Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

350: What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know About Mergers (André Anthony)SUMMARYThis milestone episode is brought to you by the newly merged Armstrong McGuire + PMA Nonprofit Leadership, joining forces to strengthen nonprofit leadership across the sector. Together, we are expanding our support for organizations through consulting, executive search, leadership development, and thought leadership. Learn more at ArmstrongMcGuire.com. As we announce our own merger, it felt like the perfect moment to explore what a healthy, mission-driven merger really looks like. André Anthony, CEO of NeighborUp, helps us mark Episode #350 with a conversation every nonprofit leader should hear. NeighborUp is the result of a thoughtful, intentional merger between Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministry. André explains why the best mergers don’t come from crisis - they come from vision, alignment, and a shared desire to serve communities more effectively. He walks us through the realities of merging boards, teams, cultures, branding, operations, and fundraising, and why treating this as a true merger - not an acquisition - mattered for trust and long-term success.ABOUT ANDRÉAndré Anthony is the CEO of NeighborUp, the merged organization created by Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministry. A seasoned nonprofit leader who began his career with the YMCA, André is known for his relational leadership style, focus on community-centered solutions, and ability to guide organizations through complex change. Under his leadership, NeighborUp has expanded its geographic reach, strengthened financial sustainability, and increased its impact through a unified service model. André frequently shares his experience with leaders exploring collaboration, shared services, and full mergers, offering practical insight into governance alignment, culture building, and community trust.RESOURCESNeighborUpCrucial Accountability by Patterson, Grenny & McMillanA Promised Land by Barack ObamaArmstrong McGuire + PMA Nonprofit Leadership – armstrongmcguire.comFollow the podcast

349: What Funders Want Nonprofit Leaders to Know (Sarah Mann Willcox)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support can be a powerful partner for your organization. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking. As you ponder your New Year’s resolutions as a nonprofit leader, funding for your organization is almost certainly on the list. That’s why Sarah Mann Willcox’s insight is such a timely way to begin the year. As Executive Director of the NC Network of Grantmakers - and a former fundraiser herself - Sarah offers an inside look at how funders think, what pressures and constraints they face, and what nonprofit leaders can do in 2026 to build stronger and more authentic relationships with them. She explains why program officers should be seen as partners rather than gatekeepers, how to communicate more effectively about your work, and why transparency helps both sides make better decisions. Sarah also shares broader sector trends: trust-based philanthropy, collaboration across the independent sector, donor-advised funds, and the growing need for collective solutions—as well as candid advice about burnout and leadership sustainability. Her message is clear: if you want a more confident and strategic year of fundraising, it starts with understanding the humans behind the grantmaking process.ABOUT SARAHSarah Mann Willcox is the Executive Director of the NC Network of Grantmakers (NCNG), North Carolina’s statewide association for funders. With more than a decade of experience supporting foundations, corporate donors, and philanthropic leaders, she serves as a connector, convener, and trusted guide for grantmakers navigating complex community needs. Sarah previously served as a fundraiser with the NC Center for Nonprofits and brings both sides of the funding relationship into her work—helping funders collaborate more effectively while demystifying the philanthropic landscape for nonprofit leaders. She serves on the board of the United Philanthropy Forum, connecting North Carolina to national conversations about sector health, equity, advocacy, and philanthropic practice.RESOURCESNC Network of Grantmakers – ncgrantmakers.orgUnited Philanthropy Forum – philanthropyforum.orgNational Council of Nonprofits – councilofnonprofits.orgBook recommendation: A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky ChambersArmstrong McGuire – armstrongmcguire.comYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership (Audible edition available)Ready for a Mastermind in 2026?

348: Holiday Rewind: 4 Ways to Advance Your Nonprofit LeadershipWhat are you doing - intentionally - to move closer to your nonprofit leadership goals?In this Holiday Rewind of solo episode #159, Patton revisits four practical, evergreen ways nonprofit leaders can reflect, refocus, and move forward in their leadership journey. Whether you’re early in your career, preparing for your next step, or refining your impact as a senior leader, these four elements provide a simple framework for year-end reflection and year-ahead momentum.Special thanks to our friends from TowneBank and Armstrong McGuire for supporting this podcast on its way to 350 Episodes next month!The Four Elements1. Sharpen Your Vision Framework. Clarity fuels progress. Revisit where you want to be in three to five years and define the kind of leader you want to become, not just the title you want to hold. A clear vision helps you evaluate opportunities, say no with confidence, and align daily work with long-term goals.2. Practice Self-Assessment. Growth starts with honest reflection. Regularly assess your strengths, skill gaps, leadership style, and readiness for greater responsibility. Seek feedback, reflect on recent experiences, and use that insight to guide your development priorities.  There were 10 Skills back in Episode #159, but the Mastermind Program now features 12!3. Utilize Strategic Networking. Relationships don’t happen by accident. Be intentional about building a diverse network of peers, mentors, and sponsors who can challenge your thinking, open doors, and support your growth. Strategic networking is about mutual value, not transactions.4. Curate Knowledge. You don’t need to know everything, but you do need to keep learning. Be selective about the books, podcasts, conferences, and conversations that shape your thinking. Curated learning keeps you relevant, reflective, and ready for what’s next.About PattonPatton McDowell is a nonprofit leadership coach, consultant, author, and podcast host with more than 30 years of experience helping leaders and organizations thrive. He is the founder of PMA Nonprofit Leadership, where he works with emerging, mid-career, and senior nonprofit professionals through coaching, training, and strategic planning. Before launching PMA in 2009, Patton served as Vice President for University Advancement at Queens University of Charlotte and previously as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at UNC Wilmington, where he was the youngest vice chancellor in the UNC system. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles with Special Olympics North Carolina and Special Olympics International. Patton holds a bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill where he was a Morehead Scholar, an MBA from the McColl School of Business at Queens, and a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a Master Trainer for AFP, host of the weekly podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and author of the book of the same name.Other Solo Episodes by PattonEpisode #56 – 10 Essential Skills & Experiences for Nonprofit LeadershipEpisode #78 – 5 Ways to Build Your Professional Development PlanEpisode #13 – Build a Personal Strategic Plan That WorksAre you ready for a Mastermind?

347: Protecting Your Nonprofit from Fraud (Amy Seintourens) SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support can be a powerful partner for your organization, offering financial expertise, expanded community relationships, and practical advice no matter your budget size. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking. Fraud is one of the most underestimated risks in the nonprofit sector - and one of the most disruptive when it strikes. In Episode #347 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, fraud prevention expert Amy Seintourens, SVP and Director of Fraud Management at TowneBank, breaks down the real vulnerabilities nonprofits face today, from internal threats and weak controls to sophisticated email scams, phone spoofing, counterfeit checks, and mail theft. Using clear examples and practical guidance, Amy explains why small organizations can be even more vulnerable and how simple steps - dual controls, treasury services, verification habits, and ongoing team training - significantly reduce risk. Whether you’re a founder handling your own bookkeeping, a board treasurer overseeing internal controls, or a senior leader strengthening organizational resilience, Amy offers straightforward strategies to help you prevent fraud before it happens - not after it’s too late.ABOUT AMYAmy Seintourens is the Senior Vice President and Director of Fraud Management at TowneBank, bringing 31 years of experience in fraud prevention and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance. She began her career in 1994 at Dean Witter, later known as Morgan Stanley, before joining EverBank in 2011, where she gained extensive experience supporting a primarily online bank environment. Amy maintains both her ACAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) and CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) credentials. She joined TowneBank in 2018 to support BSA operations and was promoted in 2022 to lead Fraud Management for the organization. Amy is deeply passionate about educating employees and members, staying ahead of emerging fraud trends, and helping nonprofits and businesses strengthen their internal controls.RESOURCESLearn more about fraud prevention at TowneBank.comTowneBank’s The Shield bi-monthly fraud-prevention newsletterLet Them by Mel Robbins (Amy’s book recommendation)Armstrong McGuireYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership (Audible edition available)

346: Understanding the Science of Generosity (Cherian Koshy)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support can be a powerful partner for your organization, offering financial expertise, expanded community relationships, and practical advice no matter your budget size. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.Why do some fundraising efforts inspire generosity while others fall flat, and what can nonprofit leaders do to fix it? In Episode #346 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, global philanthropy expert Cherian Koshy helps us understand how generosity actually works. Drawing from his groundbreaking book Neurogiving, Cherian explains why many well-intended fundraising tactics unintentionally create friction, suppress generosity, or erode trust. He offers clear insights on donor psychology, identity, timing, and the neuroscience behind decision-making—making the case that great fundraising isn’t about persuasion or pressure. It’s about designing environments that affirm who donors believe themselves to be and making it easier for them to act on their generous instincts. Whether you lead a large development team or fundraise off the side of your desk, Cherian’s guidance will help you build trust, reduce barriers, and communicate with greater authenticity in a noisy world.ABOUT CHERIANCherian Koshy, CFRE, CAP, is a globally recognized expert in fundraising strategy and innovation, and the author of Neurogiving, which blends behavioral science with practical tools to help organizations inspire generosity more effectively. A sought-after keynote speaker and advisor, he helps mission-driven teams adapt, grow, and lead with clarity in a changing philanthropic landscape. Cherian serves on the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and on the board of The Giving Institute. He received the 2022 Governor’s Volunteer Award for his leadership with Volunteer Iowa and is a LinkedIn Top Voice as well as a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. His insights appear in CEO Weekly, Yahoo Finance, and other leading publications. He founded the AI-powered platform NonprofitOS, which was later acquired by Kindsight, where he now serves as Vice President.RESOURCESNeurogiving by Cherian Koshy – neurogivingbook.comExactly What to Say by Phil M. Jones (Cherian’s recommended read)Learn more about Cherian – cheriankoshy.comArmstrong McGuire – www.armstrongmcguire.comYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership (Audible edition available)Sign up for the weekly Thursday Leadership Lens newsletter

345: The Trust Factor: How to Strengthen Your Strategic LeadershipSUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support helps bring meaningful leadership conversations to nonprofit professionals across the sector. Learn more at townebank.com/nonprofitbanking. Nonprofit leaders often feel pulled in a dozen directions - responding to urgent needs, carrying the emotional weight of their missions, and struggling to find time for strategic thinking. In Episode #345 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Christy Pietryga, CEO at HEARTH in Pittsburgh, PA, shares how she has intentionally built a team culture grounded in trust, humility, and shared accountability. Christy talks openly about her journey from frontline work with veterans and families experiencing homelessness into executive leadership at a young age. She explains how listening first shaped her early success, how she empowers team members to operate as strategic contributors, and how leaders can balance compassion with clear expectations. Christy also offers thoughtful insight into fundraising as an introvert, supporting staff who face trauma in their daily work, and modeling healthy self-care for the whole organization. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned CEO, Christy’s practical approach offers a roadmap for leading with clarity, empathy, and confidence.ABOUT CHRISTYChristy Pietryga is the CEO at HEARTH in Pittsburgh, PA, and brings a deep background in supportive services and housing for homeless families and veterans. Before joining HEARTH, she spent a decade with the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, where she managed housing programs, provided direct case management, and advanced into key leadership roles during a period of significant organizational growth. In addition to her program and operations expertise, Christy has experience in communications and design, having created workbooks and materials for conferences and workshops. She holds a degree in Sociology with concentrations in Human Services and Nonprofits from Bucknell University. Today, she leads HEARTH with a blend of operational strength, empathy, and a strong commitment to cultivating a trusting, high-performing team culture.RESOURCESFalling Free by Shannon Martin (Christy’s book recommendation)Ready for your next leadership role? Check out Armstrong McGuireReady for a Mastermind?  Learn more herePatton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

Thanksgiving 2025: 7 Reasons to Be ThankfulSpecial Edition Show Notes #344This Thanksgiving episode highlights seven standout guests from 2025 - along with their books - plus three bonus titles from Patton’s Picks.Thanks to our partners:TowneBank: https://TowneBank.com/NonprofitBankingArmstrong McGuire: https://armstrongmcguire.comMastermind Leadership Program: https://PMAnonprofit.com/mastermindFeatured Guests & BooksMary Kelly — Ep. 317: Crisis-Proof Your LeadershipEpisode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/317Book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Leaders-Fail-Prescriptions-Success/dp/1640950857Ora Grodsky — Ep. 329: Leading with TransformationEpisode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/329Book: https://www.amazon.com/Justice-Love-Organizational-Healing-Transformational/dp/1739581604David Rhode — Ep. 326: 5 Essential Topics Every Nonprofit Leader Should KnowEpisode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/326Book: https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Isnt-Enough-Practical-Nonprofit/dp/B0CR2T8XRMRebecca White — Ep. 320: From Paper to ProgressEpisode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/320Book: https://www.amazon.com/No-Stress-Nonprofit-Consultant-Rebecca-White/dp/1737867935Salvatore Manzi — Ep. 322: Make Your Nonprofit’s Message StickEpisode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/322Book: https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Compelling-Communication-Strategies-Ideas/dp/1646871449Nick Grono — Ep. 315: Lessons Nonprofit Leaders Can Teach the Business WorldEpisode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/315Book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Lead-Nonprofits-Purpose-Impact/dp/1544535391Dr. Keith Dorsey — Ep. 335: A Roadmap to Board ServiceEpisode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/335Book: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Success-Board-Service-Leadership/dp/1637559626Bonus Patton’s Picks (3 More Books for 2025)Uptime — Laura Mae MartinBook: https://www.amazon.com/Uptime-Optimize-Performance-Feel-Great/dp/0063304634The Future Is Faster Than You Think — Peter Diamandis & Steven KotlerBook: https://www.amazon.com/Future-Faster-Than-You-Think/dp/1982109661The Smart Nonprofit — Beth Kanter & Allison FineBook: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Nonprofit-Alison-Fine/dp/1119818894

343: Reclaim Your Capacity and Escape the Burnout Trap (Trasetta Washington)SUMMARYSpecial thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.Why do so many passionate nonprofit leaders find themselves constantly running on empty and teetering on the edge of burnout? In episode #343 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, leadership wellness coach and productivity strategist Trasetta Washington unpacks the core reasons mission-driven leaders sacrifice their own well-being for the cause, explaining that society glorifies resilience and sacrifice, creating pressure to push through. Trasetta helps define burnout as "stress that rest won't fix" - a chronic state that manifests as fatigue, irritability, and living in constant survival mode.ABOUT TRASETTATrasetta Washington, known as The Team Technician™, is a nationally recognized speaker, leadership wellness coach, and productivity strategist. With over 25 years of experience in business operations and team development, she helps mission-driven leaders realign their teams without burning themselves out. As CEO of Profitable Productivity, LLC, Trasetta brings a signature blend of strategy, structure, and soul to her work, equipping nonprofit and human services leaders with practical tools to eliminate team friction and build a culture rooted in trust, accountability, and well-being. Through programs like the Teamwork Tune-Up Intensive and the Leadership Accelerator, she empowers leaders to stop managing everything and start leading teams that perform, without running on empty. Her no-fluff, heart-centered approach helps teams pause, reflect, and realign so they can thrive together.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESDare to Lead by Brene BrownLearn more about Profitable Productivity at https://trasettaannelle.com/ Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit Armstrong McGuire & AssociatesExplore the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, now accepting applications for 2026

342: Lessons That Shape Great Nonprofit Leaders (Garrett Cathcart)SUMMARYSpecial thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership.  Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.What does it take to build something from the ground up - and lead it with purpose, humility, and vision? In episode 342 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Garrett Cathcart shares the lessons he’s learned in creating and scaling organizations that strengthen communities and unite people across divides. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of +More Perfect Union, a veteran-led nonprofit rebuilding civic and social trust through connection, service, and engagement, Garrett explores the power of starting from zero, leading volunteers with accountability, and measuring impact through both empathy and data.ABOUT GARRETTGarrett Cathcart is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of +More Perfect Union, a veteran-led movement to strengthen communities and heal the divides in our country through meaningful connections built on service, civic engagement, and leadership development. He also co-founded 550 Capital Partners, a venture firm investing in early-stage startups led by military veterans. Previously, Garrett served as the founding Executive Director of Mission Roll Call and as Southeast Regional Director of Team Red, White & Blue. A U.S. Army Cavalry officer for nine years, Garrett is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served in multiple combat leadership roles and earned three Bronze Stars and the Meritorious Service Medal. He continues to serve as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves and teaches leadership and military science at Georgia Tech. A graduate of West Point and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, he is a Truman National Security Fellow and a George W. Bush Veteran Leadership Scholar.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESIt Worked for Me by Colin PowellLearn more about +More Perfect UnionExplore our Mastermind Program, now accepting applications for 2026!

341: 4 Resources Every Nonprofit Leader Needs (Ivan Canada)SUMMARYSpecial thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.In episode #341 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Ivan Canada, President and CEO of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, shares the four essential resources every nonprofit leader needs to succeed: advocacy tools, legal compliance guidance, sustainable fundraising practices, and peer networking. Drawing on his extensive experience leading one of the state’s most trusted sector organizations, Ivan explains why each of these elements is vital to long-term organizational health and how leaders can apply them immediately. He offers practical advice for building advocacy confidence, avoiding compliance pitfalls, and fostering collaboration across diverse organizations. Listeners will gain actionable insights into how peer learning and shared leadership can strengthen both individual leaders and the sector as a whole.ABOUT IVANIvan Canada is the President and CEO of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, an organization dedicated to amplifying the collective voice of the state’s nonprofit sector. Under his leadership, the Center provides thousands of nonprofits with resources in advocacy, legal guidance, fundraising best practices, and peer learning opportunities. With a career spanning both nonprofit and corporate sectors, Ivan brings a unique perspective on how organizations can thrive through strategic collaboration and mission-centered leadership. Known for his inclusive leadership style and commitment to equity, Ivan works to ensure every North Carolina nonprofit has access to the knowledge and connections needed to fulfill its mission effectively.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESThe Art of Gathering by Priya ParkerLearn more about the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits at https://www.ncnonprofits.orgReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit Armstrong McGuire & AssociatesExplore the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, now accepting applications for 2026