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2026 Nonprofit Summit Agenda

non profit summit 2026

Agenda for Community Foundation for the CSRA Nonprofit Summit brought to you by:

 

8:30 – 9:15

Registration and Networking

9:15 – 9:30

Welcome

9:30 – 10:30

The Heart of Impact: Investing in Those Who Serve 

 Catie McCauley, President & CEO, The Family YMCA of Greater Augusta

A stable and effective nonprofit workforce is essential for a thriving community, ensuring that essential services and support continue without interruption, especially during times of crisis. Investing in your workforce (paid or volunteer) leads to greater community impact and improved long-term sustainability for the local non-profit sector. Join us for a conversation on the importance of building capacity from within.

Learn More About Catie

10:30 – 10:45

Sponsor Networking Break 

Brought to you by: 

10:45 – 12:15

Breakout Session 1 

Conflict Resolution

Presented by Tekay Brown-Taylor, President & CEO, Brownstone Mediation Services

A healthy work atmosphere is exactly what your nonprofit needs to attract and retain good talent, channeling their energy toward making your mission a reality. Your organization relies on a strong team to push your goals forward. However, nonprofits aren’t exempt from the conflict that naturally bubbles up in all workplaces. Join us for an insightful session on preventing and managing conflict in the workplace.

Using Insights to Strengthen Communities

Presented by E. Andrew Balas, Professor at Augusta University, School of Public Health, Department of Health Management, Economics, and Policy 

Impact is the difference your organization makes but how do you know if your programs are truly working as intended? Thoughtful approaches to measurement, evaluation and learning can help nonprofits hone strategies and improve programs, allowing you to remain relevant and effective in a dynamic environment. This session will walk through the basics of program evaluation, including key elements to create a plan, gather data that is both useful and meaningful, and share the results.

Conflict Resolution

Presented by Ashley Ashe & Faith Edmondson, Co-Founders & Lead Nonprofit Consultants, The Gateway Company

A common misconception about nonprofits is that their teams should or do work for free. This is a myth, even for a small nonprofit. Most organizations need paid staff to stay up and running. Securing a steady stream of income to cover operational costs — including paying employees — is imperative to keeping your mission alive. Join us to learn how to ensure funding for your staff is included in your grant awards.

Finance

Tracking In-Kind Donations to Strengthen Your Mission

Presented by David Shaver & Adam Williams, Cleveland Group CPAs

Nonprofit organizations often rely on in-kind donations to help support their mission and reduce expenses. Join us to gain a comprehensive understanding of in-kind donations and learn best practices for tracking, managing and valuing these gifts.

Video Storytelling

Presented by: Matt Pearl, Pearl Impact Media

Compelling stories can raise awareness of your organization’s impact and needs, recruit individuals with the necessary skills and expertise and foster a positive and supportive work environment. Effective storytelling empowers organizations attract, engage and retain both paid staff and volunteers to support the mission. Join us to learn how, through storytelling, organizations can develop a strong and positive human resource brand that showcases values, culture and opportunities for growth.

Learn More About the Breakout Speakers

12:15 – 1:45       

Lunch & Keynote Address

The People Paradox in Nonprofits: Our Greatest Strength, Our Greatest Opportunity
Why Prioritizing Our People IS Prioritizing Our Mission

Karen S. Wells, COO, Make A Wish America

Nonprofits attract some of the most dedicated and talented staff, yet we lose them at significantly higher rates than most industries. Join Karen S. Wells to discover strategies proven effective over 30+ years that address the people paradox in nonprofits. Karen will share practical insights on keeping people engaged, developing leaders, and building cultures where people want to join your team and talent stay. What works isn’t complicated—but it is intentional.

Learn More About Karen

1:45 – 3:15

Breakout Session 2

The Adaptive Executive: Leading Through Uncertainty by Leveraging Your Resources

Presented by Dr. Tony Robinson

Nonprofit executives are navigating unprecedented complexity – from staff burnout and talent turnover to technological change and funding uncertainty. Traditional leadership models that rely on the leader doing or directing everything are no longer sustainable. This session explores how nonprofit executives can thrive in unpredictable times by rethinking how they use their most valuable resources – their time, their people, their boards, and their technology. Rather than doing more with less, leaders will learn how to do better with what they already have.

Assessing Community Needs Using ALICE Data

Presented by Brittany Burnett, President/CEO, United Way of the CSRA

ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data offers a valuable tool for conducting community needs assessments. It helps paint a more accurate picture of financial hardship beyond the traditional Federal Poverty Level (FPL) by quantifying the number of households that, despite being employed, struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, and technology.

Learn how to effectively use ALICE data in your community needs assessment to inform your program and service offerings.

Creative Ways to Engage Every Donor

Presented by TBD

Donor engagement strengthens relationships, increases donor retention and future giving, and reinforces the value of their contributions. Creative thank-yous show donors they are more than just a transaction, helping them feel personally valued and connected to your cause. This session will explore a range of engagement strategies that can help your organization stand out, diving into the importance of transparency, storytelling and community building to create emotional connections with donors that inspires them to continue supporting.

Nonprofit Due Diligence

Presented by: Rachel Ray, Esq., Enoch Tarver & Jason Douglas, SME CPA

Due diligence for nonprofits involves unique considerations, such as assessing the clarity of the mission and the alignment of financial resources with programmatic outcomes. This session will cover financial statements, internal controls, audits, risk management, and best practices in financial oversight to understand the unique financial challenges and responsibilities within the nonprofit sector.

From the Inside Out: How Clear Messaging Drives Recruitment, Retention & Trust

Presented by Moniek James, Marketing Strategist/AI Consultant, Renegade Creative Media

Recruitment and retention don’t start with outreach, they start with clarity. This interactive session invites nonprofit leaders to explore how clear, consistent messaging builds trust, strengthens belonging, and supports engagement among staff, volunteers, and board members. Participants will leave with practical frameworks and examples, including how responsible use of AI can support communication clarity without adding to their workload.

Learn More About the Breakout Speakers

3:15 – 3:30

Sponsor Networking Break 

3:30 – 4:15 

Closing Panel

Chamber Connections: How Nonprofits should leverage their Chamber Memberships.

Moderated by: Penny Wasden, Senior VP, First Citizens Bank
Panelists: Angie Cox, President & CEO, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, Heath Taylor, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, Kenya Calhoun, President & CEO, Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce, Terra Carroll, President/CEO, North Augusta Chamber, Ronic West, President/Co-Founder, Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce, Jim Tunison, President/CEO, Aiken Chamber of Commerce

 

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Which Learning Track is Right for You?

The Nonprofit Summit breakout sessions offer 5 learning tracks designed to cover multiple roles and functions across your organization:

Click on the plus sign beside each breakout session topic to learn more.

focused on building your leadership skills in managing people, motivating teams, strategic planning, board relations and more.

focused on the creation, implementation, management and evaluation of mission-based programs and services that deepen your impact in the community.

focused on giving fundraising professionals the tools needed to successfully identify and secure resources for organizational sustainability.

focused on the basics of nonprofit financial management and how to determine the full cost of operating a nonprofit.

Focused on communicating your cause, gaining more supporters, and increasing your reach through social media, public relations and more.

Here to Help!

If you would like more information on our 2026 Nonprofit Summit, please contact Lasima Turmon, Director of Programs, here or 706-724-1314.

Catie McCauley

Catie McCauley is President & CEO of the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta and a dynamic leader with more than 25 years of YMCA experience. Under her leadership, the YMCA has expanded its reach, strengthened community partnerships, and increased access to programs for underserved families across the CSRA. A Savannah native and longtime Augusta resident, Catie leads with strategic vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to faith-centered, service-driven leadership. She is a graduate of the College of Charleston and an active member of Fearless Church. Above all, Catie is a servant leader, a wife, a mother of four and a living example of what it means to honor God through leadership, compassion and action.

TeKay Brown-Taylor

TeKay Brown-Taylor, MBA, SHRM-SCP, is Owner and President of Brownstone Mediation Services, an HR consulting firm focused on strengthening workplace conflict capacity and improving organizational culture. With more than 18 years of experience, she has coached and advised thousands of leaders and employees across corporate, nonprofit, academic, and military settings. A former HR Business Partner with a Fortune 500 human capital management firm, TeKay is known as a “Conflict Mechanic” who challenges outdated thinking and equips organizations to create inclusive, high-performing workplaces. She also serves as SHRM Georgia District Director, supporting HR leadership and chapters statewide.

E. Andrew Balas

Andrew Balas serves as Professor of Public Health at Augusta University, President of the Friends of the NIH National Library of Medicine, member of the American College of Medical Informatics, and elected member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. He is the organizer of the Forum for Scientific Productivity and Quality Research. He leads the Biomedical Research Innovation Laboratory, a team of grant funded researchers conducting ‘science of science’ studies to improve the quality, productivity, and impact of biomedical research. His studies about delay and waste in the transfer of research results to health care are frequent reference points in translational research initiatives. The results of his research have been cited by many researchers, policymakers, and the President of the United States. He served as Dean at three research universities over 14 years. His credentials include over 120 peer-reviewed scientific publications, externally funded research in excess of 10 million dollars, several NIH R01 research grants, and publications that cumulatively attracted more than 12,000 citations. He has degrees in medicine (M.D.), medical informatics (Ph.D.), and applied mathematics (MS).

Ashley Ashe

Ashley has a Bachelor’s degree and over six years’ experience in English Education, utilizing her writing skills as a contract grant writer in the nonprofit sector before co-founding Gateway. Marrying the son of a nonprofit director in 2011, Ashley saw first-hand the impact that organizations can have in their communities, as well as the need for nonprofit development and grant writing services. In the owner duo, Ashley helps shape new ideas with her focus on the details and puts their dreams into action, as she is goal-oriented and task-driven. Ashley handles the daily details of the growing Gateway Team with her innate ability to lead and keen management skills. Our clients benefit from Ashley’s in-depth knowledge of the nonprofit world and mastery of the English language. Her superpower is making heartwarming narratives to best reflect the client’s mission to funders. Gateway clients know that Ashley will join them in celebrating when they win a grant, but have compassion and a plan when not funded. With two young daughters only 17 months apart, Ashley creatively manages work-life balance, using her back porch as both office and play area.

Faith Edmonson

Faith, with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Augusta University, has worked in the private, education, and nonprofit sectors for over 15 years, fulfilling various roles, from Counselor to Assistant Director. Always seeing the big picture, Faith casts vision for Gateway, dreaming of better ways to serve our clients. In addition to writing and strategic planning, she enjoys teaching workshops on grant writing and doing presentations in the community related to grant funding. Our spiritual director, Faith regularly leads prayer for us before meetings. She is a gifted writer who can make content say the same thing, only in 500 characters or less. As an Assistant Director at her other job, Faith has a unique double view into the nonprofit space, using her experience to advocate for stronger organizations and the special importance of building a bought-in Board. Because of this role, she is the most qualified of the Gateway team to discuss funder relations and grant reporting. She keeps the business side of Gateway running in her role of Financial Officer. When not writing, she can often be found with her hands flying in American Sign Language as her family plays at the park.

David Shaver

David is an Augusta native, and while pursuing his accounting degree, he gained valuable experience working for a non-profit organization. An experience that continues to shape his professional focus today. As a CPA with over ten years of experience, he specializes in serving non-profits and small businesses, offering expertise in financial statement audits, consulting, and bookkeeping services. David remains deeply involved in his community, serving on the board of the Georgia Society of CPAs Augusta Chapter and a local non-profits. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his children, family, and friends.

Adam Williams

Adam has significant experience with owner-operated businesses to increase profitability, streamline accounting process, implementation of accounting software, strategic planning, general business consulting and best practices. Adam has complex tax experience with a broad emphasis in construction, real estate, professional services, retail & wholesale, manufacturing, and general business. He began his career at The Cleveland Group, CPAs in 2000. He graduated from Augusta State University with a BBA in Accounting. Adam has over 25 years of experience in public accounting and QuickBooks. He has been recognized as one of Augusta’s Top 10 in 10 Professionals to Watch and GRU’s Jag 20 Awards. He enjoys watching College football, traveling on the weekends, and golfing with friends when he can.

Matt Pearl

Matt was a TV news reporter & videographer for 20+ years, working for stations like WXIA-TV in Atlanta and Scripps News nationally, before launching Pearl Impact Media. His whole goal is uplifting nonprofits and purpose-driven businesses through meaningful, memorable video storytelling. He has worked with clients across Georgia and nationwide, including Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, Teach for America Metro Atlanta, and Purpose Built Schools Atlanta.

Karen S. Wells

Karen S. Wells is a transformational leader with more than 30 years of experience across Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit C-suites, and entrepreneurship. A principled strategist and intentional courage practitioner shaped by her origin story, Karen now serves as Chief Operating Officer of Make-A-Wish America—bringing clarity, conviction, and heart to one of the world’s most beloved mission-driven organizations. Her career is shaped by multi‑dimensional executive experiences, including C‑suite leadership in nonprofit organizations and two decades of multi‑disciplinary vice president roles at McDonald’s Corporation. As an entrepreneur, Karen was a franchisee, owning and operating The Goddard School for nearly a decade, and remains the founder and CEO of The KSWells Group, where she leans into her passions as an impactful keynote speaker and leadership catalyst—championing bold leadership, powerful storytelling, and purpose‑driven change. Learn more at karenswells.com.

Dr. Tony Robinson

Dr. Anthony “Tony” Robinson is a strategy, marketing, and leadership consultant who helps organizations accelerate growth through strategic planning, operational excellence, and leadership development. With more than 20 years of experience across higher education, finance, nonprofits, and professional services, he blends rigorous research with practical insight to turn strategy into measurable results. He holds a Ph.D. in Strategic Management with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and is a frequent keynote speaker on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership growth.

Brittany Burnett

Brittany joined United Way of the CSRA in July 2018 and has more than 20 years of non-profit experience. She is a Cum Laude graduate of Furman University with a BA in Business Administration and Communication Studies and earned her MBA from Georgia State University.

Prior to her non-profit experience, Brittany worked in sales and support for Cyrolife and Xerox. She joined United Way of Greater Atlanta in 2003, and during her 11 years there, she managed the workplace giving campaigns and helped raised more than $926 million for the greater Atlanta area. She then worked for a United Way partner agency, CHRIS 180, in Atlanta for 3 years and served as the Vice President of Development.

Since joining United Way of the CSRA, she led the organization in launching Leading Families Forward the organization’s initiative to focus on the most critical needs in the community as well as FOCUS45, focused on young professionals. Most recently, the organization led a massive rent and utilities assistance program which prevented over 2,500 families from eviction.

Outside the office, she is heavily involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is also a member of the Rotary Club of Augusta. Brittany and her husband, Jeff, have two children.

Rachel Ray

Rachel Ray is an attorney with more than 25 years of litigation experience, licensed in both Florida and Georgia. She began her career as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida and later became a law firm partner representing major national clients before returning to private practice. Now based in Augusta, she advises individuals and small businesses across the CSRA and nationwide on contracts, business formation, intellectual property, real estate, and estate planning. A sought-after speaker, Rachel is known for her expertise in personal injury, premises liability, and medical fraud, as well as her commitment to mentoring and community leadership.

Jason Douglas

Jason Douglas was born and raised in Augusta, attended Augusta University where he received his Bachelor in Business Administration in Finance. Prior to starting his accounting career with SME CPAs in 2018, he has eleven years of experience in the retail banking industry to include branch management and personal lending. He is experienced in periodic financial statement preparation and analysis, payroll processing, payroll tax, sales tax, income tax, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. Jason enjoys building relationships with clients and adding value beyond their basic accounting needs. He is proficient in all Quickbooks accounting software. Familiar with various industries including residential and commercial construction, commercial contracting, medical and non-profit. Jason enjoys playing golf, any activities outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Moniek James

Moniek James is the Founder and Principal Strategist at Renegade Creative Media Group, a marketing consultancy helping brands grow through strategic content, brand character development, and customer discovery. A U.S. Army Veteran and Veteran Spouse, Moniek brings over a decade of experience and certifications in Content Marketing, Inbound Marketing, and AI Consulting. Her signature framework—which focuses on Brand Identity, Customer Discovery, and Content Planning—guides businesses in building authentic connections and achieving measurable growth. Specializing in solutions for brands with marketing support, Moniek provides consulting, training, and strategic support to empower businesses to scale effectively in today’s digital landscape.

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