the leadership team is performing at high levels. The result of this will be placement among the top 10 nonprofits in the state relative to financial well-being, name recognition and, most importantly, community impact.
PBN: You’re a member of a number of nonprofit boards – why have you chosen to prioritize giving back to the community?
KANE: My decision was born out of behaviors modeled by my parents, brother, sister and people [that] surround me – and it simply is the right thing to do.
PBN: What would you say to others who are interested in helping their community but don’t know how?
KANE: My advice would be to find a group that strikes a chord with you (there are endless nonprofits looking for help) and make the leap. It feels really good!
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
