Nonprofit leader Tammi Morris has spent her life turning hardship into purpose and compassion into action. In this powerful conversation, she shares how faith, resilience, and lived experience shaped her servant leadership journey. Her story offers practical wisdom for anyone called to lead with courage, humility, and heart.
Nicholas Paulukow
Welcome back to Servant Leader’s Library, where we explore the stories, strategies, and sometimes the miracles behind true, impactful leadership. I’m your host, Nicholas Paulukow, CEO of ONE 2 ONE. Today, we’re stepping into a different kind of protection—safeguarding people, purpose, and communities that need it most.
Our guest is someone with nearly 30 years of nonprofit superpowers: Tammi Morris, Executive Director of Faith Friendship Ministries in Lancaster County, PA. She’s the kind of leader who can walk into a crisis, bring clarity before the coffee cools, and inspire everyone around her to rise.
Tammi specializes in organizational turnarounds, advocacy, and creating sustainable growth while championing dignity, stability, and belonging for vulnerable adults. If servant leadership had a superhero cape, Tammi probably designed it, patched it, and distributed it to the entire team.
Tammi, welcome.
We help leadership teams build more resilient IT foundations. Curious what that looks like?
Tammi Morris
You’re amazing—thank you so much for having me. I’m excited to be here.
Nicholas Paulukow
For listeners who aren’t familiar with your story, can you share how your journey into nonprofit leadership began?
Tammi Morris
I was raised in poverty in Syracuse, New York. My mom was mentally ill, my dad wasn’t around, and my twin brother and I spent much of our childhood in foster homes, dealing with abuse and instability. Mental illness wasn’t discussed then. Everything was hidden.
But growing up in survival mode gave me an unusual ability: I could see trap doors before others stepped into them. I didn’t know it then, but God was shaping the exact skills I would later use to help organizations.
Many nonprofits had strong missions but were operating at a grassroots, fragile level—wasteful spending, redundant services, poor systems. Even at 20, I felt compelled to fix what was broken and advocate for those being overlooked.
I didn’t have a degree. I had a GED, a year and a half of college, and a lot of tenacity. But I knew what injustice felt like, and I was determined to prevent others from experiencing it.
Pretending vs. Becoming
Tammi Morris
When I entered leadership roles, especially in a large nonprofit with eight locations and over a hundred staff, I was terrified people would find out where I came from. I hid in plain sight by overworking, overperforming, and learning everything I possibly could.
Looking back, the difference between who I was then and who I am now is simple:
I am now who I pretended to be.
God worked on me—healed me, transformed me, and surrounded me with people who helped me grow. My career has been a long process of becoming.
A Life-Defining Health Crisis
Tammi Morris
In 2021, everything changed. I developed two rare brainstem diseases—trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. They caused pain so severe it’s nicknamed the suicide disease. Every day felt like electrocution in my face, mouth, and throat.
The medication caused auditory hallucinations—I heard Mozart when no music was playing. But this suffering changed me deeply. It gave me compassion for people battling mental illness. It softened judgments I didn’t realize I still carried.
And ultimately, it prepared me for my next calling: Faith Friendship Ministries, where every resident lives with persistent mental illness.
At first I wondered, “Am I being demoted?” But one interaction with a resident broke my heart and made everything clear. I prayed:
“God, show me how to love them the way they deserve—not the way the world sees them.”
Being Called Into Hard Places
Nicholas Paulukow
Many leaders feel pulled in different directions. How did you know you were called into this work?
Tammi Morris
Interestingly, I was contacted about leading Faith Friendship back in 2017, long before I was ready. I dismissed it. I even said something I’m not proud of:
“I was raised by mental illness—I’m not going to run it.”
That reaction revealed a part of me that still needed healing.
When the brain disease hit in 2020, God began reshaping my understanding of mental health. By the time the role opened again, I was ready—emotionally and spiritually—to lead with compassion instead of fear.
Leading Through Crisis
Tammi Morris
In 2022, just 11 months into my role, Faith Friendship faced the biggest crisis in its 23-year history—a devastating situation involving criminal, legal, and regulatory consequences.
I had no idea what to do. But my first instinct was:
“God, you knew this was coming. Give me what I need.”
We investigated like the persistent widow in Scripture—relentlessly pursuing truth and justice. Doing the right thing came with consequences, including significant financial losses and intense scrutiny. But God stayed with us through every step.
Some staff didn’t understand why I insisted on praying for the offender. But forgiveness is not agreement—it’s obedience.
Trauma affects everyone differently, and as a leader, I had to slow down, acknowledge pain, and meet people where they were.
Balancing Compassion and Tough Decisions
Nicholas Paulukow
How do you balance compassion with the tough decisions required in turnaround work?
Tammi Morris
I approach people with honesty, humility, and the belief that they want to do well. Accountability isn’t personal—it’s part of growth. And I try to model being correctable myself.
I’m not confident in me—I’m confident in God’s ability to complete the work He’s started in me.
Avoiding Isolation in Leadership
Tammi Morris
One of the biggest mistakes leaders make during uncertainty is isolation. It’s dangerous and pride-driven. When crises hit, I reach up to God and out to my network.
Leaders need muscle memory—the ability to respond instinctively with faith, wisdom, and community.
Filling the Cup Back Up
Nicholas Paulukow
You pour so much into others. How do you refill your own cup?
Tammi Morris
I used to empty my cup, break the cup, lose the cup, give the cup away. I’ve learned to slow down and prioritize:
- Time with God
- Nature—hiking, kayaking
- Family and close friends
- Breathing room in my schedule
- Honest check-ins with myself
After the brain surgery, I learned to cherish peace. I don’t ever want to lose it again.
Advice for Leaders Wanting to Be More Mission-Driven
Tammi Morris
Stop pretending and become.
We all pretend in some area of our lives. But when you let go of expectations, ego, and fear, you become available for transformation.
Seek feedback. Reflect on blind spots. Surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth.
And remember: If you’re a CEO or ED, you are at the lowest position. Everything is your fault. When your team knows you embrace that, you become a safe place—and people want to partner with you.
A Vision for Nonprofits
Tammi Morris
One misconception I’d erase?
That nonprofits are in competition.
I dream of a true coalition—organizations sharing resources, missions, and solutions. The need is too big for silos.
Mentors and the Best Advice Ever Received
Tammi Morris
I’ve had many mentors over the years—spiritual, political, industry-specific. Two pieces of advice changed everything:
- Ask more questions.
- Take more time.
My urgency used to make me rush decisions. Slowing down has saved me from preventable mistakes.
A Final Challenge to Listeners
Tammi Morris
Where in your life are you pretending?
Stop pretending and become.
Be open to the idea that God’s plan for you might not look like what you imagined. I never thought someone with my background would lead organizations for 30 years. But looking at my wiring, experiences, and passions—there’s nowhere I’d rather be.
If I’m where God wants me, even in the hardest season, I’m in the safest place.
Closing
Nicholas Paulukow
Tammi, thank you for sharing your powerful story and heart for servant leadership. Your journey reminds us that leadership isn’t about having the answers—it’s about showing up, loving people well, and believing in their potential.
If this conversation inspired you, subscribe and share it with someone who needs encouragement today.
Until next time, keep learning, keep serving, and keep showing up for the people who count on you.
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