Heather Eddy with Panel of Board Members

The Board is empowered and accountable for ensuring excellent leadership is in place at all times. A thoughtful and intentional planning process is crucial for any organization to be prepared for the potential departure of a leader - particularly a long-time leader and /or founder.

Less than 5 years ago, 75% of nonprofit executives did not plan to be in their current role in five years, nor head another nonprofit. Then, the pandemic. When Boards are forced to approach Leadership Transition/Succession Planning unexpectedly or within a short timeframe, they scramble to find knowledgeable resources about the complexity of today’s CEO/ED role. 

This session will outline an intentional approach to Leadership and Succession Planning as an ongoing Board topic. We will share what the Board should focus on annually related to leadership development, as well as how to ensure that your Board is “ready” at any point to undertake a search for a new leader. Participants will learn relevant information about the current executive market and offer suggestions for the Board Chair during a transition, including the role of the current CEO and an ideal 24 month timeline. 

Debra Ortiz-Vasquez, JD

Over the past decade, Esperanza Health Center (EHC) has sought to meaningfully educate and leverage community members to be resources for health and wellness in their spheres of influence. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic propelled us to think creatively around ways to equitably employ community members, thus extending our presence in the community and our ability to respond to emerging needs. This session will utilize EHC’s Community COVID Ambassador program, developed in response to COVID-19 fears and misinformation, as a case study in equitable community engagement. We will also touch on other engagement models. Panel: Lianette Pappaterra, MPH; Maryann Salib, DO, MPH; Anna Cole; Darlene Burton (Community Covid Ambassador)

Lynn Ivanek, BS with Marvin Hardy, MD

This session will describe how Grace Medical Home, a charitable clinic started in 2010 with a small staff and budget, grew quickly in response to a large community need. In order to meet this demand, the board and staff intentionally focused on sustainable ways to grow revenue without consideration of changing our mission and model. Grace now enjoys wide community support and sustains an annual operating budget of roughly $3.5 million which is more than twice the amount of the median nonprofit’s budget, successfully completed a $9 million Capital Campaign in less than a year, and maintains reserve funding of 6 months operating expenses.

Joe Weidner, MD with panel

The most common model for primary healthcare in underserved settings is the FQHC framework. While FQHCs have afforded vast numbers of US communities with care they would not otherwise have had access to, this panel will discuss other financially viable models for Christian healthcare for the poor. Two clinics and a faith-based consulting team will discuss their experience with outside-of-the-box models of care, supported by private practice, concierge patients, and/or a nonprofit foundation." Panelist: Cheryl Ho; Angel Bymaster

Paul Violanti, DNP

An anecdotal review of birthing a Global Health program from within a Community Health Center. Co-Presenter: Han Moe

Kim Swyden, Pastor

1. Consider the process of leading your board to develop a succession plan for the founder, leader, or executive director.

2. Getting succession buy-in from staff, board and ministry partners

3. Implementing the succession plan

Deirdre McCool, LPC

Grants are a crucial component of a comprehensive fundraising plan. Learn how to identify the right foundations, develop relationships with key funders, understand grant guidelines, and write a compelling proposal. Comprehend common pitfalls to avoid so that you can conclude the granting process with a final report and increase your chances of continued funding. Co-Presenter: Jennifer Richardson

Jael Chambers, MA

What do you do if you’re passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at your health center but have limited resources and support for implementation? In this session we will explore the key areas to build a foundation for sustainable DEIB that aligns with your organization’s vision and mission. Co-Presenter Alyssa Vasquez