Track A and Track B

Moderated By:

• Patti Grimes - Carl M. Freeman Foundation & Joshua M. Freeman Foundation

Panelists:

• Jess Johnstone - Social Media Director, Epic Marketing Consultants

• Mike DiPaolo - Vice President for Philanthropy & Southern Delaware, Delaware Community Foundation

• Tierra Fair - Chief Operating Officer, United Way of Delaware

This moderated panel discussion will explore best practices in nonprofit communications, storytelling, and audience engagement, whether you are working or volunteering for a nonprofit. Attendees will gain insights on how to confidently communicate their nonprofit’s mission, inspire action, and enhance their organization’s visibility.

Track A

Moderated By:

• Mark Duncan - CEO, The Fund Coach

Panelists:

• Angela Williamson - Volunteer Engagement Accelerator Consulting, DAVA

• Jamie Sharpe - Attorney, Moore & Rutt, P.A.

• Kim Eppehimer - Friendship House + Limen House

Serving on a nonprofit board is a rewarding way to give back while using your professional skills to drive meaningful impact. This session will provide an overview of board member roles, legal responsibilities, and ethical considerations, equipping you with the knowledge to step into board service with confidence. You’ll also gain insights on how to identify the right board opportunity that aligns with your expertise and passions.

Track B

Workshop Lead:

• Kristen Scott - Founder, Project Solved

Strong nonprofit boards require visionary, mission-based leadership, a collaborative culture among and between staff and board members, and the ability to navigate challenges effectively. This interactive workshop will provide board members and nonprofit executives with strategies for setting a clear vision, strengthening board engagement, and managing conflict constructively. Attendees will leave with practical tools to enhance board effectiveness and drive greater organizational impact.

Track A

Workshop Lead:

• Alex DelCollo - Financial Advisor, Diamond State Financial Group

Every nonprofit board member plays a critical role in ensuring the organization’s financial health and sustainability. This session will break down key financial responsibilities, including how to read nonprofit financial statements, oversee budgets, and maintain regulatory compliance. Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, you’ll gain the confidence to fulfill your fiduciary duties and support your organization’s long-term financial success.

Track B

Moderated By:

• Michelle Ray - CEO, Blackwell HR

Panelists:

• Amy Walls - Senior Manager, Community Impact and Investment at Capital One

• Dave Bever - Executive Director, Rehoboth Beach Film Society

• Brian Hall - Executive Director, Autism Delaware Inc.

A strong, trust-based relationship between the board and executive leadership is essential for nonprofit success. This fireside chat will explore how boards can effectively support and evaluate the ED, engage in thoughtful succession planning, and recruit strong leadership while maintaining clear boundaries between governance and daily operations. Attendees will gain practical insights on fostering collaboration and ensuring long-term organizational stability.

Track A and Track B

Workshop Lead:

• David Kubacki - Founder and Consultant, ViaDel Consulting

Participants will learn about the power of the LEGO(r) Serious Play(r) method while participating in a handful of interactive activities using 6 LEGO bricks from their swag bags. Embrace the power of your unique contribution to any meeting and build confidence so you can always embrace thinking differently.

Track A

Workshop Lead:

• Kristen Scott - Founder, Project Solved

Strong nonprofit boards require visionary, mission-based leadership, a collaborative culture among and between staff and board members, and the ability to navigate challenges effectively. This interactive workshop will provide aspiring and newer board members with strategies for setting a clear vision, strengthening board engagement, and managing conflict constructively. Attendees will leave with practical tools to enhance board effectiveness and drive greater organizational impact.

Track B

Workshop Lead:

• Mark Duncan - CEO, The Fund Coach

Financial sustainability is a shared responsibility between the board and executive leadership. This interactive workshop will provide a structured framework for financial oversight, risk management, and strategic fundraising development, helping board members understand their role in ensuring the long-term financial health of their nonprofit. Attendees will gain practical tools for setting fundraising goals, cultivating donors, and fostering a strong board-staff partnership in financial planning and development.

Track A

Workshop Leads:

• Gretchen Rickards - Founder and Executive Coach, GR Coaching and Consulting

• Jennifer Saienni - Director of Nonprofit Engagement, Spur Impact

• Kelly Kline - Director of the Selbyville Library & Indian River School District Board of Education

Starting your journey as a nonprofit board member can be both exciting and overwhelming. This interactive workshop will equip you with practical strategies to navigate your first board experience successfully, from making a strong first impression to actively contributing in meetings and committees. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap for how to add value, build relationships, and confidently step into board leadership.

Track B

Workshop Lead:

• Alex DelCollo - Financial Advisor, Diamond State Financial Group

Nonprofits face a unique financial challenge—balancing mission-driven spending with long-term sustainability, often amid unpredictable and uneven cash flow. This session will provide practical insights into how organizations can think strategically about investing their resources to support both immediate needs and future growth. Led by a wealth manager who specializes in working with nonprofits, attendees will learn how to navigate investment decisions with confidence, build reserves responsibly, and create financial strategies that align with their mission. Whether managing short-term funds or long-term assets, this session will help leaders make informed choices that strengthen organizational resilience.

Track A and Track B Closing Remarks:

• Charlie Vincent - Executive Director, Spur Impact