Meet Wayne Shields, President & CEO for the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals

As the head of the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP), Wayne Shields is intelligent, dedicated, and impassioned. What you will also find out is that Shields is openly gay.

Although Shields believes that being gay is only a part of who he is, he acknowledges that his orientation helps shape his views on workplace diversity. "To me, the norm for a workplace is an open environment, free and diverse where race, sexual orientation, and gender are not particularly pertinent to the work you're doing," he says.

A New World View

Shields began his journey at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. where he received his undergraduate degree in english literature with a minor in women studies. He's the second male in Old Dominion history to do so. "I was very proud of that accomplishment," Shields says. "During that time, I experienced such a new world view."

With a certain fondness, Shields remembers the question he was asked repeatedly, "'So, what are you going to do, teach?'" Teaching was an option, however, Shields wanted to explore his opportunities.

"I envied those who had their professional goals figured out when they were 12," Shields says. "My interests were so broad. It was a challenge for me to those interests and translate them into a rewarding career."

Shields' interests initially took him to The George Washington University for graduate studies in organizational management. He didn't get his degree, but he plans to return because the courses positively influenced his career path.

"I would suggest organizational management for anyone who's trying to decide between getting their MBA and taking the practical route," explains Shields. "It has taught me everything from budgeting and management to understanding how behaviors in groups differ from behaviors in individuals." During his career, Shields has found those to be invaluable assets.

A Day in the Life

Shields first came to ARHP as a director of education and was promoted to vice president for education and communications. In 1998, Shields took hold of his current position.

His job requirements push him to interact on all levels within the organization. He works with the board of directors to establish goals and then consults with his staff to develop programs that fulfill them. Shields also spends time fundraising, personally contacting potential funders, and raising awareness about ARHP among other organizational and governmental leaders connected to reproductive healthcare policies.

"Oh, the days vary so much," he explains. There is pressure being the president and CEO because it [responsibility] all rests on my shoulders, but it's all fun."

Words of Wisdom

Shields has been fortunate, in his professional and personal life, not to be the target of hostility because of his sexual orientation. "I never treated being gay as this big deal," says Shields. "I've found that people follow my lead, treating it with the same level of respect as I do."

Shields has a happy story to tell. But, what about those who decided to come "out" at work only to be greeted with a hostile environment?

Shields believes that it's hard to give advice to someone who's having difficulty at work because of personal issues. "No one can walk in anyone else's shoes. Everyone experiences things differently," he says.

But, if he were to give his opinion, he would tell that person to be practical and make a list of pros and cons. If the person finds that leaving would not be the smart thing to do, tolerating the tension and making changes from within may be a necessary evil.

Shields suggests positioning your personal and professional lives in one direction. "The decisions I've made for my education, my career, and my life, have always provided me with the most comfortable and rewarding situations," he reveals.

Salary

Nonprofit CEO salaries run the gamut depending on the size of the organization. "The larger the operational capital, the larger the salary," Shields says. For example, a president of a regional homeless shelter may make less than an executive director of a national relief organization.

Executive salaries for nonprofit and associations could range from 40k-400k. The best thing to do is target your area of interest and do extensive research before making a career choice.

For the Next Five Years

Shields knows that AHRP will be home for at least the next two years. He recently renewed his contract.

"I love my job. Fortunately, I work with a board that accepts me and is very understanding of the importance of a diversified workplace," he says.

For the long run, Shields wants to move to a larger scale nonprofit. Wherever his path should take him, he wants to continue to positively change lives.