Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor Chaffee County!

The 2025 Summit to SOLD OUT!

Tickets:

Tickets for all sessions (wether you attend one session or both days) are $40/person.

In recognition that many organizations are facing financial uncertainty we are offering a self selected scholarship option. When you register, at the top of the screen enter a PROMO Code for the price that best fits your budget. A big thank you to our generous sponsors for making this option available.

PROMO Codes:

FULL: 100% discount or free admission
HALF: 50% discount or $20/person.

Agenda:

*Agenda subject to change

Tuesday, April 29th:

8:30 am Registration Opens
9:00 am Welcome & Networking
10:00 am Concurrent Sessions

Board Training with Tessa Lance: 10 - 12 pm
ED Bootcamp with Andrea Coen, Betsy Dittenber, Michael Robinson, and Sandy Visnack: 10-12 pm (Space is limited. Special Registration Required)
General Sessions 1 & 2:
- 1. Intergenerational Communication with Emily Marquis: 10-11 am
- 2. Individual Donor Campaigns with Moe Leneweaver: 11-12 pm

12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Networking
2:00 pm Concurrent Sessions:

ED Bootcamp with Shelley Schreiner and Sandy Visnack: 2 - 3:30pm
General Sessions 3: 2-2:45 pm (Please select your sessions when you register)
- 3A. Organizational Culture with Maren Miller
- 3B. Strengthening Your Brand with Paul Tally
General Session 4: 2:45 - 3:30 pm
- 4A. Volunteer Management Basics with Aubrey Tamietti
- 4B. Major Donor Appeals with Moe Leneweaver

3:30 pm Transition

4:00 pm Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation: Insights Series: Richard Wobbekind, Associate Dean for Business & Government Relations, Senior Economist and Faculty Director of the Business Research Division at the University of Colorado Boulder.

6:00 pm Closing

Wednesday, April 30th:

8:30 am Registration Opens
9:00 am Concurrent Tracks:

ED Bootcamp (Continuation of Day 1 Program) with Betsy Dittenber, David & Sandy Visnack, and Michael Robinson
General Sessions:
- Track 1: Grant Writing Tutorial with Jodi Petit
- Track 2: Impact Evaluation with Andrea Coen, Dominique Naccarato, and Shelley Schreiner

12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Concurrent Tracks:

ED Bootcamp with Betsy Dittenbur, Sandy Visnack, and Kellye Weber
General Sessions:
- Track 1: Grant Writing Workshop
- Track 2: Communicating Impact with Andrea Coen, Dominique Naccarato, and Shelley Schreiner

3:30 pm Closing
4:00 pm Happy Hour at Elevation Brewery

2025 Sponsorship Opportunities:

Thank you to our generous sponsors for making the Summit affordable for our nonprofit leaders. Your sponsorship invests in the entire nonprofit sector by connecting our leaders with support, knowledge, skills and connection that will help their organizations all year long.

2025 Sponsorship Prospectus

2025 Presenters

Emily Marquis - Emily Marquis is a local Salidan who is passionate about her community. Professionally, Emily is a professor at various universities nationwide, specializing in integrative health, positive psychology, communication, and mindfulness. She is also a health coach and speaker who works locally in private practice and globally on research teams and within clinics/organizations. When not working or teaching yoga, Emily is a mom, dog mom, partner, boater, skier, and Netflix binger.

Andrea Earley Coen - For over 30 years, Andrea’s professional background has been in the experiential education nonprofit sector, working with schools, nonprofits, outdoor and agriculture education centers, farms and wilderness programs in Minnesota, Wisconsin, California, and Colorado. Since joining Guidestone’s team in 2008, she has worn many hats, and is thrilled to have stepped into the role of Executive Director. She is passionate about agriculture education, traditional homesteading arts, growing healthy local foods, a thriving local food system and forwarding Guidestone’s mission to grow a vibrant agricultural future. Andrea is also a musician, a mom, and an active member of her local community.

Andrea Schulz-Ward - Andrea has dedicated her career to working with underserved populations since 1996. From working with rural mountain communities in the Himalayas to Colorado, the goal is to engage multiple stakeholders creating equal opportunities for all members of society. Her degree from the University of Denver paved her way in sustainable development where she took the opportunity to work with international communities struggling with poverty. Salida has been her home base since 2000 and her commitment to societal health and well-being continues here.

Aubrey Tamietti - Aubrey is the Ark Valley Helping Hands Coordinator for Chaffee County Public Health, where she supports older adults in aging in place by connecting them with volunteers who provide companionship, transportation, yard work, light cleaning, and trishaw rides. She will complete her Master of Social Work in May and brings a trauma-informed, community-centered, and equity-focused approach to her work with individuals.

Dominique Naccarato - Dominique Naccarato is a dedicated environmental and non-profit professional committed to advancing impact through education, mentorship, and leadership. Dominique currently directs the Western Alliance for Reclamation Management (WARM), a nonprofit placing students in mine reclamation careers, and as the Director of Western Colorado University’s Masters in Environmental Management (MEM) program, supporting curriculum development and teaching key topics such as environmental policy, project management, and environmental organization development and management, while also serving as an elected official on the City of Salida’s Council, and the board of the Chaffee Housing Authority.

Jodi Breckenridge Petit, PHD - Jodi serves Chaffee County in multiple ways: Salida School Board vice president, volunteering for several non-profits/boards, and supporting local non-profits with grant writing. She and her husband, Brian, own a small defense company and have three active duty military sons.

Kellye Weber - Kellye is a people-focused professional with extensive experience in designing and implementing comprehensive HR programs. Proven track record in driving organizational success and enhancing employee engagement. Skilled in all facets of HR, including hiring, onboarding/offboarding, performance management, employee development, compensation and benefits, legal compliance, and employee relations, Kellye excels in strategic partnerships with senior leaders and C-suite executives to improve employee satisfaction and advance organizational goals. She is dedicated to fostering a positive company culture and enhancing the employee experience.

Marren Miller - Maren Miller, Founder of Heartful Alignment Coaching & Healing, is a leadership coach, facilitator, artist, and energy healer with over 15 years of experience in education, leadership development, racial equity and restorative justice work. Her background includes a decade as an art teacher and eight years leading anti-racist training, organizational culture change, and coaching programs across nonprofit, education, and public sectors. ICF-trained, Maren weaves together somatic practices, intuitive tools, and creative expression to help individuals and teams heal from burnout, deepen self-awareness, and lead with authenticity. Based in Poncha Springs, CO, she works with spiritually curious leaders, healers, and changemakers to transform systems from the inside out. She is on a mission to empower conscious, reflective change-makers to step into their role as embodied, inclusive leaders. More information available at marenjmiller.com.

Michael Robinson - Michael Robinson is a global executive leader in critical infrastructure innovation, engineering & operations, and risk management in telecom and banking. He was a pioneer in deploying land and transoceanic fiber optic systems, including many of the submarine fiber optic systems that span the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans as well as the China Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, connecting over 128 countries. Mr. Robinson was also a pioneer in the U.S. wireless network infrastructure as a founding team member of Sprint PCS serving as their Vice President/GM of Operations, and COO of their subsidiary in Mexico before he decided to launch his own company.

Moe Leneweaver - Moe has held development roles here in the state with High Mountain Institute and Conservation Colorado, and was previously a grassroots community organizer with IMPACT Charlottesville in Virginia. She also served on the Board of the Sierra Service Project in Sacramento for four years where she was Chair of the Resource Development Committee. Moe serves on CCCF's Development & Marketing Committee.

Paul Tally - Paul serves as Executive Director of the Colorado Trail Foundation. He has over 20 years of experience leading volunteer programs in Colorado, Kansas, and Texas. Prior to his current role, he served as the Executive Director of Wilderness Trek which leads hundreds of teens on backpacking trips throughout the southwest.

Sandy Visnack - With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sandy Visnack has raised millions of dollars through grant writing, sponsorship recruitment, individual donor cultivation, and special events. Her work spans a wide range of focus areas including youth development, housing, food insecurity, basic needs, health, and services for older adults. Sandy is the Founder and CEO of Canopy, a foundation dedicated to strengthening the capacity of the nonprofit sector and fostering enduring change through strategic planning, grant writing, and other direct services. She holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University and has worked with both regional and national organizations to build strong, mission-driven teams and organizations.

Shelley Schreiner - Executive Director of The Alliance which empowers individuals beyond intimate partner and sexual violence through services, education, and social change. She has her Bachelors in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University and her Masters of Nonprofit Management from Regis University. She has worked in nonprofit organizations for more than 20 years.

Tessa Lance - Tessa serves as the the Development Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Chaffee County and first became involved as an AmeriCorps volunteer in 2018. She strongly believes in the power of Boys & Girls Clubs and loves supporting our kids and staff. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Humboldt State University and a Master's degree from Illinois State University. Outside of the Club, you can find her on a local trail, river, or chasing her dog!

Read McCulloch - With 27 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Read has worked in large national and small local organizations in a variety of capacities. He was an Echoing Green Fellow and obtained his master's degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University as a Colorado Trust Fellow. In 2008, Read led the creation and development of the Chaffee Housing Trust and has served as ED since.

Betsy Dittenber - Betsy holds a Master of Arts in Public Service and Nonprofit Management and more than 18 years as a nonprofit leader. She earned a BA in Sociology from Colorado College and an MA in Public Service and Nonprofit Management from Marquette University. Betsy holds a Certificate in the “Impact of Equity” from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University and has extensive experience in fundraising, direct service to youth, executive leadership, and volunteer management. In her spare time, Betsy enjoys spending time outdoors with her family; hiking, backpacking, and rafting. She is an enthusiastic, but mediocre, gardener and enjoys messy art projects with her daughter.

Previous Summit information

2024 Summit information and schedule

Learning and connecting opportunity for nonprofit professionals with special perks and prizes throughout the day. Open to nonprofit and community agency leaders from the Arkansas River Valley and surrounding regions.

““The Community Summit is sure to give a boost to our nonprofit community. We’re excited to bring the expertise of our nonprofit leaders together for a day of learning and collaboration.” ”

— Megan Leesley, Board Chair 2022-2023

agenda 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

8:00 am Registration & Breakfast

8:30 am Welcoming Keynote: Making Space for Change with Denise Ackert

Embracing change can be challenging but necessary work. We will explore the significance of creating an environment conducive to change through cultivating resilience, embracing discomfort, creating space for reflection, and empowering action.

9:30 am Breakout Sessions

Resource Development Track: Building Your Grant Package with Andrea Coen and Sandy Visnack
Empowering People Track: Volunteer Engagement with TJ McDaniel

10:45 am Breakout Sessions

Resource Development Track: Strengthening Your Online Presence with Jordan Brown and Shelley Schreiner
Empowering People Track: Setting Your Board Up for Success with Lezlie Burkley

11:45 am Lunch & Collaboration Session: Increasing Your Impact with Inclusivity with Denise Ackert

Join us for a collaborative workshop where we will create plans towards equity in action. This workshop invites participants to explore the multifaceted landscape of inclusivity, offering practical strategies and insights to foster a culture of diversity and belonging in our communities.

1:15 pm Business/Nonprofit Partnerships: Corporate Partner Showcase

Lane Wilson & Stephanie Perko, Oveja Negra
Robin Nejame, Community Outreach Director, High Country Bank

2:00 pm Aligning Your Impact with Funder Priorities: Panel and Small Group Connections

El Pomar Foundation: Erica Oakley-Courage, Associate Vice President of Grants

The Colorado Trust: Robert Foley, Grants Program Director
Freeport McMoran Foundation: Nell Wareham, Manager, Social Performance
The Colorado Health Foundation: Avondine Couzelis-Hill, Program Officer

1:15-3:15 pm New track added: Nonprofit Board Member Training with Andrea Schwartz-Dulaney. Designed specifically for current board members, this training will focus on developing an understanding of board member roles and fiduciary duties, board governance, engaging the entire board, and more.

3:15 pm Closing and Social Hour

speakers

Denise Ackert (keynote), Director of the Mindfulness in the Jail Program (MJP) at Chaffee County Detention Center in the 11th Judicial District. She provides mindfulness and communication training to organizations, businesses throughout central Colorado. Denise is trained to deliver the Path of Freedom curriculum (a Mindfulness-based Emotional Intelligence program for inmates), Mindful Schools programs, and Parenting education programs. She leads meditation classes and retreats in Salida, CO and throughout the West.

Andrea Coen, Executive Director of Guidestone Colorado. For over 30 years, Andrea’s professional background has been in the experiential education nonprofit sector, working with schools, nonprofits, outdoor and agriculture education centers, farms and wilderness programs.

Andrea Schwartz-Dulaney is a non-profit consultant specializing in Executive Director coaching, board of directors development and strategic planning. With over 15 years of non-profit experience, 9 of which as an Executive Director for a national organization, Andrea has a wealth of non-profit leadership experience. She also serves as the board chair of the Cottonwood Institute and a board member of the Ark Valley Preschool. Her passion is working with NPO leaders to help them realize efficiencies and success in their roles. Andrea is a full-time resident of Salida, CO with her 2 year old son and husband.

Jordan Brown, Nonprofit Success Manager at Colorado Gives Foundation. Jordan brings over a decade of marketing, sales and partnership experience helping nonprofits make the most of online giving platforms.

Lezlie Burkley, Foundation Director at HRRMC Foundation. Lezlie’s career includes marketing & public relations manager, strategic development, and board facilitation. She was appointed to the first Chaffee County Boys & Girls Club Board in 2004 and also served on or worked with the boards of Chaffee 2020, Chaffee Housing Trust, and Chaffee County Early Childhood Council. Lezlie served on Salida School Board from 2005 – 2013 and the Colorado School Board Association Directors from 2008-2013. During this time she became a trainer and facilitator of school boards in Colorado.

Sandy Visnack, Executive Director of The Center Foundation. Sandy is a nonprofit consultant, grant writer, and strategic planner. With an executive career that spans over two decades, Sandy delights in helping nonprofits cultivate resources to meet their financial and strategic goals.

Shelley Schreiner, Executive Director of The Alliance which empowers individuals beyond intimate partner and sexual violence through services, education, and social change. She has her Bachelors in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University and her Masters of Nonprofit Management from Regis University. She has worked in nonprofit organizations for more than 20 years.

T.J. McDaniel, Farm Manager and Director at Colorado Farm to Table. T.J. has spent most of his life working on farms from his family farm in Kansas to commercial farms and large market farm until joining Colorado Farm to Table in 2014. T.J. was drawn to Colorado Farm to Table's unique farming and hunger relief mission and enjoys managing their robust volunteer program.