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Wintrust and Conlon Public Strategies Present: Leading in the Face of Unprecedented Change

A Three-Part Breakfast Series for Nonprofit Leaders

In today’s volatile landscape, nonprofit organizations face extraordinary challenges that demand innovative leadership approaches and strategic agility. To support Chicago’s nonprofit community through these uncertain times, Wintrust Banking and Conlon Public Strategies have joined forces to present a powerful three-part breakfast series featuring candid conversations between nonprofit CEOs and their board chairs.

The “Leading in the Face of Unprecedented Change” series will bring together executives from prominent Chicago-area nonprofits to share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for navigating rapid change while staying true to organizational mission and vision.

Session 1: Re-Setting a Strategic Course in a Rapidly Changing Environment

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

This opening session explores how nonprofit leaders are adapting their strategic plans amid shifting landscapes. Featured speakers include

  • UCAN: Christa Hamilton (CEO) and Lourdes Gonzalez (Board Chair) and
  • Northwestern Settlement: Carole Wood (CEO) and Amy O’Donnell (Board Chair).

The session will be expertly moderated by Linda Diamond Shapiro of Conlon Public Strategies.

Session 2: Navigating Challenges to Vision, Values and Strategy

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

The second breakfast focuses on maintaining organizational integrity while adapting to external pressures. Our distinguished speakers include

  • Thresholds: Mark Ishaug (CEO) and Joanne Dahm (Board Chair) and
  • The Night Ministry: Carol Sharp (CEO) and Michael Borromeo (Board Chair).

Ruth Reiner from Conlon Public Strategies will moderate this essential conversation.

Session 3: Leading a Great Strategically Focused Board Meeting

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Our final session addresses the critical relationship between executive leadership and governance. Featured organizations include:

  • Chinese American Service League: Paul Luu (CEO) and Bonnie Fong (Board Chair) and
  • Erie Family Health Centers: Dr. Lee Francis (CEO) and Ernest Chang (Board Development Committee Chair).

Kafi Moragne-Patterson of Conlon Public Strategies and Chicago Urban League will guide this important discussion.

Why Attend?

As nonprofit organizations face unprecedented challenges—from fluctuating funding landscapes to evolving community needs—this breakfast series offers a unique opportunity to:

  • Learn directly from experienced nonprofit executives and board leaders
  • Gain practical strategies for leading through uncertainty
  • Network with peers facing similar challenges
  • Develop new approaches to board-executive partnerships
  • Build resilience into your organizational planning

Event Details

Location:
Wintrust Bank, Lower Level
231 South LaSalle
Chicago, IL 60604

Registration:
Space is limited. RSVP by emailing Registration@ConlonPS.com or scanning the QR code on our event flyer.

Questions?
Contact:
Kandace Lenti: klenti@Wintrust.com
Kevin Conlon: Conlon@ConlonPS.com

Conlon Public Strategies partners with nonprofit organizations to develop strategic approaches to complex challenges. Through our consulting services, we help mission-driven organizations strengthen their impact and build sustainable futures.