Nonprofit and Leadership Academy

Every year we kick off the year’s education events with our Nonprofit and Leadership Academy: Starting Point – a half-day of learning and networking for nonprofits and business leaders. After that we host a monthly workshop that gives a deeper dive into fundraising, storytelling, leadership development, business operations and more.

Past Events

November 14: North Fulton Nonprofit and Leadership Academy Workshop

Understanding Comprehensive Campaigns – Pam Reid

Meet the Speaker

Pam Reid has over 20 years of leadership experience in the financial services industry and has an extensive background in nonprofit leadership and fundraising that spans an additional 20. 

She has successfully started both for-profit and nonprofit businesses, creating impactful programs and fundraising indicates that remain active today. Pam is a certified DISC trainer and a three-time best-selling author. Pam serves on nonprofit boards in her local community and is a graduate of Leadership Fayette. 

Currently, she serves as a Senior Funding Strategist with Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, responsible for overseeing fundraising services in the metro Atlanta area, bringing her strategic vision and experience to drive sustainable growth. Pam is married to her high school sweetheart, and together they have 3 adult children and 3 grandchildren.


Maximizing Organizational Culture & Team Performance – Linnea Miller

Meet the speaker

Linnea serves as the President and CEO of Long Table, LLC, dedicated to growing leaders for thriving relationships, better performance, and greater impact. As an accomplished leadership development coach and consultant, Linnea delivers transformative outcomes for clients across diverse industries, including government, nonprofit, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies.

Certified in Myers-Brigg Type Indicator (MBTI), GiANT Worldwide, and the 6 Types of Working Geniuses, Linnea leverages her background as a former educator and nonprofit leader to create engaging and impactful experiences for her clients. Long Table has earned multiple nominations as a finalist for the Gwinnett Chamber Small Business of the Year, and Linnea was recognized with the 2020 Moxie award for her contributions to the Greater Good of the community.

Currently in her third term as a council member and holding the position of Mayor Pro Tempore for the City of Suwanee, Linnea is passionate about connecting people to people and people to their place. Actively involved in numerous nonprofit committees and boards (including Georgia City Solutions, Georgia Municipal Association, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Create Gwinnett and Suwanee Arts Center), she brings her commitment to community service to the forefront.

In addition to her professional commitments, Linnea finds joy in art and nature. Whether exploring her local farmer’s market, engaging in a DIY project, or spending quality time with her husband, four children, and grandbabies, Linnea values the richness of deep relationships.


Navigating a Family Foundation – Hannah Jones

Meet the speaker

Hannah Jones is a nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience in philanthropy, consulting, and nonprofit management. She began her career at Coxe Curry & Associates, supporting nonprofit development strategies for four years, before joining The Goizueta Foundation to advance education initiatives within metropolitan Atlanta.

After serving as Executive Director of Light from Light, a nonprofit that supports a medical clinic in Haiti, Hannah returned to the U.S. and rejoined The Goizueta Foundation, where she has served as Vice President of Programs since 2022. In this role, she oversees the Foundation’s grantmaking and partnerships with grantee organizations to drive community impact.


Panel Discussion

From Mission to Metrics: Running Your Nonprofit with For-Profit Precision

Moderator: Linnea Miller — President, Long Table

Panel:

Meet the panel

Holly Ranney co-founded the nonprofit Sunshine on a Ranney Day (SOARD). Sunshine on a Ranney Day renovates homes for children with special needs, specializing in wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, dream bedrooms, and therapy rooms at no cost to the family. Holly graduated from High Point University with a degree in Design and Home Furnishings Marketing. 

Holly was hired by Rooms To Go directly out of college and became a buyer. She traveled throughout Asia and other countries, working on production development and design for youth furniture. In 2012, inspired by a church sermon to use your networks and resources to help others, Holly and Peter Ranney started their nonprofit. To date, SOARD has completed over 250 homes in greater Atlanta along with special community projects, including the parent sleep rooms in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a therapy room at Camp Twin Lakes, youth rooms at the Drake House, and so much more. 

In 2020, Holly opened Sunny & Ranney, a furniture and decor store where all profits go back to Sunshine on a Ranney Day, along in 2022 opening their second store, Partly Sunny.

Dr. Steven T. Palmer is a distinguished educator and leader with a wealth of experience in special education and educational administration. Currently serving as the Head of School for The Cottage School in Roswell, Georgia, Dr. Palmer has spearheaded the institution’s growth and expansion since 2015, including the establishment of a dedicated campus for elementary students in 2024.

With a passion for fostering inclusive educational environments, Dr. Palmer’s career includes founding a state-of-the-art aviation high school for the Dick DeVos Foundation and serving as Principal for three K-8 special education schools. A prominent voice in the field, he has presented on various special education topics and contributed to national reform initiatives as a member of several boards and associations.

Dr. Palmer’s educational background encompasses a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Counseling, and a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in Business. Additionally, he holds certifications in Special Education and Educational Leadership from multiple states.

Throughout his career, Dr. Palmer has received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to education, including the Dr. Landis Special Education Administrator of the Year, S.T.A.R. Administrator of the Year, Tandy Scholars Outstanding Teacher, and recognition as a finalist for the Lake County Teacher of the Year and Disney’s Teacher of the Year. He has also been honored with the North Fulton Chamber Non-for-Profit Leader of the Year award and holds the Key to the City of Orlando, Florida.

Committed to empowering students with learning differences, Dr. Palmer aims to instill a love of learning and self-advocacy by promoting the understanding that “Smart kids Learn Differently.” His dedication to individualized education and unwavering support for students is a testament to his belief in fostering inclusive learning environments that cater to the unique needs of every child.

Maggie DeCan stepped down on October 5th, 2024 as the CEO & E.D. of the Children’s Development Academy (CDA), providing high-quality early education to children from low income families to publish her first book, Humbled on Purpose. She will focus on speaking, coaching, consulting and writing about early education, mental health and women in leadership. 

Before leading the CDA, DeCan was the President & Chief Operating Officer at The HoneyBaked Ham Company, LLC, where she led 500 stores and  over $500M in revenue. Prior to HoneyBaked, she held operational and HR leadership roles Circuit City, Belk and Macy’s. 

Known for serving those who serve the customers, she has been recognized by the National Diversity Council, as a most power woman, Womenetics with their P.O.W award, with the Turknett Character in Leadership Award and The Georgia PTA for Visionary Leadership.  

Her book, Humbled on Purpose, focuses on vocational guidance and leadership development while telling her journey of resilience through childhood loss and other obstacles including becoming a more vulnerable and authentic leader. 

When not writing or playing tennis, Maggie volunteers with the Chi Omega National Fraternity Foundation, serves as incoming president of the Atlanta University of Michigan Alumni Club and serves her parish at St. David’s Episcopal Church. 

Maggie and her husband Bob live in Woodstock, Georgia. They have two sons, Riley (soon to marry Emily) and Brady. Maggie and Bob also enjoy time at their home on Lake Nottely in the north Georgia mountains with their labs Charlie and Lily. 

Event Archives