Kim Walker

Perfecting Your Nonprofit’s Elevator Pitch

Step up to the plate and knock your message out of the park! In Perfecting Your Nonprofit’s Elevator Pitch, nonprofit leaders will learn how to deliver a clear, confident, and compelling pitch that connects in just a few seconds. Using a fun baseball theme, this session will show you how to get off to a strong lead, avoid striking out with jargon, and hit a home run with donors, partners, and supporters every time you tell your organization’s story.

Chris Madrid

Why Collaborations Fail: When Goodwill Meets Weak Systems

Nonprofit collaborations rarely fail because people don’t care. They fail because the systems supporting collaboration were never designed to work. This session examines why partnerships stall despite strong commitment, focusing on unclear definitions of success, decision paralysis mistaken for consensus, and the absence of accountability for the collaboration itself. Participants will gain practical insights to diagnose collaboration challenges and design partnerships that perform and endure.

Lori J. Shapiro

The Changing Landscape of Legal Compliance for Nonprofits

As this new year begins, the legal landscape for nonprofits is changing. It is a good time for nonprofits to take stock of their current practices and to attempt to mitigate risk. This presentation will highlight some of the legal risks facing nonprofits, including risks related to managing relationships, raising funds, and managing information, and provide some information and resources to help address them.

Joe Domaleski

How to Use AI for Nonprofit Marketing and Operations

Between donor outreach, grant proposals, and community management, nonprofit teams are stretched thin. AI can be the “extra set of hands” you’ve been looking for. At our people-first
marketing agency, we use AI every day—not to replace our team, but to help our people do their best work. This session is a look under the hood at exactly what we’ve learned.

We’re moving way beyond simple “copy-paste” ChatGPT prompts. We’ll explore how to treat AI as a thought partner, from having real-time discussions and sharing your screen for live feedback, to using it as a second set of eyes on messy survey data and complex grant forms.

We will cover:

• Real-Time Collaboration: How to “talk” to AI and share your screen for instant feedback on your projects.
• Smart Data Review: Using AI to find the “so what” in community surveys and double-check grant requirements.
• Writing with Personality: Drafting emails and social posts that sound like your mission, not a robot.
• Responsible Tech: Navigating bias and privacy while keeping your “human in the loop” approach.

You’ll see real nonprofit use cases and learn how to use these tools to amplify your impact, not replace your voice. Whether you’re a tech novice or a regular user, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to work smarter, reduce staff fatigue, and serve your community more effectively.

Danielle Hanson

Fundraising Planning Demystified

Do you think you need a consultant to create a fundraising plan? Most nonprofit professionals create programs, budgets, and plan events but somehow never get around to creating a fundraising plan. This workshop will demystify the fundraising plan process using practical examples and case studies of what to do (and what not to do) to create an effective plan that works for your organization. Using a strength based philosophy, this workshop will provide principles transferable to any size organization incorporating diverse strategies such as an annual fund, grants, stewardship, major gifts, alumni relations, estate gifts, and events. This interactive session will have time for questions.

Amanda Camp-Fenlon

From Misson to Momentum: Building Leadership That Endures

As nonprofit leaders, we are all passionate about our mission and want to ensure a lasting legacy. We also want to ensure that the work continues if we move on, retire or win the lottery! Attendees will walk away with ideas and helpful checklists to begin working on succession planning throughout all levels of their nonprofit to ensure a lasting legacy and impact on the community.

Angie Stryker

How a Culture of Delight Starts with You

Everyone loves working here, true or false?

Imagine what would happen if ALL of your people loved working for you and found work to be an absolute delight?

Your organization can transform into a culture of delight where employees and volunteers love coming to work each day.

The secret: culture starts with you. It will take work, self awareness and some soul-searching. Grab a pen and sit down with Angie for an experience that will change you and your leadership.

Get ready for an inward journey that starts with you living a life of delight that will evolve into leading and empowering others to live their own lives of delight – one full of soul connection, life-giving relationships, strong bodies, and endless creativity.

Any woman leader stewarding an organization who integrates faith into everything she does – be it business, ministry, nonprofit work or missions, this workshop is for you.

You might just hear someone say to you—“You’re the best boss I’ve ever had!”

Sara Bordeaux

The Art of Effective Communication: A DiSK-Based Approach for Nonprofits

Nonprofits bring together people with diverse personalities, motivations, and communication styles—employees, volunteers, donors, board members, and community partners—all united by a shared mission. Yet even with the best intentions, communication breakdowns can create tension, disengagement, or missed opportunities.

This interactive session seeks to improve everyday workplace communication by leveraging key concepts from the Everything DiSC® model. The session emphasizes practical awareness of behavioral tendencies and how those tendencies influence communication, decision-making, and collaboration. Participants will explore how people differ in their approach to pace, priorities, feedback, and conflict—and how adapting communication can strengthen connection and trust.

Using relatable nonprofit scenarios, attendees will learn strategies for adjusting communication when giving direction, addressing concerns, motivating others, or navigating difficult conversations. Whether working with staff, coordinating volunteers, or engaging donors and community partners, participants will leave with tools they can apply immediately to communicate more clearly and effectively while remaining authentic and mission-focused.

Quay Boddie

Show Yourself A Friend

With anything you do in life; especially business, you must remember to build healthy working relationships & partnerships! The Old saying goes, “if you want a friend, you must show yourself to be friendly.” It’s not about what you know, but WHO you know! The plan is to create such great connections with others that your nonprofit/business becomes unforgettable when it comes to service, efficiency and love!

Aaron Wright & Nate Woods

Building Strong Nonprofit Teams

Nate and Aaron of ActionCOACH Peachtree help entrepreneurs and managers who are overworked, stressed, and ready to take the next step toward scaling their businesses into well-oiled systems that achieve their mission with precision and efficiency. They provide proven systems, accountability, education, skills, and decades of experience—trusted by clients worldwide. ActionCoach Peachtree is part of the largest business coaching organization in the world, operating in 84 countries for over 30 years with thousands of certified coaches and satisfied clients.

This session explores practical strategies to build cohesive, high-performing teams that include founders, donors, volunteers, management, staff, and even the recipients of a non-profit’s mission—recognizing that everyone plays a vital role in collective success. Perfect for business leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, and non-profit professionals seeking to strengthen their teams, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful organizational growth.

Phil Trickey

The Top 5 Traits of Successful Leaders

A curated roundtable discussion will identify traits of successful leaders, and through discussion, shared experiences and examples will work to strive to achieve consensus on the top 5 traits of successful leaders (spoiler alert: no two groups have identified the same top 5 traits, in order).

Kristin Couch (Webb)

Building Win-Win Partnerships: How Nonprofits Can Engage Small, Medium, and Large Businesses

Nonprofit success often hinges on more than mission and passion—it requires intentional, strategic relationship-building with the business community. In this session, participants will learn a step-by-step framework for approaching small, medium, and large companies for donations, sponsorships, and long-term partnerships. We will break down how corporate giving works, what motivates businesses to invest in community impact, and how nonprofit professionals can align their mission with corporate priorities. Attendees will explore practical strategies for identifying prospects, initiating the first conversation, crafting a compelling ask, and nurturing meaningful relationships that grow year after year. This session goes beyond theory and focuses on real-world application: participants will analyze examples of successful outreach, practice messaging tailored to businesses of different sizes, and develop a personalized plan they can start using immediately. By the end, every attendee will walk away with clear tools, scripts, and confidence to build mutually beneficial corporate relationships that enhance fundraising, expand visibility, and increase mission impact.

Deb Page

From Good Intentions to Guided Action: Pre-Collaboration Protocols for Nonprofits and Community Foundations

Complex challenges require more than goodwill. They require effective facilitation for collaboration. In this interactive session, participants will learn and practice pre-collaboration protocols to clarify a shared challenge, identify key stakeholders and decision rights, surface risks and constraints, and produce a clear invitation brief—leaving with practical tools they can immediately apply to lead focused, effective collaboration.

Geoff Fulton & Sandy Lam

Financial Checks and Balances Can be Simple

Safeguarding your financial assets can be overwhelming, it does not have to be. It involves understanding key points and the important outcomes.

Justin Halford & Diana Johnson

Networking & Collaborating: Why It’s Important and How To Do It Well

Great missions are built like great structures… one solid connection at a time. In the nonprofit world, networking and collaboration are the foundation that keeps everything standing strong. This session will dig into why building relationships matters, how to find the right partners, and how to avoid the cracks that happen when communication slips. We will walk through simple ways to introduce your organization’s mission without feeling awkward, how to follow up, so relationships do not crumble, and how collaborating with others can save resources and unlock opportunities you could not create alone. Expect practical tips, a few laughs, and real examples of organizations that turned casual conversations into community changing projects. Whether you are just laying the groundwork or your nonprofit has been “under construction” for years, you will leave with actionable tools to expand your network, strengthen your support system, and keep your mission growing. Together, we build better.

Mike Conaway

How to Reach Your Campaign Goals Without a Clue

How to raise needed funding without the help of experts. We share our journey of a 36-month capital campaign that was met in 25 months, by utilizing relationships, social media and keeping everyone involved.

Blue Cole

Project Based Grant Writing

Project Based Grant Writing is a new way of writing grants -putting the project first, rather than the grant. Learn how to break down your mission, vision, and calling to produce a project of
impact. Quit chasing grant applications and start making a difference.

Partnering with Local Government

Learn how to identify and engage your local government. From County to City, Authority to Board of, this workshop will give you the background on who to know, and why. With over a thousand units of local government in Georgia, there’s a place for your passion!

Melanie Reeves

From Service to Significance: Creating Transformative Volunteer Experiences

Nonprofit volunteers want more than tasks—they want to feel valued, equipped, and connected to meaningful impact. This workshop will help nonprofit leaders elevate their volunteer programs by designing intentional, mission-centered experiences that move volunteers from simply serving to truly thriving. Participants will learn how to map the full volunteer journey, strengthen onboarding and communication systems, and create clear, confidence-building roles that empower volunteers to succeed. The session will also cover practical strategies for appreciation, retention, and creating a culture where volunteers feel seen and supported. Through actionable tools, real examples, and simple frameworks, attendees will discover how small shifts can dramatically improve engagement, reliability, and long-term commitment. Leaders will leave with practical steps they can implement immediately—helping them build a volunteer experience that strengthens organizational capacity, deepens community relationships, and transforms ordinary service into meaningful partnership.

Jason Walton

The Long Game of Leadership – Building Bridges that Last

Nonprofit leaders are under constant pressure to deliver results, secure funding, and demonstrate impact—often on short timelines. But lasting community change rarely comes from quick wins. It comes from leaders willing to play the long game.

This 90-minute workshop is designed specifically for nonprofit leaders who want to build sustainable impact without burning out themselves or their organizations. Drawing from years of hands-on community engagement, the session introduces a practical framework—Things, Places, and People—to help leaders focus their energy strategically. Participants will examine how their skills and passions (Things) can be leveraged for long-term influence, how consistent presence in key spaces (Places) builds trust and credibility, and why people are always the true measure of impact.

Through storytelling, guided reflection, and actionable exercises, attendees will clarify where to invest their limited time and resources, identify high-leverage opportunities, and leave with a simple plan for sustained, relational impact. This workshop equips nonprofit leaders to move beyond activity and toward transformation that lasts.

Stephen Childs

Stephen Childs is the CHRO at Panasonic Automotive Systems and a globally recognized keynote speaker, author, and executive coach. With over 25 years at Panasonic, he’s led transformative efforts in culture, leadership, and innovation. He holds a graduate-level coaching certification from Columbia University and is a Global Fellow of Talent Management at The Wharton School.
Stephen’s debut book, Just Be Undeniable, will be released in February 2026, delivering a proven framework for rewiring your habits, upgrading your mindset, and mastering the small daily behaviors that lead to extraordinary success and personal transformation.

Under his leadership, Panasonic Automotive has been ranked among the “101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For,” earning the #1 national spot twice and is a year-over-year Certified Great Place to Work. Stephen is known for his humor, practical insights, and no-excuses approach to leadership development and human potential.

Valerie Alexander: Speaker | Author | Advocate for Workplace Happiness & Inclusion

Valerie Alexander is a globally recognized speaker, author, and thought leader on workplace happiness, inclusive leadership, and the advancement of women.

Known for her dynamic stage presence and ability to blend humor, neuroscience, and real-world insight, Valerie helps organizations unlock the power of happiness and inclusion to fuel performance, innovation, and retention.

She has delivered transformative keynotes for Fortune 500 companies, global conferences and government agencies including NASA, the CDC, the Air National Guard, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Her TED Talk, How to Outsmart Your Own Unconscious Bias, has been viewed over a million times and is used as a training tool in boardrooms and classrooms around the world.

Before becoming a leading voice on culture and leadership, Valerie worked in the Silicon Valley as a corporate securities lawyer, investment banker, tech executive, and the founder and CEO of Goalkeeper, a startup focused on communication, happiness and connection. Following that, she moved to Los Angeles, where her work as a screenwriter and director includes the Hallmark movie, Memories of Christmas, along with multiple award-winning advocacy campaigns in support of marriage equality.

Valerie is the bestselling author of Happiness as a Second Language, Success as a Second Language, and How Women Can Succeed in the Workplace, and she holds the Registered Trademark on the phrase, “…as a Second Language” for self-help books, publishing works by experts on parenting, grief, creativity, and mindfulness, with more in the pipeline. She also currently serves as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Culture, Leadership & Narrative for the Atlanta-area startup incubator, Launch Fayette, and on the Board of Directors of the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Valerie lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their exuberant German Shepherd, Vegas, Baby!

Aaron Wright is a skilled professional with extensive experience in HR, including hiring, team development, culture improvement, and team management. He is passionate about working with business owners to recruit, retain, and develop top talent. Aaron delivers individual approaches to guarantee all clients experience exceptional results and drives success for our clients.

Lori J. Shapiro, Senior Employment Counsel, Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta

Lori Shapiro joined Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta in July 2014. As a part-time staff attorney, she provides direct legal services to nonprofit organizations, in addition to serving as a resource to Pro Bono Partnership’s volunteer attorneys and nonprofit clients.

Prior to joining Pro Bono Partnership, Lori practiced labor and employment law, both as a law firm partner and as in-house corporate counsel. As an associate and then a partner at Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP, she represented national and international corporate clients in all aspects of employment law and litigation. Starting in 2000, she moved her career in-house, first as General Counsel for Employment Learning Innovations, Inc. (“ELI”), a training company that provided labor and employment law training courses, and then as labor, employment and benefits counsel with Graphic Packaging International, Inc., an international paperboard packaging company. Throughout her career, Lori has had the opportunity to assist clients with a wide variety of corporate legal matters, including matters involving labor and employment law, employee benefits, intellectual property, licensing, non-compete and confidentiality agreements, OSHA issues, and general contracting.

Lori is currently a member of the Board of The Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, and has served on nonprofit boards throughout her career.

Lori received her law degree from New York University School of Law. She graduated from Brandeis University cum laude with a B.A. in Politics and European Cultural Studies.

Amanda Camp-Fenlon is a native of Carroll County and graduated from the University of West Georgia with a degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. Amanda served on the board of the National Alumni Association with the University of West Georgia and was on the public relations committee for the College of Social Sciences with UWG. She was the president of Prevent Child Abuse Carroll for over 10 years. Amanda was one of the first female members inducted into the Carrollton Civitan club and was the first female president of the club. She served as the Executive Director for the Carroll County CASA program for 17 years before coming to Coweta CASA in November 2017. She graduated from Leadership Coweta in 2019 and is currently serving as the Chair for Coweta Family Connection and the Vice Chair for Meriwether Family Connection. She also proudly serves as the board president for the Carroll County Community Theater.

Angie Stryker creates teams and builds organizations. She built campus ministries from Atlanta to Mexico. From those experiences, she takes the leadership development principles she learned and utilizes them in coaching culture building and leadership in the business world, nonprofits and ministries. Angie has coached companies and nonprofits all over the U.S. and missionary teams everywhere.

Angie is a storyteller, speaking at retreats around the world and in local pulpits. She writes for local creative outposts and has a children’s book in the world.

Angie is ordained in the Christian Church, is an avid outdoors and fitness lover, teaching yoga and paddleboarding on Lake Wedowee in Alabama. There she lives a life of delight with her amazing husband of 30 years, Matt. She is the mom to two incredible adults, Jack and Valerie.

Find her at www.soulbodyheartmind.com or instagram @ wild.flowers.yall

Anne Morris brings nearly 20 years of experience in public accounting, specializing in employee benefit plan and nonprofit audits. As the Assurance Leader for Windham Brannon’s Employee Benefit Plan and Not-for-Profit Services Practice, she ensures audits are effective and timely by identifying potential issues early in the process. Anne works closely with clients throughout the year, providing guidance and presenting financial statements and audit findings to boards and committees. She is a sought-after speaker on emerging nonprofit issues and has contributed to industry conferences, including the AICPA National Employee Benefit Plan Conference. Anne serves on the Leadership Council of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and is a member of the AICPA & CIMA Employee Benefit Plans Conference Planning Committee. Her expertise includes 401(k), 403(b), pension plans, and SEC Form 11-K filing requirements.

Mr. Blue Cole is an award winning writer and a graduate of Georgia Southern University. His experience includes nearly 20 years of state and local government work, including writing grants, managing projects, and building partnerships. Previous positions include State of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and several local governments. He lives in Sharpsburg, Georgia, with his wife and children, where he served two terms as Mayor.

Candace Boothby, CCE, APR, GCCE, IOM


President & CEO, Newnan-Coweta Chamber

For over two decades, Candace Boothby has driven innovation and impact as President & CEO of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber. She led the organization to national acclaim, earning 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber for 16 years and capturing the title of 2015 “Chamber of the Year”—the first in Georgia—and again reaching finalist status in 2024. One of only three Certified Chamber Executives (CCE) in Georgia, Candace blends strategic vision with high-energy leadership, guiding the Chamber’s mission to champion economic prosperity across Coweta County. A longtime advocate for leadership development, she’s especially committed to creating pathways for professional women to grow, lead, and thrive.

Chellie Phillips is the Vice President of Communications and Public Relations for Coweta-Fayette EMC, where she leads strategic communication efforts focused on member engagement, community trust, and organizational culture. Through this role, she works closely with local nonprofits and community leaders, including oversight and promotion of the cooperative’s Operation Round Up® program—an initiative that allows members to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar to fund grants for nonprofits making a direct impact across Coweta and Fayette counties.
 
In addition to her utility leadership role, Chellie is an international best-selling author, keynote speaker, and corporate trainer. She has written multiple books on leadership, workplace culture, and personal growth, including Culture Secrets: Secrets Leaders Use to Build a V.A.L.U.E. Culture and When In Doubt, Delete It!, which are widely used by organizations seeking to strengthen leadership, engagement, and communication.
 
Chellie brings a unique perspective to the nonprofit space, combining firsthand experience working with boards, grant processes, and community organizations with a deep appreciation for the mission-driven work nonprofits do every day. Through both her professional role and her speaking and training work, she partners with organizations to help leaders communicate more effectively, build trust, and create cultures where people—and communities—can thrive.

Chris Madrid is a facilitator focused on strengthening collaboration across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. He is Principal of Iberian Consulting, where he helps boards and cross-sector coalitions move from planning to sustained implementation. Chris chairs the Nonprofit Network for the Fayette Chamber of Commerce and serves in leadership roles with CAF Airbase Georgia and the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail. His work centers on building practical, repeatable processes that help partners stay aligned and effective long after a convening ends.

Deb Page is the President of the Institute for Performance Improvement (www.TIFPIedu.org), where she leads the training and certification of performance improvement specialists across sectors. With a career spanning education, corporate leadership, and organizational development, Deb brings a unique blend of frontline experience and strategic insight to her work. She specializes in helping organizations align talent management, performance management, and performance improvement systems—ensuring sustainable results through people and processes.

In 2002 she launched and led the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement, as a public-private partnership supported by the state of Georgia and numerous philanthropic organizations. In 2010 she launched the Institute for Performance Improvement to provide sole-source training and certification that helps participants master “the power of How” to guide effective collaborative improvement, innovation, and sustainable implementation.

A Certified Performance Technologist and long-standing member of the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI), Deb has partnered with former ISPI president Dr. Judith Hale to develop and validate standards and certifications for facilitators of collaborative performance improvement.

They are co-authors of The Performance Improvement Facilitator Playbook, available on Amazon and Kindle, and Facilitating Shared Success: A Practical Guide for Leading Collaborative School Improvement, from Solution Tree and Amazon. Their School Improvement Specialist Field Guide (2nd ed.) is also available on Amazon.

Nonprofits have discovered that the proven tools, processes, and practices the Institute provides can significantly improve not only how they approach their work, but also their results and impact.

Working in the nonprofit sector since 1995, Danielle Hanson has held leadership positions in higher education, organizations serving people with disabilities, behavioral health, and United Way.  During her institutional advancement tenure, she has raised over $35 million. Originally from Chicago and most recently Palm Beach County, Florida (2006-2024) – she now calls Newnan, Georgia home. Danielle’s fundraising experience includes annual funds, planned gifts, grants, alumni relations, major gifts, and capital campaigns. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

Eric Billman is Principal Consultant for Donor Bliss Consulting and co-author of The Art and Science of Donor Bliss: Raise (More) Money, Make Friends, and Embrace the Joy of Giving. A seasoned fundraiser and nonprofit consultant, Eric has worked with donors, boards, and volunteers worldwide, supporting over 25 campaigns that collectively raised more than $5 billion. Previously, Eric served as Head of Advancement for the Australian National University and held leadership roles at Georgetown University and the University of Wisconsin. He began his career at Carnegie Mellon University, his alma mater, where he earned an MBA and a BS in Civil Engineering. Eric is a sought-after speaker on topics like fundraising, board engagement, and the transformational power of philanthropy.

Geoff Fulton is the partner in charge of attestation services at Fulton & Kozak. With extensive experience in the construction, distribution, real estate, and non-profit sectors, he is a valuable asset to our community. Residing in Fayetteville, GA, with his wife, Tara, they have four children, ages 6 through 25. Geoff is deeply committed to his community. He actively volunteers with youth sports organizations, the local Chamber of Commerce’s, and his local church, demonstrating his dedication to servant leadership.

Justin Halford is a Business Development Manager at Johnson Construction Group in Coweta County where he helps local businesses and organizations bring their visions to life through commercial and residential construction projects. With a background that includes years as a safety professional and hands on field experience in the electrical utility industry, Justin combines practical jobsite knowledge with a passion for building strong relationships that drive community success.

He is known for his ability to connect people, spark collaboration, and create partnerships that lead to real outcomes. Justin currently leads multiple local initiatives focused on growth and community support including the Coweta Safety Alliance through the Newnan Coweta Chamber of Commerce and an active leadership role with Newnan Rotary. He also invests heavily in youth and workforce development serving on advisory boards, supporting local sports programs, and mentoring the next generation of talent entering the trades.

Justin believes that every great project starts with a conversation and that networking is not about collecting contacts but about building trust. His engaging approach and commitment to service have earned him opportunities to speak to business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and students on the importance of communication, teamwork, and showing up for your community.

Whether he is helping construct a new facility or helping someone build their network, Justin brings energy, authenticity, and a desire to lift others up.

Jason Walton has served as the Community Outreach Pastor at Foundation Christian Church in downtown Newnan since 2017. In this role, he has helped the church partner with numerous nonprofits in Coweta County to support their missions. Jason earned a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Point University in 2004 and a master’s degree in Church Planting from Liberty University in 2014. Before joining Foundation, he led UWG CCF, a ministry for college students at the University of West Georgia, for twelve years.

Joe Domaleski is the founder of Country Fried Creative, an award-winning digital marketing agency celebrating 23 years of service in Peachtree City, Georgia. An energetic executive with a passion for “Better Marketing,” Joe leads a team of 12 local professionals and was recently honored as the 2024 Peachtree City Rotary Business Leader of the Year.

Joe brings a unique technical depth to his work, holding a BS in Mathematics/Computer Science from UNG and an MBA from GSU. He is currently furthering his expertise at Georgia Tech, where he is pursuing a Master’s degree in analytics and machine learning. A proud Army veteran and active nonprofit board member, Joe is dedicated to helping organizations bridge the gap between human-centric mission work and cutting-edge data science.

Julie Edwards is a nonprofit strategist dedicated to empowering leaders to thrive in fundraising. After 11 years as a successful nonprofit leader, she launched her consulting business in 2020 and has since helped raise over $10 million for the organizations she supports. Known for her vibrant and empathetic approach, Julie combines strategic insight with genuine care to tackle the challenges of nonprofit management. Her expertise in donor relations, fundraising strategy, and campaign management makes her a trusted resource for organizations seeking growth and sustainability. Passionate about making a difference, Julie brings seasoned expertise and boundless enthusiasm to every project, helping nonprofits achieve their missions and maximize their impact.

Katie Pace Quattlebaum is a dedicated nonprofit leader with over 17 years of experience advancing nonprofit missions. She is an Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional through the Nonprofit Leadership Institute and currently serves as the Principal at Elevating Missions Consulting and the Senior Manager of Institutional Partnerships for Neglected Tropical Diseases for Christian Blind Mission. She previously served as CEO and Executive Director of the Southern Conservation Trust, and as the Marketing & Communications Officer at MAP International, a respected global Christian health organization based in Georgia. 
 
Katie holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina Charlotte and a Global Leadership certificate from Thunderbird School. Recognized as a 2021 Atlanta Regional Commission RLI participant and Fayette Chamber’s Young Gamechangers Award recipient. Throughout her career, she has orchestrated numerous successful fundraising campaigns, raising over $1 billion in revenue to support thriving nonprofits globally.
 
Active in her community, she contributes to Fayetteville’s growth through local committees and volunteering with nonprofits like Southeast German Shorthair Rescue, Atlanta Lab Rescue and Faithful Endeavors. Katie resides in Sharpsburg with her husband, Tom, and their son, Cooper.

Kevin Barbee serves as the Executive Director of ELEVATE Coweta Students, where he leads school-based mentoring, literacy, and student support programs in partnership with the Coweta County School System. He also coordinates community fundraising efforts, including the organization’s signature Hats & Hooves Gala, and works with local businesses, churches, and volunteers to expand services for Coweta’s youth. Previously, Kevin served as Executive Director of Clothes Less Traveled and as Chief Operating Officer for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, overseeing statewide operations, opening new community service centers, and supporting programs that served thousands of families.

Kevin has dedicated his career to building strong partnerships that strengthen communities. Currently Kevin serves as Co-Chair of the Newnan Coweta Chamber Nonprofit Alliance. He is a Past President of the Newnan Rotary Club, an ELEVATE mentor, Meals on Wheels volunteer, Keep Newnan Beautiful Commission member, and a graduate of Leadership Coweta and Leadership Fayette

Kim Ellis Walker is the Director of the Women’s Philanthropy Board (WPB) at the Auburn University Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies, a position she has held since 2012. With over 20 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, event planning, marketing, and program development, Kim has made significant contributions to Auburn University. She earned a degree in Business Administration/Accounting from Auburn and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Adult Education. Previously, she served in various roles at Auburn, including Director of External Relations and Director of Development for the College of Education. Kim is also Vice President of the F. Allen and Louise K. Turner Foundation and serves on the board of the Auburn Heritage Association.

Krista Gonce, MA, has been a Regional Prevention Coordinator for the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy since August 2012. She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in Atlanta, and has worked in the human services field since 2004. She previously worked as a Victim Advocate at the State Attorney’s Office in Orlando, Florida and a Substance Use Counselor at various non-profit agencies in both Florida and Georgia. Krista currently resides in Fayette County with her husband and daughter.

Kristin Couch (formerly Webb)
Manager of Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility
Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America

Kristin Couch (Webb) serves as the Manager of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America, where she leads initiatives that strengthen community partnerships, enhance employee engagement, and advance Yamaha’s commitment to meaningful social impact.

With more than 20 years of experience spanning the corporate, nonprofit, social service, and insurance sectors, Kristin brings a unique perspective on connecting business success with community impact. Before joining Yamaha, she served as CEO of the Coweta Community Foundation, where she guided the organization’s growth and helped raise more than $3 million in long-term disaster recovery funding.

Kristin began her career in 2007 with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, serving as Director of Development, where she launched the nationally recognized Youth Board program that expanded across multiple chapters. She was later recognized for her leadership in the national rebranding efforts of The Arc. In 2016, Kristin transitioned into the insurance industry, earning distinction as one of the top 10 agents in the nation for personal annual volume.

She is a graduate of Winthrop University, an alumna of Leadership Coweta, and a contributing instructor in the University of West Georgia’s Nonprofit Management Certificate program. Kristin has served on several boards and currently sits on the Central Educational Center Board of Directors. She is passionate about empowering organizations to create meaningful, measurable impact in the communities they serve.

Outside of her professional work, Kristin is a devoted wife and mother to two boys. She enjoys traveling with her family and values opportunities to explore new places and cultures together.

Leonardo McClarty, CCE, IOM is a results-driven nonprofit executive and economic development professional with more than 20 years of experience leading chambers of commerce and public sector initiatives. He currently serves as President & CEO of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, where he oversees strategic planning, business advocacy, and community engagement for the 700-member organization.

Prior to his current role, Leonardo served as President & CEO of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce in Maryland, where he was named Maryland Chamber Executive of the Year in 2022. His leadership helped the organization achieve consistent financial growth, launch innovative programs, and build strong regional coalitions. He also held the role of Director of Economic & Community Development for the City of York, Pennsylvania, managing multiple bureaus and spearheading revitalization efforts.

Earlier in his career, Leonardo led the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce in Georgia, transforming it into a thriving organization through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and membership growth. His public sector experience includes roles with the City of Roswell, DeKalb County, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Leonardo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Furman University and a Master of City and Regional Planning from Clemson University. He is a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE), a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional, and a graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management (IOM).

Known for his visionary leadership, coalition building, and ability to navigate complex political environments, Leonardo is deeply committed to improving the business climate and fostering inclusive community development. He is married to Shaneka McClarty and is the proud father of three daughters.

Lori Shapiro is a staff attorney at Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta, where she provides legal services to nonprofits, supports volunteer attorneys, and educates clients on employment law. With over 20 years of experience, Lori has worked as a law firm partner, in-house counsel, and General Counsel for Employment Learning Innovations. She has expertise in labor law, employee benefits, intellectual property, and OSHA compliance. Lori has also taught labor law and served on nonprofit boards, including The Breman Museum. She earned her J.D. from NYU School of Law and lives in Marietta with her family.

Melanie Reeves is the Executive Director of RiverLife, a nonprofit dedicated to serving homeowners in need through accessible home repairs, ramp construction, and compassionate volunteer engagement. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership, community development, and volunteer program design, Melanie has led RiverLife through significant growth—building systems that mobilize hundreds of volunteers each year and expanding the organization’s capacity to serve vulnerable neighbors with dignity and care.

Throughout her career, Melanie has been committed to creating meaningful service experiences that strengthen both volunteers and the communities they support. She has developed volunteer training programs, streamlined project workflows, and implemented engagement strategies that increase retention, deepen connection, and ensure consistency across teams. Her asset-based approach to community service emphasizes the value every volunteer brings and the importance of building relationships that reflect respect, empowerment, and shared purpose.

Melanie regularly partners with local organizations, churches, and businesses to cultivate collaborative community impact. She is passionate about equipping nonprofit professionals with practical tools to elevate volunteer engagement and build healthy, sustainable service cultures. Whether she is leading teams in the field or speaking to nonprofit leaders, Melanie brings a warm, mission-driven perspective focused on transforming ordinary acts of service into significant, long-lasting change.

After serving the Healing Bridge Clinic for several years, first as a board member, then board President, then part-time Executive Director, Mike Conaway, became the first full-time Executive Director on January 1, 2018. Under various phases of Mike’s leadership, the Healing Bridge Clinic has grown and increased the community impact. He is passionate about serving this faith-based organization and is excited to utilize his experience as an entrepreneur, pastor, and community connector to increase awareness and keep the HBC on mission.

Mike loves PTC and the surrounding area and wants to see the HBC touch as many people as possible while doing everything with excellence.

Nate Woods is a seasoned business coach dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized businesses. With a rich history of building, growing, and selling his own ventures, Nate brings firsthand experience to his coaching practice. His firm specializes in implementing proven systems with a 30-year track record, focusing on enhancing team development, revenue, and profit. Nate’s commitment to values such as integrity, excellence, and communication ensures that clients receive guidance tailored to their unique needs, driving consistent success and growth.

Niki Vanderslice is an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in Community & Economic Development. Prior to her current role as President & CEO of FCDA, Niki served as the Vice Chairman of the Board since her appointment to the authority in 2016. Her career has included positions with the Technical College System of Georgia, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia EMC and as Downtown Development Director for Valdosta and Douglas, GA. Niki’s impressive background includes degrees from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Georgia Southwestern State University, and a Master’s in Organizational Development and Leadership from Saint Joseph’s University. Niki’s dedication to leadership development is evident through her participation in local, regional, and statewide leadership programs like Leadership Georgia. A Georgia native, Niki is deeply committed to her community, actively participating in multiple boards, including ABAC Foundation Board and the Fayette Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Niki, along with her husband Ed and their daughters, proudly call Fayette County home.

Retired Financial Professional (Yamaha VP Finance) now serving the community through non profit volunteer roles through the Chamber, including Work Force Development, skills training and assisting the community family connection.

Quay Boddie, a lifelong resident of LaGrange, GA, is a dedicated community advocate, author, and leader. Inspired by his grandmother’s legacy of service, Quay founded the Get Fed program to address hunger in LaGrange and continues to champion causes that uplift his community. A former scholar-athlete and Callaway High School Hall of Fame inductee, Quay earned a degree in Business Administration from Shorter University. He has served as District 2 City Councilman, acting Mayor of LaGrange, and board chair for Harmony House Domestic Violence Shelter. Quay is the author of four books, including Old Soul 22 and Coffee: Wake Up and Be Great, and is a sought-after speaker known for his messages of hope and faith. Above all, he is a devoted husband to Jerika and father to their daughter, Harper.

Sara Bordeaux is the founder of PurposedHR and brings 20 years of HR leadership experience in manufacturing, healthcare and non-profit. Sara has built HR functions from the ground up, led multi-state operations, and supported global compliance efforts. Today, she equips nonprofit and business leaders to align people practices with purpose—offering expert guidance from compliance to culture. Sara holds multiple certifications in HR and leadership facilitation (PHR, SHRM-CP, DDI FCP, Everything DiSC®, and The Five Behaviors®), along with a degree in psychology and business. When she’s not transforming workplaces, she enjoys family and travels.