September 30, 2026 | Davis Conference Center

Thank You to Our Premier Sponsor:

2026 Conference Keynote:

Reviving Ourselves

In a moment where we feel battered down, squeezed, and exhausted, how can we still believe in the long-tail of impact and lead towards a better future?

People always remember that Fred Rogers said “Look for the helpers.” But he was quoting his mother, who said it to comfort him as a child. Today, as leaders, I believe our call is to “Be the helpers,” visibly and proudly, so there will always be helpers for children to find.

About the Speaker: Nicholas Ma

Nicholas Ma is an award-winning director, writer, and producer based in Brooklyn, whose film work spans an eclectic array of topics: from botany to basketball to WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?, on the life of Fred Rogers.

Most recently he wrote and directed MABEL (SFIFF, 2024) and directed LEAP OF FAITH (Picturehouse, 2024). His films have premiered at Sundance, New York Film Festival, and Tribeca.

He is also the founder and principal of Ernest Lyford, a boutique consulting firm that unites the creative and the strategic to transform the way we see the world.

2026 Conference Breakout Session Speakers

Kari Anderson

Principal
Incite! Consulting

Kari Anderson is Principal of Incite! Consulting and is a nationally recognized expert in nonprofit leadership development. With over three decades of hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector, she has worked with more than 400 organizations across the country, specializing in organizational development, board governance, and sustainable fundraising strategies.

Brent Andrewsen

Adrienne Babbitt

Nadiia Branytska

Peggy Cain

Professor and Graduate Program Director
Westminster University

Peggy Cain is Professor and Program Director for the Master of Arts in Community and Organizational Leadership at Westminster University. She teaches courses in Futures Thinking and foundations of social and organizational change. She holds certifications from the Institute for the Future in Foresight Essentials, Scenario Building, and Experiential Futures.

Mary T. Calhoon

Development Director
First Step House

Mary T. Calhoon, CFRE, is the Director of Development at First Step House, where she leads fundraising and external relations for a multiservice healthcare and housing nonprofit with a $24 million annual operating budget. Over the past four years, Mary T. has built and scaled the organization’s development function, tripling philanthropic revenue and strengthening systems for grants, major gifts, donor engagement, data, and communications. She partners closely with executive leadership and the board to align philanthropy with public funding, capital development, and long‑term organizational growth, including the expansion of permanent supportive housing. Her work is informed by prior leadership experience in higher education and workforce development, where she focused on building systems, teams, and programs designed to scale.

Karen Drill

Principal Consultant
The Drill Consulting Group, LLC

Karen L. Drill, PhD, leads the Drill Consulting Group LLC in Red Lodge, Montana, where she specializes in mixed-methods applied research and evaluation. For over 20 years, Karen has collaborated with nonprofit organizations to (1) develop a clear theory of change and logic model, (2) conduct implementation and outcome evaluations, and (3) build internal capacity in program evaluation, data use, and data analysis. Outside of work, Karen can be found hiking or skiing (depending on the season), reading, watching documentaries, drinking coffee, or spending quality time with her friends and family.

Melanie Gaebe

Lead Consultant
Shift Happens Consulting, LLC

Melanie Gaebe is the founder of Shift Happens Consulting and creator of the Leadership Alignment Method™. She helps nonprofit boards and senior leadership teams align governance, strategy, and execution for long-term sustainability. With over a decade of experience in public policy, board engagement, and organizational leadership, Melanie brings a structured, disciplined approach to strengthening leadership alignment and reducing institutional drift.

Lupe Gaitan

Program Manager
Alzheimer's Association

Lupe Gaitan is a Program Manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, where she supports community outreach and delivers evidence-based education programs focused on brain health, caregiving, and healthy aging. She has experience facilitating trainings, presentations, and group discussions in both corporate and community settings. Prior to her current role, Lupe spent several years at Vivint supporting employee training, onboarding, and coaching initiatives. She is passionate about building community partnerships and helping connect people to practical resources and support.

Montsie Garrido

Policy and Advocacy Associate
Planned Parenthood Association of Utah

Montsie’s political journey began in rural Oregon, where she advocated for DACA, climate action, and gun safety as a high school student. Her activism continued as a staffer for state legislative and congressional campaigns, including as field organizer for one of the nation’s most-watched congressional races in 2022. As the daughter of Chilean immigrants and the granddaughter of an activist imprisoned during the Pinochet dictatorship, Montsie grounds her work in her family’s legacy of resilience and justice.

Rob Harter

Nonprofit Consultant and Executive Coach
Rob Harter Consulting and Coaching

Rob is a nonprofit executive professional with over 30 years of experience in leading and building social impact organizations. Rob frequently speaks for large groups and seminars, providing training for a variety of audiences including corporate and nonprofit settings. Rob is also both a Certified Professional Coach and a Certified Instructor for the Enneagram.

He is the host and executive producer for the “Nonprofit Leadership Podcast”, which has had over 553,000 downloads, is heard in 179 countries and is in the top 1.5% of all podcasts globally according to Listen Notes. Rob has been a member of and contributor for the Forbes Nonprofit Council. Rob was invited to be part of Harvard Business School’s “Young American Leaders Program”. Rob has chaired the MLK Jr. Commission for the State of Utah and chaired UNA's board. Rob was voted as the professional “Citizen of the Year” for Park City by the local Rotary club, received the Park City “Chief’s Award for Community Service”.

April James

Executive Director
Hearts Knit Together

April James is the Executive Director of Hearts Knit Together, a Utah-based nonprofit providing comfort kits to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and refugees across the state. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach and impact, serving thousands each year. A lifelong entrepreneur and experienced presenter, April has led workshops, retreats, and presentations for audiences across the U.S. and Canada. Her work is rooted in lived experience as a mother of seven, former business owner, caregiver, and nonprofit leader navigating constant competing demands. Through her speaking, April shares practical strategies to reduce overwhelm and focus on what truly creates impact.

Keri Jones-Fonnesbeck

Executive Director
Trauma-Informed Utah

Keri Jones-Fonnesbeck is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has

dedicated her career to creating trauma-informed, equitable systems for individuals, families and communities. She serves as the Executive Director for Trauma Informed Utah, working with organizations across the state of Utah in training and implementation of trauma-informed principles. Keri identifies as a mom, a hope-keeper, and an equity champion.

Historically, Keri has worked with cancer survivors, youth from war-torn areas around the world, child and adult victims and survivors of domestic violence, and within hospital social work. Keri spent over 20 years with the YWCA, both locally and nationally, in deep focus on the mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. She lives, loves, and plays in Utah with her husband, Mitch, and two children, Hollis and Grace.

Joelle Kanshepolsky

Partner
Pathway Group

Joelle, a Pathway Partner, is a nonprofit executive, consultant, and interim leader with 25 years of nonprofit experience in Boston and Utah. She specializes in executive transition, interim CEO roles, executive search support, governance, strategy, and fundraising, with a focus on sustaining and advancing organizational impact during leadership change. She has led dozens of executive searches and has served as Interim CEO for multiple organizations, guiding teams through transition while maintaining momentum, strengthening leadership capacity, and advancing strategic and fundraising priorities. From 2011 to 2015, she taught nonprofit management at Westminster University in the Gore School of Business. Joelle is a first generation American, child of a refugee, conversational in Spanish, and has traveled or volunteered in 60 countries. Joelle holds a master degree in Management from the Heller School of Management at Brandeis University and a BA from Tufts University.

John C. Nash

Sahil Oberoi

COO
Utah Community Action

Sahil Oberoi serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Utah Community Action (UCA), where he provides strategic leadership for several of the agency's core programs, including Housing and Case Management, Statewide Mediation, Adult Education, Homeless Services, HEAT Utility Assistance, Weatherization, and the agency's centralized Intake team. He works closely with government agencies, community partners, and service providers to strengthen homelessness prevention efforts and improve access to critical resources for individuals and families experiencing poverty.

Sahil began his career with the State of Utah's Refugee Services Office, where he established the state's Refugee Education and Training Center to help newly arrived refugees access education, workforce development, and supportive services. He later spent two years at JPMorgan Chase in a compliance role, gaining experience in regulatory compliance, risk management, and operational excellence before returning to the nonprofit sector.

With nearly a decade of leadership experience in human services, Sahil is dedicated to advancing innovative, data-driven solutions that improve program performance and expand equitable access to services. In recognition of his leadership and contributions to Utah's nonprofit sector, he was named a recipient of the 2026 Utah Business 40 Under 40 award. Sahil earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Philosophy from Utah State University and a Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law.

Victoria Petro

City Councilmember
Salt Lake City

Victoria Petro’s journey to public service is rooted in her deep love for Salt Lake City’s Westside and her commitment to creating a brighter future for District 1. First appointed to the Salt Lake City Council in November 2021, she quickly earned the trust of District 1 voters, who elected her to a full four-year term starting Jan. 3, 2022. Her colleagues recognized her leadership abilities, electing her as Council Vice Chair in 2023 and Council Chair in 2024. Victoria also represents the city on the Utah Fairpark Area Investment and Restoration District Board, Utah Inland Port Authority Board and Salt Lake City Airport Board, advocating for equitable, community-centered development.

District 1 neighborhoods include Rose Park, Jordan Meadows, Westpointe, and a portion of Fairpark. Victoria is proud to represent this vibrant and diverse community, rich in culture and opportunity. For nearly a decade, she has called District 1 home, raising her four children in the neighborhood.

Victoria earned a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from East Carolina University, a master’s in musicology from Brandeis University, a master’s in international studies from North Carolina State University and a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University. Her career has spanned nonprofit leadership and consulting, with a focus on creating actionable strategies to improve inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility across various settings.

As Executive Director of the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where she leads initiatives that support Hispanic-owned businesses, strengthen economic opportunity, and foster strategic partnerships across Utah. With a passion for community development and inclusive leadership, Victoria works to connect entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers to advance the Chamber's mission of empowering Hispanic businesses and driving statewide economic growth. She is a dedicated advocate for collaboration, innovation, and creating pathways for long-term success throughout Utah's business community.

Dan Prater

Senior Manager
Forvis Mazars

Dan is a Senior Manager at Forvis Mazars. He uses his background to help tax-exempt/charitable groups be more effective in accomplishing their missions. His leadership in local, regional and national organizations makes him well suited to guide clients in the areas of board governance, strategic planning, operational and outcome assessment.

He has more than 25 years of experience in organizational leadership and management. Prior to joining Forvis Mazars, Dan worked and consulted with various organizations and service groups, including domestic violence and poverty centers, international relief agencies and outreaches as well as private and public universities.

He is the past board chair of Nonprofit Missouri, the state’s association for the not-for-profit industry. He is the founding director of the Drury University (Springfield, MO) Center for Nonprofit Leadership and is the co-creator of the university’s popular master of nonprofit leadership program.

Melissa Robison

Front of House Director and Accessibility Coordinator
Utah Syphony Utah Opera

Melissa Robison has a BA in Directing and Theater Education from Southern Utah University and is currently the Publication & Front of House Director for Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO). She has managed volunteers since 2000 for many arts and non-profit organizations including Utah Shakespeare Festival, Off Broadway Theater and now heads a program of over 700 volunteers for Utah Symphony | Utah Opera. She has trained Volunteer Managers across the state, and loves sharing the stories of Volunteer Managers. She has served on the board of directors for the Off Broadway Theatre and the Wasatch Improv Festival and has a passion for anyone who manages those that are serving our communities. She received a Kennedy Center Award for her work in accessibility.

Stehpanie Rokich

Grants Manager
Utah Division of Arts and Museums

Stephanie Rokich has led talented teams and orchestrated initiatives that prioritize community voice to drive meaningful change. With a master's degree in Community Leadership from Westminster University, she recently left her leadership role at United Way of Salt Lake after nearly 12 years to join Utah Arts & Museums as the Grants Manager. Stephanie's superpowers include strategic planning, project and grant management, community engagement and leadership, partnership and coalition building, facilitation, event planning, communication and outreach, and volunteer management. When not working, she is busy chasing her toddler and doing art projects with her kindergartener.

Mackey Smith

City Councilmember
Bluffdale City

Mackey Smith serves on the Bluffdale City Council, where he advocates for community engagement, accessible services, and strong partnerships between government and the nonprofit sector. In addition to his elected role, Mackey actively supports Utah nonprofits in building relationships with local, state, and federal leaders to advance community priorities and protect critical services. His work focuses on helping organizations develop informed advocates, amplify lived experience, and create constructive dialogue with decision-makers. Mackey has also served on multiple nonprofit and public advisory boards, including the Salt Lake County Council on Diversity Affairs and Jordan River Commission, and is deeply committed to strengthening civic participation across Utah’s nonprofit ecosystem.

Brielle Stevens

Marketing and Communications Director
YMCA of Northern Utah

Brielle Stevens is the Marketing and Communications Director at the YMCA of Northern Utah, part of one of the largest nonprofit networks in the United States. She leads organization-wide marketing strategy, enrollment growth, and digital experience, overseeing full-funnel campaigns, media, and audience engagement with a focus on measurable performance.

Her background includes global project management, product marketing, and customer acquisition across North America and Europe, including work in semiconductor manufacturing and small business environments. She holds an MSc in International Marketing from Hult International Business School and specializes in analytics, attribution, and performance optimization.

At the YMCA, Brielle has implemented structured marketing systems that connect engagement data to decision-making, improving audience retention and growth while operating under budget. She resides in Salt Lake City with her partner Christopher, and their dog, Lacey.

Jason Stevenson

Senior Director of Public Policy
Planned Parenthood Association of Utah

Jason Stevenson is the Senior Director of Public Policy at Planned Parenthood Association of Utah. He joined the staff in October 2022 after working at both the ACLU of Utah and the Utah Health Policy Project. Trained as a journalist, Jason served as a staff editor at Backpacker and Outside magazines, and he began his reporting career in Washington, D.C. covering politics on Capitol Hill. He lives in Salt Lake City with his wife Jackie, a family doctor, and their three children.

Mel Tingey

Chief Technology & Strategy Officer
STG Consulting

Mel Tingey is an enterprise technology executive with over 25 years of experience helping organizations align technology with real business outcomes.

He has partnered closely with executive leadership and boards to improve operational efficiency, reduce risk, and enable sustainable growth, translating complex technology decisions into clear, actionable strategies.

Mel brings deep expertise across data, cybersecurity, and large-scale transformation, with a practical, business-first approach. He is known for helping leaders navigate uncertainty, providing clarity, structure, and confidence in areas that often feel overwhelming, including emerging technologies like AI.

Nora Trinidad-Scholle

Chief Operating Officer
Girl Scouts of Utah

Nora Trinidad-Scholle is a nonprofit executive and operations leader with more than 25 years of experience in organizational leadership, systems improvement, membership strategy, customer experience, and development operations. As Chief Operating Officer for Girl Scouts of Utah, she leads cross-functional teams focused on strengthening organizational infrastructure, improving processes, supporting staff and volunteers, and sustaining mission impact.

As Chief Operating Officer for Girl Scouts of Utah, she leads cross-functional teams focused on strengthening organizational infrastructure, improving processes, supporting staff and volunteers, and sustaining mission impact.

A transplant from the Midwest, Nora now calls Salt Lake City home. She and her partner, Mike, have a blended family of six, a few backyard chickens, and lots of skiing adventures.

Daniel Tritch

Director
Your Part-Time Controller

Dan Tritch is a nonprofit accounting pro with a heart for mission-driven work and a degree from Indiana University. He’s crunched numbers across five states and led teams from the desert heat of Phoenix to remote offices and now the lush Pacific Northwest. He's also a licensed CPA in the state of Indiana. When he’s not deep in spreadsheets or working with his team, Dan’s at home with his wife and two adventurous daughters, Opal and Wren. His career is all about purpose, precision, and laughing as much as possible along the way.

Josie White

Philanthropic Officer
Shelter the Homeless

Josie White, CFRE, is the Philanthropic Officer at Shelter the Homeless and serves as the Advocacy and Government Relations Chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Utah. With a career rooted in small-shop fundraising, she brings a nimble, creative approach to nonprofit leadership and development. Josie has a master's in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy from Bay Path University and regularly speaks on how nonprofits can grow through clarity, compassion, and the confidence to try something new

Nat Williams

Democracy Policy Associate
Stewardship Utah

Nat Williams is the Democracy Policy Associate at Stewardship Utah, where they work on voting and elections legislation to strengthen representation and accountability in Utah’s political system. Since 2019, Nat has shaped policy at both the state and local levels, helping to safeguard the constitutional right to vote and ensure fair, free elections. Beyond policy, Nat is passionate about promoting civic engagement as a way to empower communities and amplify every voice.