Leader to Leader Mentoring

Are you a new ED/CEO who needs some mentoring? This might be a fit for you!

Leader to Leader Mentoring Program - for NEW Executive Directors/CEOs as mentees and experienced Executive Directors/CEOs as mentors 

This exclusive benefit for Leadership Council members pairs new Executive Directors/CEOs with seasoned volunteer ED/CEOs. This opportunity is designed for executives new to their role, new to Greater Cincinnati, new to the nonprofit community or new to Leadership Council. Let someone who has walked in your shoes help guide you.

If interested, please reach out to info@leadershipcouncil.us.

23^rd Annual Nonprofit Leadership Summit

Leadership Council is pleased to partner with sponsor Barnes Dennig and Association for Fundraising Professionals to host an informative, educational, and engaging nonprofit summit. Held annually, we hope you can join us in 2025!

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Greater Cincinnati Foundation!

Our programming is designed for your mission and challenges. From small to large nonprofits organizations across the spectrum of our region, we have something for you!

Some of our programs are open to anyone and some are exclusive to Leadership Council members - learn more about the benefits of membership here.

Programming and resources to attract, nurture, and develop the nonprofit workforce in our region.

2023 LEADERSHIP LEGACY AWARDS

Leaders Circles 2025-26 registration has closed.

Leadership Challenge

The Leadership Challenge® 3-Day Experience

April 28-30, 2025 at Camp Joy (two-night stay)

Registration has closed.

The Leadership Challenge® is an intense and interactive three-day program that helps you tap into your personal leadership skills through a variety of activities. As you'll come to learn through The Leadership Challenge®, leadership isn't about titles. It's not about the position you hold. It's about the way you behave, the way you influence and the way you inspire. And each of you needs to serve as leaders as you work toward your shared vision. 

The below blocks are info from the previous page when Leaders Circles registration was live. These blocks have been updated on the live page to remove registration information.

Which program is right for me?

Need help choosing a Leadership Council program for yourself or your team? Check out our upcoming programs guide below to learn more about our upcoming events, who should attend, plus all the pertinent details. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@leadershipcouncil.us.

We hope to see you at our upcoming programs! 

VUCA Leader:  Vision, Understanding, Clarity, & Agility
This award recognizes an early-career leader in the Greater Cincinnati nonprofit sector who is positively impacting their organization and the community through demonstrated:

Vision, Understanding, Clarity & Agility (VUCA+)
while operating in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex & Ambiguous (VUCA-) world

Jai’La Nored, Council on Aging, Senior Innovation Designer
In her role as Senior Innovation Designer at Council on Aging, Jai’La has managed development — in conjunction with the University of Cincinnati’s Live Well Collaborative — of two game-changing, original technologies that have the potential to be scaled and adopted for statewide or national use to make a notable difference to older adults and caregivers who require the support of help at home but aren't able to secure it due to a nationwide aide shortage. As a result of this partnership, Live Well has tapped COA as a subject matter expert to inform their other endeavors, including a project with Procter & Gamble related to older adults, hygiene and personal care.

Jai'La has also led the development and implementation of COA’s employee intranet and other projects that have touched all COA’s programs in some way. She has become a sought-after resource within COA when a creative solution is required to fix a problem or launch a new service.

Jai’La is actively engaged in volunteer leadership roles where she organizes and advocates on behalf of those whose needs aren’t being met and at-risk individuals and communities, including Xavier University, Community Matters, Rosemary's Babies Co., and Girls with Grit.

Opening Session: Nonprofit 2.0: Navigating the Road Ahead  

Today’s nonprofit leaders are navigating a landscape full of detours—AI, funding shifts, burnout, and declining trust. In this keynote, Suzanne Smith invites you to zoom out, re-center your mission, and rethink the map entirely. The road ahead won’t be paved with yesterday’s strategies—but with bold mindsets and adaptive systems designed for what’s next.

Suzanne Smith, Social Impact Architects

Suzanne Smith is a nationally recognized nonprofit strategist, speaker, and author who believes everyone can be a changemaker. As CEO of Social Impact Architects and adjunct professor, she has spent almost three decades advising nonprofits, foundations, corporations, and social entrepreneurs on how to design game-changing solutions for our most pressing social issues. Suzanne also authors Social TrendSpotter, one of the sector’s top blogs according to The Huffington Post. She is frequently interviewed by regional and national media and has published articles in Forbes, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, See Change, Nonprofit Business Advisor, and Upstart. For her outstanding work as a leading thinker, she was recognized with the Next Generation Social Entrepreneur Award by the Social Enterprise Alliance. A graduate of Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, Suzanne is a sought-after keynote speaker and executive education instructor who has trained thousands of leaders nationwide.

Stay up to date with Suzanne and Social Impact Architects here:

Social TrendSpotter

LinkedIn: Suzanne Smith, Social Impact Architects

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Previous Event:

Your Story Is Worthy Too 

October 9, 2024, 8 am - 12 pm

Schiff Family Conference Center at Xavier Cintas Center

As leaders, we’re often so focused on sharing our organization’s mission that we forget the magic of sharing our own stories – and the power they have. Believing that your story is worthy transforms your posture in all circumstances.

In this groundbreaking keynote and workshop, we discovered how to release our internal self-doubt, eliminate imposter syndrome, and move past comparison mentality to grow visibility for our personal brand and thought leadership.

Through a series of comedic stories, Dana Snyder shared hard-won personal branding lessons to help us gain credibility and be recognized as a thought leader in our industry.

Following the workshop, Dana and special guest Karen Harshaw dove into annual giving and tackled our toughest questions.

This event was hosted by Barnes Dennig, the Association for Fundraising Professionals, and the Leadership Council for Nonprofits. Thank you to event sponsors Fifth Third Bank and Anne M. Maxfield, LLC.

Program Overview

• Monthly meetings (generally 90 minutes) September through May
• Regular meeting day, time, and location determined by each group and facilitator
• 8-12 nonprofit leaders grouped by role or responsibility
• Participants commit to meeting real-time challenges and creating solutions
• Skilled facilitation by a professional volunteer

NOTE:  this program is an exclusive benefit for Leadership Council nonprofit organization members - please verify your 2025 membership before registering.

Conference Workshops

We are excited to announce that A Force for Good has been selected by Social Venture Partners Cincinnati as its next long-term investee as part of the Project XLR8 program!

Thank you to SVP Cincinnati for your faith in our idea to power up the nonprofit workforce. We're also grateful to Clark Schaefer Hackett Strategic HR and a generous private foundation for being seed-stage investors. Read the announcement in Movers & Makers! 

Who's Coming? 

We hope you will join us at Securing the Future!

25th Hour

4C for Children

A Picture's Worth

Accelerate Great Schools

Activities Beyond the Classroom

Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership

AFP of Greater Cincinnati Cincinnati

ALS United Ohio

Allison Dolan Consulting

Alzheimers Association - Greater Cincinnati Chapter

Anne M. Maxfield, LLC

Arts & Humanities Consultants

ArtWorks

Bahl & Gaynor

Barnes Dennig

Beech Acres

Bethany House Services

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County

Black Achievers

Blue & Co.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Breakthrough Cincinnati

Brighton Center, Inc.

Building Value

Caracole

Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation

Center for Closing the Health Gap in Greater Cincinnati

Center for Respite Care

Central Clinic Behavioral Health

CHNK Behavioral Health

Chronic Condition Care for You Inc

Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency

Cincinnati Computer Reuse

Cincinnati Preschool Promise

Cincinnati Preservation

Cincinnati Regional Chamber

Cincinnati ToolBank

Cincinnati Works

Cincinnati Youth Collaborative

Cindy Martin CPA

CityLink Center

Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Collab

Collective Spaces Design Works

Combined, a CHUBB Company

Co-op Cincy

Cooperative for Education

Cornerstone Renter Equity

Corporation for Findlay Market

Crayons to Computers

DBD Group

Easterseals Redwood

Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky

EngageKY

FIESTA

First Financial Bank

Forever Kings

Forvis Mazars

Found House IHN

Freestore Foodbank

Friends of Cinti College Prep Academy

Friends of Music Hall

From Fatherless to Fearless

Generation NOW

Gilman Partners

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

Give Like A Mother

GO Pantry

GrantAlly

Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services

Hearing Speech and Deaf Center of Greater Cincinnati

HER Cincinnati

HEY! Hopeful Empowered Youth

Hope's Closet

Housing Opportunities Made Equal

Huntington National Bank/Huntington Insurance

Ignite Philanthropy

IKRON Corporation

Immigrant & Refugee Law Center

Independence Alliance

Interact for Health

iSPACE

Jewish Family Service

Junior League of Cincinnati

Juniper

JVS Careers

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful

Last Mile Food Rescue

Leadership Bridges

Learning Grove

Lighthouse Youth & Family Services

Lincoln Heights Outreach Incorporated

Linden Grove School

Madisonville Emergency Assistance Center

Make It Count

Mary Magdalen House

Mercy Health Foundation

Mercy Neighborhood Ministries

Movers & Makers

New Life Furniture Bank

Next Step Networking

Oasis Senior Advisors

Ohio Justice & Policy Center

Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol / ProSeniors

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence

Partnerships for Advancing Community Health

Paylocity

Payroll Partners

Per Scholas

Perspective Guides

Philanthropy Ohio

PNC Bank

Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio

ProSeniors

Public Allies Cincinnati

RetireMed

Ronald McDonald House of Greater Cincinnati

S. Kastner Consulting

Samaritan Car Care Clinic

San Francisco Symphony

Sandra Hughes Strategies, Ltd.

Santa Maria Community Services

Scrap2Home

Shelterhouse

Sidekick Services

Signal & Proof

Social Venture Partners

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Cincinnati

St. Francis Seraph Ministries

St. Rita School for the Deaf

Strategic Impact Consultants

Strive Together

SuperSeeds LLC

Sycamore Capital

Talbert House

Tender Mercies

The Chatfield Edge

The Crossroads Center

The Dragonfly Foundation

The Grail in the U.S.

The Healing Center

The Health Collaborative

The LIT Movement

The Welcome House

Tikkun Farm

UpSpring

USI Insurance

Valley View Nature Preserve

Wesley Chapel Mission Center

Westwood Works

WordPlay Cincy

World Affairs Council - Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

XPLANE at Tier1

YMCA Greater Cincinnati

YWCA Greater Cincinnati

Your Store of the Queen City

Presenting Sponsor

More info and registration:

How to Save 15 Hours per Week with Smarter Grant Tracking

Nonprofit Dinner Workshop

IT Roundtable

BOLD Cohort 24

10:00 - 10:45 am

Visionary Board Leader
This award honors an established and proven board member of a nonprofit organization in the Greater Cincinnati region who has led their organization through transformational change, weathered difficult circumstances, or demonstrated outstanding vision and achievement.

Jack Geiger, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Immediate Past Board Chair
Like many organizations, CYC was impacted by COVID. CYC also experienced the loss of a significant grant that led to the layoff of 8 people (16% of the organization) and went through a challenging leadership transition. During a vacancy in the CEO role, Jack jumped in as the interim CEO to help lead the organization through this difficult time. He went way above and beyond as a volunteer to help stabilize relationships with critical partners, donors, and staff members.

His nominator, CYC CEO Amy Thompson said, “Jack has role modeled and taught us about: conflict resolution, relationship building, employee development, improving the culture, donor connections, follow up, embracing a strategic mindset and focus, and so much more. CYC is a mentoring organization and Jack embraces this to the core. Jack has mentored younger board members including a future board chair. Jack has enhanced board members, staff and students’ leadership capabilities. Jack is constantly making connections to other organizations to help the organization collaborate and have greater community impact. and impact.”

Attendance and Refund Policy

Consistent attendance is a crucial element to the trust built in Leaders Circles. Please ensure that you can commit to a meeting a month for nine months. The meeting time will be determined by each Circle with their facilitator before meetings begin. Refunds will not be issued after meetings start. If you miss more than two consecutive meetings, you may be asked to step away from the Circle.

Contact administration@leadershipcouncil.us with questions

REGISTER NOW

Check out this article from Harvard Business Review on the value of a peer to peer coaching program.

Interested in facilitating?

Each year, we need a few new volunteer facilitators for our Leaders Circle program. You can find out more about the role here. If this is something that interests you, please reach out to our Executive Director at bbenson@leadershipcouncil.us.

Facilitators needed!

Each year, we need a few new volunteer facilitators for our Leaders Circle program. People with prior coaching or facilitation experience, as well as veteran Leaders Circle members make great candidates. You can find out more about the role here. If this is something that interests you, please reach out to our Executive Director at bbenson@leadershipcouncil.us.

1. The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership you will learn are understandable, relevant, and applicable. Those who have already attended the program will tell you that they were able to immediately start leading in better ways.
2. The 30-plus years of research supporting this model of leadership continues to this day. There are decades of evidence proving that the program leads to higher results.
3. You leave the program with a number of options on how to lead more effectively, not simply with more work to do. It can actually reduce the feelings of overwhelm, which many are facing today.
4. It is regarded as one of the premier leadership development programs, available around the world.

Mission: Possible

Resilience, Connection, and Courage in Uncertain Times

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 8:00 am - 5 pm

Cintas Center

Luncheon Presentation: Lead with Emotional Intelligence, Live with Intention

In a world where time feels fleeting, emotional intelligence becomes your boldest power move. In this energizing keynote, Patrice Borders, The EI Amplifier™, shares her practice of Pause, Process, and Pick™ – helping you claim your most powerful response and showing that deeper connection is always possible, even in the moments that feel most rushed.

Patrice B. Borders, JD, Founder & CEO, AmplifyEI™

Board-Certified Executive Coach | TEDx & Keynote Speaker

Author Patrice B. Borders, Esq., widely known as The EI Amplifier™, is a transformational executive coach, TEDx and keynote speaker, attorney, and the visionary behind AmplifyEI™. As Founder and CEO, she’s led a 20+ year mission to cultivate emotionally intelligent leaders and thriving cultures where people feel seen, safe, and supported. With a foundation rooted in employment law and human capital consulting, Patrice delivers neuroscience-based tools that empower leaders to navigate stress, conflict, and complexity with clarity and confidence. She is the creator of the 7 Keys to Emotional Intelligence™—a practical, actionable model designed to elevate self-awareness, connection, and courageous leadership. Her approach guides teams and individuals from autopilot to intentional action using her signature Pause–Process–Pick framework. Her impact reaches from Fortune 100 giants like Disney and Kroger to Am Law 100 firms and national nonprofits. She is a Certified Search Inside Yourself Teacher, Board-Certified Executive Coach, and credentialed in multiple emotional intelligence assessments, including EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360. Her coaching is anchored in transformation, self-awareness, and authentic leadership presence. Patrice is a contributing author to the Amazon bestseller Micro Shift: Small Mindset Changes for Big Results. Her debut solo book, Amplify Emotional Intelligence, is currently in progress and scheduled for release in 2026. The book brings to life the themes explored in her bi-monthly LinkedIn newsletter of the same name, which has cultivated a loyal and growing global readership.

Stay up to date with Patrice and AmplifyEI™ here:

AmplifyEI™ Newsletter

LinkedIn: Patrice Borders, AmplifyEI™

Keynote Sponsor

As the Founder of Positive Equation, Dana Snyder teaches non-profits how to use social media marketing and innovative technology to transform their online experiences. Dana has spoken at events such as the Classy Collaborative, Television Academy Foundation Summit, Cause Camp, NIO Summit, Take Stock in Children Statewide Conference, Dress for Success International Conference, Peer-to-Peer Forum, and many others.

After working in New York City and Los Angeles running digital campaigns for Movember, Dress for Success, Hashtag Lunchbag, LA84 Foundation, USTA, American Idol, and others, Dana wanted to share her learnings outside individual company boardrooms. In 2022, Dana launched her podcast, taking listeners behind the feed of compelling marketing strategies and case studies.

Today, through virtual workshops and in-person speaking engagements, she finds so much joy in sharing the room with people inspired to change the world providing intentional sessions designed for immediate impact whether guests are in the room…or on Zoom.

Inclusive Culture
This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that is welcoming at every level to every individual.

ArtWorks
To support its first formal board-approved DEIA plan, ArtWorks formed a DEIA committee, engaged an outside practitioner to help staff heighten cultural awareness, and in 2022 participated in the Ellequate Equity Certification Program which is focused on equity-centered action plans and data-driven insights. ArtWorks’ participation in the Ellequate program resulted in a silver level certification award which signified that the organization achieved significant progress in creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Through the Ellequate program ArtWorks assessed policies and practices and engaged staff to identify core strengths and growth areas. They created an individual and family leave policy to promote flexible support to help employees thrive professionally without sacrificing important and essential obligations. The policy includes paid maternity and paternity leave up to 12 weeks, medical leave up to 12 weeks and family care leave up to 6 weeks. Priorities for 2023-2024 were established that include standardized recruiting and interviewing processes to eliminate unconscious bias, articulation of flexible work options that are perceived as equitable for all roles, development of a transparent, standardized, and objective promotion policy, set leadership diversity targets, and enhanced internal and external communications that use inclusive and accessible language that welcomes all.

Since the implementation of the plan, there has been an increase over two years in BIPOC board representation from 13% to 33% and an increase over two years in BIPOC administrative staff representation from 7% to 38%. Both seasonal and year-round staff participate in cultural awareness training, with a cultural assessment and 1:1 coaching for all new year-round administrative hires. Seasonal employment includes the employment of 55% BIPOC young artists and 50%+ BIPOC teaching artists over a three-year period. Mental health 101 training is required for all staff working with young people and professional mental health resiliency training is provided to young people participating in ArtWorks programs.

Become a 2025 Securing the Future Conference Sponsor!

If you are interested in becoming a Securing the Future Conference sponsor, please download: 

Sponsorship Packages

Sponsor Commitment Form 

Please contact Beth Benson with any questions!

Karen Harshaw is a seasoned fundraising and development professional with over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, committed to empowering non-profits to maximize their impact and achieve their fundraising goals.

Karen’s distinguished career is marked by her exceptional leadership in guiding development and advancement teams, advising on philanthropic giving, and partnering with boards and leadership to drive fund development and governance initiatives. With a successful track record in strategic planning, major gift programs, corporate giving, and capital campaigns, Karen has raised millions for both private and public philanthropic campaigns.

As the first and only Black woman-led fundraising consulting firm in Cincinnati, (SPARK), Karen is a trailblazer in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the fundraising profession. Through SPARK, she strives to inspire fundraising professionals and boards to embrace a positive outlook on fundraising while amplifying the talents and experiences of fundraisers of color.

Make it Your Culture, Not a Crisis: Embedding Succession Planning into Practice

10:00 - 10:45 am, Room C1&2

Succession planning is no longer optional for nonprofits. With an aging executive workforce, increasing burnout, and a rising generation of mission-driven talent, nonprofits face both a challenge and an opportunity: to build leadership pipelines that are proactive, inclusive, and strengths-based.

We’ll unpack three bold moves to make succession planning part of your culture. Drawing on Gilman Partners’ dual expertise in executive search and leadership development, this session offers a strengths-based approach nonprofit leaders can begin implementing right away regardless of size or resources. Leave with actionable tools, fresh insights, and next steps to grow internal talent and leadership continuity.

Moderator: Michele Plessinger, Partner/Executive Search Consultant, Gilman Partners

Michele co-leads the Nonprofit Leadership Practice. With deep expertise in C-suite searches and professional services, she leads executive placements for top regional nonprofits. A former Deloitte HR leader, Michele is a Leadership Cincinnati alum and holds a business degree from Penn State University.

Panel:

Barry Elkus, Partner/Executive Search Consultant

Amber Brown, Director, Talent & Education

Megan Meyer, Executive Search Consultant

Ben Smock, Search Consultant

Audience: ED/CEOs, boards, HR, development professionals, and program managers

Gold Level Sponsor - more available!

Leadership Council is pleased to launch “A Force for Good,” combining existing and new programming designed to draw attention to job opportunities in the nonprofit sector and equip nonprofit employers to attract and retain talent.

A natural complement to longstanding Leadership Council programming, A Force for Good will encompass three focus areas:

1. Nonprofit HR Practice (including recruitment/retention, culture, and compensation)
2. Career Pathway Education (at all levels of educational attainment)
3. Advocacy and Public Relations (positioning the sector as an economic force and career of choice)

Securing the Future is an annual conference dedicated to building the strategic, leadership, and resource development skills of the board, staff, and donors of the region’s nonprofits. This educational conference is designed to address the needs and concerns of board members and senior leadership. In addition to the keynote address, participants will have a chance to interact with peers and attend breakout sessions led by local speakers for a deeper dive into the keynote topic.

For the conference's 25th year, Securing the Future has been expanded to a full day, packed with even more breakout sessions and actionable content! Don't miss this annual conference dedicated to building the strategic, leadership, and resource development skills of the board, staff, and donors of the region’s nonprofits.

Program Overview

• Monthly meetings (generally 90 minutes) September through May
• 6-10 nonprofit leaders grouped by role or responsibility
• Participants commit to meeting real-time challenges and creating solutions
• Meeting time and location (including virtual options) determined by each group and facilitator
• Skilled facilitation by a professional volunteer

NOTE: This program is an exclusive benefit for Leadership Council members. 

Keep Calm and Fundraise On: What Brave Fundraisers Know and Do

10:00 - 10:45 am, Room C4&5

In uncertain times, fundraising can feel like navigating a storm without a map—or an umbrella. This session is for nonprofit leaders who are ready to lead with courage, clarity, and connection. We’ll explore what the most resilient fundraisers do differently, how they maintain donor trust during tough seasons, and what it takes to keep the mission moving when resources feel scarce. Walk away with real-world strategies, a renewed sense of confidence, and maybe even a little peace of mind.

Scott Provancher, CEO, Ignite Philanthropy

Scott brings over 25 years of nonprofit management and fundraising experience to his role as CEO of Ignite Philanthropy. Scott launched Ignite in 2013 when asked to lead the fundraising for what ultimately became the Save Our Icons campaign, raising over $80 million towards the renovation of Music Hall and Union Terminal. Prior to Ignite, Scott was the CEO of the Arts & Science Council, Vice President for ArtsWave, and Executive Director of the Louisville Orchestra and Rockford Symphony.

Audience: Nonprofit ED/CEOs, fundraisers, boards

Lunch Sponsor

PROGRAMMING & RESOURCES

Check our Event Calendar for related programs!

1 Nonprofit HR Practice

Nonprofit Compensation & Benefits Study         

Unemployment Savings & Workforce Solutions

Medicare & Insurance Guidance

Retirement Plans

Workers Compensation Savings

Health Plan Option

Breakfast Sponsor

Registration has closed. 

Positive Leadership: How Positivity Can Transform Leaders and Elevate Teams

10:00 - 10:45 am, Room C3

In this presentation, Jesiah discusses the concept of “Leadership” and its evolution over time. He will introduce a growing leadership theory called “Positive Leadership” and discuss its ability to help individuals and teams flourish and achieve their highest potential. Attendees will learn four positive leadership strategies and develop a “Best Self Portrait,” an action plan for increasing their future potential. 

Jesiah Brock, Chief Program Officer, CityLink Center

Jesiah is a visionary leader, community builder, and faith-driven strategist who serves as Chief Program Officer at CityLink Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. In this role, he oversees the design and execution of integrated services that empower individuals to overcome barriers and pursue holistic life transformation. Jesiah leads a multidisciplinary team, guiding innovative approaches that connect clients to purpose, stability, and opportunity through strong community partnerships. 

Audience: anyone

Media Sponsor

Circles available:

• Executive Director/President/CEO
• CFO or equivalent
• COO, VP of Operations, or equivalent
• CDO, Development Director, or equivalent
• CHRO, Human Resource Director or equivalent
• CMO, Communications/Marketing Director, or equivalent
• Quality Assurance Professionals
• Volunteer Manager or Coordinator
• Program Director/Manager

We do our best to match similar positions and similarly sized organizations. Please select the group that most aligns with your current position or area of responsibility, regardless of your title.

Typically, we only form a Circle if at least six participants register. If you request a group that does not fill up, we will offer the opportunity to join a different type of group, or refund your registration fee.

Program Fee

Like membership dues, Leaders Circle fees are on a sliding scale to keep them affordable for all sizes of organizations, and is based on annual revenue from the most recent IRS Form 990 or 990EZ. Despite rising costs, we have held fees to the same level this year.

11:00 - 11:45 am

Featured Speakers:

Opening Session: Suzanne Smith, Social Impact Architects 

Lunch Speaker: Patrice Borders, AmplifyEI

Attendance Policy

Consistent attendance is a crucial element to the trust built in Leaders Circles. Please ensure that you can commit to a meeting a month for nine months. The meeting time will be determined by each Circle with their facilitator before meetings begin. Refunds will not be issued after meetings start. If you miss more than two consecutive meetings, you may be asked to step away from the Circle.

Contact administration@leadershipcouncil.us with questions.

Check out this article from Harvard Business Review on the value of a peer to peer coaching program.

Workshop Sponsors

Better Business Bureau Cincinnati

Ignite Philanthropy

Paylocity

Conference Workshops:

Belonging at Every Level: Resetting Culture and Fundraising Through Connection

Board Leadership in a Time of Change

From Crisis to Possibility: Reframing Uncertainty with Curiosity

Growing Stronger Together: Collaborative Partnerships & Mergers

Keep Calm and Fundraise On: What Brave Fundraisers Know and Do

Make it Your Culture, Not a Crisis: Embedding Succession Planning into Practice

Making Tech Work for Your Mission

Permission to Pause: Sabbaticals as a Leadership Strategy

Positive Leadership: How Positivity Can Transform Leaders and Elevate Teams

The Confidence Catalyst: How to Hold the Room Without Holding the Mic

Turning Toward Hope: How Grief Builds Nonprofit Resilience

Making Tech Work for Your Mission

11:00 – 11:45 am, Room C1&2

What are the hot topics in tech for nonprofits you want to learn more about? This panel will share their takes and answer your questions on AI, security, remote work, innovation, and more. 

Moderator: Robert Ramsay, Director, Systems Assurance, Barnes Dennig

Robert leads Barnes Dennig’s Risk Management practice, offering System and Organization Controls (SOC) and data security services. He has performed technology consulting and audit services for more than 15 years, helping organizations of various sizes and types strengthen their internal controls. In addition to being a CPA, Robert has earned the designation of Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP). He has extensive experience helping enterprises manage risk through technology audits and service organization controls (SOC) reporting.

Panel:

James McIntyre, Chief Information Officer, YMCA Greater Cincinnati

Jai’La Nored, Senior Innovation Designer, Council on Aging

Kevin Rinn, Director of Information Technology, Mayerson JCC and The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

Matthew Worthen, Chief Business Officer, NextStep Networking

Audience: anyone

2 Career Pathway Education

LinkedUp Connect

To reach high school students in 30 local districts in SW Ohio, you can create an account and share “experienceships.” Or you can share with Leadership Council and we will publish them through our account.

Happy Hour Host

LARaterman Associates

Who's Coming? 

Is your organization on the list? We hope you will join us! 

Growing Stronger Together: Collaborative Partnership & Mergers

11:00 – 11:45 am, Room 4&5

Have you thought about collaborative partnerships or even merger as a way to increase impact or build sustainability for your organization? Should you? Hear from a panel of nonprofit leaders who share their experiences of joining with other organizations, in a variety of ways—including joint programs, shared services and mergers. We will discuss when it may be the right time to think about different options and what are some of the key elements for success. 

Moderator: Lisa Nolan, Founder, Collab Consulting LLC

With background as an attorney and nonprofit leader, Lisa brings a powerful combination of experience to support mergers and collaborative partnerships. Most recently, prior to founding Collab, Lisa served as President & CEO of Dress for Success Cincinnati and its earned income venture subsidiary, Portaluca. 

Panel:

Kevin Finn - President & CEO, Strategies to End Homelessness

Pam Green - President & CEO, Easterseals Redwood

Vashti Rutledge - Executive Director, Madisonville Education & Assistance Center 

Audience: ED/CEOs & board members

Conference Schedule:

Turning Toward Hope: How Grief Builds Nonprofit Resilience

11:00 – 11:45 am, Room C3

Nonprofit leaders often carry enormous grief — for the communities they serve, the problems that persist, and the gap between their vision and current reality. This workshop, adapted from “The Work That Reconnects” methodology, creates a container for leaders to honor their grief as a source of strength rather than overwhelm. Participants will discover how turning toward pain (rather than away from it) builds the resilience needed to sustain mission-driven work over time. Through guided practice, they’ll learn to transform their grief into fuel for hope and action. 

Rosie Santos and Lindsay Way, Co-Founders, Perspective Guides

Rosie (she/they) is a community planner, coach, and consultant with over a decade of experience in academia, government, and nonprofit sectors. Calling on experience as a facilitator and community organizer, Rosie is oriented towards holding change with curiosity, tenderness, and integrity to uncover new possibilities. 

Lindsay (she/her) is a facilitator and strategic planner. Her approach is rooted in the belief that the most transformative work happens when group members are grounded in their truths, brave enough to share their stories, and invested in each other’s success. She uses qualitative research and writing methods to guide individuals and teams as they dream big, build consensus, and implement systems to reach their goals.

Audience: ED/CEOs, senior-level staff

Silver Level - available!

Conference Sponsorship:

Your business or foundation's sponsorship gives you visibility before, during, and after the conference to a broad cross-section of nonprofit leaders. Plus, it helps keep the ticket cost accessible to more nonprofits!

Sponsorship information and packages here.

1:15 - 2:00 pm

Break Sponsor

Anne M. Maxfield, Nonprofit Consultant

Past Keynote Speakers:

2024: Kishshana Palmer

2023: Vu Le

2022: Pearl Alexander

2021: Vanessa Mason

2020: Barry Posner

2019: Alton Fitzgerald White

2018: Bob Johansen

2017: Vu Le

2016: Amanda Maria Navarro

2015: Jason Saul

2014: Paul Alofs; Nell Edgington

2013: Randall Moss; Amy Sample Ward

2012: Dan Pallotta

2011: Paul Carttar/Rosetta Thurman

2010: Peter Goldberg; David Kuehler; Rich Boehne

2009: Bob Johansen; Jan Masaoka

2008: Ruby Payne; Carol Weisman

2007: Paul Light; William Butler

2006: Jerr Boschee; James Votruba

2005: Elizabeth Beresford; Peter Block

2004: Bernard Ross; Claire Gaudiani

2003: Norma Hotaling; Peter Benson

2002: Doug Hall; Kathy Merchant

2001: Francis Hesselbein

3 Advocacy & Public Relations

Soapbox Media "A Force for Good" series

Economic Impact Study

Bronze Level Sponsors - more available!

Blue & Co, LLC

GrantAlly

Greater Cincinnati Nonprofit News

Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati

LCNB National Bank

PNC Bank

RetireMed

UST Workforce Solutions for Nonprofits

Permission to Pause: Sabbaticals as a Leadership Strategy

1:15 – 2:00 pm, Room C1&2

In this candid conversation, panelists who have recently taken a sabbatical or implemented sabbatical policies will discuss what inspired the decision, how they planned for time away, and what’s different in their organizations as a result. From challenges to unexpected benefits, they’ll explore how intentional rest can spark renewal, deepen leadership capacity, and create more sustainable nonprofit cultures.

Moderator: Erin Cunniff Childs, President and CEO, Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio

Erin was hired as Executive Director when Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio was founded in 2014. She is responsible for advancing the mission of PBPO and leading the staff and legal programs. Erin sets strategy, recruits volunteer attorneys, promotes client outreach and education, and lectures about nonprofit and tax-exempt organization law. Prior to joining PBPO, Erin was an attorney with Thompson Hine in Cincinnati. While in private practice, Erin’s pro bono work included volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for ProKids.

Panel:

Kelly Lanser, President & CEO, Corporation for Findlay Market

Kim Webb, CEO, Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky

Jenn Loeb, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati

Audience: senior leaders, boards, HR

Belonging at Every Level: Resetting Culture and Fundraising Through Connection

1:15 – 2:00 pm, Room C4&5

In a time of uncertainty, donor fatigue, and staff burnout, nonprofits need more than new strategies — they need stronger connections. This session explores how a culture of belonging can re-energize teams, re-engage boards, and deepen donor relationships. Through practical tools and real-world examples, you’ll learn how to rebuild trust, shift from transactional to relational practices, and reconnect your people to your mission—inside and out. 

When people feel like they belong, they give more, stay longer, and lead better. This session shows how belonging isn’t just a culture strategy — it’s a fundraising one, too. 

Alison Hansen, CFRE, Senior Consultant, DBD Group

Alison is a nonprofit consultant and coach with 20 years of experience in fundraising, strategy, and leadership development. She equips organizations to strengthen donor and board engagement, align teams, and lead with clarity. Her work blends practical tools with a deep understanding of mission-driven culture and connection. 

Audience: ED/CEOs, fundraisers, veteran leaders, new to sector

Thanks to our seed-stage investors!

These companies and foundations have invested in launching our expanded programming to address nonprofit workforce issues. To help scale this work, reach out!

Clark Schaefer Hackett Strategic HR - check out HR Question of the Week!

Generous Private Foundation

Social Venture Partners Project XLR8

The Confidence Catalyst: How to Hold the Room Without Holding the Mic

1:15 – 2:00 pm, Room C3

Some of the most powerful leaders don’t hold the mic—they hold the room. This interactive session introduces the Confidence Catalyst framework: five traits that help you lead with influence, clarity, and calm from any role. Designed for nonprofit professionals who support executive leaders or work behind the scenes, this session will help you strengthen trust, steady teams under pressure, and lead with intention—without needing the spotlight. Walk away with practical tools to boost executive presence, improve communication, and embrace quiet power. 

Kat Steiner, CFRE, Chief Development Officer, YWCA Greater Cincinnati

Kat is a nationally recognized fundraising leader with 20+ years of experience across nonprofits and higher education. A strategic visionary and YWCA Rising Star, she has raised millions and drives change through mission alignment, integrity, and equity. She is a sought-after speaker and thought leader with the belief that philanthropy must be rooted in partnership and transparency.

Audience: Mid- to senior-level in behind the scenes or in supporting roles

2:15 – 3:00 pm

From Crisis to Possibility: Reframing Uncertainty with Curiosity

2:15 – 3:00 pm, Room 1&2

In times of uncertainty, our instinct is to react — to freeze, fight, or flee. But what if we could pause, hold space, and choose curiosity instead? In this interactive session, leaders will use a simple design thinking tool to reframe crisis as a space for possibility. Participants will name the forces impacting their work, explore “what if?” questions to unlock new paths forward, and leave with a practical framework for courageous, curiosity-driven leadership. This session will help you lead with clarity and creativity as you navigate the disruption we are all experiencing. 

Ramsey Ford, Co-Director, XPLANE at Tier1

Ramsey co-founded and led Design Impact—a non-profit innovation and strategy firm—for 13 years. He is currently board president of the Kennedy Heights Art Center and is leading XPLANE at Tier1, where he supports leaders in design human-centered organizations. He has a wealth of experience leading, and working with, leaders facing complex problems. 

Audience: ED/CEOs, senior staff, boards

Board Leadership in a Time of Change

2:15 – 3:00 pm, Room C4&5

Nonprofit board service has always been a balance of passion for the mission, fiduciary responsibility, and partnership between staff and board. In uncertain times – past, present, and future – what is the board’s role in protecting programs, ensuring financial stability, supporting the staff, and advocating in the community? This panel of leaders will discuss what’s changed as well as perennial advice for boards. 

Moderator: Jay Shatz, BOLD Program Director, Leadership Council for Nonprofits

Jay is Program Director for Leadership Council’s BOLD, a training and recruitment program for aspiring and new board members. Jay has lived what he is teaching and brings more than 30 years of experience volunteering in the nonprofit sector, including service on multiple boards. He spent a decade as an Emmy Award-winning reporter and anchor for WCPO Channel 9. 

Panel:

Vanessa Freytag, retired CEO, 4C for Children

DJ Gossett, Sr. Vice President & Benefits Consultant, USI Insurance Services LLC

Jessica Barrett Haag, CPA, Director, Nonprofit Advisory Services, Forvis Mazars

Tara Noland, President, Co-Owner, Ignite Philanthropy

Audience: leadership teams and boards