NONPROFITESSENTIALS CONFERENCE

2017

August 10, 20178:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.University of St. ThomasMinneapolis

www.minnesotanonprofits.org/nonprofit-essentials

#npessentials

2017NONPROFITESSENTIALSCONFERENCE

Inside:

Conference Schedule-at-a-Glance page 4Welcome and Opening Plenary page 5Breakout Sessions I page 6Breakout Sessions II page 7Breakout Sessions III page 8Breakout Sessions IV page 9Presenter Biographies pages 10-12About MCN and UST page 132017 MCN Annual Conference page 14

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This conference is brought to you by:

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8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Welcome and Opening Plenary

Welcome and Introduction Margie Siegel, Director, Center for Nonprofit Management, University of St. Thomas

Opening Plenary The Power of Leadership: Why We Need It; When to Hold Back; and How to Pursue It Dr. Vanjelis Ngwa, professor, University of St. Thomas

9:45 - 11 a.m. Breakout Sessions I

• Identifying Foundation and Corporate Grant Prospects SCH AUD • Diversity and Inclusion in Your Organization TMH 260• Cost Effective Evaluation TMH 446• The Twelve Golden Rules of Nonprofit Finance TMH 448• Board Basics - From the Organization’s Perspective TMH 460

11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions II

• Grantwriting: Getting the Most Out of Your Grant Proposal SCH AUD• Personal Storytelling: Preparing Your Advocates for Success TMH 260• The New Demands on Your Organization’s Talent TMH 446• Recruiting, Retaining and Rewarding Your Volunteers TMH 448• Nonprofit Lifecycles: The Dynamics of Surviving Organizational Development TMH 460

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch - On Your Own Enjoy the company of colleagues during lunch on your own in downtown Minneapolis. Those interested in networking during the lunch hour should meet in the TMH lobby. Two MCN staff will host a networking lunch at a nearby restaurant.

1:45 - 3 p.m. Breakout Sessions III

• Nonprofit Conflict Communications Skills SCH AUD• Leading from the Middle: A Networked Approach TMH 260 • Human Resoucres Basics TMH 446• Legal Requirements and the Importance of Being Transparent TMH 448• Disparities & Disproportionalities: Looking Critically at Narratives of Difference TMH 460

3:15 - 4:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions IV

• Building Relationships Through Social Media SCH AUD• Broccoli & Cheese: Designing Digestible Data TMH 260• Nonprofits as Advocates TMH 448• Make $ Make ¢: Reading and Understanding Financial Statements TMH 446• Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence TMH 460

Conference Wi-FiUST-Open (no password needed)

Conference Hashtag

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Conference Schedule

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Social Innovation and ChangemakingDr. Adam Kay, associate professor of biology, director of Social Innovation, University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas was recently designated as an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus because of its transformative potential to integrate social innovation into all aspects of higher education. A Changemaker Campus is a community of leaders and institutions who work collectively to make social innovation and changemaking the new norm in higher education and beyond. In this talk, Adam will discuss our potential as educators and nonprofit staff or volunteers to help create positive change in our com-munities. This conversation will spur ideas and opportunities for participants to engage with changemaking activities, and to join and support our collective work to advance the common good.

Dr. Adam Kay is associate professor of biology, director of Social Innovation and an Ashoka Change Leader the University of St. Thomas (UST). His research focuses on the biology of urban agriculture, urban ecology and urban food insecurity. He founded the UST Stewardship Garden, an on-campus site integrating urban agriculture research and community service, co-developed the Urban Flower Field, an art-science hybrid proj-ect that received a Twin Cities “Great Places Award” in 2014, and co-founded BrightSide Produce, a sustainable, youth-led social enterprise that distributes fresh produce to urban corner stores.

For lunch, you are invited to experience downtown Minneapolis’ diverse restaurant offerings. Please note that lunch is on your own and not included in your conference fees; a continental breakfast and afternoon snack will be provided.

You are encouraged to use this time to network with peers and enjoy downtown Minneapolis!

Those interested in networking during the lunch hour should meet in the TMH lobby. Two MCN staff will host a networking lunch at two nearby restaurants.

A handout containing a list of restaurants and a full-sized map of the area surrounding the University of St. Thomas campus can be found at the conference registration table.

Lunch - On your own 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Mother’s Room: TMH 100 (check in a the Lobby Desk)Prayer/Meditation Room: Chapel of Saint Thomas More, Law School, 2nd Fl.

Welcome and Opening Plenary 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

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Identifying Foundation and Corporate Grant ProspectsRoom: Schulze Auditorium (capacity: 200)So many funding sources and so little time, so how do you know if a funder is a good fit for what your non-profit does? Are there other foundations that should be added to your list? In this session, you’ll learn how to focus your search by screening a foundation’s guide-lines and process, when and how to contact its staff, and find out who else receives its money.Kari Aanestad, development manager and Jon Pratt, executive director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

Diversity and Inclusion in Your Organization Room: TMH 260 (capacity: 200)How do you take the buzz out of one of the most talked about topics in the country? Well, you don’t! You put it into action and practice. Explore opportuni-ties to create inclusive spaces within organizations where everyone matters and have a safe place to ask uncomfortable questions.Jesse Ross, policy associate and Ron McKinley philanthropy fellow, The Minneapolis Foundation

Cost Effective EvaluationRoom: TMH 446 (capacity: 60)Informing your stakeholders about the good work you do is more than counting activities and storytelling. Meaningful output and outcome data are important to governance, fundraising and program management. In this session we’ll consider data gathering, analysis, and using evaluation information to improve your orga-nization’s performance.Reid A. Zimmerman, principal, RAZimmerman Consulting

The Twelve Golden Rules of Nonprofit FinanceRoom: TMH 448 (capacity: 60)Nonprofit financial health can seem like an elusive, nuanced and subjective judgment call. But when you break it all down, it boils down to 12 Golden Rules of nonprofit finance that help keep your organization healthy. From budgeting to operating reserves, if you follow these rules, you’ll be on your way to a better un-derstanding of nonprofit financial health. This session is a great introduction for those who are new to nonprofit finance. Curt Klotz, finance director, Nonprofits Assistance Fund

Board Basics - From the Organization’s Perspective Room: TMH 460 (capacity: 60)Nonprofit board members have several important roles and responsibilities, and this session is designed for staff supporting a board. This session will delve into basic board responsibilities and the role the nonprofit organization has in ensuring these are fulfilled and optimized. You will also have the chance to apply what you learn through a case study discussion.Jennifer Kramm, strategic services consultant, MAP for Nonprofits

Breakout Sessions I 9:45 - 11 a.m.

Session Evaluations will be emailed following the conference.

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Grantwriting: Getting the Most Out of Your Grant ProposalRoom: Schulze Auditorium (capacity: 200)Whether you are writing your first grant proposal or need a quick refresher, this session will cover how to make the most out of each section of a grant proposal, using the Minnesota Common Grant Application for-mat as a guide. Common questions will be addressed such as what kind of data you need to support your case, how to include a lot of information within the specified page (or character) limits, and how to present information in different formats to make it interesting to the reader. Common proposal weaknesses and how you can avoid them will also be discussed.Kari Aanestad, development manager, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

Personal Storytelling: Preparing Your Advocates for SuccessRoom: TMH 260 (capacity: 200)Personal stories and experiences—spoken passionately and powerfully—can be invaluable in demonstrating your organization’s value, significance and impact. But how do you prepare your advocates and champions to tell their stories confidently and authentically so they can help raise awareness, attract support, engage the media or influence legislators? This session is for non-profit professionals who rely on and support individu-als who are sharing their personal stories in presenta-tions or media interactions. Through lecture, group discussion, worksheets and exercises, attendees will be introduced to the Whole Advocate framework of support, learn when personal stories work, and review best practices from nonprofits large and small. John Capecci, owner, Capecci Communications

Recruiting, Retaining and Rewarding Your VolunteersRoom: TMH 448 (capacity: 60)When working with volunteers, the “Three R’s” – re-cruiting, rewarding, and retaining – are vital to your mission. In this session you will hear strategies for each “R” as they relate to your organization’s volunteers, plus review other essential components in volunteer program structure. You will leave with specific tactics that other organizations have found successful. Katie Walsh, program director, HandsOn Twin Cities

The New Demands on Your Organization’s TalentRoom: TMH 446 (capacity: 60)The new generation of employees entering the work-force has grown up in a world of constant change and innovation. Employees want to learn continuously and expect that their employers value and nurture their po-tential. The global, mobile transient nature of this new workforce makes it easy for employees to jump ship for organizations that offer more growth and development opportunities. To become the kind of employer that attracts and retains talent, organizations need to create a learning culture.Cassie Breeggemann, business, career & empower-ment coach and president, Contagious Connections

Nonprofit Lifecycles: the Dynamics of Surviving Organizational Development Room: TMH 460 (capacity: 60)This session will be devoted to discussion about the life cycle most nonprofits commonly go through. We’ll look at the different stages in the cycle, and examine how programs, management, staffing and key admin-istrative functions manifest in each stage. Then, we’ll examine some of the challenges and opportunities in each stage, to help people working in nonprofits better understand their key roles and contributions to organi-zational success. Margie Siegel, director, Center for Nonprofit Manage-ment, Schulze School of Entrepreneurship

Breakout Sessions II 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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Nonprofit Conflict Communications SkillsRoom: Schulze Auditorium (capacity: 200)True or false: Nonprofits don’t have conflict. Nonprofits actually have lots of conflict – interpersonal, organi-zational, relational, topical, ideological... The same factors that contribute to conflict in the nonprofit sec-tor are our greatest resources for resolving workplace conflicts: Our passion for our work and our dedication to positive relationship development. In this session, we’ll explore the Conflict Triangle while learning three skills to help untangle, clarify and resolve workplace conflicts. We’ll spend time in pairs and small groups practicing new skills and forging relationships, which you can take back with you to your organizations along with your new toolkit for nonprofit conflict resolu-tion communication. Elise Chambers, program director, Conflict Resolution Center

Leading From the Middle: A Networked ApproachRoom: TMH 260 (capacity: 200)When people think of leading from the middle, they often think about the responsibilities they have to the people above and below them in the organizational hierarchy. When we take a networked approach to leading from the middle, it changes the way we relate, influence, and learn within our organizations. At this session, we’ll discuss the capabilities needed to lead from the middle of a networked world.Stephanie Jacobs, director, Public and Nonprofit Lead-ership Center, Humphrey School of Public Affairs

Human Resources BasicsRoom: TMH 446 (capacity: 60)Often times the biggest issues with human resources in nonprofits is that you don’t know what you don’t know. This session will help to identify common HR issues and pitfalls including compliance, employee relations and other human resources basics. Understanding these basics are key to helping you improve your organiza-tion’s operations.Kelly Rietow, principal, Roo Solutions

Legal Requirements and the Importance of Being TransparentRoom: TMH 448 (capacity: 60)Nonprofit organizations must and should disclose information about their mission-related activities, governance policies, finances and other practices. These disclosures are made to a number of audiences, including the IRS, the Attorney General’s office, do-nors, and the general public. This session will include an overview of legal reporting requirements of the IRS form 990 followed by a discussion of the disclosure expectations of donors, nonprofits, other stakeholders, and the general public.Heidi Christianson, shareholder, Nilan Johnson Lewis PA and Kris Kewitsch, executive director, Charities Review Council

Disparities & Disproportionalities: Looking Critically at Narratives of DifferenceRoom: TMH 460 (capacity: 60)The nonprofit industry has increasingly acknowledged varied outcomes and some incongruence between its staff and its clients. In doing so, it has tended to rely on prevailing narratives of racial and cultural differ-ence. In the interest of racial and economic justice, this session aims to change that narrative by providing an introduction to critical understandings of difference. Through systems concepts, participants will explore the source of disparities, disproportionalities, and differ-ence itself.Vidhya Shanker, doctoral student in evaluation studies, University of Minnesota

Breakout Sessions III 1:45 - 3 p.m.

Session Evaluations will be emailed following the conference.

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Breakout Sessions IV 3:15 - 4:30 p.m.

Building Relationships Through Social MediaRoom: Schulze Auditorium (capacity: 200)Social media is a great tool to get the word out about your programs, but that’s only the beginning. Build strong communities through social media by creat-ing meaningful conversations online and providing relevant, consistent information. This session will give you the tools to create your own social media plan, including tools for measuring success and templates for managing it all. Sarah Crumrine, communications coordinator, Minne-sota Council of Nonprofits

Broccoli & Cheese: Designing Digestible DataRoom: TMH 260 (capacity: 200)Ever try getting kids to eat their vegetables? For orga-nizations who want their supporters to consume the all-important data that measures their impact in the com-munity, getting a supporter to process the information can often be like getting a kid to try to eat their veg-gies. But with great design and storytelling strategies, an organization can often serve their supporters a tasty dish that gets them all the data they need. Using ex-amples of successful strategies from GiveMN and other organizations, this presentation will help organizations develop strategies to bring data and design together to tell an engaging story for supporters. Go beyond infographics to using compelling data across mediums and messages! Jake Blumberg, executive director, GiveMN

Nonprofits as AdvocatesRoom: TMH 448 (capacity: 60)Minnesota and the world are a better place when nonprofits connect with and educate policy makers and tell the story of their organizations and communities. Join us to learn how advocacy can further your organi-zation’s mission, the rules for nonprofit advocacy, and the basics of how to tell the story of your organization, it’s impact and communities in the advocacy context, which is also the fundraising, community relations, and many other contexts.Rinal Ray, deputy public policy director and Corinna Turbes, federal policy campaign coordinator, Minne-sota Council of Nonprofits

Make $ Make ¢: Reading and Understanding Financial StatementsRoom: TMH 446 (capacity: 60)Have you ever wondered what a balance sheet or cash flow statement is, or what they’re good for? In this session we will go over the balance sheet, income and expense statement, and cash flow statement to learn what these documents are, what they mean, and changes to be aware of. Be prepared to de-glaze your eyes and see the fun in financial statements! Molly Granzow, senior accountant, Abdo, Eick, & Meyers and Becky Johnson, finance manager, Minne-sota Council of Nonprofits

Principles and Practices for Nonprofit ExcellenceRoom: TMH 460 (capacity: 60)MCN’s Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excel-lence cite 133 ways that organizations can ensure stability, quality and transparency. These 133 practices are often common sense, sometimes mandated by law, and always “best practice” recommendations for non-profit success. Learn how these practices can help you keep the passion for your work by building an excel-lent nonprofit. Amy Brugh, principal consultant, Amy Brugh Consult-ing and Jesse Chang, VISTA program coordinator, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

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Kari Aanestad is the development manager at the Min-nesota Council of Nonprofits. In this role, Kari secures and stewards grant and individual donor support for MCN. She also supports the development of other fun-draising professionals throughout Minnesota through various channels including in-person and online train-

ings, the Minnesota Grants Alert, and the Minnesota Grants Directo-ry. Kari holds a bachelor of arts in English and political science from Augsburg College and a master of divinity from Luther Seminary. Most recently she served as grant writer and outcomes manager for St. David’s Center. Kari brings a holistic wealth of experience to her role including international travel to over 20 countries, hospital chaplaincy in England, and teaching and tutoring positions ranging from elementary to post-graduate levels in writing and compassionate communication.

Jake Blumberg is the executive director of GiveMN. Jake believes that a successful strategy, campaign, and message can expand the impact of the nonprofits doing incredible work in our communities. Jake has a background that spans leadership roles in nonprofits, politics and higher education. As the senior direc-

tor of development and community engagement at Open Arms of Minnesota, Jake launched giving campaigns that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. As co-finance director of Minnesotans United, he helped lead a multimillion dollar campaign to win the freedom to marry for same sex couples in Minnesota. And in Washington D.C., Jake concurrently attained a master’s degree in political management from The George Washington University while working as a speech writer and associate director of development for The George Wash-ington University Law School.

Cassie Breeggemann, career clarity coach and presi-dent of Contagious Connections, has a passion to help purpose driven leaders unleash their power, potential and purpose. Cassie has an M.A in human resources and change leadership and a B.A. in psychology. She specializes in adult learning principles and transforma-

tion for maximum impact. Cassie has been instrumental in designing and developing Leadership Development Programs and internship programs at Cargill and has developed a specialized Leadership Curriculum featured at Loras College concentrating on developing first time managers in small businesses and nonprofits.

Amy Brugh is a nonprofit consultant specializing in planning, facilitation and project management. Previ-ously, she was the director of external relations at the Minnesota AIDS Project, where she was charged with advancing the fundraising, communications, public policy and volunteer programs; and the public affairs director for Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North

Dakota, South Dakota. Amy currently serves on the board of the Min-neapolis Bicycle Coalition. She recently completed her board service with the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and Nonprofit Insurance Advisors. She holds a master’s degree in community health education from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

John Capecci is a communication consultant and coach who helps nonprofits nationwide define their brands, develop their key messages and mobilize their advocates. Co-author of Living Proof: Telling Your Story to Make a Difference, he has helped hundreds of people from all walks of life use their personal stories

and passions to make a difference in the lives of others and better the communities in which they live and work.

Elise Chambers is the program director of the Conflict Resolution Center, an attorney and a qualified neutral under Rule 114. Beginning with her experiences as a youth volunteer trainer, Elise has developed, presented and evaluated training curriculum for a variety of audiences and topics. Through her work as a criminal

defense lawyer representing adults and juveniles at the Minnesota Law Collective, a nonprofit she founded, Elise trained and mentored certified student attorneys to represent low-income criminal defense clients in court. Elise also ran the nonpartisan national Election Pro-tection voters’ rights coalition in Minnesota in collaboration with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights. Elise has also co-authored and presented published research regarding youth brain development and the mutual impacts of the juvenile justice system and adolescent mental illness on each other.

Jesse Chang is the VISTA program coordinator at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. In this role, he bridges the national AmeriCorps VISTA program with local, culturally-based nonprofits to help empower marginalized communities and individuals in the Twin Cities break the cycle of poverty. Additionally, Jesse

supports the professional and personal growth of VISTA members as they develop the foundational skills to become champions of equi-table social change. Jesse holds a bachelor of arts in geography from Colgate University and served as a VISTA member with affordable housing nonprofits in Chicago and Columbus before coming to MCN.

Heidi Christianson is a shareholder at Nilan Johnson Lewis PA and chair of the firm’s corporate practice group. Heidi counsels nonprofits, associations, and health care providers on compliance, governance, tax and corporate matters. Heidi has worked with nonprof-its in private practice since 2004. Before that, Heidi

regulated nonprofits as an attorney in the Charities Division of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Heidi is co-chair of the Non-profit Corporations committee of the Minnesota State Bar Association, former chair of the Charities Review Council of Minnesota board of directors, and a current member of the board of MAP for Nonprofits.

Sarah Crumrine is the communications coordinator at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, where she coor-dinates print and electronic communications, media re-lations, and strategic communication implementation. Sarah has a B.A. in journalism with a minor in social justice from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

and is on the board of directors of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of the Twin Cities.

Presenter Biographies

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Molly Granzow is a certified public accountant and a senior accountant at Abdo, Eick, & Meyers (AEM), a Minnesota accounting firm, specializing in nonprofit auditing and 990 preparation. She joined AEM’s nonprofit segment after graduating with her bach-elor’s degree in accounting from North Dakota State

University. Molly is a member of the Minnesota Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs. Gaining a hands-on experience in all aspects of nonprofit operations, Molly has served on the board of directors of the Youth Dance Ensemble & School in Burnsville since 2014 and is an active participant in the Nonprofit Financial Group.

Stephanie Jacobs is director of the Public and Non-profit Leadership Center (PNLC) at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, a community that creates and nurtures excellence in public affairs management and leadership. Prior to joining the PNLC, Stephanie was program director at the Nonprofits Assistance Fund.

Previously, she was director of member services at the Minnesota Council on Foundations and consulting associate with Fieldstone Alliance. Stephanie is a graduate of St. Olaf College and holds a master’s degree in public policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She participated in the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Leadership Institute and is an active volunteer in the Minnesota non-profit community.

Becky Johnson is the finance manager for the Min-nesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN). She joined MCN in 2009. Becky is responsible for the daily financial management of MCN as well as monthly, quarterly, and annual financial duties and assists with the finan-cial management of Nonprofit Insurance Advisors.

In addition to her financial management duties, Becky responds to accounting and tax inquiries from member organizations. Prior to her work at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Becky was an auditor at a public accounting firm in St. Paul. Becky has served on various boards and committees in the twin cities and enjoys volunteering with nonprofit organizations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Becky is a certified public accountant.

As executive director of Charities Review Council, Kris Kewitsch works to ensure the Council delivers on its mission to be an independent resource empowering people to make informed and thoughtful giving deci-sions and by helping charities advance their important work. Before joining the Council, Kris worked in corpo-

rate philanthropy with Target Corporation, U.S. Bank, and Piper Jaf-fray. During the past five years at Target, she helped direct more than $50 million in grantmaking support in the Twin Cities and across the country. Kris attended Gustavus Adolphus College, receiving a B.A. in sociology and anthropology. She has served on numerous boards, including the Corporate Volunteerism Council, National Council on Workplace Volunteerism, and the Volunteer Resource Center (now HandsOn Twin Cities).

Curtis Klotz is the finance director of Nonprofits As-sistance Fund (NAF), Nonprofits are Curt’s passion and profession. He has taught in inner city D.C with the Higher Achievement Program, coordinated national communities of volunteers with the Lutheran Volun-teer Corps, and supported persons living with HIV/

AIDS at Seattle Shanti. At the Indian Law Resource Center in Helena, Montana, he discovered his calling to be a nonprofit C.F.O. A stint as the chairperson of the Montana Nonprofit Association deepened his commitment to the nonprofit sector as a whole. Joining NAF has given him the perfect opportunity to share his passion for nonprofit finance every day and use his 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to make a positive, lasting difference in the world. Curt is a certified public accountant.

Jennifer Kramm has a background in new business development and philanthropy. In Thrivent Financial’s strategic development department Jennifer was part of a team that developed social enterprises resulting in two successful ventures, helping her gain an enterprise-perspective on what organizations need from leader-

ship. As a grants associate at the InFaith Community Foundation her department awarded $10 million in annual grants to up to 5000 national charities. At MAP for Nonprofits Jennifer supports boards of directors and the work they do, including strategic planning, strategic alliances and restructuring, and board development. Jennifer serves as the co-chair of the Twin Cities Social Enterprise Alliance and is leading strategy for The Corporate Volunteers Council of the Twin Cities as a board member. Jennifer graduated from St. Olaf College with a B.A. in biology.

Jon Pratt is the executive director of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. He has worked at Minnesota Public Interest Research Group as an attorney and lobbyist, as regional director at the Youth Project, and as director for the Philanthropy Project. In 1982 he was campaign manager for Paul Wellstone candidacy

for Minnesota State Auditor. In 1987 he became director of MCN, an association of 2,000 organizations that sponsors research, training, lobbying and negotiated discounts to strengthen Minnesota’s non-profit sector. Jon has consulted with nongovernmental organizations on the development of NGO associations and services in Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Serbia and Turkey. Jon has a law degree from Antioch School of Law, and a M.P.A. from Harvard University.

Rinal Ray is the deputy public policy director at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. Rinal works with MCN’s public policy director to advance the organiza-tion’s policy agenda and train leaders on nonprofit advocacy. Prior to her role at MCN, Rinal served as a staff attorney for the Minnesota Justice Foundation at

William Mitchell College of Law. As former project coordinator for MCN, she also worked on the Charitable Tax Exemption Campaign and the Nonprofit Legal Handbook. Additionally, Rinal served on MCN’s board of directors in 2013 and as a co-chair of the Principles and Practices Advisory Committee. Rinal is a former AmeriCorps member with College Possible. She has a B.A. in international studies and political science from Macalester College and a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law.

Presenter Biographies

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Kelly Rietow helps leaders and organizations create simple and sustainable solutions to people and process challenges. She excels in aligning human resource and performance management systems with organizational strategies. With broad-based expertise in human resources, organizational development, facilitation

and leadership, Kelly helps leaders and organizations be account-able and effective. Kelly has a particular passion for optimizing the performance of nonprofits and organizations experiencing grow-ing pains. A two-time recipient of the Employers Association Best Practices Award, Kelly earned her M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas and the professional in human resources certification through the Society for Human Resource Management.

Jesse Ross’ heart is centered on community develop-ment and building authentic relationships, with 12 years of experience in nonprofit and community-based organizations throughout Minneapolis. Jesse works on both program development and direct community engagement, with the goal of empowering people to

effectively impact their own communities. Jesse previously served as area director for Minneapolis Young Life and TreeHouse, where his areas of focus included policy and program development, organi-zational leadership, diversity and culture, youth and family develop-ment, fundraising, outreach, and other initiatives. Currently, he works at The Minneapolis Foundation serving multiple roles in the Com-munity Impact Department, and is also a Roy Wilkins Public Policy Fellow Alumni and a current Ron McKinley philanthropy fellow. He authored the upcoming book Fathers Matter: Leadership lessons I’ve learned from my Father.

Vidhya Shanker is a doctoral student in evaluation studies at the University of Minnesota. Her disserta-tion research bridges systems thinking with theories of systemic oppression to examine the ways race is constructed through both the enterprise and the discourse of nonprofit evaluation. Recently, Vidhya

provided evaluation assistance to organizations engaged in food systems work. Previously, she was director of research, innovation & program evaluation at Catholic Charities, where she led agency wide data-governance efforts to facilitate the organization’s measurement of client outcomes across program areas and throughout the case management process. Her experience addressing racial, economic and gender justice within the context of evaluation includes her role evaluating Ramsey County’s Employment Services for MFIP partici-pants, work with the UMN’s Institute on Community Integration, and consultancies with organizations like CARE International.

Margie Siegel is director of the Center for Nonprofit Management at the University of St. Thomas’ Schulze School of Entrepreneurship. She has devoted her career to increasing the effectiveness of Minnesota’s social sector leaders, and the communities they serve. Margie has worked at the University of St. Thomas

since 1996, always in the field of developing and directing program-ming for nonprofit leaders to boost the impact of their work. She be-gan her career in finance and market analysis, and honed her ana-lytical skills providing securities analysis with Chicago’s William Blair & Company. At the Charities Review Council, she directed research and analysis, executing detailed summaries of a variety of nonprofit entities seeking charitable contributions. Margie has an M.B.A. from the Booth School, and a B.A. in mathematics from Pomona College.

Corinna Turbes is the Federal Policy Campaign coordi-nator. She is primarily responsible for tracking policy issues as they progress through the federal process, as well as developing creative material for the campaign. Prior to work with the Federal Policy Campaign, Corinna has worked in informational programming at

the United States State Department, and in the state office of Sena-tor Al Franken. While receiving her masters of public policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, Corinna worked as research assistant for the Gender Policy Report, and served as a senior editor at the Humphrey Public Affairs Review.

Katie Walsh has been on staff at HandsOn Twin Cities (HOTC) since 1998 when she joined The Volunteer Center in St. Paul as the community recruitment spe-cialist. As program director, Katie manages the non-profit affiliation program and delivery of services and programs to HOTC’s affiliate members. Katie oversees

the website and database management and e-newsletter commu-nications. She also supports HOTC’s skills-based volunteering and Service Enterprise initiatives. Katie’s experience in the nonprofit sector includes providing implementing successful membership recruitment and engagement strategies, managing strong, supportive relation-ships with nonprofits, organizing and managing events, delivering training and supervising staff. She earned her bachelor’s degree in family social science from the University of Minnesota.

Reid A. Zimmerman is a 30+ year veteran leader in the nonprofit sector of Minnesota, having worked as an executive director, board member and senior develop-ment officer for a number of organizations. Reid has served as a lecturer and professor at Hamline, St. Thomas, and Capella Universities in their Nonprofit

and Public Administration programs. He still consults and teaches with nonprofit organizations across the region. He volunteered as member of the MCN Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excel-lence committee and the board of evaluators with the Performance Improvement Network. Reid holds a doctorate in organizational de-velopment, is credentialed as a certified fund raising executive, and is the author of The Seven Deadly Sayings of Nonprofit Leaders…And How to Avoid Them, (2014) published by Charity Channel Press.

Presenter Biographies

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Minnesota Council of NonprofitsThe Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) is the statewide association of over 2,100 nonprofit organizations. Through its website, resource publications, workshops and events, cost-saving programs and advocacy, MCN continually works to inform, promote, connect and strengthen individual nonprofits and the nonprofit sector.

MCN StaffKari Aanestad, Development Manager Clark Biegler, Policy AnalystMark Buenaflor, Operations and Database CoordinatorShelly Chamberlain, Director of Operations and Human ResourcesJesse Chang, VISTA Project CoordinatorSarah Crumrine, Communications Coordinator Deb Gorczycki, Accounting AssistantBen Horowitz, Policy AdvocateAnn Iijima, Southeast MN Regional Coordinator Maria Isley, Northeast MN Regional Coordinator Becky Johnson, Finance ManagerJoLynn Langaas, Northwest MN Regional CoordinatorRebecca Lucero, Public Policy Director Nan Madden, Minnesota Budget Project DirectorPaul Masiarchin, Program DirectorShannon McCarville, Program CoordinatorLaura Mortensen, Minnesota Budget Project Communications Manager Joe Pederson, West Central MN Regional CoordinatorJon Pratt, Executive DirectorRinal Ray, Deputy Public Policy DirectorSondra Reis, Director of e-LearningAndrea Sanow, GrantAdvisor Minnesota CoordinatorEmily Steinmetz, Central MN Regional CoordinatorBiftu Takele, Nonprofit Services AssistantCorinna Turbes, Federal Policy Campaign Coordinator Hannah VanSant-Ouellette, VISTA Leader Rachel Wagner, Office AssistantZora Wesley, VISTA LeaderBradley Wolfe, South Center/Southwest MN Regional Coordinator John Wurm, Membership & Communications Director

MCN Board of DirectorsKenza Hadj-Moussa, TakeAction Minnesota, ChairSheila Smith, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Vice-ChairJonah Weinberg, Autism Society of Minnesota, Vice-ChairJarell Skinner-Roy, College Possible, SecretaryThomas Adams, PhD, Better Futures MinnesotaEunice Adjei, Create CommUNITYRobert Benes, Lakes and Pines Community Action Council, Inc. Cameron C. Bloom Kruger, Duluth Children’s MuseumAntonio Cardona, Pillsbury United CommunitiesSarah Clyne, Domestic Abuse ProjectSusan Estee, Second Harvest North Central Food BankTracy Fischman, Prepare + ProsperAmel Gorani, Carleton CollegeSue Grafstrom, LifeCare Medical CenterLynn Hunt, Happy Dancing TurtleMary LaGarde, Minneapolis American Indian CenterCathy Maes, Loaves & Fishes MNMolly Matheson Gruen, Bush FoundationAngie Miller, Community Action DuluthSusan Schmidt, The Trust for Public LandChris Taylor, Minnesota Historical Society Ernesto Velez, Centro CampesinoMelinda Wedzina, MRCI WorkSourceJonah Weinberg, Autism Society of Minnesota

The University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business is a community of learners committed to furthering the growth of our community by developing effective, principled business leaders who think globally, act ethically and create enduring value for society. It offers undergraduate concentrations in 13 fields and master’s degrees in six programs, including day and eve-ning MBA programs. The school enrolls another 4,300 participants annually in executive-education classes. The Center for Nonprofit Management (CNM) provides resources and services through thought leadership, education and training, and research to Minnesota and national communities within the private, public and nonprofit sectors. CNM is uniquely positioned to help build the capacity of nonprofits by offering effective and relevant business principles together with proven nonprofit practices. Center for Nonprofit Management Marjorie Siegel, director of the Center for Nonprofit Management, www.stthomas.edu/cnmUniversity of St. Thomas’ Schulze School of Entrepreneurship Nonprofit Executive Education programs, http://www.stthomas.edu/execed/programs/nonprofit/

About MCN and the University of St. Thomas

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Friday Keynote Armando Camacho, C.E.O., Oppor-

tunity Partners; PH Copeland, equity organizer, American Heart Associa-tion; Don Ness, executive director,

Ordean Foundation

“Evolution of Leadership: Sto-ries of Joy, Optimism and

Hopelessness”

Thursday KeynoteDan Cardinali, president and C.E.O., Independent Sector

“The National Nonprofit Landscape”

2017 Annual ConferenceOctober 12 - 13St. Paul, MNSaint Paul RiverCentre

Join the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits for our 2017 Annual Conference. Hosted in St. Paul, MN, this year’s gathering is the perfect opportunity for professionals from every corner of Minnesota’s robust nonprofit sector to join together, celebrate the sector, learn from one another and prepare for another year.

Highlights of this year’s conference include:

Learn more about the 2017 MCN Annual Conference or register today at:www.mcnannualconference.org

Awards PresentationsJoin us as we celebrate

shining stars in our sector during the presentation of the

2017 Minnesota Nonprofit Awards and the Virginia

McKnight Binger Unsung Hero Awards

40+ Breakout SesssionsDozens of workshops on the

topics most important to your work—and the work of your colleagues, board members

and volunteers—are available from thought leaders from

across our sector.

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This conference is brought to you by:

2314 University Avenue West, Suite 20St. Paul, MN 55114www.minnesotanonprofits.org

NONPROFITESSENTIALS CONFERENCE

2017