Annual Capacity Building

Conference 2024

May 8th, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Dyson Baudo Recreation Center, Marietta College

Conference Schedule

8:00 - 8:55am

9:00 - 9:45am

10:00 - 11:00am

11:15am - 12:15pm

12:30 - 1:30pm

1:45 - 2:45pm

3:00 - 4:30pm

4:00 - 4:30pm

Registration & Continental Breakfast

Introduction & Keynote

Session One Workshop

Session Two Workshop

Lunch & Plenary

Session Three Workshop

Closing Plenary

Networking & Refreshments

KEYNOTE

Dyson Baudo Recreation Center

9:00 - 9:45 a.m.


The Sky is Falling: Communicating Your Capacity Needs


Melanie Mitros, PhD, Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute Chief Operating Officer


Let’s talk about capacity. Once your nonprofit’s capacity needs have been identified (hello Lifecycles Self-Assessment), the next step is figuring out how to communicate these needs. Often addressing a capacity need requires time, talent and treasure – AKA money. As a nonprofit, how do you build the case for investing in your nonprofit from a strengths-based lens rather than a sky-is-falling, we need help everywhere perspective? As a funder, how do you hear the request as an opportunity to invest in one of your current or future grantees rather than only a risk? As a consultant, how do you foster the dialogue between funders and nonprofits? Let’s build the case for investing in capacity building.

Session One Workshops

Thomas Hall

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.


1 A Fundraising

1 B Nonprofit Lifecycles

1 C People

1 D Diversity, Equity

and Inclusion

1 E Governance

1 F Program


Revisiting Fundraising Basics

SARAH BARTON: CEO - Profuse Solutions



Nonprofit Lifecycles: Part 1

MELANIE MITROS: COO - Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute

AMY ELLIOTT: Director - Office of Community Engagement Marietta College




Constructive Conflict: Supportive Frameworks for Challenging Conversations

MARIBETH SALEEM-TANNER: Executive Director - Community Food Initiatives




Building Inclusive Communities: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Nonprofit Organizations

DR. PORTIA G SMITH: Consultant/Founder/CEO/President - Angels Inspired, Inc.



Navigating the Path to Effective Nonprofit Governance and Board Engagement

ROSEMARY KETCHUM: Executive Director- West Virginia Nonprofit Association



Communicating Your Cause: Methods to Promote Your Brand

KRISTIN MEEKS: Owner, WV Social Media




Session Two Workshops

Thomas Hall

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.


2 A Fundraising

2 B Nonprofit Lifecycles

2 C People

2 D Diversity, Equity

and Inclusion

2 E Governance

2 F Program


Crafting Your Case for Support

SARAH BARTON: CEO - Profuse Solutions



Nonprofit Lifecycles: Part 2

MELANIE MITROS: COO - Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute

AMY ELLIOTT: Director - Office of Community Engagement Marietta College



Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork!

JANELLE SEEVERS: Senior HR Manager - Perry & Associates

ALLISON WENTZ: HR Associate - Perry & Associates




Recruiting for Inclusion: Strategies for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Nonprofit Organization Recruitment

DR. PORTIA G SMITH: Consultant/Founder/CEO/President - Angels Inspired, Inc.



Organizational Culture: Avoiding the HR Nightmare

FAITH KNUTSEN: Director Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship - Ohio University



Contributing to Collective Impact: A Resource and Best Practice Toolkit

CLAIRE RAMSEY: Network Resource Coordinator - Building Bridges to Careers



Lunch Plenary

Dyson Baudo Recreation Center

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.



Rekindling Your Love For Service


Sarah Barton, ProFuse Solutions Owner||Consultant


Nonprofit organizations provide vital services to people in our communities, but sometimes their employees forget to take care of themselves. During this session participants will be able to assess if they may be at risk of experiencing burnout, and we will explore some simple ways to help reduce burnout and reengage in the service they love.

Session Three Workshops

Thomas Hall

1:45pm - 2:45pm


3 A Fundraising

3 B Nonprofit Lifecycles

3 C People

3 D Diversity, Equity

and Inlcusion

3 E Governance

3F Program



Mission Possible: A Guide to Organizing Nonprofit Fundraising Events

JESSIE SIEFERT: Managing Director/ Education Director - Parkersburg Art Center

AMANDA STEVENS: Executive Director - Downtown Parkersburg


Nonprofit Lifecycles: Part 3

MELANIE MITROS: COO - Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute

AMY ELLIOTT: Director - Office of Community Engagement Marietta College


Mobilize the Power of Your Volunteers

TARA HERBERT: Senior Volunteer Engagement Specialist - American Red Cross

KATIE THOMPSON: Senior Volunteer Engagement Specialist - American Red Cross

SUE YANCY: American Red Cross Volunteer



Retaining Diversity: Strategies for Equity and Inclusion in Nonprofit Organization Retention

DR. PORTIA G SMITH: Consultant/Founder/CEO/President - Angels Inspired, Inc.



You’ve Got to Jump Before You can Fly

ERIN AUGENSTEIN: Executive Director - Northwest Territory Museum Society



Unlocking AI: Practical Solutions for Immediate Impact

KEVIN HARDIN: HARDING GPT






Closing Plenary

Dyson Baudo Recreation Center

3:00 - 4:30 PM



A Fund Raiser, Board Member & Donor Walk Into a Bar


Jarrett Stull, Memorial Health Foundation Executive Director


This dynamic plenary session delves into the art of donor engagement. Uncover strategies for carving out dedicated time to connect with donors and prospects effectively. Learn how to equip your board members, colleagues, and volunteers with the tools they need to make donor meetings successful. Discover the essential elements of a fruitful first meeting with a donor, and gain insights into crafting a tailored cultivation and solicitation plan post-meeting. Our session culminates in a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring perspectives from both a seasoned donor and a dedicated board member. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights, actionable strategies, and real-world perspectives on donor engagement. This session promises to empower you to build meaningful relationships that drive philanthropic impact.

Annual Capacity Building Conference 2024


Thank You to our Sponsors

Speaker Bios

Erin Augenstein, Northwest Territory Museum Society Executive Director

Erin Augenstein is the Executive Director of Campus Martius and the Ohio River Museums. She holds a BS in Special Education from Miami University, a Master's Degree in Education from Muskingum College, a Master's Degree in Strategic Public Relations from George Washington University, and a Certificate in Museum Studies from Northwestern University. Her work in non-profits has been centered on education, culture and the arts, and views cultural tourism as crucial to our local economy and in building pride for our residents.


Sarah Barton, ProFuse Solutions Owner||Consultant

Sarah Barton is the founder of ProFuse Solutions, a West Virginia-based nonprofit consulting firm dedicated to enhancing nonprofit impact and sustainability. With advanced degrees in Public Administration and Child Development from West Virginia University, Sarah expertly guides nonprofits through comprehensive fundraising training, strategic planning, and resource development. Her previous work, including significant community health initiatives, showcase her commitment to fostering inclusive partnerships and sustainable practices. Passionate about rural health and social change, Sarah empowers organizations to meet their challenges with innovative, data-driven solutions.


Amy Elliott, Ph.D., Marietta College Assistant Professor of Leadership Studies & Director of Community Engagement in the McDonough Center for Leadership and Business

Dr. Elliott teaches Foundations of Leadership, Organizational Leadership and Nonprofit Leadership & Board Governance to undergraduate students. Amy also enjoys facilitating and consulting with nonprofit organizations using the Nonprofit Lifecycles Model and serving on the Board of Directors of the Memorial Health Foundation, Hunger Solutions, Veritas Classical Academy and the Advisory Council of Nonprofits LEAD. Amy is a dog person and a foodie and loves to help plan just about anything.


Kevin Hardin, HardinGPT CEO

Driven by the belief that generative AI can be a force for good, Kevin Hardin is on a mission to empower non-profits and social entrepreneurs to amplify their societal impact using AI tools and workflows. Kevin has a background in engineering and education and uses the combination to make AI accessible and immediately beneficial to non-profit organizations. By targeting a significant reduction of mundane tasks through generative AI, Kevin Hardin enables non-profit teams to dedicate more energy to high-impact activities, significantly increasing both job satisfaction and revenue.


Tara Herbert, American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region Senior Volunteer Engagement Specialist

Hi, I’m Tara! I am the Senior Regional Volunteer Engagement Specialist for the Central Appalachia Region of the American Red Cross. With five years of experience in volunteer engagement and recognition, I am committed to building a stronger volunteer workforce for our organization by contextualizing their roles. I strive to create an environment where volunteers can thrive and feel connected to the mission. In my free time, I dote on my beloved pets, Kylo and Saxon, and aspire to explore every National Park in the country.


Rosemary Ketchum, West Virginia Nonprofit Association Executive Director

Rosemary Ketchum is a member of the City Council of Wheeling, West Virginia representing Ward 3. She also serves as the Executive Director of the West Virginia Nonprofit Association advocating for nonprofits at the state and local levels. In her tenure, Rosemary has worked closely on issues related to housing, small business, homelessness, and urban development. In 2023, Rosemary was named Appalachian Statesperson of the Year and has been a returning guest on MSNBC including profiles on The Today Show, Time Magazine, and CNN for her work in community organizing and politics.


Kristin Meeks, WV Social Media Owner

Kristin Meeks received her BA in Marketing from Marietta College in 2004 and her master's degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University in 2007. In 2010, she founded a niche marketing firm, WV Social Media, where she has helped numerous businesses and nonprofits reach their target audiences through digital marketing. Kristin is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce in her area, currently serving on the MOV Chamber Board of Directors and a past president of the Belpre Chamber of Commerce. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Entrepreneurship Program and on the advisory committee for Nonprofits LEADS, both housed at Marietta College. Kristin, her husband Tim, and their daughter Caroline reside in Williamstown, WV.


Melanie Mitros, PhD, Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Melanie Mitros assumed the role of the inaugural Chief Operating Officer at the Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute in 2022. With a wealth of experience spanning academia, nonprofits, philanthropy, government, and community engagement, Dr. Mitros brings diverse insights to the table in strategy execution, project oversight, facilitation, and fostering connections. Her strategic acumen, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach were instrumental in the launch of MPW Consulting in Birmingham, AL, in 2021. Dr. Mitros earned her Ph.D. in Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Wellness from Arizona State University.


Claire Ramsey, BB2C Network Resource Coordinator

Claire Ramsey, Ed.D., is a proud Appalachian, Fulbright Scholar, researcher, educator and coach with comparative and international professional experiences. She currently works for BB2C (Building Bridges to Careers), a nonprofit dedicated to building relationships across education, community, and business sectors, bridging the gap between education and employment. As the Network Resource Coordinator, Claire contributes to the organizational expansion effort to spread Community and Career Connected Learning and Ecosystem Learning theory in practice across Southeastern Ohio and in multi-state, multi-sector partnerships. She values sharing her experiences and knowledge with her community in practical ways that can be locally-sustainable in practice.


Maribeth Saleem-Tanner, Community Food Initiatives Executive Director

Maribeth has over two decades of experience in Appalachian nonprofit organizations and currently serves as Executive Director of Community Food Initiatives in Athens, Ohio. She is a member of the High Rocks Educational Corporation Board and the Nonprofits LEAD Advisory Council. Maribeth holds an MA in conflict transformation from the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University. She is also a yoga teacher and AmeriCorps VISTA alum. Maribeth has led workshops on a variety of topics including community development, leadership, and facilitation, and contributed a chapter on servant leadership to Ethical Leadership: A Primer (Edward Elgar Publishing).


Janelle Seevers, SHRM-CP, Perry & Associates CPAs Senior HR Manager

Janelle Seevers is a member of the HR community with more than 18 years of experience in public and private sectors. She is the Senior HR Manager for Perry and Associates, CPAs, A.C., overseeing both the external HR Consulting line of business for Perry as well as the internal HR operations for all five of Perry’s locations. Her office is based at the Marietta location. Some of her experience includes performing employee trainings, policy & procedure development, handbook reviews, unemployment issues, and worker’s compensation claims for many different industries. She has worked with business leaders in industries ranging from the non-profit world to financial planning firms, manufacturing facilities and landscaping companies. In addition, her consulting experience includes benefit plans, employee engagement solutions as well as the all encompassing talent management. She serves as an Ambassador for the Marietta Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Board of Directors for the North Star Child Advocacy Center. She also holds the SHRM-CP credential. Her Gallup Strengths include: Woo, Communication, Empathy, Activator, & Positivity.


Jessie Siefert, Parkersburg Art Center Managing Director/Director of Education

Jessie Siefert, Managing Director and Director of Education at Parkersburg Art Center, started as a teacher in 1991. She holds an M.S. in Education from Bank Street College, NY. Presenting at local and national conferences, she also wrote parenting columns and taught Early Childhood Education at WVU-P. Prior to joining the Parkersburg Art Center in 2005, she taught preschool and kindergarten, worked as a teacher/naturalist at a nature center and national park, consulted for Cincinnati Art Museum, led teacher education programs, taught at WVU-P, and raised two children.


Dr. Portia G. Smith, Epic Impact Consulting Consultant

Dr. Portia G. Smith, a resident of Charleston, WV, originally hails from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. She is deeply rooted in nonprofit management, having founded Angels Inspired, Inc. and worked with notable organizations like the Girl Scouts and YMCA. Dr. Smith's career began in education, teaching underprivileged children. Her academic journey includes certifications in languages and communication, a BA in English, a master's in Communication, and a DBA in Business Administration. Her expertise spans strategic development, marketing, DEI integration, and organizational assessment, using the Baldrige Framework. Dr. Smith is a dedicated nonprofit consultant with a focus on social impact.


Jarrett Stull, Memorial Health Foundation Executive Director

Jarrett Stull, Executive Director of Memorial Health Foundation, is a seasoned leader and philanthropic strategist with over two decades of experience. Spearheading impactful fundraising initiatives, Jarrett empowers Memorial Health Fountain's mission of fostering a healthier community. Previously, he held key roles at Guilford College and Marietta College. A Certified Fund Raising Executive, Jarrett holds degrees from the University of Louisville and the University of Pittsburgh and a certificate in fund raising management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Committed to community development, he actively engages with the Rotary Club of Marietta and Building Bridges 2 Careers.


Katie Thompson, American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region Senior Volunteer Recruitment Specialist

Hi, I’m Katie! I am the Senior Volunteer Recruitment Specialist for the American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region. I have been in my role at the Red Cross for over 3 years and before then I was the Volunteer Coordinator for a National Endurance Events Production Company. Every day, I have the privilege of telling the Red Cross story to inspire people to join our organization as a volunteer. Away from work, I love to run, listen to motivational podcasts, and watch football.


Allison Wentz, M.Ed, SHRM-CP, Perry & Associates CPAs Human Resource Associate

Allison Wentz, M.Ed., SHRM – CP, brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her role as the Human Resource Associate at Perry & Associates CPAs. Since joining the firm in September of 2022, she has been instrumental in managing internal human resources operations, ensuring the seamless functioning of HR processes at Perry. Allison excels in fostering inclusive environments and understanding the unique needs of all employees. Her professional journey is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences, including her prior engagements with multicultural groups working at Cleveland State University’s Center for International Services and Programs. Allison's expertise spans various facets of human resources management, with a particular focus on recruitment, onboarding, and employee engagement.