What Nonprofit Leaders Need Now: Guidance from Four Sector Experts

This episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support can be a powerful partner for your organization, offering financial expertise, expanded community relationships, and practical advice no matter your budget size. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

For this special multi-state panel, we convened four statewide nonprofit leaders: Ivan Canada, Mariane Asad Doyle, Karen Riordan, and Kevin Dean, to explore what organizations need most as they prepare for an uncertain 2026. From financial volatility and policy change to workforce burnout and collaboration, these experts share frontline insights drawn from the thousands of nonprofit leaders they support. Their guidance is clear: diversify funding, strengthen advocacy, engage peer networks, and invest in the wellbeing of your people. The conversation offers timely clarity and practical tools for emerging leaders, mid-career professionals, and senior executives committed to navigating complexity with confidence.

“It’s not about putting on a band-aid. It’s about going upstream.”

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Ivan Canada – NC Center for Nonprofits. Ivan leads statewide efforts in research, policy, and nonprofit capacity-building, helping North Carolina organizations strengthen sustainability and navigate emerging sector trends.

Mariane Asad Doyle, Ph.D. – Center for Nonprofit Excellence (VA). Mariane supports organizations across Virginia through governance, advocacy, and rural leadership development, equipping nonprofits to manage workforce strain and policy shifts.

Karen Riordan – Together SC. Karen guides South Carolina’s nonprofit ecosystem through peer convenings, leadership development, and a focus on operational excellence rooted in guiding principles.

Kevin Dean, Ed.D. – Tennessee Nonprofit Network. Kevin emphasizes organizational resilience, partnership, and the human side of leadership, helping Tennessee nonprofits navigate burnout, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• NC Center for Nonprofits
• Center for Nonprofit Excellence
• Together SC
• Tennessee Nonprofit Network
• Armstrong McGuire
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