Meet our 2024 Keynote Speaker, Cait Donovan!

Cait Donovan is a renowned keynote speaker and the voice behind “FRIED. The Burnout Podcast.” She is also the author of “The Bouncebackability Factor,” a book on overcoming burnout. Holding degrees in Biobehavioral Sciences and Chinese Medicine, Cait expertly bridges Western scientific methods and Eastern wellness philosophies to offer innovative solutions for emotional management, resilience, and burnout recovery and prevention. Her engaging keynotes, delivered to audiences at international conferences and leading corporations, are filled with actionable advice, grounded in her extensive research and clinical experience. Cait’s presentations not only enlighten but also provide practical tools for professionals to enhance their well-being and performance, making her an invaluable resource for any organization committed to employee health and productivity.

Keynote Presentation

Dismantling Burnout: Empowering Leaders and Teams to Overcome Burnout Together

Dismantling Burnout delves into the core elements that make companies and people vulnerable to burnout, equipping everyone with the knowledge needed to overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger than ever before. The blame game ends here as we pave the way for collaborative problem-solving and foster a psychologically safe and resilient culture!

Takeaways:

1. Gain an understanding of burnout’s complexities and equip yourself with the knowledge to tackle its root causes head-on, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for yourself and your teams.

2. Create more collaborative problem-solving at both leadership and individual levels, building a culture of compassion and understanding.

3. Learn how to minimize employee turnover and health-related absences by implementing strategies that prioritize well-being and nurture a culture of support.

Andrew Bartolotta
Andrew Bartolotta is a digital media expert and Director of Digital Media at cityCURRENT. With a robust blend of design and marketing skills, he excels in enhancing nonprofit impact through strategic digital campaigns and compelling storytelling. 

Hannah Berger
Hannah Berger, MPA, CFRE is the President and Founder of The Philanthropy Coach. A boutique Firm based in Los Angeles that provides nonprofit management and fundraising consulting, and executive Coaching, that is steeped in lived experience. Hannah brings 20+ years of lived experience as a professional fundraiser, nonprofit executive, campaign consultant, and nonprofit board member, to all her clients and speaking engagements. Hannah has proudly supported dozens of nonprofit organizations in raising more than $100M and specializes in major expansion campaigns, board recruitment and development, and executive coaching. A leader in the Los Angeles nonprofit sector, Hannah serves as Co-President of the AFP Greater LA Chapter.  

Margaret Dillon
Margaret has 22 years of experience helping nonprofits grow. She has raised $30+ million for 30 nonprofits. Successful grants include funding from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Open Call, HUD, the Dept of Education, the EPA, USDA, and millions from corporate and family foundations. Through Sherpa Consulting, she provides fundraising, consulting and coaching support to nonprofits and individuals across the country. 

Keena Friday-Gilbert, Angela Webster, and Sarah Long
Keena Friday-Gilbert is the Chief Program Officer at AIMHiTN, joining the team in December 2020. A native Tennessean, she has dedicated over 16 years to improving the lives of children and families in the state, advocating for infant and early childhood mental health. With a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and currently pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work at the University of Memphis, Keena began her journey with AIMHiTN as an intern, contributing significantly to the Safe Baby Court program and strategic planning. As an IECMH-E® endorsee, she is passionate about serving families and communities across Tennessee. Outside of work, Keena enjoys spending time with family and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Aleda Gagarin and Asia Hadley
VP of Influence, Aleda Gagarin leads Candid’s external, sector-wide efforts to support building a stronger social sector where all can thrive. Asia Hadley, director of partnerships, cultivates relationships to increase Candid’s impact in the South. Aleda Gagarin and Asia Hadley have each spent over 20 years advocating for resources and shifting power structures in the nonprofit sector. They have led engaging sessions and shared practical takeaways on topics–like diversified funding strategies, resource development, and sector relationship-building–with thousands of nonprofits to help them strengthen their organizations, advance their missions, and drive impact.  

Dr. Nicole Gates
Dr. Nicole Gates is a seasoned community development leader with a passion for empowering underserved communities through strategic partnerships and innovative programming. Dr. Gates has outstanding track record for building sustainable programs. Dr. Nicole Gates has a wealth of experience in community development and engagement, having worked with local nonprofits such as ArtUp, Frayser CDC, and Frayser Connect. Dr. Gates played a crucial role in sustaining programming and securing grants for these organizations through her expertise in building strong community relationships and implementing effective engagement strategies. Her dedication to empowering communities and driving positive change has made a significant impact.  

Joseph “Jody” Holland
Joseph (Jody) Holland is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Policy Leadership at The University of Mississippi. He teaches public policy courses that range from nonprofit organizations, grant writing, and leadership development. As an educator at the University of Mississippi, he empowers future nonprofit leaders through teaching nonprofit management classes. Serving as the executive director of the Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow in Oxford, MS, he oversees strategic initiatives addressing social and economic challenges, in our community. Also, he has a decade-long tenure on the leadership team of the Sullivan Foundation.  

Brittany Ivey
Based in Knoxville, Brittany Ivey is a Senior Consultant at JCA , a consulting firm focused exclusively on nonprofit technology and operations. Brittany specializes in all things nonprofit CRM-related, including system selections, database optimization, and implementations. She has experience working with several donor database systems, including a professional-level certifications in Salesforce and Raiser’s Edge.  

Carole Melvin
Carole Melvin CPA, MBA is the Regional Director for the South and Southeast region for Your Part-Time Controller, LLC. She enjoys helping staff achieve their potential, building a strong team and helping clients build a better world. Her experience includes 25+ years of accounting, auditing and financial management, and best practices in nonprofit administration including serving as CFO for two educational nonprofit organizations and as an executive director for a healthcare nonprofit organization. In her position as Regional Director at YPTC, she brings the perspective of having been not only a YPTC Associate, Manager, Market Leader but also a YPTC client.  

Amy Merritt Campbell and David Moore
Amy Merritt Campbell, M.Ed., is the CEO and Co-Founder of Elevate Consulting, a Nashville-based firm committed to fostering vibrant communities through human connection, learning, and intentional action. As a skilled facilitator and systems thinker, Amy has supported nonprofit organizations across TN for over 10 years. She has served as a thought partner for multiple collaboratives in TN, including Raising Readers, an early childhood literacy collaborative, and the TN Alliance for Economic Mobility. She regularly facilitates challenging conversations, fosters stakeholder consensus, and guides groups towards principled action to improve systems.  

Tricia Spence and Debbie Garrett
Tricia Spence, CAVS, is Volunteer Services and Special Events Program Manager and Debbie Garrett, CVA, is Volunteer Services and Special Events Program Coordinator for St. Jude. Combined, the presenters have 30 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector serving as volunteer management professionals. Both hold certifications in volunteer administration, including Certified Administrator of Volunteer Services (CAVS) and Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA). 

Peter VanWylen
Peter VanWylen has 15 years experience working in nonprofit analytics, technology, research, and data science at several nonprofits—primarily in the fields of education, community development, and healthcare. He is currently a consultant.

Phillip Walkley and Sonji Branch
Philip and Sonji have a combined 42 years of professional experience as nonprofit leaders. They have served nonprofits in a variety of sectors, both locally and nationally. They have built a broad network of partnerships across communities, businesses, churches, governments and other nonprofits. They have secured more than $45 million in funding for nonprofits. They have served on several nonprofit boards of directors and have provided coaching and consulting for other nonprofit leaders.  

Amanda McCollum
Amanda joined Adams Keegan in 2008, and currently serves as Vice President of Human Resources. Amanda oversees strategic HR plans and policies both internally and for Adams Keegan’s clients, researching and implementing competitive compensation, performance management, and employee incentive programs. Her knowledge of legal regulations and best practices in HR are highly valued by colleagues and sought after by clients.
  

Keynote

9:15am – 10:15am

Dismantling Burnout: Empowering Leaders and Teams to Overcome Burnout Together.
Presenter: Cait Donovan
Get ready for an engaging and informative keynote presentation! Cait will delve deep into the factors that leave us vulnerable to burnout, giving you the knowledge and tools you need to identify and understand burnout.  Learn more about the presentation here. 

Breakout Sessions

11:00am – 12:00pm

5 Ways to Prepare Your Nonprofit for a Data-Driven Future
Presenter: Brittany Ivey
Track: Innovation and Technology

Unlock the potential of your organization in the digital era by joining a dynamic workshop with Brittany Ivey, Senior Consultant at JCA. In this impactful session, Brittany will share valuable insights and practical strategies with 5 actionable considerations that can be scaled and applied to organizations of all sectors and sizes. Everyone is talking about the future of data and how AI can transform business. You may feel overwhelmed wondering how to get from where you are today, to this ever-evolving future. How can you leverage emerging technology? How can you make the most of your resources? Prepare your organization for the future by gaining a deeper understanding of key strategies, with 5 intentional ways to plan for a data-driven future.

Building a Diverse Pipeline of Volunteers Through Strategic Recruitment
Presenters: Dr. Kevin Dean and Andrea Hill                                                            Track: Volunteer Management

In the “Building a Diverse Pipeline of Volunteers Through Strategic Recruitment” breakout session, Dr. Kevin Dean and Andrea Hill from the Tennessee Nonprofit Network will share insights on attracting and engaging a diverse pool of volunteers. Learn strategies to create an inclusive recruitment process that resonates with individuals from different backgrounds and experiences. Discover how to effectively communicate your organization’s commitment to diversity and tailor your outreach efforts to reach underrepresented communities. Gain practical tools to build meaningful relationships with diverse volunteers and ensure their long-term engagement. Ideal for nonprofit leaders and volunteer coordinators, this workshop offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive volunteer program that reflects the richness of your community.

Leadership Literacy: Cultivating a Culture of Excellence and Innovation in Nonprofits
Presenter: Joseph “Jody” Holland
Track: Leadership Development

This interactive leadership workshop addresses the unique challenges faced by modern leaders within the nonprofit sector. I emphasize the importance of equipping leaders with essential skills and insights to navigate complexities, inspire teams, and drive sustainable impact. The learning outcomes foster effective leadership cultures within organizations, enhance practical strategies for effective leadership communication and influencing skills, and promote the exploration of leadership style Key components of the workshop include a diverse range of topics such as decision-making, emotional intelligence, communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics. Through interactive exercise, participants will enhance their leadership competencies and acquire practical tools to tackle real-world challenges. The workshop design prioritizes engagement, self-reflection, and personal growth, with customized activities to promote team collaboration. 

The Golden Rules of Community Development
Presenter: Dr. Nicole Gates
Track: Organizational Development

The Golden Rules of Community Development workshop is a workshop that will provide nonprofit leaders with essential guidelines for building strong and sustainable relationships with the communities they serve. Participants will explore key principles and strategies to effectively engage and empower stakeholders, fostering collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. Interactive activities and real-world examples, attendees will gain practical insights and actionable guidance to enhance their community development initiatives. Golden Rules of Community Development: 1. Prioritize relationship-building 2. Be transparent and accountable 3. Embrace diversity and inclusion 4. Collaborate and co-create 5. Measure and adapt.

Navigating Constraints, Strengthening Nonprofits
Presenters: Aleda Gagarin and Asia Hadley
Track: Resource Development

With individual giving on the decline, public trust at an all-time low, and cumbersome grant applications that come with restrictive strings attached, today’s nonprofits—–and fundraisers—–don’t have it easy. These obstacles leave nonprofits with less resources, funding, and time to spend advancing their work—–as demand for their services skyrockets. How can we alleviate the dynamic of constantly being asked to do more with less? Led by experts in fundraising & movement building, this session will offer practical advice and collaborative solutions to address this dynamic by 1. increasing resources, 2. decreasing funding burdens, and 3. advancing equity in the nonprofit sector. Presenters will share actionable strategies—–and free Candid resources—–to help strengthen nonprofit capacity, maximize fundraising revenue, and free up time to focus on mission-driven work. Join us to discover how—–together—–we can build a more efficient, effective, and equitable sector for all to thrive. 

1:00pm – 2:00pm

Recruiting, Fundraising, and Impact Funnels: Using Analytics to Hit Your Targets
Presenter: Peter VanWylen
Track: Innovation and Technology

Learn about process “funnels” and funnel analysis that can help you attain your goals in client engagement, communication / fundraising, recruiting, equity & impact. Multi-step processes that depend on a series of individual successes or progressions through a process are often visualized as a “funnel” which narrows at each stage in a process. Learn how to identify and visualize your existing funnels and use funnel data to increase your success in attaining goals with societal impact.

From Support to Strategy: The Evolution of the Modern CFO
Presenter: Carole Melvin
Track: Leadership Development

In this session we will explore the evolving and expanding role of the modern CFO. We’ll discuss the shift in the CFO role from that of a supportive function to more of a strategic partner with the CEO and nonprofit management. We’ll also share skills a modern CFO will need to thrive in this evolving landscape, and when outsourcing might be beneficial to supplement finance functions. Learning Objectives/Attendees will learn: a. Analyze the expanding role of the modern CFO due to changes in technology, expectations, and the financial landscape. b. Discuss effective communication and collaboration strategies that help foster successful partnerships between CFOs and Executive Directors. c. Identify the typical skills a modern CFO should possess and recognize ways outsourcing could be used to supplement and support an organization’s finance functions. 

Navigating the Long Game of Changing Systems: Insights from Collaborative Efforts
Presenters: Amy Merritt Campbell and David Moore
Track: Organizational Development

Collaboration in addressing complex social challenges is a multi-faceted and long-term endeavor. Rooted in personal experiences with Collective Impact efforts in TN, this presentation will explore considerations for successful collaboration, including the pivotal roles of intentionality, coordination, discipline, and equity in fostering transformative outcomes. This presentation will also include an exploration of the 3 phases of the collaborative life cycle: Building a Foundation; Testing, Learning, & Refining; and Embedding and Sustaining Change. While navigating the marathon of systems change is challenging, a commitment to learning and authentic engagement remain fundamental. By embracing these principles and practices, collaborative endeavors can transcend obstacles and drive meaningful change. With this content as a framework, participants will engage in facilitated, peer-to-peer conversations about applications to their work and considerations for the nonprofit sector. 

How to REALLY fire up your board for fundraising!
Presenter: Hannah Berger
Track: Resource Development

Do you have Board members that still think fundraising is limited to event ticket sales and silent auctions? Are just a few of your organization’s volunteer leaders making introductions to prospective donors? Do some of your Board members get uncomfortably quiet or conveniently disappear when conversations turn to resource development? If so, you aren’t alone and this interactive workshop is for you! Hannah Berger will unpack common fundraising challenges that plague many nonprofits Boards and guide participants through tried-and-true solutions for your organization’s biggest fundraising woes. With a focus on partnership and empowerment, this session will help attendees understand what Board members really need to be successful, identify actions that can dramatically improve Board engagement, and provide tools that attendees can repurpose with their organizations immediately. Come to gain clarity, stay for the stories, try out some really great tools, leave with a plan. 

Innovative Communication Strategies for Volunteer Services
Presenters: Tricia Spence and Debbie Garrett
Track: Volunteer Management

During the session, participants will learn about best practices for effective communication with staff and volunteers. Since a diverse and broad audience is involved, using various methods to convey messages is essential. The session will cover proven methods for relaying messages, providing training, recruiting, and more. Attendees will also learn about successful and cost-effective ways to use software programs to make messages more appealing. Additionally, presenters will discuss how technology can facilitate real-time communication between staff and volunteers. Furthermore, practical methods for developing a long-term strategic plan will be shared. Given the ever-evolving landscape of technology and social media, the importance of collaborating with internal and external communication and marketing experts will be emphasized. Participants will leave with tangible tools, templates, and innovative ideas that can be immediately applied.

2:15pm – 3:15pm

AI Insights for Social Impact: Enhancing Nonprofit Operations
Presenter: Andrew Bartolotta
Track: Innovation & Technology

AI Insights for Social Impact: Enhancing Nonprofit Operations is an interactive virtual workshop designed specifically for those in the social impact sector seeking to leverage artificial intelligence for innovative solutions. This session will delve into how AI can be strategically applied to enhance various facets of nonprofit operations—from improving data analysis and donor interactions to crafting compelling content.  The workshop will provide nonprofit professionals and board members with actionable insights and tools to effectively integrate AI technologies. Participants will explore case studies and LIVE use cases with their organizations as Andrew teaches the audience how to better understand how AI can transform their organizations, making them more resilient and adaptive in a rapidly evolving landscape.  

How to Build a Succession Plan Culture
Presenters: Philip Walkley and Sonji Branch
Track: Leadership Development

Leadership transitions happen all the time and yet most nonprofits do not have a formal succession plan in place. While having a written plan is important, developing a culture where diverse leadership is developed, resources are shared, and intentional decisions are made to ensure that a nonprofit can weather any leadership transition that comes its way is vital. In this session, participants will learn the difference between a written succession plan and a culture of succession planning. In addition, participants will come to understand how building a culture of succession planning in nonprofits is essential for: Long-term sustainability Organizational health and employee satisfaction Successful funding development Diversity and inclusion in staff recruitment and development This presentation will have interactive learning opportunities and tools to help participants walk away with concrete ideas and resources to develop a culture of succession planning at their organizations.

Together We Belong: Cultivating Inclusive Spaces in Tennessee’s Nonprofit Community
Presenters: Keena Friday-Gilbert, Sarah Long, and Angela Webster
Track: Organizational Development

The Association of Infant Mental Health in Tennessee (AIMHiTN) experienced rapid growth and had to navigate growing pangs and challenging obstacles to meet the diverse needs of its staff and partners. This presentation will explore the journey of a statewide nonprofit’s journey in creating an organizational culture of belonging. This journey will begin with the development of shared language and understanding of organizational belonging and a glimpse into the current state of the nonprofit workforce. The presenters will then share practical steps AIMHiTN took to embed belonging into their programs and practices. Participants will be able to think collaboratively and develop key steps to implement within their organization at any budget level.

Trailblazing Tactics:  Strategies for Million Dollar Asks
Presenter: Margaret Dillon
Track: Resource Development

How would you use one million dollars and make a trailblazing impact in the world? Lead by a successful recipient of MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving prize for $2 million, learn about the kind of strategy needed to edge out the competition for large donors. It takes a sort of “trailblazing thinking” to set yourself apart from the competition. Busy as we are, we need to make time to practice trailblazing thinking. There is a unique reason you founded or engaged with your nonprofit and an incredible potential for impactful change. – Learn to effectively capture the trailblazing power of your organization’s into “pitch” – Understand the “formula” for winning grants or capturing the attention of large donors – Rekindle a spirit of boldness, coupled with a solid plan, to help set your nonprofit on a new path of success. 

10 Ways to Avoid HR Troubles
Presenter: Amanda McCollum
Track: Volunteer Management

Participants will discuss 10 areas in which nonprofit organizations may be exposing themselves to liability, and how they can thoughtfully operate to ensure legal compliance as well as reflect a positive workplace culture. Examples include: “It’s not you, it’s me”- The importance of documentation in performance mgmt. Getting to know you- What you can and cannot ask in an interview Long Distance Relationships- having workers in other states- tax implications, time off, etc. Nonprofit staff and leaders will leave feeling empowered and informed of HR laws and principles to help them mitigate legal risk.

A huge thank you to our 2024 Tennessee Nonprofit Conference sponsors whose generosity has been instrumental in making this event possible!

HEADLINER

PRESENTING SPONSORS

PREMIER SPONSORS

FEATURED SPONSORS

The 2024 Tennessee Nonprofit Conference will be held at the Hilton Memphis, located at 939 Ridgelake Blvd, Memphis, TN 38120.

The Hilton Memphis offers a variety of amenities, including relaxed rooms & suites, a restaurant, a bar, and an indoor pool. The hotel is also conveniently located in the East Memphis area, close to a movie theater, shopping center, and other popular attractions.

Here are some of the highlights of the Hilton Memphis:

• Relaxed rooms & suites
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Indoor pool
• Convenient location

Download the pdf of the FULL PROGRAM here: 2024 Tennessee Nonprofit Conference Program  or scan the QR code to flip-through the program on your phone!