Tanisha Armstrong, MPH | TidalHealth | Pitch Perfect: Strategic Partnerships​

Tanisha Armstrong is an experienced grant professional with more than two decades of expertise in grants administration, nonprofit management, and public health. She is currently the Grants Manager for the TidalHealth Foundation. Tanisha holds a Master of Public Health from Emory University and has extensive experience supporting community-based organizations through strategic partnerships, program development, and sustainability planning. Tanisha also works as a consultant specializing in strategic planning, board development, and organizational capacity building, helping nonprofits strengthen operations, secure resources, and build collaborative relationships that amplify impact.​​​​

Josh Bunting | Ocean City Fire Department | Buddy to Boss, Challenges for New Leaders

Josh Bunting's recent selection as Fire Chief in Ocean City caps off over 30 years in public service with various administrative and operational leadership responsibilities within the volunteer and career combination department. Prior to his current role, he led the Fire Marshal's Office as a law enforcement officer and bomb squad commander.  Josh holds Bachelors Degrees in Political Science (Salisbury University) and Fire Science (University of Maryland, University College). Making the transition through intermediate and command officer positions and helping the department navigate a substantial leadership transition over the last several years has helped Josh develop a keen appreciation for the challenges of making the jump from peer to supervisor and a firm dedication to help future leaders find their own path to success. ​​

Ladd G. Colston, Ph.D. | Sustainable-Visions, LLC | Navigating the Elephants Through Stormy Seas

​Dr. Ladd Colston is CEO of Sustainable-Visions, LLC, a Maryland State Certified Minority Business Enterprise providing community research and development services in education and health. With more than 45 years of experience across community, clinical, organizational, and academic settings, Dr. Colston has served as an external evaluator for institutions including Howard University School of Medicine, Salisbury University’s Ward Museum, and the National Council for the Traditional Arts. He has held faculty and administrative roles at multiple colleges and universities and is an active community leader, mentor, and patient stakeholder reviewer for PCORI.​

Veronique Diriker, Ph.D., CFRE | StratACUMEN Group | Capital Campaigns: Before, During, and After​​​

Dr. Veronique Diriker brings extensive experience in nonprofit management, leadership, and university development. She has led multiple capital campaigns, all of which met or exceeded their goals, and has served in numerous volunteer leadership roles with nonprofit organizations, including board chair and founding board member. She spent five years as Chief Strategy Officer at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (and we miss her dearly!). Veronique is currently a Senior Partner with StratACUMEN Group, where she specializes in nonprofit strategy, fundraising, and organizational support. Her work combines hands-on campaign leadership with a deep understanding of nonprofit governance and sustainability.

Fawn Fitzgerald, PMP | Tessellate Tech | Operationalizing AI: Policy and Practice​​​

Fawn Fitzgerald is the founder and creative director of Tessellate Tech, where she provides embedded technology and digital communications leadership to nonprofits and mission-driven businesses. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Fawn brings experience across nonprofit leadership, education, software engineering, and technology implementation. As a former nonprofit founder and executive director, she understands firsthand the realities of limited budgets, small teams, and competing priorities. Fawn is known as an early adopter of technology who helps organizations thoughtfully integrate tools such as artificial intelligence, automation, and digital systems in ways that increase efficiency, manage risk, and support sustainable growth.

Kaitlyn Gallander | Spark Impact Services | Staying Effective Amid Volatility​​​

Kaitlyn Gallander is a nonprofit and social impact leader with nearly two decades of experience supporting organizations in complex, high-uncertainty environments. She previously served as a senior official at the U.S. Agency for International Development, where she led adaptive, evidence-based programs in fragile and rapidly changing contexts. Kaitlyn is the Founder and CEO of Spark Impact Services, advising nonprofits and public-sector partners on strategy, learning, and organizational resilience. Kaitlyn brings a practical, field-tested approach to adaptive management, translating complexity into customized tools nonprofit organizations can use immediately.

Pam Gregory | United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore | Building & Energizing Effective Boards​​​

Pam Gregory is President & CEO of United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, a role she has held for seven years after joining in 2011. She is a Lifetime Member of Leadership Maryland (’24) and a Shore Leadership graduate (’22), and serves on the Greater Salisbury Committee, Rotary Club of Wicomico, the Delmarva Power Maryland Community Advisory Council, Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake Advisory Council, and the MD Association of United Ways. Her leadership emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and strong community partnerships. Pam brings extensive experience building resilient nonprofits through board engagement, diversified funding, balanced programs, and strategic collaboration, guiding mission-driven teams toward sustainable impact.​

Dr. Kevin Handley | The Courage to Ask

​Dr. Kevin Handley is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in occupational stress, burnout, and sustainable work practices. With more than 25 years of experience, he has worked with hundreds of professionals to address anxiety, decision fatigue, and performance challenges using evidence-based approaches. Kevin’s work focuses on practical, achievable changes rather than dramatic overhauls, recognizing that lasting improvement comes through small, consistent steps. He brings a leadership psychology lens to organizational challenges, helping leaders understand how stress and avoidance affect behavior and how to move through discomfort with clarity, steadiness, and confidence.

Kevin J. Hughes | Chesapeake Learning & Development | Situational Leadership for Nonprofits​

Kevin Hughes brings 23 years of experience in the learning and development field, designing and facilitating customized training for organizations across industries including construction, staffing, public education, and finance. He specializes in situational leadership and goal-based development, collaborating closely with organizational leaders to ensure employees at all levels receive the support they need to grow professionally. In 2023, Kevin founded Chesapeake Learning & Development, where he continues to design practical, engaging learning experiences. He holds a B.S. in Mass Communications with a minor in Music Performance from Towson University. Kevin lives on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with his wife, Colleen, and is proud to partner with CFES through his work.

Annette Johnson | Village of Hope | Leading Well Without Burnout​​

Annette Johnson is a visionary leader and changemaker dedicated to transforming lives and organizations. As President and CEO of Village of Hope, she leads a mission-driven organization empowering women and children to achieve self-sufficiency, stability, and confidence. Annette is also the founder of AJLEADS, LLC, a consultancy focused on leadership development and organizational culture, and the creator of Living in the Good Space, a wellness and personal development brand. With more than 25 years of global corporate leadership experience, she is widely recognized for her commitment to cultivating inclusive, healthy work environments. Annette holds a BS in Org. Management and an MS in Org. Leadership and is the author of Forgive & Love Yourself (FLY).

Erica Joseph | Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore | Building & Energizing Effective Boards​​​​

As President of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Erica leads the operation, growth and development of the Foundation. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Salisbury University and a M.S. in Conservation Biology from the UMD College Park. She serves on the Board of Directors for TidalHealth and the Steering Committee/Board for the Maryland Community Foundation Association. Erica is a graduate of Shore Leadership, Leadership Maryland, and the Maryland Public Policy Conflict Resolution Fellows Program. She has been recognized as Rotarian of the Year, the Daily Record’s Leading Women, Maryland’s Top 100 Women, and Most Influential Marylanders. She received the Salisbury Area Chamber Commerce Hall of Fame Award in 2020. She resides in southern Delaware with her husband, Jeremy and son, Andrew.  

Senator Cheryl C. Kagan | Maryland Senate | How to be an Effective Advocate​

Senator Cheryl C. Kagan is an experienced Maryland legislator representing District 17 since 2015. She previously represented the district in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1995 to 2003, bringing long-standing public service experience to her work. Senator Kagan serves as Vice Chair of the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee and is active on the Budget and Taxation Committee, where she advances policy on behalf of her constituents and statewide priorities. Widely known as the Senator for the Nonprofit Sector, Senator Kagan has sponsored and passed landmark legislation benefiting nonprofits. She established and chairs the National Nonprofit Legislative Caucus and has received multiple awards for her advocacy on behalf of charitable organizations.

Lili Leonard, Ph.D., CFRE | Black Dog Philanthropic Consulting | Artificial Intelligence, Genuine Relationships: Using AI in Fundraising​

Dr. Lili Leonard is a seasoned fundraising professional with more than 15 years of experience across annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, grant writing, and fundraising strategy. Her work has supported nonprofits across Maryland and beyond, helping them strengthen fundraising systems, build leadership capacity, and more. In addition to consulting, Lili regularly partners with community foundations to provide fundraising education and training. She holds the CFRE credential, is a Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultant, and a graduate of Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Salisbury University and her doctorate from Frostburg State University. 

Rob Levit | Amplify Your Impact: Meaningful Metrics​

Rob Levit is an experienced nonprofit consultant, facilitator, and trainer specializing in strategic planning, leadership development, and team effectiveness. He has worked with a wide range of nonprofit organizations, helping leaders align mission, strategy, and measurable results. Rob is a Licensed Consultant with Maryland Nonprofits’ Standards for Excellence Institute and a Certified Trainer in Workplace Conflict Resolution. His leadership and community impact have been recognized with multiple honors, including the MLK Peacemaker Award and Innovator of the Year by The Daily Record. Rob’s work emphasizes practical frameworks, meaningful metrics, and the effective use of data and storytelling to communicate impact and support long-term organizational health.

Robert A. McClure | McClure Grants & Fundraising | Grant Writing: Biggest Misconceptions​​

Robert McClure is a seasoned grant professional with extensive experience across the full grant lifecycle, from research and proposal development to post-award compliance and reporting. Over the course of his career, he has raised more than $25 million for nonprofit and public-sector clients. Robert currently works as an independent grant writer and consultant, with a particular focus on supporting organizations on the Delmarva Peninsula and in other low-income communities. His work centers on identifying strong funding matches, navigating evolving funder requirements, and helping organizations avoid common pitfalls that can undermine grant success.

Nancy Merrill | Merrill Communication Consulting | Simple Ways to Make Messages Donors Love ​

Nancy Merrill is President of Merrill Communication Consulting, where she helps small nonprofit organizations strengthen outreach, clarify messaging, and better engage donors and communities. She also serves as President of the Merrill Family Foundation and has dedicated her career to environmental education and nonprofit leadership. Her background includes roles with Arundel Rivers Federation, Historic London Town & Gardens, and The Conservation Fund, where she supported the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail in partnership with the National Park Service. Nancy holds a master's degree in Nonprofit Management from George Mason University and earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University.

Karen Norris | Kanoco Consulting, LLC | Grant Writing for Federal and Private Opportunities​​

Karen Norris is nationally recognized in the grant community as a consultant and subject matter expert through Kanoco Consulting, LLC, based in Lewes, Delaware. She brings more than 30 years of experience in financial assistance and grant development, including prior roles as a grant administrator for educational institutions in Maryland and as an author and managing editor for national grant publications. Today, Karen advises clients through webinars, onsite training, and consulting, supporting development efforts through grant writing, earmarks, and other eligible funding programs. She has served on boards of professional associations and editorial advisory boards and is an invited presenter at national conferences and regional training events.

Julie Peters | How Communication Can Fuel Burnout​​

Julie Peters is a senior communications professional with more than a decade of experience helping nonprofits strengthen internal communication, build trust, and support staff well-being. She has led communications strategy for multi-site organizations serving diverse communities, with a particular focus on clarity, equity, and accessibility. Julie has rebuilt internal communications systems from the ground up, supported teams through leadership transitions and crisis moments, and facilitated conversations around burnout, morale, and organizational culture. She brings a practical, people-centered perspective grounded in real-world nonprofit experience, emphasizing how intentional communication practices can reduce burnout and support healthier workplaces.

Sarah Ramsey | Due East Partners | Plan, Pivot, & Lead Through Uncertainty​

Sarah Ramsey is a Senior Advisor at Due East Partners with more than eight years of experience supporting nonprofits and public agencies. She specializes in inclusive constituent engagement, strategic communications, training and facilitation, and project management. Prior to joining Due East, Sarah served as Lead Trainer and Outreach Coordinator for the Maryland Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program within the Office of the Secretary of State, supporting advocates and partner organizations serving survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution from Salisbury University.

David Reel | The Gladstone Group, LLC | Good to Great Leadership

David Reel is the Managing Partner of The Gladstone Group LLC, which provides governance, leadership, and management consulting exclusively to nonprofit organizations. He has served as the CEO of multiple nonprofit organizations and brings extensive experience guiding volunteer leaders and professional staff through periods of organizational change. David previously served as President and CEO of the MD Hotel and Lodging Assoc. and the MD Tourism Council, and COO of the MD Tourism Education Foundation. He has also taught for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management, multiple universities, and the Public Relations Society of America. His work focuses on helping nonprofits move from good to great leadership in complex environments.​

Amy Thompson | Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce | Run Your Nonprofit Like a Business

Amy Thompson describes herself as a practical optimist who enjoys building resilient leaders so they can get meaningful work done. She brings a light-hearted, real-world approach to coaching and training, focusing on core fundamentals that make leadership more effective and work more joyful. In her current role leading the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Amy sets strategic direction while navigating the unique challenges of a membership-based nonprofit serving the business community where she lives. Her work reflects hands-on experience in nonprofit leadership, strategy, and sustainability, and she is known for translating business principles into practical tools nonprofit leaders can apply immediately.

Chrissy M. Thornton | Associated Black Charities | Keynote Speaker: Moving Nonprofits from Competition to Coordination

Chrissy M. Thornton is President and CEO of Associated Black Charities, a Baltimore-based racial equity organization with more than 40 years of impact. With over 20 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, digital engagement, grant writing, and program execution, she is known for advancing equity through community empowerment, coalition-building, and economic justice. Chrissy is also an author, consultant, and entrepreneur. Her notable book, Stop Scrambling, Start Bringing Home the Bacon: A Guide to Establishing an Effective Fundraising Plan for Your Non-Profit Organization, has become a trusted resource in the sector. She holds a master’s degree in business with a concentration in Organizational Management and is a sought-after speaker on equity, leadership, and nonprofit sustainability.

Jose Tizol | Jose Creative Studio | AI for Nonprofits: Practical Strategies

Jose Tizol is the founder of Jose Creative Studio, an AI consulting agency focused on helping organizations use technology more efficiently and strategically. He spent a decade working as a software engineer in California, supporting startups and building websites, applications, and digital systems designed to improve efficiency and drive growth. Jose holds a degree in Computer Science from California State University, Fullerton. Today, his work centers on developing AI tools and workflows that are accessible to nonprofits and small organizations, helping them save time, improve internal processes, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. His approach emphasizes practical application over technical complexity.​

Cheryl H. Tolbert, MBA | Salisbury Christian School | The Courage to Ask

Cheryl H. Tolbert, MBA, serves as Director of Development at Salisbury Christian School, where she oversees donor relations, campaigns, events, alumni engagement, and community partnerships. Drawing from her daily work inside a mission-driven organization, Cheryl brings a grounded, real-world perspective to nonprofit leadership and fundraising. She is deeply committed to helping leaders grow within their own organizations. Her approach emphasizes clarity, resilience, and leading with purpose, particularly in moments of uncertainty or transition. Cheryl’s work centers on building confidence and consistency in donor engagement while fostering healthy, sustainable leadership practices that support long-term mission impact.

Melanie Upright, M.S., CCC-SLP | Center for Interpersonal Communication | Building Teams That Get Results​

Benjamin Waples | Ocean City Fire Department | Buddy to Boss, Challenges for New Leaders​

Adrianna Weissburg | Due East Partners | Plan, Pivot, & Lead Through Uncertainty

Adrianna Weissburg is a Senior Advisor at Due East Partners with more than 10 years of experience in strategic and community planning, grant program design, and philanthropic advising. She leads inclusive strategic planning and community engagement initiatives for nonprofit, public agency, and corporate clients, helping organizations align priorities and translate community input into action. Previously, Adrianna served as Grants and Philanthropic Services Manager at the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, where she revamped grant programs and launched new initiatives to increase impact. She holds a B.A. in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution from Salisbury University, with a minor in Business Management and Marketing.