Published April 19, 2024
Melissa Cole, Pensacola State College Foundation
This year’s Annual Nonprofit Summit “Empowering Excellence in Nonprofit Management” kicked off with an enthralling opening keynote from renowned executive coach, Bob Stanton. He welcomed participants with a heartfelt discussion of authentic leadership, incorporating powerfully honest questions meant to evoke reflection on oneself and their relationships with work and others.
“Listening to Bob helped me come to the realization that the organization that I serve needs my full self,” Cheryl Hinnen, Assistant Director of Bright Bridge Ministries, shared. “I must pay attention to my own self-care to ensure that I can be present for those I serve.”
Following Bob’s thought-provoking opening keynote, attendees eagerly awaited insights from a lineup of esteemed experts, including College and community leadership.
Dr. Kylie Henderson of the PSC Center for Nonprofit Excellence and Kristin Fairchild of Chain Reaction facilitated the morning sessions of the Summit, covering legal compliance and strategic leadership. Dr. Henderson guided participants through best practices in board management and financial transparency while encouraging 
them to analyze and discuss business ethics through an engaging case study. Kristin Fairchild, an outspoken lover of strategic planning, challenged attendees to build their best selves, team, program, and client population through perseverance, passion, and acknowledgement of our personal barriers.
“The information presented on legal compliance will be a useful tool to have under my belt,” Jackie Gheen of Gheen Consulting commented. “I’m also looking forward to reading the excellent leadership resources shared by Kristin.”
During a working lunch, attendees had the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions focused on finance, communications, development, and talent. Roundtable leaders Mina Colōn, Kendrick Doidge, Laura Hill, and GinNeal McVay provided expert counsel on common challenges and critical questions in their respective areas of expertise. Following their break-out roundtable discussions, leaders and participants shared their key takeaways with one another.
Mina Colōn, Director of Finance and Business Operations for the PSC Foundation, initiated the afternoon training sessions with a deep dive covering financial and operational efficiency. Attendees explored organizational development through strong relationships. They also heard from former County Commissioner and Mayor, Grover Robinson. Robinson now serves as the Associate Vice President of Government Relations at PSC. He shared the importance of public advocacy. The afternoons final training session was led by Dr. Lynsey Listau, Executive Director of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct for PSC. Listau covered employment law, effective inclusivity, and professional development.
“The presentations were excellent all the way around,” Carolyn Grawi, Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida, expressed. “The content that was shared today was powerful and dynamic! I enjoyed the opportunities to further my knowledge and engage with fellow attendees.”
Bob Stanton concluded the day’s agenda with a closing keynote and final thoughts for attendees. “Having confidence and courage to be our genuine selves, maintaining a thirst for knowledge, and taking time for reflection and goal setting are critical in overcoming the challenges which face us all,” he stated. “Whether you’re leading one or one hundred, the skills you need are no different. Collaborate and find others who bring perspective and strength to your leadership style.”
For more information on upcoming training opportunities with the PSC Center for Nonprofit Excellence visit: https://npc.pensacolastate.edu/upcoming-workshops/ or contact Kylie Henderson at khenderson@pensacolastate.edu or (850) 484 – 1193.