Nonprofit Community Forum

Thriving Together

Friday, November 1 | Stevens Point Downtown Campus | LEAD Center

This in-person collaborative event is for nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers to network, learn, and help our community thrive. It is designed to support local nonprofits, community groups, and public institutions in central Wisconsin. Interactive workshops and engaging presentations will empower nonprofit staff at all levels, both new and seasoned volunteers, and all who love improving the community. It’s a time to meet and grow together. Let’s gather.

Register

Event Details

Friday, November 1, 2024 • 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Stevens Point Downtown Campus • LEAD Center
Regular Rate: $59 per attendee
Group Discounted Rate (four or more): $39 per attendee
Student Rate: $19 per attendee

Through generous contributions from the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin and the United Way of Portage County, this opportunity is being offered at a reduced cost for all participants. For organizations that bring four or more participants, a group discounted rate will apply. We encourage group participation from organizations.

Sponsors

Schedule

What’s in store for you at the Nonprofit Community Forum? Session descriptions are below. Attendees will choose one presentation per breakout session.

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Session Descriptions & Presenter Bios

Breakout Session 1 – Option 1: Nonprofit Board Best Practices

This session will discuss the eight key board responsibilities. We will also discuss what it means to govern and not manage an organization, your role as a board member, what it can look like to have active board committees, how to self-assess your board, how to attract new board members, and how to clearly define roles and responsibilities within your organization. In addition, we will touch on strategic and financial planning and how you can develop meetings that are inclusive and supportive of all involved.

Presenter: Chamomile Nusz, Circle Education LLC

Chamomile Nusz is a co-owner of Circle Education LLC, a consulting service that supports innovative education and non-profit boards. She also works with the Wisconsin Resource Center for Charter Schools (WRCCS), which supports the development of high-performing charter schools throughout Wisconsin. Chamomile supported the founding of seven charter schools, including the Tomorrow River Community Charter Schools, Central Sands Community High School, Red Granite Charter School, and the Weyauwega and Fremont STEM Academies. Chamomile is pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Sustainability from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she received her Master's in Education.

Breakout Session 1 – Option 2: Strategies for your Learning Organization

Nonprofits must continuously evolve to stay effective, especially with limited resources and staff. This session will guide you in developing a learning and data-driven culture within your organization, highlighting both the factors that support and hinder this process. You’ll gain practical strategies to advance your learning culture and understand why this is vital for your nonprofit’s success and long-term sustainability.

Presenter: KaYing Vang, Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin / Innovation Data + Design Studio

KaYing serves as the Community Storyteller at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, where she leads the organization’s communications strategy to inspire and promote charitable giving in the community. She is also the founder and CEO of Innovation Data + Design Studio, a consulting firm that helps organizations use design, evaluation, and learning to achieve real results. She works with nonprofit leaders to turn data into clear insights that help them make better decisions and move their mission forward.

Breakout Session 1 – Option 3: 10% More Secure - Doing the Basics Right

Sometimes cybersecurity can be easy! In this session, Matt will discuss some security basics that many businesses get wrong. There are clear steps you can take to fix these in your organization. Get 10% better at cybersecurity in 40 minutes!

Presenter: Matt Meis, Summit Credit Union

Matt Meis is a Cyber Fraud Manager at Summit Credit Union with over 15 years of experience in the cybersecurity and IT space. He has built banking fraud detection systems, written college level cybersecurity curriculum, and started DomainAlarm to proactively detect phishing sites. In addition, Matt recently published a new book, Survive Online, which aims to help individuals improve their cybersecurity posture.

Breakout Session 2 – Option 1: Mission Driven Fundraising Events

Special events are crucial in the outreach and fundraising efforts of small nonprofits. They can serve as interactive touchpoints with donors and supporters, as well as become an opportunity to attract new audiences to your organization. This presentation from Portage County Historical Society Executive Director John Harry will lay out a blueprint for how you can leverage your brand and mission to hold successful events that raise money for your organization.

Presenter: John Harry, Portage County Historical Society

John Harry, a former local radio personality and PCHS board member, is the Executive Director of the Portage County Historical Society. Harry, a 2009 graduate of UW-Stevens Point, retired from his radio career at WYTE/Y106.5 in Plover in 2018 to pursue a master’s degree in public history at UW-Milwaukee, which he completed in 2021. While in graduate school, he was an intern at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and led marketing and programming efforts at the Milwaukee County Historical Society. He has also authored a pictorial history book about Point Brewery. He has been the Executive Director of PCHS since 2021, and was the first ever paid employee for the organization.

Breakout Session 2 – Option 2: Financial Statements - What's What

Join us for a practical session on understanding nonprofit financial statements. We’ll cover the key elements—Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Activities, and Statement of Cash Flows—providing clear explanations on how to read, interpret, and use these documents for effective decision-making. Learn to analyze your nonprofit’s financial health and support your organization’s mission with confidence.

Presenters: Jamie Rosin and Laura Stinski, KerberRose SC

Jamie Rosin has more than 15 years of accounting and auditing experience. Jamie is extensively involved in not-for-profit audits, reviews and consulting, as well as other areas of service including housing projects, and employee benefit plan auditing. She specializes in providing services to not-for-profit clients, including those subject to Government Auditing Standards, Uniform Guidance audit requirements, and the State Single Audit Guidelines. She also specializes in providing tax preparation and consulting on IRS Form 990, unrelated business income tax issues, and Wisconsin not-for-profit filing requirements. Jamie serves as a finance committee member for a local not-for-profit.

Laura Stinski has almost 10 years of accounting and auditing experience. Laura works with not-for-profit organizations, employee benefit plans, and housing authorities. She specializes in providing services to not-for-profit clients, including those subject to Government Auditing Standards, Uniform Guidance audit requirements, and the State Single Audit Guidelines. She also provides tax preparation and consulting on IRS Form 990, unrelated business income tax issues, and Wisconsin not-for-profit filing requirements.

Breakout Session 2 – Option 3: Marketing Basics for Non-Profits

Do you feel you should be doing a better job with marketing but don't know where to start?  We’ll break down some basics of nonprofit marketing, giving you the tools and strategies you need to boost your organization’s visibility, engage your community, and amplify your impact.

Presenter: Kit Kiefer, UW-Stevens Point

Kit Kiefer has been a professional marketer for 33 years and a professional writer for 47 years, which would make him 90 years old if he didn't do those things concurrently. He spent 13 years in marketing at not-for-profit Delta Dental of Wisconsin, and has had several stints on the boards of directors of various charitable organizations. He teaches marketing at UW-Stevens Point and is the Chief Mentoring Officer of Agency 81, a student-run marketing agency on campus.

Breakout Session 3 – Option 1: Building Success in Social Enterprises

In this session, nonprofit leaders will learn the critical strategies for launching and growing successful social enterprises that not only further their mission but also drive sustainable revenue. Led by a seasoned director with over 20 years of experience in the for-profit sector and nearly six years of leading sustainable social enterprises, this course offers practical insights into balancing community impact with profitability. Participants will explore proven techniques for strategic planning, relationship building, and operational development, equipping them with the tools to create lasting impact and financial success for their organization.

Presenter: Rebecca Krause, Opportunity Development Centers Inc

Becky Krause is a results-proven leader with over 20 years of experience in the for-profit sector and nearly six years as the Director of Social Enterprises at Opportunity Development Centers. In this role, Becky has successfully transitioned multiple social enterprises to be financially sustainable while maintaining a strong focus on community impact and advancing the organization’s mission.

With a deep expertise in relationship building, strategic development, and profitability, Becky excels at creating lasting partnerships that drive both social good and business success. Her leadership has been instrumental in aligning social enterprise initiatives with the broader goals of the organization, ensuring long-term impact and sustainable growth.

Breakout Session 3 – Option 2: Collective Storytelling and Media Impact

Platform your mission, empower your storytellers, and tell authentic stories. This session will explore how to tell real, human stories to achieve meaningful engagement with your organization. While clearly defined media goals and consistent visual branding are important, they also need to ring-true with your community and be reflected throughout the org. With the right media toolkit, community members can become empowered ambassadors for your organization and help create impactful media.

Presenter: Garrett Katerzynske, CREATE Portage County

Garrett is the Director of Operations and Digital Marketing for CREATE Portage County. Utilizing his experience in film production, advertising, journalism, and media studies, Garrett supports a range of projects and resources within CREATE Portage County. In every project, he strives to bring aesthetics and design in sync with authentic storytelling and strategic goals. Collaboration and careful consideration are key to his approach, ensuring our full community is considered within a rapidly-evolving creative landscape.

Breakout Session 3 – Option 3: Succession Planning for Leadership

This session will focus on the essential process of identifying High Potential (Hi-Po) employees and board members, both internally and externally, to ensure the growth and sustainability of the organization. We begin by honoring past achievements while strategically setting the stage for future successes, emphasizing the importance of preparing successors for effective transitions. Participants will learn how to navigate their roles by either stepping up, stepping to the side, or stepping back, all while ensuring team cohesion and progress. The session also explores setting clear timelines and evaluating organizational and personal legacy.

Presenter: Ted Melby, Mid-State Technical College

A proud graduate of the Wisconsin Technical College System, Ted earned his journeyman machinist card early in his career before going on to earn a bachelor's degree in business administration from Marian University and a master’s degree in organizational behavior from Silver Lake University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate at UW-Stout. Ted joined Mid-State full-time in 2024 after more than 20 years of business leadership experience, most recently serving as Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance at Wysocki Family of Companies and Corporate Director of Procurement for Ministry Health Care. Ted currently serves as the Mid-State Technical College Workforce & Professional Development Corporate Trainer focusing on Leadership Development.

Workshop 1 – Option 1: Data-Driven Insights for Nonprofits Using Portage County Conduit

Nonprofits rely on solid data to guide their strategies and demonstrate their impact. The Portage County Conduit website offers practical tools and valuable data to help organizations understand community needs, track progress, and share their success stories. In this hands-on session, participants will learn how to use the platform to create customized dashboards and content tailored to their goals, making it easier to communicate their organization’s impact.

Presenters: Mae Nachman, United Way of Portage County, & Chris Weisgram, Portage County Health and Human Services - Division of Public Health, & Bryar Drexler, Portage County Health and Human Services - Division of Public Health, & KaYing Vang, Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

Mae Nachman is the Vice President of Impact at the United Way of Portage County. The United Way of Portage County is an independently governed 501(c)3 nonprofit organization connected to a network of more than 1,400 local United Ways through United Way Worldwide. The United Way of Portage County works to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. 

Chris Weisgram is a Health Planner at Portage County Health and Human Services - Division of Public Health, working primarily in areas of public health infrastructure, as well as supporting public health preparedness planning. He has led strategic planning initiatives for the Division of Public Health, facilitated the development of the 2024-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan, and has played a key role in developing and maintaining the Portage County Conduit site since joining the Division in 2021. Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Luther College, and has worked in public health since 2011.

Bryar Drexler works as the Community Health Educator at Portage County Health and Human Services - Division of Public Health, where she serves as a conduit for resources, information, and education amongst a variety of areas and topics. Her purpose is to promote the general health, safety, and well-being of individuals by facilitating health education and advocating for mental health through collaboration in underserved and rural communities. Bryar attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in the Public Health Community Health Education field; she also holds her Certified Health Education Specialist certification, which is a national certification that is dedicated to maintaining the highest level of competence in the health education workforce.

KaYing Vang serves as the Community Storyteller at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, where she leads the organization’s communications strategy to inspire and promote charitable giving in the community. She is also the founder and CEO of Innovation Data + Design Studio, a consulting firm that helps organizations use design, evaluation, and learning to achieve real results. She works with nonprofit leaders to turn data into clear insights that help them make better decisions and move their mission forward.

Workshop 1 – Option 2: (Re)Discover Your Organizational Success Blueprint: How to Find Your Organization’s Secret Sauce and Rekindle Your Competitive Edge So You Can Stop the Firefighting, Best Practice Anxiety, and Perpetual Exhaustion

Success breeds success, yet achieving it can be challenging for leaders who are often overwhelmed by distractions, constant crises, and the quest for the next big thing. This can obscure their view of the organization's core strengths and unique advantages, leading to uncertainty and burnout. By reframing your approach and focusing on the foundational conditions that drove past successes, you can rediscover and leverage your core strengths. Embrace these insights to rebuild confidence and realign your efforts for sustained impact.

Presenter: Gary Hubbell, Gary Hubbell Consulting

Gary Hubbell is a Milwaukee-based independent consultant with 18 years of experience. He specializes in business strategy and philanthropy across the U.S. and Canada. His focus is on uniting disjointed teams, fostering influential leadership, and cultivating thriving organizational cultures. He guides leaders to reconnect with their strengths, providing frameworks to drive change and motivate action. While he doesn't take himself too seriously (his nickname at Orangetheory Fitness is SplatMan), he's deeply committed to helping organizations achieve their highest and best impact.

Workshop 1 – Option 3: Telling Your Story with Strategic Goals in Mind

Join us for an engaging and interactive session on using strategic communication to get the desired results for your organization. Are you looking to raise more money, connect with your constituents or raise awareness about the amazing things your nonprofit is doing? Then this session is for you. We will discuss how to tell your story and use your story in ways that encourage action and inspire connection.

Presenter: Jill Kurszewski, The First Cup

Jill Kurszewski is the owner and operator of The First Cup, providing writing support, PR strategy, fundraising design and a really fun person to have coffee with. “I live to write. I am a master at planning. I enjoy empowering others to hit their goals, whether it is in fundraising or running a marathon. And I love coffee, especially the first cup of the day.” She has a vast array of experiences, from her first career as a newspaper journalist, to event planner, fundraiser and public relations director. She has worked with schools, nonprofits, hospitals, golf courses and telephone companies.

Workshop 2 – Option 1: Local Leadership Roundtable

Several local organizations have new leaders. Join us for a dynamic facilitated roundtable designed for nonprofit Executive Directors, Presidents, and CEOs. This engaging session will provide a platform for you to explore critical issues, share best practices, and collaboratively develop innovative strategies to drive your organization's mission forward.

Key Topics:

1. Emerging Trends and Challenges: Explore into the latest trends impacting the nonprofit sector.
2. Strategic Planning and Innovation: Explore effective approaches to strategic planning and innovation.
3. Building Resilient Organizations: Learn from peers about strategies to build resilience within your organization.
4. Leveraging Partnerships and Networks: Discuss the role of partnerships and networks in amplifying your impact.
5. Expand our professional relationships. Meet new colleagues and build relationships that you can count on into the future.

Presenters: Jenny Riggenbach, Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, & Benjamin Nusz, Mid-State Technical College

Jenny Riggenbach is the CEO of the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. Jenny brings a deep commitment to collaborative leadership and relationship building. She is a former Aspen Institute Job Quality Fellow and has held leadership positions at Central Rivers Farmshed, Incourage Community Foundation, Employ Milwaukee, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education.

Benjamin Nusz is the Dean for Mid-State Technical College’s Stevens Point Downtown Campus and the Dean for the School of Business & Information Technology. He is experienced in fostering connections and collaborations for emerging and established leaders through the LEAD Center, Leadership Portage County, and the Nonprofit Leadership Institute. Ben also serves as the President for CREATE Portage County.

Workshop 2 – Option 2: Fundraising for All: Building Relationships to Advance Your Mission

In this interactive session, we'll explore how fundraising goes beyond just asking for money—it's about creating meaningful relationships and engaging people in your mission. We'll demystify fundraising, break down the development cycle, and highlight how every member of your organization plays a crucial role in the donor journey. This session is not just for full-time fundraisers. Everyone in the organization—from administrative and program staff to board members and volunteers—has a role to play in the development process. Gain the knowledge and tools to support and enhance your organization's fundraising efforts effectively, no matter what your title is.

Presenter: Rikki Harry, LEAP Nonprofit Consulting, LLC

Rikki Harry’s innate need to improve the world around her lead to a career in nonprofits. For more than 15 years, she has worked as a professional fundraiser, board member, and volunteer in multiple types of nonprofits, including human services, humanities, healthcare, and higher education. In those roles, she led high-performing teams, set organizational strategy, coached and trained successful fundraisers and board members, and personally raised millions of dollars to support the important work being done to serve our communities. Through LEAP Nonprofit Consulting, she helps small to mid-size nonprofits implement sustainable fundraising solutions and provides expert guidance so organizational leaders can get back to doing what they do best–driving positive change.

Workshop 2 – Option 3: Boost Your Daily Productivity with the Ethical Use of AI (Artificial Intelligence)

In this dynamic and insightful session, you'll explore how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to elevate your daily productivity while adhering to ethical standards. Our expert facilitators from the Academic & Professional Excellence (APEX) team at Mid-State Technical College will guide you through practical applications of AI tools, focusing on strategies to streamline tasks, enhance decision-making, and foster innovative solutions in your professional environment. Join us for this session to unlock the full potential of AI while maintaining ethical integrity and leave with actionable strategies to transform your daily work routine.

Presenters: Lea Ann Turner, Kristina Topness, and Todd Will, Mid-State Technical College

The Academic & Professional Excellence (APEX) team at Mid-State Technical College has been at the forefront of AI training since the public launch of ChatGPT. Our dedicated team members utilize AI daily in their professional roles and are committed to empowering faculty and staff with the skills needed to leverage AI for enhanced productivity. With their extensive teaching and training experience, the APEX team guarantees an engaging learning experience, helping you to develop and implement your own AI-driven solutions.