Springfield, MO., October 22, 2024 — On Oct. 18, Drury University hosted its 13th annual Nonprofit Leadership Conference at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, bringing together nearly 300 nonprofit leaders across the region. The “Connect For” event provided dynamic sessions focused on leadership, fundraising, and marketing, offering tools and insights to empower organizations in their mission-driven work.
“The turnout for the 2024 Nonprofit Leadership Conference is the largest in the event’s history,” said Dr. Regina Waters, Director of Drury’s Leadership Collaborative and event co-planner. “It’s clear that nonprofit professionals seek meaningful professional development experiences and Drury is proud to provide this community with a day of learning, networking, and inspiration.”
The conference featured three tracks tailored to nonprofit professionals: Leadership and Governance, Fundraising and Development, and Marketing and Communications. Attendees gained valuable knowledge from industry experts, covering topics like effective board governance, donor engagement, and strategic storytelling.
Jill Phillips, a renowned leadership coach, kicked off the event with her keynote presentation, “Connect for Next-Level Leadership,” which highlighted the importance of self-leadership and team empowerment in driving organizational success. Phillips emphasized, “Great leaders master self-leadership, elevate their teams, and translate business strategies into measurable results. This is what takes nonprofits to the next level.”
Nine breakout sessions followed, including “Creative Ideas for Advancing Your Fund Development Program,” led by Chad Jansen and Ellie MacFee, which explored strategies for building donor trust and enhancing digital fundraising. In the Marketing and Communications track, Sarah Sikich, Drury alumna and Director of Marketing at The Giving Grove presented “Why not What: Creating Impact Through Storytelling,” encouraging participants to use compelling narratives to drive donor and volunteer engagement.
Another session, “Creating a Culture No One Wants to Leave,” delivered by Becky Phipps from EnCompass Academy, highlighted the critical role of workplace culture in nonprofit success, providing actionable insights on leadership and team dynamics.
The day concluded with Sidney Smith, COO of Nonprofit Connect, who challenged attendees in his closing keynote, “No One is Coming to Save Us: Using an Innovative Mindset to Save Ourselves.” Smith inspired participants to embrace innovation and self-reliance in the face of uncertainty, stating, “In today’s nonprofit landscape, waiting for a savior is not an option. We must become the innovators our organizations need.”
Drury University’s commitment to nonprofit leadership continues to make a significant impact, supporting professionals in building sustainable and resilient organizations that better serve their communities. Professionals interested in the nonprofit sector may consider Drury’s Master in Nonprofit and Civic Leadership or Master in Integrated Leadership, degrees that blend theory and practice.
The 2025 Nonprofit Leadership Conference will take place on Friday, Oct. 3 at the same location.
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Media Contact: Kevin Kropf, Ed.D., Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communications | Office: (417) 873-7524 | Email: kkropf@drury.edu
