Executive Director Learning Circle
About the program
Since 2015, this program has provided space for learning and peer dialogue specifically among nonprofit executive directors. Serving as a nonprofit executive director is a great privilege and a particular challenge. You wear many hats, from holding your organization's vision, to minding the daily details, fostering partnerships, and generating financial support. Join this series to connect with fellow directors for support and engagement. Session topics have included board diversity, federal tax changes, organizational growth, marketing, finance, and personal resiliency.
Series co-facilitators, Marsie Silvestro and Ross Chaney, offer a wealth of experience to share.
Meet the people leading the conversation
Marsie Silvestro
Marsie Silvestro
Marsie Silvestro brings four decades of expertise to her roles as an intuitive and dynamic Executive Director, Board and Staff Trainer, Group Retreat Facilitator and Mentor. Her leadership experience spans work on both the local and national levels. She is proficient in the Appreciative Inquiry Strategic Model which focuses on identifying an organization's strengths through individual and group interviewing progresses that honors what has been done, creates transformative collective dreaming and creating effective solution based and accomplishable work plans that will move an agency toward growth and a new pathways toward a successful mission.
Marsie believes that no matter what someone’s position is in an agency or the community, all are needed to steer towards a future that elevates the voices and needs of those they serve, as well as ensures that staff and board members feel heard, listened to, included, and appreciated as a thread in the web of service and safety.
Ross Chaney
Ross Chaney
Ross Chaney is a seasoned nonprofit and business consultant who specializes in strategic planning, writing, executive coaching, and applications of AI for nonprofits and small organizations. He has 20 years of experience in northern New Mexico nonprofit and public service, working across different leadership roles and diverse sectors. Ross’ experience includes:
- Coaching for ED’s and program staff for leadership development
- Governance, organizational development, operations and strategy
- Policy issues, program/operations expansion or reduction
- Budgeting and finance coaching
- Reviewing grant proposals, reports, and other documents
- Exploring the potential of AI for your organization
- Extensive knowledge of Native American and NM culture
Meet the people leading the conversation
Marsie Silvestro
Marsie Silvestro
Marsie Silvestro brings four decades of expertise to her roles as an intuitive and dynamic Executive Director, Board and Staff Trainer, Group Retreat Facilitator and Mentor. Her leadership experience spans work on both the local and national levels. She is proficient in the Appreciative Inquiry Strategic Model which focuses on identifying an organization's strengths through individual and group interviewing progresses that honors what has been done, creates transformative collective dreaming and creating effective solution based and accomplishable work plans that will move an agency toward growth and a new pathways toward a successful mission.
Marsie believes that no matter what someone’s position is in an agency or the community, all are needed to steer towards a future that elevates the voices and needs of those they serve, as well as ensures that staff and board members feel heard, listened to, included, and appreciated as a thread in the web of service and safety.
Ross Chaney
Ross Chaney
Ross Chaney is a seasoned nonprofit and business consultant who specializes in strategic planning, writing, executive coaching, and applications of AI for nonprofits and small organizations. He has 20 years of experience in northern New Mexico nonprofit and public service, working across different leadership roles and diverse sectors. Ross’ experience includes:
- Coaching for ED’s and program staff for leadership development
- Governance, organizational development, operations and strategy
- Policy issues, program/operations expansion or reduction
- Budgeting and finance coaching
- Reviewing grant proposals, reports, and other documents
- Exploring the potential of AI for your organization
- Extensive knowledge of Native American and NM culture
Meet the people leading the conversation
This I Know: Sharing Our Collective Wisdom – Learning from Each Other
Participants will share their hard-earned wisdom and experiences as Executive Directors in this collaborative session. Through structured discussion and small group breakouts, peers will present real challenges and receive actionable advice from fellow leaders. Participants will leave with practical solutions and a deeper connection to their peer network.
A.I. Uses for Nonprofit Organizations
Unlock the transformative potential of A.I. in nonprofit organizations. This session, led by Ross, will reveal how A.I. can shorten routine tasks and elevate donors, board, client, and staff engagement. Participants will explore real-world examples and engage in interactive demonstrations of AI tools to streamline operations and boost organizational efficiency. Join us to demystify A.I. technology and discover practical applications to revolutionize your nonprofit's impact.
Understanding and Mitigating High Staff Turnover
Address the pressing issue of staff retention through peer-based problem-solving. Participants will share retention success stories, share effective strategies, and collaborate on developing practical solutions for building stronger teams. The session will include breakout discussions on competitive benefits, workplace culture, and professional development opportunities, providing a comprehensive approach to building a more resilient and engaged staff.
Government Changes in Policy Impacting Nonprofit Organizations
Engage with key political leaders for an insightful discussion on post-election implications for nonprofits. This session will feature guest speakers sharing their perspectives on upcoming policy changes, funding priorities, and regulatory updates. Participants will develop action plans to navigate the evolving political environment effectively.
Funder Panel
Connect with diverse funders in an intimate setting to understand their priorities and decision-making processes. This panel discussion will provide insights into effective grant writing, relationship building, and aligning organizational goals with funder interests. Includes Q&A time for specific funding questions.
Planning for a New Budget Year
A comprehensive overview of nonprofit financial best practices and upcoming accounting changes led by an experienced nonprofit accountant. Learn essential controls for oversight, budget management strategies, general Q&A tax advice for independent contractors, and how to build an effective finance committee. Participants will review real-world examples and receive practical templates for financial oversight.
Being an Ambassador for Your Agency
Transform your organization's message into a compelling narrative that resonates with stakeholders. Led by Marsie, this hands-on workshop will help participants craft and practice delivering powerful stories about their mission. This session includes peer feedback and real-time message refinement, ensuring your narrative is powerful and polished.
Strategic Planning Tools and Tips
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of strategic planning. Participants will acquire practical tools for assessment, goal setting, and implementation planning. In addition to strategic planning, this session emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking and tactical actions.
Strengthening Your Organizational Culture
Dive into practical strategies for building and maintaining a positive organizational culture. Through interactive exercises and peer discussions, participants will develop concrete plans for enhancing employee engagement, improving communication, and fostering a mission-driven environment. Immerse yourself in effective strategies for cultivating and sustaining a positive organizational culture. This session offers interactive exercises and peer discussions to help participants create actionable plans for boosting employee engagement, enhancing communication, and nurturing a mission-driven atmosphere. Gain valuable insights and practical tools to transform your organization into a thriving, cohesive, and purpose-oriented environment.
