Great Resources for Experienced Professionals in a Career Transition: 40 Plus of Greater Washington

This week’s True North podcast features a brief interview with Eric Hertting, Executive Director with the nonprofit 40 Plus of Greater Washington, and Ken Schoppmann, 40 Plus’ Director of Partnerships and Programming.

The career resources provided by 40 Plus combine training, motivation, and support for individuals – a formula that’s produced success for job seekers in the DC area since 1953.

In this brief podcast (21:50), we discuss:

• What 40 Plus is and it’s lengthy track record of success in working with experienced professionals and executives who are in a career transition
• The three aspects of the programs offered by 40 Plus that benefit career searchers
• How the nature of work and the Gig Economy is changing the search process
• Insights about what makes 40 Plus especially effective for individuals in career transitions

About Eric Hertting

Eric Hertting is the new Executive Director of 40Plus of Greater Washington and a veteran finance professional. After receiving a B. Sc. (Chemistry) from McGill University and a BA (Humanities) from Johns Hopkins, he joined Morgan Stanley. Subsequently, he received his MBA from the Darden School at UVA where he was a Shermet Award recipient.  Eric joined Comsat Corporation, ultimately becoming Director of Corporate Finance and Treasury Operations.  He played a key role in the complex sale of Comsat to Lockheed Martin, where he joined the Treasury team as Director of Corporate Finance.  

More recently, as Assistant Treasurer of Gannett, he coordinated efforts to recapitalize the company during and after the financial crisis.  Eric is hoping to redeploy his analytical, managerial and financial management skills in a public service-oriented role. 

He completed the 40Plus training course last summer, and quickly became involved in various aspects of its operations.  He also has holds an adjunct teaching position at the George Washington University School of Business.

About Ken Schoppmann

Ken Schoppmann has more than 25 years of experience with nonprofit organizations, including trade and professional associations and a national information center.  He has led several organizations through various stages of development, expanding and enhancing internal capacity and improving value to stakeholders.  He has worked in all areas of association management, including finance, administration, event management, membership, board development, and strategic planning.  Ken has successfully collaborated with volunteer leaders around the world to evaluate and elevate association programs, increasing member recruitment and retention.  He has partnered with subject matter experts from diverse fields to develop content and new activities to address evolving members’ needs.

He has served on numerous volunteer committees to advance the association profession as part of the American Society of Association Executives.  He is a dedicated volunteer for several local and national organizations, assisting with strategic planning, program facilitation and recruitment.

Ken is a Certified Association Executive and a holds an Institute of Organizational Management certificate from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.