2025 Executive Director Leader Circle

In 2006, the Nonprofit Service Center launched the Executive Director Leader Circle to benefit nonprofit professionals in the panhandle.

Nonprofit executive directors work in environments that are often isolated. They need a support group that can provide honest assessments and ideas regarding challenges, opportunities and frustrations. The Executive Director Leader Circle provides a confidential environment where nonprofit leaders can learn and interact with their peers as well as build new connections.

Circle members meet monthly to discuss management and communications issues, board relations, fundraising, collaboration, and other topics vital to nonprofit leaders. Each meeting offers a round table discussion or a featured speaker, as well as time for networking. In a recent survey, 100% of the participants indicated that each month they learn something that helps them in their work.

Comments from Executive Director Leader Circle participants:

“I have been an executive director for 19 years and still learn so much during the Leader Circles from my peers. It is wonderful to find out that big or small, all of our organizations have some of the same problems. It also brings me up to date on many of the issues facing nonprofit organizations today.”

“The Leader Circle is a meeting I look forward to attending each time. We are able to determine topics as a group that address current needs and issues. In addition to the excellent information presented, we are also able to share best practices, ideas, and peer-to-peer support.”

Shelley Cunningham an experienced facilitator, helps participants use the Leader Circle to identify and meet their specific needs and has been a member of the circle for the past eleven years. She takes a fun, interactive approach to meetings and looks forward to facilitating a beneficial learning and networking opportunity for all participants.