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2025 Nonprofit OpCon

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The 11th annual Nonprofit OpCon focuses on streamlining processes and operations for nonprofits in New York.   How do we make things easier and more pleasant for executive leadership, operations, IT, risk, finance, HR and more?   There are new industry standards to consider, and new guidelines around applying for public funds to learn.  Bring your organization into the 21st century and abandon old practices that are depleting your valuable resources!  It’s a new day in the nonprofit industry; join us as we explore these insights and strategies.

 

Details

The Hebrew Union College

1 West 4th Street

New York, NY 10012

The Hebrew Union College

1 West 4th Street

New York, NY 10012

Date: June 05, 2025

Date: June 05, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Sponsorships & Ticket Information:

Dress Attire:

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Agenda

Times are subject to change.

9:15 AM EDT Thursday, June 05

9:20 AM EDT Thursday, June 05

Streamlining Processes, Operations, Finances & Investments through Strategy

45 minutes

Nonprofits are continually looking for ways to improve their operations and maximize impact. From improving workflows and enhancing team collaboration to adopting technology that drives efficiency, the discussion will explore practical solutions that help organizations deliver their mission more effectively and with greater impact.  Panelists will discuss how nonprofits can optimize administrative tasks, reduce operational overhead, and better allocate resources to programs that directly benefit their communities.

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Nonprofits are continually looking for ways to improve their operations and maximize impact. From improving workflows and enhancing team collaboration to adopting technology that drives efficiency, the discussion will explore practical solutions that help organizations deliver their mission more effectively and with greater impact.  Panelists will discuss how nonprofits can optimize administrative tasks, reduce operational overhead, and better allocate resources to programs that directly benefit their communities.

Nonprofits are continually looking for ways to improve their operations and maximize impact. From improving workflows and enhancing team collaboration to adopting technology that drives efficiency, the discussion will explore practical solutions that help organizations deliver their mission more effectively and with greater impact.  Panelists will discuss how nonprofits can optimize administrative tasks, reduce operational overhead, and better allocate resources to programs that directly benefit their communities.

 

 

 

Jeff Wills (Moderator)
Jeff Wills (Moderator)
Chief Operations Officer
The Academy for Teachers
Karin Kunstler Goldman
Karin Kunstler Goldman
Deputy Bureau Chief
New York State Attorney General's Charities Bureau
Greg Taylor
Greg Taylor
Chief Finance & Operations Officer
Robin Hood
Mark Rubinstein,AIF
Mark Rubinstein,AIF
President and Investment Advisor Representative
Incline Pension Consulting
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10:05 AM EDT Thursday, June 05

Nonprofit Efficiency: Managing Liability, Overhead and Failure

45 minutes

This panel will dive into how nonprofit organizations can effectively manage risks, control overhead, and handle the inevitable challenges and failures that arise on the path to achieving their mission.  With a focus on sustainability, the panel will offer insights into how to optimize resources while maintaining transparency and accountability.  Additionally, panelists will share valuable lessons on embracing failure as a learning opportunity, helping organizations build resilience, adapt, and recover quickly from setbacks. By focusing on the importance of continuous improvement and risk management, nonprofits can ensure they stay on course and make the most of every dollar and every effort.

This panel will dive into how nonprofit organizations can effectively manage risks, control overhead, and handle the inevitable challenges and failures that arise on the path to achieving their mission.  With a focus on sustainability, the panel will offer insights into how to optimize resources while maintaining transparency and accountability.  Additionally, panelists will share valuable lessons on embracing failure as a learning opportunity, helping organizations build resilience, adapt, and recover quickly from setbacks. By focusing on the importance of continuous improvement and risk management, nonprofits can ensure they stay on course and make the most of every dollar and every effort.

Nikia Hughes-Cousins (Moderator)
Nikia Hughes-Cousins (Moderator)
Vice President of Operations
Community Housing Innovations
Hannan Chaudhary
Hannan Chaudhary
Chief Financial Officer
New York Junior Tennis League
Naima Chisolm
Naima Chisolm
Partner and Director of Business Development
BTQ Financial
Shereen Santalesa
Shereen Santalesa
Director, Human Resources
Primary Care Development Corporation
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10:50 AM EDT Thursday, June 05

11:10 AM EDT Thursday, June 05

The Importance of Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations

45 minutes

Effective leadership is at the heart of every successful nonprofit organization. Whether driving strategic vision, inspiring teams, or fostering a culture of accountability and compassion, strong leadership is key to achieving impact and sustaining growth. This panel will explore the critical role of leadership in shaping nonprofit organizations, from executive directors to board members, and how their decisions influence both internal culture and external relationships.  Nonprofit leaders will share their experiences in fostering inclusive, transparent, and effective leadership practices, as well as strategies for developing the next generation of nonprofit leaders. 

Effective leadership is at the heart of every successful nonprofit organization. Whether driving strategic vision, inspiring teams, or fostering a culture of accountability and compassion, strong leadership is key to achieving impact and sustaining growth. This panel will explore the critical role of leadership in shaping nonprofit organizations, from executive directors to board members, and how their decisions influence both internal culture and external relationships.  Nonprofit leaders will share their experiences in fostering inclusive, transparent, and effective leadership practices, as well as strategies for developing the next generation of nonprofit leaders. 

Jan Fisher (Moderator)
Jan Fisher (Moderator)
Executive Director
Nonprofit Westchester
Karen Erren
Karen Erren
CEO
Feeding Westchester
Tiffany Hamilton
Tiffany Hamilton
CEO
YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester
Ilana Arbeit
Ilana Arbeit
Vice President Benefits Practice
Hilb Group
Ilana Batnizky
Ilana Batnizky
CFO Consultant
Kiwi Partners
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11:55 AM EDT Thursday, June 05

 

 

Future of Work Navigating Real Estate as a Nonprofit

45 minutes

As the landscape of work continues to evolve, nonprofits are facing unique challenges and opportunities in navigating the real estate market. Whether managing office space, negotiating leases, adapting to hybrid work models, or considering new strategies for community engagement, nonprofits must rethink how they approach their physical spaces in a way that aligns with their mission and values.  In addition, panelists will share insights into leveraging real estate as a tool for greater social impact, from creating community hubs to integrating sustainability into facility management. 

As the landscape of work continues to evolve, nonprofits are facing unique challenges and opportunities in navigating the real estate market. Whether managing office space, negotiating leases, adapting to hybrid work models, or considering new strategies for community engagement, nonprofits must rethink how they approach their physical spaces in a way that aligns with their mission and values.  In addition, panelists will share insights into leveraging real estate as a tool for greater social impact, from creating community hubs to integrating sustainability into facility management. 

Wayne Ho (Moderator)
Wayne Ho (Moderator)
President & CEO
Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc.
Stacy Bliagos
Stacy Bliagos
Executive Director
HANAC Inc.
Christopher D. Turner
Christopher D. Turner
Managing Director of Transaction Services
Denham Wolf Real Estate Services
Charles Carroll
Charles Carroll
SPV Asset Management
Urban Resource Institute
Michelle Greenberg
Michelle Greenberg
Partner
Tannenbaum Helpern
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12:40 PM EDT Thursday, June 05

1:35 PM EDT Thursday, June 05

What Nonprofits Need to Know About Nonprofit Accounting and Finance

45 minutes

Financial management is one of the most critical components of a nonprofit’s long-term success, yet many nonprofit leaders face challenges navigating the complexities of nonprofit accounting and finance. This will cover key topics such as budgeting, financial reporting, managing grants and donations, and understanding nonprofit tax regulations. From financial strategies to tools for streamlining accounting processes, this session will equip nonprofit leaders with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and safeguard their organization’s future.

Financial management is one of the most critical components of a nonprofit’s long-term success, yet many nonprofit leaders face challenges navigating the complexities of nonprofit accounting and finance. This will cover key topics such as budgeting, financial reporting, managing grants and donations, and understanding nonprofit tax regulations. From financial strategies to tools for streamlining accounting processes, this session will equip nonprofit leaders with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and safeguard their organization’s future.

Orlan Wilson (Moderator)
Orlan Wilson (Moderator)
Director of Global Finance
Access Now
Seth Pinsky
Seth Pinsky
CEO
The 92nd Street Y
Rinku Bhattacharya
Rinku Bhattacharya
Chief Financial and Operating Officer,
The Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle
Stephen Shiffman
Stephen Shiffman
Manager
YPTC
Thomas Kelly
Thomas Kelly
Partner
PKF O'Connor Davies
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2:20 PM EDT Thursday, June 05

Building an Effective Board of Directors

45 minutes

A strong and engaged Board of Directors is essential for the success of any nonprofit organization. Panelists will share insights on the critical roles and responsibilities of board members, best practices for board recruitment, and how to foster a culture of collaboration and accountability. The discussion will cover how to develop a high-functioning board that can drive organizational growth, increase fundraising capacity, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders. 

A strong and engaged Board of Directors is essential for the success of any nonprofit organization. Panelists will share insights on the critical roles and responsibilities of board members, best practices for board recruitment, and how to foster a culture of collaboration and accountability. The discussion will cover how to develop a high-functioning board that can drive organizational growth, increase fundraising capacity, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders. 

Ebony Young (Moderator)
Ebony Young (Moderator)
Deputy
Queens Borough President
Neela Mukherjee Lockel
Neela Mukherjee Lockel
President and Chief Executive Officer
EAC Network
Bonnie Kornberg
Bonnie Kornberg
Chief Strategy Officer
Graham
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3:05 PM EDT Thursday, June 05

3:20 PM EDT Thursday, June 05

Strategies for Nonprofit Talent Acquisition and Retention

45 minutes

Attracting and retaining top talent is crucial to the success and sustainability of any nonprofit organization. This panel will explore best practices for recruiting in a nonprofit environment, overcoming resource constraints, and utilizing creative recruitment channels, including partnerships, internships, and volunteer pipelines.  The discussion will also focus on retention strategies, with insights on how to create an inclusive, supportive, and growth-oriented work culture that motivates employees to stay long-term. 

Attracting and retaining top talent is crucial to the success and sustainability of any nonprofit organization. This panel will explore best practices for recruiting in a nonprofit environment, overcoming resource constraints, and utilizing creative recruitment channels, including partnerships, internships, and volunteer pipelines.  The discussion will also focus on retention strategies, with insights on how to create an inclusive, supportive, and growth-oriented work culture that motivates employees to stay long-term. 

Katrina M. Jones (Moderator)
Katrina M. Jones (Moderator)
Senior Vice President of Human Resources & Talent Management
ACACIA NETWORK
Dawn Pinnock
Dawn Pinnock
President and CEO
Center for Urban Community Services
Jon Harper
Jon Harper
Chief Operating Officer, Director of Finance, Operations, and Administration
Irish Arts Center
Mark Dungan
Mark Dungan
Vice President, Nonprofit
USI Insurance Services
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4:05 PM EDT Thursday, June 05

Proactive Risk Management and Scenario Planning

45 minutes

In a rapidly changing world, nonprofit organizations face a wide range of risks—financial, operational, reputational, and strategic—that can impact their ability to fulfill their mission. Proactive risk management and scenario planning are essential tools for nonprofits to anticipate challenges, mitigate potential threats, and ensure long-term sustainability. The panel will discuss how nonprofits can build a risk-aware culture, implement effective risk management frameworks, and create contingency plans to navigate uncertainty. The panel will also cover the importance of scenario planning—considering various future scenarios, from economic downturns to natural disasters—and how nonprofits can prepare for the unexpected.

In a rapidly changing world, nonprofit organizations face a wide range of risks—financial, operational, reputational, and strategic—that can impact their ability to fulfill their mission. Proactive risk management and scenario planning are essential tools for nonprofits to anticipate challenges, mitigate potential threats, and ensure long-term sustainability. The panel will discuss how nonprofits can build a risk-aware culture, implement effective risk management frameworks, and create contingency plans to navigate uncertainty. The panel will also cover the importance of scenario planning—considering various future scenarios, from economic downturns to natural disasters—and how nonprofits can prepare for the unexpected.

Damaris Herron-Watkins (Moderator)
Damaris Herron-Watkins (Moderator)
Chief Finance and Operations Officer
A Better Chance Inc.
Kristen Elkins
Kristen Elkins
Chief Quality, Compliance, and Ethics Officer
YAI
Maurice Segall
Maurice Segall
Director, NY and Fairfield County, CT Program
Pro Bono Partnership
Roundtable Technology
Roundtable Technology
Speaker
TBD
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4:50 PM EDT Thursday, June 05

Underwriters