by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO of Tennessee Nonprofit Network
Kevin Dean here, your friendly neighborhood President and CEO of Tennessee Nonprofit Network, reporting (and still slightly giddy) from the aftermath of what can only be described as the most gloriously chaotic and joy-filled Nonprofit CEO Retreat in recent memory. Forget the cucumber water and silent meditation – 2025 had other plans, and so did we!
Rewind about eight months. There I was, perched in my office, dreaming of a tranquil Gatlinburg getaway for our hardworking nonprofit leaders. Think babbling brooks, restorative yoga, maybe even a little light forest bathing. A chance for these tireless heroes to recharge their batteries in serene solitude. Ah, the naivety of pre-2025 Kevin!
Then, BAM! The whirlwind of 2025 hit us all like a rogue Dolly Parton song – full of unexpected twists, high notes, and mayhem. The needs of our nonprofit community shifted dramatically. The quiet reflection I’d envisioned morphed into something far more urgent: a desperate need for connection, for shared laughter, for a reminder that even amidst the toughest challenges, joy is not a luxury, but a lifeline.
The moment that truly crystallized this shift for me was a Zoom call that will forever be etched in my memory. A seasoned CEO confessed that they hadn’t felt genuine joy all year. My heart sank faster than a runaway Dollywood train. That was it. The mission for this retreat had changed. We weren’t just going to relax; we were going to rediscover our collective spark. We were going to inject some much-needed fun and camaraderie into the lives of leaders who pour their hearts and souls into making Tennessee a better place.
So, ditching the spa brochures and dusting off our road trip playlists, my incredible team and I embarked on a seven-hour odyssey across our beautiful state in a rented minivan. Picture five slightly over-caffeinated nonprofit professionals crammed amongst luggage, snacks, and enough strategic planning documents to wallpaper the Grand Ole Opry. Our first pit stop? Nashville, baby! We swung by the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference Center, our future conference home, to scout out the lay of the land and, more importantly, pinpoint the perfect spot for a reception that would hopefully involve less awkward small talk and more spontaneous line dancing.
Now, let me tell you, spending seven hours in close quarters with your colleagues is a true test of any professional relationship. I can proudly report that despite the singalongs to questionable Glorilla songs and the fierce debate over whether artificial intelligence or a drunk child created Buc-ee’s billboard slogans (seriously, what ARE those?), we all still genuinely like each other! In fact, one of the most heartwarming aspects of this whole adventure has been witnessing the deep bond and shared joy within our Tennessee Nonprofit Network staff. Years of hard work and shared purpose have forged a team that not only works well together but genuinely enjoys each other’s company (even when we’re playfully bickering over Andrea’s dislike of Buc-ee’s). Their infectious enthusiasm was the fuel that kept this whole retreat engine chugging.
And because we’re all about embracing the mountain spirit early, we made a crucial detour in Pigeon Forge: The Lost Mine Coaster. Yes, you read that right. Four of five (mostly) grown adults screaming with laughter as we careened down a mountainside on individual roller coasters. Consider it a crucial team-building exercise in embracing the thrills (and maybe a little bit of the spills) that life throws our way. It was also excellent reconnaissance for the mountain coaster adventures that awaited our CEOs.
Arriving in Gatlinburg, the crisp mountain air and stunning scenery were immediately invigorating. But what truly took my breath away was the energy radiating from the 50 nonprofit leaders who filled our conference room on that first morning. After the rollercoaster of 2025, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would there be lingering exhaustion? Quiet apprehension? Nope! The room crackled with an almost electric excitement. It was like a collective sigh of relief, a shared understanding that they were finally among kindred spirits who truly got it.
Our icebreaker, which was optimistically slated for 30 minutes, stretched into a glorious hour and a half of uproarious laughter and surprisingly deep connections. Stories poured out, vulnerabilities were shared, and the feeling of being in a room full of people who understood the unique joys and challenges of nonprofit leadership was palpable. People from every corner of our diverse state, representing organizations tackling vastly different missions, instantly formed a powerful, unified force. We were no longer isolated islands; we were an archipelago of passionate changemakers, ready to support and uplift one another. (Side note: special thanks to Bill Townsend for the donation of marinade for all of the participants!)
We were thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Dr. Bev Vitali from Christian Brothers University, who brought her signature blend of insightful wisdom and infectious energy to help our leaders navigate the VUCA world – that lovely acronym for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity that has felt particularly relevant lately. Also, instead of dwelling on weaknesses, Dr. Bev empowered everyone to lean into their strengths, igniting countless “aha!” moments and providing practical tools that could be implemented immediately.
Even our designated “quiet time” took an unexpected turn towards joyful chaos. Armed with adult coloring books and a mountain of colored pencils, the room transformed into a hub of creative energy and contemplative group silence. When I dared to suggest it was time to move on to the next session, I was met with actual boos! Who knew a group of seasoned CEOs could be so passionate about coloring within (or sometimes outside) the lines?
The retreat was also enriched by fascinating presentations, including an insightful look into the incredible work of Appalachian Bear Rescue from their interim Executive Director, Greg Grieco. We even had a surprise visit from the Mayor of Gatlinburg, adding a touch of local charm to our mountain gathering.
But the real magic happened outside the conference room. Our tour of Arrowmont School for Arts and Crafts was a revelation. I had no idea the sheer scale and beauty of this institution. The passion of the artisans and the vibrant creative atmosphere left a lasting impression on everyone. It unexpectedly became a highlight for many attendees! Thanks to their CEO, Trudy Hughes, for providing the tour and for helping plan the event!
Then came the evening adventure at Anakeesta. We took a scenic ride up a mountain, followed by an outdoor dinner with breathtaking panoramic views that stretched as far as the eye could see. As dusk settled, we experienced the ethereal beauty of Astra Lumina, an immersive light show that felt almost spiritual in its wonder. And then… the mountain coasters.
Now, I know there were some initial reservations. A few brave souls (who shall remain mostly nameless, except for a certain Sally!) were visibly apprehensive. But the lure of the wind in your hair and the thrill of zipping down a mountainside proved too strong to resist. The screams of initial trepidation quickly turned into whoops of delight, and yes, Sally, I saw you going back for a second (and maybe even a third!) ride. It was pure, unadulterated joy.
The following day’s scavenger hunt through downtown Gatlinburg added another layer of laughter and playful competition. The stories that emerged from that afternoon – involving everything from tracking down specific local delicacies to convincing strangers to participate in impromptu team photos – were absolutely hilarious. And yes, in true Gatlinburg fashion, there were bear sightings! (Thankfully, all from a safe distance.)
So, my final thoughts on what has ended up being my favorite 48 hours of 2025 so far: Joy. It’s a word that often gets sidelined in the high-stakes, high-pressure world of nonprofit leadership. We’re so focused on mission impact, fundraising goals, and navigating the constant headwinds of uncertainty that the simple act of experiencing joy can feel like a distant memory, a frivolous indulgence. Especially when shouldering the weight of an entire organization, it can be hard to carve out moments for lightheartedness, let alone share those moments with fellow leaders who are facing their own unique battles. But this retreat reminded me, and hopefully all who attended, that joy isn’t the opposite of hard work; it’s the fuel that sustains it. Connecting with peers, sharing laughter, and experiencing moments of pure fun together isn’t a distraction; it’s a vital form of collective resilience. The power of human connection, the strength found in collaboration, and yes, even the thrill of a mountain coaster, can reignite our passion, recharge our spirits, and remind us why we chose this challenging yet deeply rewarding path in the first place. And as we all head back to our corners of Tennessee, armed with new tools, stronger connections, and a renewed sense of joy, I have no doubt that the impact of this hilariously successful, slightly chaotic, and utterly unforgettable retreat will ripple throughout our nonprofit community for the rest of the year and beyond.
Thank you to everyone who participated, and we look forward to seeing you next year!