Non-Profit Leadership Summit

NPLS 2026: People and Culture

Annual event empowers nonprofit leaders to strengthen mission-driven workplaces and community impact.

The Center for Community Engagement at Stetson University is proud to announce the 2026 Nonprofit Leadership Summit (NPLS), taking place Friday, January 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Lynn Business Center on Stetson’s DeLand campus.

Now in its fifth year, the annual Nonprofit Leadership Summit brings together nonprofit leaders, professionals, and community advocates for a full day of connection, learning, and collaboration.

This year’s theme, “People and Culture,” will explore how nonprofit leaders can build inclusive, healthy, and mission-centered environments where staff, volunteers, and community members feel valued and empowered. The 2026 summit will feature interactive workshops, engaging discussions, and a dynamic afternoon panel focused on the volunteer experience across generations.

Participants will enjoy morning networking with coffee and donuts, a provided lunch, and access to a series of workshops led by experienced community and university leaders:

Succession Planning

Presenter: Dr. Randall Croom, Professor of Management, Stetson University School of Business
Learn how to plan for organizational continuity, support leadership transitions, and build systems that protect your mission in times of change.

Creating an Inclusive and Diverse Nonprofit Organization

Presenter: Heather McLean, Vice President, Volusia Pride
Explore practical strategies for fostering belonging, identifying barriers, and developing equitable organizational cultures.

Navigating Difficult Conversations in Mission-Driven Spaces

Presenter: Caitlin Swann, Associate Director, Center for Dialogue and Democracy, Stetson University
Gain tools for addressing conflict, building trust, and communicating across differences with compassion and clarity.

Panel Discussion: The Volunteer Experience Across Generations

Facilitator: Ann-Marie Willacker, Assistant Director of Community Impact, Stetson University
Hear from volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds about what motivates service, what keeps them engaged, and how organizations can strengthen the volunteer journey.

 “The Nonprofit Leadership Summit is an opportunity for nonprofit professionals to come together, exchange ideas, and leave with actionable tools to strengthen their organizations,” said Ann-Marie Willacker, Assistant Director of Community Impact at Stetson University. “This year’s focus on people and culture highlights the importance of leading with empathy, inclusion, and sustainability.”

 Event Details

• Friday, January 30, 2026
• 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Lynn Business Center, Stetson University
• Free to Attend | Registration Required
• Registration Deadline: January 5, 2026 | Space is Limited

Please note: The summit date has been moved from the originally announced date at the Community Partner Breakfast due to scheduling conflicts. We appreciate the community’s flexibility and understanding.

Registration: Participants may register online at: Nonprofit Leadership Summit 2026 Registration

About the Nonprofit Leadership Summit (NPLS)

The Nonprofit Leadership Summit is an annual gathering of nonprofit leaders, professionals, and community advocates dedicated to advancing the impact and sustainability of local mission-driven organizations. Hosted by the Center for Community Engagement at Stetson University, the summit provides a platform for meaningful dialogue, professional development, and the exchange of innovative ideas. Each year, the summit centers on a key theme such as strategic planning, fundraising, or governance and emphasizes hands-on learning that equips participants with practical tools to elevate their mission and strengthen their community impact.

Previous Summits

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