Mosaic of Community Leadership Conference a Success

Approximately 120 nonprofit board members, executive directors, and staff from throughout the region attended the 22nd annual Mosaic of Community Leadership Conference held at Edison State Community College’s Piqua Campus.

Hosted by The Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership and the Center for Leadership Development at Edison State, the one-day conference allowed participants to engage in a keynote address, network with other area nonprofit leaders, attend breakout education and work sessions, and enjoy lunch.

Chet W. Sisk, Founder of Universal Basic Resources and Co-Lead International, provided the keynote address. Sisk emphasized that we often misunderstand the transformative changes reshaping our world. He shared his view that AI is a critical tool that can help tackle significant human challenges, particularly climate change, and urged attendees not to overlook this opportunity.

Those in attendance also participated in breakout education and work sessions that focused on strengthening nonprofit organizations, including communication, financial management, friendraising and fundraising, governance and leadership, human resources, and partnerships. Amy Breinich, Troy Main Street; Jennifer Bruns, Wilson Health Foundation; Diana Featherstone, volunteer with CASA/GAL of Miami County, Tipp Foundation Board, and DSNH Board of Trustees; Meme Gillum, Edison State; Joe Laber, A Cup of Joe Media; Tara McCafferty, SoFo Solution Focused HR; Meredith McKee, Tipp City Chamber of Commerce; Lindsay Pitstick, Moxie by Nature; Christina Raterman, Edison State; Kathi Roetter, Troy Area Chamber of Commerce; Alan Schussheim, Alan Schussheim, LLC Consulting; Chet W. Sisk, Universal Basic Resources and Co-Lead International; and Danielle Sweitzer, New Choices, Inc., led sessions.

The Edison State Center for Leadership Development holds the Mosaic of Community Leadership Conference each year at the conclusion of the Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership series, which helps individuals make a difference on their nonprofit boards and in their communities. A grant from the Duke Foundation made the Academy possible.

The Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership and the Center for Leadership Development at Edison State presented Academy graduates with certificates during the conference.

The 2025 graduates of the Academy for Community Leadership 1.0 included Naomi Cantrell, The Edison Foundation; Dante Centuori, Armstrong Air & Space Museum; Joellen Heatherly, Tipp City Foundation; Kalette Hittle, Piqua Community Foundation; Hillary Holzapfel, Final Bow Center for Children’s Performing Arts; Roberta Jacobs, CASA/GAL of Miami County; Kim Maalouf, Tipp City Chamber of Commerce; Rachel Neal, Darke County Chamber of Commerce; Trisha Prenger, CISV Midwest Ohio Chapter; Lenora Randolph, Shelby County United Way; Lisa Sargent, Miami County Foundation; Julie Taylor, Tipp City Foundation; Chandra Thompson, RT Industries; and Lindsey Young, Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Commerce.

The 2025 graduates of the Academy for Community Leadership 2.0 included Christina Raterman, Edison State; Danielle Sweitzer, New Choices, Inc.; Diana Featherstone, Tipp City Foundation; Jenny Bruns, Wilson Health Foundation; and Meredith McKee, Tipp City Chamber of Commerce.

The conference also recognized A-Z Nonprofit Board Award recipients, which honors nonprofit boards for their exceptional work in the region and commitment to service and stewardship. Recipients awarded at the Gold level include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County, Downtown Tipp City Partnership, The Edison Foundation, The Future Begins Today, Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Miami County Dental Clinic, Partners in Hope, Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce, SafeHaven, Inc., Samaritan Works, Shelby County United Way, Tipp City Chamber of Commerce, and Troy Area Chamber of Commerce. Silver-level recipients included First Place Food Pantry and Miami Valley Community Action Partnership.

To join the Mosaic of Community Leadership Conference mailing list, contact Dr. Rick Hanes by calling 937.778.7806 or emailing.