The Expert Generalist Episode 1: Leading with Range – Cheryl O'Donnell of Florence Crittenton/Young Moms Together
In the first episode of The Expert Generalist podcast, host Natalie Hauff interviews Cheryl O’Donnell, Executive Director of Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina, now called Young Moms Together—a nonprofit based in Charleston, SC, that supports pregnant and parenting teens.
Cheryl brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, public health, and community advocacy. Under her guidance, Florence Crittenton is shifting away from traditional institutional care and pioneering a more responsive, community-based model that empowers young mothers across South Carolina. In this episode, she and Natalie explore the evolving needs of the populations Cheryl serves, and how nonprofit leaders can embrace adaptability, systems thinking, and empathy to create lasting impact.
Cheryl also reflects on her own career journey—from advocating for vulnerable seniors and domestic violence survivors to helping uninsured Americans access healthcare—and how each chapter required a generalist mindset: versatile, mission-driven, and focused on where she could make the most difference.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Florence Crittenton/Young Moms Together is transforming support for pregnant and parenting teens
What it takes to lead a legacy nonprofit through major change
Why generalists are uniquely positioned to create impact across sectors
How Cheryl’s background in journalism, public health, and advocacy informs her leadership today
If you’re passionate about nonprofit innovation, community engagement, or public service leadership, this episode offers an inspiring look at what it means to do many things well—in service of others.