Amy P. Nisenson exudes a strong inner confidence.

She describes herself as “caring, humble and self- motivated.”

The 53-year-old Goochland County resident unselfishly uses those traits for community betterment.

She says that’s why she enrolled in and completed a Leadership Metro Richmond class in 2001. She now chairs the board of Leadership Metro Richmond as the organization celebrates its 35th anniversary. She was elected to serve a one-year term in June.

Her aim: To assist the nonprofit, whose mission is to connect and educate a diverse group of community leaders, inspiring them to serve the Richmond region.

Ms. Nisenson says that worthy objective is right down her alley.

“I am a strong believer in the tenets of servant leadership, which includes collaboration, inclusion and giving back to the community,” she enthusiastically declares.

“Serving as chair of LMR seemed like the next step in my work with the organization and a way to work with other LMR leaders who share my passions,” she says.

Ms. Nisenson proudly cites the proven track record of LMR in effectively serving communities.

From a survey of members who recently graduated from LMR’s Leadership Quest program, she points out 70 percent have joined a nonprofit board, with 47 percent having served as an officer of a nonprofit or public board.

A member of LMR is seated at every significant regional solution-building table in our area, she adds.

In her day job, Ms. Nisenson is the executive director of the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation, formed in 1988 as a private foundation to support the capital needs of charitable organizations. She helps facilitate the foundation’s allocation of $4 million to $5 million in grants annually.

Meet this week’s Personality, Amy P. Nisenson:

Date and place of birth: May 6 in Portsmouth.

Current home: Manakin-Sabot in Goochland.

Alma mater: Bachelor’s in foreign affairs, University of Virginia, 1983.

Family: Husband, David, married 31 years; two adult children, Daniel, a lawyer, and Stacey, a first-grade teacher.

Occupation: Executive director, The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation and Independent Consultant.

What I do: I am a senior philanthropy professional with a 30-year track record of success across corporate, foundation and nonprofit sectors.

I provide expertise in a variety of service businesses including strategic planning, group and meeting facilitation, board development, and resource development and fundraising.

I offer consultation in the area of corporate community engagement, working to develop community engagement strategies and programs that support and further business objectives. I also teach classes in nonprofit management.

When LMR was founded: 1980.

LMR’s mission: To connect and educate a diverse group of community leaders, inspiring them to serve the Richmond region.

Number of LMR graduates per year: 65.

Number served since inception: 2,002.

Number of graduates in area elected positions: 16.

LMR President/CEO: Myra Goodman Smith.

LMR is financially supported by: Corporations, members and fees.

Your foremost LMR goal: To continue the 35-year reputation of LMR to develop diverse and engaged leaders for the Richmond region.

A good leader is: One who leads by example and earns, shows and instills confidence with humility. A good leader also empowers his/her followers with confidence and pride.

Impact of LMR on my life: LMR has helped me to learn more about the issues and people who live and work in our region and become more passionate about what our community has to offer.

On my career: LMR has helped me broaden my network and knowledge to better serve the community as a nonprofit leader and professional.

Why people should consider enrolling: To connect with other diverse leaders, gain an insider’s view, network and collaborate with influential leaders and enhance their ability to lead.

Number, approximately who apply each year: 100.

LMR’s connection with other leadership programs: LMR is connected with other national leadership programs through the Association of Leadership Programs.

Status of Richmond area’s leadership: Our region’s leadership is growing and changing. As new leaders emerge and fill the seats vacated by baby boomers, they are challenged by more complex community issues that require greater understanding, deeper perspectives and stronger connections.

What makes me tick: Always putting the interests of others first and seeing the impact of giving back to the community.

How I relax: Glass of wine, a good book and snuggle time with our SPCA rescue dog, Duncan.

Nobody knows that I: Like to bake and cook.

Person who influenced me the most: Diana Cantor. She has been a mentor and friend for many years and always has encouraged me to think outside the box and has pushed me to explore new opportunities. She encourages me to be my best self!

Book that influenced me the most: “The Ultimate Gift” by Jim Stovall.

What I’m reading now: “All Fall Down: A Novel” by Jennifer Weiner.

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is: Always keep your glass half full instead of half empty.

Next goal: Continue to serve the community in my professional and personal roles.