How do you transform a regional nonprofit into a fully remote, high-performing organization without losing the human connection that makes the work meaningful?

In this episode of the Return to People Podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson talks with Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, CEO at USTA Mid-Atlantic, about how her team transitioned to fully remote work by prioritizing talent, trust, and community impact.

One of the biggest shifts came in helping managers transition from “managing by sight” to leading through outcomes, a change that required intentional coaching, new systems, and a deeper understanding of accountability in a distributed environment. At the same time, supporting younger employees starting their careers remotely meant investing in onboarding, communication training, and development opportunities from day one.

The results speak for themselves: a more engaged workforce, stronger retention, and a broader, more diverse talent pool. As Tara puts it, “We trust our team to work when, where, and how they work best.” That trust has created a culture where flexibility fuels commitment, and employees are empowered to excel, not because they have to, but because they want to.

🎧 Dive into the full episode to hear Tara’s practical insights on compassionate leadership, equitable workplace culture, and how to keep remote teams thriving for the long haul.

Learn more about Tara:

• Tara´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-fitzpatrick-navarro/
• USTA Mid-Atlantic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usta-mid-atlantic/