Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

295: Unlocking Marketing Mastery for Nonprofits (Kirsten Suto Seckler)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity, help finding an interim executive, or to find your next leader. Are you struggling to align your nonprofit’s marketing efforts with fundraising goals while staying true to your mission? Marketing can feel daunting, but mastering it is crucial to driving impact and building deeper donor connections. In episode 295 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Kirsten Suto Seckler shares her expertise on leveraging marketing to elevate nonprofit impact. With over 20 years of experience, Kirsten discusses the critical differences between nonprofit and for-profit marketing, emphasizing storytelling and mission-driven engagement. She highlights how strategic alignment between marketing and fundraising creates a stronger donor pipeline, while also providing practical tips on building brand awareness, measuring success, and fostering thought leadership. Drawing from her work at Shatterproof and Special Olympics, Kirsten offers actionable strategies to create authentic messaging and reach diverse audiences, helping nonprofit leaders take their organizations to the next level.ABOUT KIRSTENKirsten Suto Seckler is the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for Shatterproof, a national nonprofit working to reverse the addiction crisis in America. She uses her expertise in marketing and communications to drive social change, focusing on science-based interventions and reducing addiction stigma. At Shatterproof, Seckler leads initiatives like the Treatment Atlas, a platform to help families find quality addiction treatment, and a national campaign to end addiction stigma. She also oversees mass-market fundraising efforts and brand alignment. Previously, Seckler spent over 20 years at Special Olympics International, serving as Chief Brand and Communications Officer. She led global campaigns that elevated the organization’s brand to nearly 200 countries, reaching 6 million athletes. Her accomplishments include organizing 11 World Games and establishing a global broadcast partnership with ESPN. Seckler has taught Integrated Marketing at Georgetown University since 2013 and previously worked in marketing at Kraft and as a journalist. She was named to PRWeek’s Health Influencer 30 Class of 2022 and honored by Washington Women in Public Relations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Management from Georgetown University.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireTuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom'Have you gotten Patton’s book

294: Starting from Scratch: What it Takes to Build a Successful Nonprofit (Courtney Johnson)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. What does it really take to build a nonprofit from scratch, especially when you’re balancing limited resources, overwhelming demands, and the challenge of staying resilient as a leader? In episode 294 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Courtney Johnson shares the inspiring story of founding Culinary Care, a nonprofit dedicated to providing meals for cancer patients and their families. What began as a personal response to the challenges her own family faced during her father's cancer treatment has evolved into a mission to make nourishment a fundamental part of cancer care. Courtney discusses the importance of relationship-building, persistence, and staying true to your mission in the nonprofit space. She offers insights on navigating early challenges, scaling growth, and managing burnout as a leader. Her experience highlights how strategic partnerships and focusing on small, sustainable steps can lead to big impact over time.ABOUT COURTNEYCourtney is the Founder of Culinary Care, which brings nourishment, care, and joy to cancer patients and their families by delivering free, restaurant-prepared meals. In 2006, while a high school junior, her father was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. Told he would have five months to five years to live, he passed away just seven months later. Amidst everything, there was always one thing that brought a sense of joy and normalcy to their lives, and that was the meals that friends and neighbors delivered each night. After graduating college in 2011, she returned home to Chicago wanting to bring meals to others fighting cancer that may not have the same community support. After searching for organizations to volunteer with, she found none; that is the void Culinary Care is working to fill. Every year, 1 in 5 cancer deaths are a direct consequence of malnutrition. In Illinois alone, that’s over 6,000 individuals. With every meal, Culinary Care is helping take something off the plate for cancer patients by simply putting something on it.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireGrit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela DuckworthHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly

293: Unlocking Crypto Donations and Millennial Giving (Pat Duffy)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. Are you missing out on donations from the next generation of donors simply because your nonprofit isn’t equipped to accept cryptocurrency or appeal to tech-savvy millennials? In episode 293 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we unlock new opportunities in fundraising with Pat Duffy. He shares how nonprofits can integrate crypto donations seamlessly and unlock the potential of millennial and Gen Z donors. Learn why cryptocurrency is more than a buzzword—it’s a highly tax-efficient giving method that aligns with the preferences of younger, tech-savvy philanthropists. ABOUT PATPat Duffy founded The Giving Block, with co-founder Alex Wilson, creating a new fundraising category they called “Crypto Philanthropy”. Pat and his team developed the largest crypto giving platform for donors, raising over $100M for nonprofits and taking crypto and NFT donations mainstream. Today, The Giving Block is the platform helping thousands of the world’s leading charities, schools, healthcare systems and faith-based organizations fundraise cryptocurrencies, stocks and Donor Advised Fund grants more effectively from modern philanthropists, including Save the Children, United Way Worldwide, Feeding America and St. Jude. Pat was honored for being one of the 100 Most Influential people in crypto, as well as The Kennedy Center’s Next 50 class of 2022. Pat’s been featured in Time Magazine, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, Associated Press, Coindesk, and CNBC.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

292: 5 Keys to Building Your 2025 Leadership Plan (Patton McDowell)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. This Thanksgiving season, take a moment to pause and invest in your future. As the year draws to a close, there’s no better time to craft your personal strategic plan for 2025. In episode 292 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, discover five actionable steps to elevate your leadership journey: revisit your career vision, reflect on 2024’s achievements and lessons, create a targeted knowledge-building roadmap, develop a strategic networking plan, and optimize your calendar and productivity systems. These keys will help you clarify your goals, build meaningful connections, and focus on growth opportunities. Ready to dive deeper? Join PMA’s new Master Class: Launch Your 2025 Strategic Plan, offered in Charlotte on December 11th or virtually on December 13th. Let’s turn your “someday” into today’s plan for success!ABOUT PATTONPatton is the Founder and President of PMA Nonprofit Leadership and brings over 35 years of expertise in philanthropic leadership, having partnered with over 300 organizations across all nonprofit sectors. A CFRE and Master Trainer for AFP Global, he's recognized for his speaking and dynamic facilitation. Starting with Special Olympics International and NC Special Olympics, his journey led to leadership roles at Queens University of Charlotte and UNC Wilmington before founding PMA in 2009. Patton serves as the Director for the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership and facilitates its signature programs: Leadership Gift School and the Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy program. Patton is an Executive in Residence at Cornell University's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, and his leadership insights resonate through his weekly podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and his 2022 book of the same title. A Morehead Scholar from UNC Chapel Hill, he also earned an MBA from McColl School at Queens and a Doctorate in Education (Organizational Change and Leadership) from the University of Southern California.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireRegister today for Patton’s Master Class: Launch Your 2025 Leadership PlanPatton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

291: Nonprofit Volunteer: Ready for Leadership? (Arcelia Miller)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.Are you ready to turn a passionate volunteer into your next nonprofit leader, or are you overlooking the hidden talent within your organization? In episode 291 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Arcelia Miller, Executive Director of Under His Wings, shares her inspiring journey and discusses the unique challenges of transitioning into nonprofit leadership, particularly the importance of measuring success and impact in a sector focused on lives, not profit. Arcelia reflects on the lessons learned from her volunteer experience, the unexpected leap to Executive Director, and the power of mentorship and community support. With a focus on servant leadership and growing others, she offers valuable advice for nonprofit leaders navigating change, building volunteer relationships, and balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day operational demands.ABOUT ARCELIAArcelia Miller's leadership journey has spanned from military service to nonprofit management, highlighting her versatility and impact. As the Executive Director of Under His Wings, a residential home for teen girls in Baldwin County, she has led the organization since 2019, offering counseling, education, and life skills to young women. Her leadership earned the nonprofit the 2022 Non-Profit of the Year award from the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. Arcelia's career began as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, followed by roles as a business consultant, leadership coach, and homeschool director. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from George Washington University and a Master’s in Quality Systems Management. A certified Biblical Counselor and Maxwell Leadership coach, Arcelia remains deeply involved in her community, serving on various boards while focusing on preparing the next generation of leaders.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John MaxwellYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest news

290: What Can You Do to Grow Donor Loyalty? (Alyce Lee Stansbury)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.Are you tired of constantly chasing new donors while struggling to keep the ones you have? I In episode 290 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Alyce Lee Stansbury, CFRE delves into the art and strategy of building lasting donor relationships. She breaks down five practical strategies for nonprofit leaders. Alyce Lee explains why genuine, heartfelt gratitude, timely outcome reporting, and tailored two-way communication are crucial to retaining supporters over time. Listeners will gain insights into transforming data into deeper connections, including how to track donor interactions to ensure each touchpoint is meaningful and personalized. ABOUT ALYCE LEEAlyce Lee Stansbury, CFRE, brings over 30 years of dedicated experience to nonprofit consulting, having guided hundreds of organizations through the complexities of fundraising, strategic planning, governance, and board development. As a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Certified Master Trainer, she is a respected thought leader and an in-demand speaker at both state and national conferences, where she shares her insights on nonprofit leadership, effective strategy, and sustainable fundraising. Alyce Lee is also a columnist for the Tallahassee Democrat (USA Today News), where her "Notes on Nonprofits" column serves as an educational resource and a voice of advocacy for nonprofit leaders, staff, and donors. Her contributions have earned her several honors, including Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Big Bend, the Civic Leadership Award from the American Society for Public Administration, and recognition as one of the Tallahassee Democrat’s 25 Women You Need to Know. Known for her dedication to the sector, Alyce Lee’s accolades also include finalist nods for Distinguished Leader of the Year and Business of the Year in the Tallahassee community. Through her consulting practice, she continues to inspire and equip nonprofits with the tools they need to achieve lasting impact.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESVisit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe Generosity Crisis by Nathan Chappell and Brian Crimmins (and listen to their podcast appearance - episode #211 - here)Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

289: Is it Time to Go? Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Succession Plan (Mike Melara)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help to find an interim executive or your next leader. Succession planning is often an overlooked priority for nonprofit leaders, but its importance can't be overstated. In episode 289 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore the critical difference between succession thinking and formal succession planning, and how the latter can protect your organization during times of leadership transitions with a seasoned leader, Mike Melara. Learn about the "sudden loss of leader" plan, a practical tool to ensure that your nonprofit can smoothly navigate unplanned absences, whether temporary or permanent. You'll also discover actionable steps to engage your board and senior leadership in the succession planning process, helping to reduce anxiety across the organization. ABOUT MIKEMike Melara is a native of Watertown, New York and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, NY. He has a BA from Le Moyne College and an MS from Chapman University. He has over 40 years of experience in not-for-profit and government work, including being a direct service provider, supervisor, and administrator. In his current role, Mike oversees the day-to-day operations of an $86 million agency, including strategic planning, resource development, budget planning and management, human resources management, public relations, and Board relationships. With a workforce of nearly 1,500 staff, Catholic Charities serves over 150,000 people across the seven counties in the Diocese of Syracuse. In addition, Mike is also the sole operator of MFM Leads, LLC, an executive consultation, leadership coaching and training business. His consultation work includes succession planning, organizational assessments, supervisor training and leadership workshops. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireLeadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns GoodwinUniversity of Washington's Succession Planning ResourcesDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

288: How Can Nonprofits Use For-Profit Ventures to Drive Growth? (Brett Jenks)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. Are you struggling to find sustainable funding for your nonprofit and wondering if for-profit ventures could be the solution? In episode 288 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Brett Jenks shares an innovative approach to revenue generation that challenges traditional nonprofit thinking. By exploring the intersection of nonprofit missions and for-profit ventures, he offers insight into how organizations can scale their impact through creative partnerships with private capital. Brett explains the importance of blending philanthropic support with market-driven solutions, using real-world examples from his work at Rare, a global conservation organization. He also discusses how nonprofits can tap into additional revenue streams while maintaining their mission, the role of impact investing, and the legal and cultural complexities that come with these strategies. ABOUT BRETTBrett Jenks is a global conservation leader and social entrepreneur. As CEO of Rare, he has led the international nonprofit’s mission to drive social change for the benefit of people and nature in more than 60 countries. Under Brett’s leadership, Rare has catalyzed the conservation community’s embrace of people-centered, behavior-based approaches to conserving nature and addressing climate change. Amongst its programs around the world today, Rare is promoting regenerative agricultural practices, establishing community-managed marine protected areas across the developing tropics, launching the world’s first impact bond for small-scale fisheries, partnering with Hollywood to promote climate-friendly behaviors, and engaging gamers globally with video games designed to drive climate-friendly actions. A former journalist, Brett’s writing has appeared in the New York Times, Stanford Social Innovation Review, and Behavioral Scientist. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe Deluge by Stephen MarkleyHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector? Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

287: Leading with Impact: Strategies for Effective Fundraising that Scales (Ruthe Farmer)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire. Check them out for your next career opportunity, help finding an interim executive, or to find your next leader. How can nonprofit leaders better scale social change and build lasting funder relationships? In episode 287 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore how Ruthe Farmer and the Last Mile Education Fund have revolutionized support for underrepresented students pursuing degrees in STEM. Launched in 2020, the fund has raised over $30 million and granted over 8,000 micro-grants to students in need, helping close the gap in degree completion for low-income students. Ruthe shares key insights from her 30-year career, emphasizing the power of building meaningful, long-term relationships with funders and leveraging data-driven strategies to scale social impact. ABOUT RUTHERuthe Farmer is the founder and CEO of the Last Mile Education Fund. She previously served as chief evangelist at CSforAll, was senior policy advisor for tech inclusion in the Obama White House, and chief strategy & growth officer at the National Center for Women & IT. Her work has been integral to the design, launch and scaling of multiple national initiatives, including the NCWIT K-12 Alliance, Aspirations in Computing, TECHNOLOchicas, AspireIT, CSEdWeek, CS and Cyber for Girl Scouts, the CSforALL Summit, and JROTC-CS. She served as 2012 Chair of CSEDWeek, was named a 2013 White House Champion of Change for Technology Inclusion, received the 2014 Anita Borg Institute Award for Social Impact, and the inaugural UK Alumni Award for Social Impact in 2015. She holds a BA from Lewis & Clark College and an MBA from Oxford.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireWinners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand GiridharadasHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership?

286: Small Shops, Big Needs: Leadership Lessons for Rural Nonprofits (Allen Smart)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire. Check them out for your next career opportunity, help finding an interim executive, or to find your next leader.Are you a small nonprofit leader struggling to secure the funding and partnerships you need to make an impact in your community? You're not alone—many rural organizations face the same uphill battle. But what if there were ways to leverage your unique position and connect with the right funders, even with limited resources? In episode 286 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Allen Smart, a rural philanthropy expert, highlights the importance of connecting with funders, the growing role of intermediaries, and ways to build meaningful, cross-county collaborations. Learn how rural nonprofits can leverage their deep community ties, engage local expertise, and turn small-scale efforts into high-impact initiatives. Whether you’re a small-shop leader or aiming to better support rural communities, this episode offers actionable strategies and insights for long-term sustainability and success.ABOUT ALLENAllen Smart is a national advocate for improving philanthropic practices through his group, PhilanthropywoRx. He works with funders, rural organizations, and nonprofits on strategy, research, and coaching. Previously, Allen served as Interim President and VP of Programs at the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and VP of Programs at the Rapides Foundation. He also held leadership roles in community development and grants administration. Allen holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago and degrees from the University of Michigan and Macalester College. A frequent writer and speaker, he contributes to platforms like Inside Philanthropy and The Daily Yonder and presents at national organizations, including Grantmakers in Health and National Rural Assembly. He also serves on several nonprofit boards focused on community health and philanthropy.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireHeartland by Sarah SmarshAccess numerous supporting resources for rural nonprofits hereHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership