IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders' Podcast

Creativity is more than expression—it’s impact. In this episode, United Arts Collier CEO Elysia Dawn shows how arts organizations can build stronger, more inclusive communities by using creativity as a bridge between people, cultures, and causes. Her story reminds nonprofit leaders that when we remove barriers to participation, we create space for connection, healing, and shared purpose. A former...

When tragedy strikes, few people find the strength to turn it into something greater—but that’s exactly what Casey McGovern, Executive Director of Every Child a Swimmer, has done. After losing her daughter in a preventable drowning, Casey made a promise to dedicate her life to saving others. Today, that promise has become a powerful movement to make water safety education and swim lessons accessib...

Authentic leadership grows from lived experience—and the courage to share it. What does authentic leadership look like when your story begins with struggle? In this episode, Maricela Morado, President & CEO of the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, shares how her lived experiences as a young parent became the foundation for a career built on compassion and impact. From serving thousan...

Nonprofit leadership is never just about the mission—it’s about the people leading it, the clarity they bring, and the balance they maintain along the way. In this episode of IMPACTability®, Dastan Khalili, CEO of Cal Earth, shares how continuing his father’s legacy taught him that true leadership requires more than vision: it requires resilience, self-care, and staying grounded in purpose. From S...

What happens when a nonprofit leader brings financial expertise, deep compassion, and a flexible support model to one of life’s hardest battles—cancer? In this episode of IMPACTability®, Neftali Feliciano, CEO of Cancer Alliance Network, shares how his organization is transforming lives through non-medical financial aid, community partnerships, and mission-first fundraising. From navigating Board...

In this episode of IMPACTability®, Steve Brooder, CEO of St. Matthew’s House, shares how he led one of Southwest Florida’s most impactful nonprofits through explosive growth, a global pandemic, and a legacy-defining transition. His story is a masterclass in nonprofit leadership, strategic growth, and faith-driven service. From scaling food assistance from 300 to 4,000 families in a single month to...

Nonprofit leadership isn’t easy. It takes grit, resilience, and the courage to keep showing up when challenges stack up. In this episode of IMPACTability®: The Nonprofit Leaders Podcast, Becca Bryan, Board Chair of Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge (National Wildlife Refuge), shares what it means to fight for the underdog and lead with perseverance. From rescuing stranded dolphins and whales i...

Nonprofit leadership isn’t just about managing resources — it’s about vision, resilience, and the bold action it takes to solve the toughest challenges in our communities. Dr. Dawn Belamarich, CEO of Collaboratory, is leading a bold mission to solve Southwest Florida’s biggest social challenges by 2040. With roots as a therapist and the discipline of a business leader, Dawn shares how she blends c...

Nonprofit leadership is about balancing mission, people, and authenticity. In this inspiring episode of IMPACTability®, Frank Bartoli, founder and CEO of PA Inclusive, shares his journey from father and advocate to leader of a thriving nonprofit. Frank opens up about the challenges of staffing shortages, the shifting culture of volunteerism, and why authenticity is the most important leadership tr...

What does it take to grow a grassroots idea into a mission-driven nonprofit on the verge of ending veteran homelessness? In this episode, Vietnam veteran and retired executive Dale Mullin shares how he built Warrior Homes of Collier County from a single golf fundraiser into a thriving organization providing safe housing and support services for veterans. Dale opens up about the realities of nonpro...

How can one yoga class change a life? This episode reveals how a single idea grew into a global movement — and the leadership lessons behind it. Kayoko Mitsumatsu, Founder & Executive Director of Yoga Gives Back, shares how she turned her passion for yoga into a mission that empowers thousands of women and children each year. From navigating fundraising challenges to building an engaged Board...

Captain Daniel Andrews didn’t plan to run a nonprofit—he just wanted to protect the waters he grew up on. But what started as one fishing guide’s frustration became a movement. In this powerful episode, the co-founder and executive director of Captains for Clean Water shares how he built one of Florida’s most effective environmental advocacy nonprofits from the ground up. Daniel reflects on early...

What does it really take to lead a nonprofit in today’s world? In this episode of IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders’ Podcast , host Sheryl Soukup speaks with David Rhode, Deputy Director of PennPAC, about the unique consulting model that utilizes University of Pennsylvania alumni to support nonprofits. They explore the challenges of nonprofit leadership, the importance of strategic planning, an...

Nonprofit leadership is about listening, adapting, and staying grounded in your mission—even when facing uncertainty or unexpected challenges. Richard LeBer, President & CEO of the Harry Chapin Food Bank, joins us to kick off Season 3 of IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders Podcast . In this heartfelt conversation, Richard shares his unexpected journey from the corporate world to nonprofit lea...

In this episode, host Josh Hirsch sits down with Jillian Vukusich, CAP, Executive Director of Lost Tree Foundation, for a candid and insightful conversation about what it really takes to build strong donor-funder relationships in the nonprofit world. From fostering trust and transparency to understanding the evolving needs of communities, Jillian offers a wealth of practical advice and heartfelt r...

In this episode, host Josh Hirsch speaks with Dolly Farrell, Executive Director of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands. Dolly shares her journey from a frontline fundraiser in higher education to leading a community foundation focused on collaborative philanthropy. They explore the importance of personal connections in fundraising, the impact of COVID-19 on nonprofit operations, and the role...

In this episode, host Josh Hirsch speaks with digital marketing expert Jay Key about how digital marketing has evolved in the nonprofit sector. Together, they discuss why measurability is vital in today’s campaigns, how to effectively budget for digital marketing efforts, and the role of platforms like LinkedIn for reaching targeted audiences. Jay shares insights on the importance of learning from...

In this episode, host Josh Hirsch, MS speaks with Scott Fischer, a seasoned entrepreneur in the power sports industry, about his journey from a young motorcycle enthusiast to a successful dealership owner and philanthropist. Scott shares insights on the importance of following one's passion, the role of mentorship in business, and how philanthropy can be integrated into business strategies. He emp...

In this episode, Ligia Peña, a CFRE and president of Globetrotting Fundraiser, discusses the importance of legacy planning and starting a planned giving program for nonprofits. She emphasizes the need to understand donor engagement and focus on gifts and wills as the primary vehicle for planned giving. Ligia also highlights the importance of starting small, analyzing donor data, and seeking help f...

In this episode of IMPACTability: A Nonprofit Leaders Podcast, host Josh Hirsch, MS interviews Abby Jarvis from Neon One about the latest recurring giving report. The report examines the growth and changes in recurring giving from 2018 to 2022, focusing on three revenue bands: small nonprofits (less than $1 million), mid-sized nonprofits ($1-5 million), and large nonprofits ($5 million or more). T...

In this episode of IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders Podcast, host Josh Hirsch, MS is joined by Julia Campbell to discuss the use of AI in nonprofit fundraising. They explore the benefits of using generative AI to create personalized donor journeys, analyze data for better fundraising strategies, and automate tasks to save time. They also discuss the ethical considerations of using AI, particul...

In this episode, host Josh Hirsch interviews Tara Tomcsik-Husak, President and CEO of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, about the importance of collaboration in the nonprofit sector. Tara emphasizes the need for nonprofits to minimize competition and work together to make a bigger impact. She shares examples of successful collaborations, such as partnering with local businesses and other nonprofits to...

In this episode, David Targonski, a nonprofit development expert, shares his insights on the power of direct mail in fundraising. He emphasizes that direct mail is not dead and can still be an effective tool for nonprofits to raise funds. He discusses the advantages of direct mail over email, highlighting the tactile nature of mail and the higher likelihood of response. Dave also provides tips on...

Summary   Amy Brand, CEO of Philanthropy Tank, discusses the organization's mission to empower the next generation of leaders in the nonprofit sector. Philanthropy Tank works with high school students to develop and launch their own social impact programs. The students go through a rigorous application process and receive funding and mentorship to bring their ideas to life. The program focuse...

In this episode of IMPACTability, host Josh Hirsch interviews Molly Goodman, the Executive Director of the Midas Collaborative. They discuss the importance of grassroots advocacy and empowering younger generations to have a voice. Molly shares her experience in the nonprofit sector and how she got involved in advocacy work. They also discuss the role of social media, particularly Twitter, in mobil...