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Leadership Institute for Executive Directors

MANP’s Leadership Institute for Executive Directors provides executive directors of all experience levels with dedicated time and space to reflect, set goals, and develop action plans to strengthen their leadership.

Program Goals

Rooted in leadership development best practices and a commitment to practical application, this intensive program guides current nonprofit executive directors to:

  • build self and social awareness for stronger staff, board, and community relationships;
  • recognize and build on their signature strengths;
  • cultivate a personal leadership vision and the capacity to hold a long-term vision of possibility for the organization;
  • apply systems thinking tools to understanding and solving challenges;
  • develop coaching skills for growing the next generation of leaders;
  • enhance team leadership skills for both informal (coalition and community) and formal (board and staff) teams;
  • create a learning community of peers; and
  • plan for an ongoing learning strategy beyond the Institute.

The ultimate goal of the Leadership Institute is to increase the ability of each participant to shape and guide adaptable, effective organizations that are respected partners in creating, sustaining and improving Maine’s quality of life.

Learn More

We will be hosting two virtual information sessions to give prospective participants the opportunity to learn more about the program and ask any questions they may have. All are welcome to attend - please register using the links below:

Apply to Participate

Applications for the 2025-2026 class are now open!  

If you have any questions or would prefer to complete the application through an alternative format, please contact Katrina Ruffner, Director of Education, at kruffner@nonprofitmaine.org or (207) 204-7705.

The program fee includes in-person and virtual meetings, assessments, program materials and five private coaching sessions. Please note: travel expenses to and from in-person retreats and any lodging costs before, during, or after sessions are not covered by tuition. 

MANP works to ensure cost is not a barrier for anyone accepted into the program and offers financial assistance and payment plans, which can be requested as part of the application process.

The deadline to submit your application is Friday, May 9. Applicants will be notified the week of June 2. 

Complete the online application here!

Past Leadership Institute Participants

The MANP Leadership Institute was a formative experience for me. The strategies and tools that I learned have inspired me to continue learning and growing as a leader and a person in both my professional and personal life. I recommend this experience to all EDs!

—Lesley Dolinger, Patten Free Library

The 2023-2024 Class was generously sponsored by Quimby Family Foundation.

  • Ashleigh Barker, The Progress Center
  • Andrea Berry, Wild Seed Project
  • Rebecca Boulos,  Maine Public Health Association
  • Julie Bourgoin, Worthington Scholarship Foundation
  • Adrienne Carmack, Hardy Girls Healthy Women
  • Susan Giambalvo, Caring Unlimited
  • Kate Hopkins, Community Dental
  • Tam Huynh, Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine (HHRC)
  • Ruth Kermish-Allen, Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA)
  • Simonne Maline, Consumer Council System of Maine
  • Rebekah Paredes, New Hope Midcoast
  • Lidie Robbins, 30 Mile River Watershed Association
  • Janet Smith, New Ventures Maine
  • Monique Stairs, Speaking Up For Us
  • Christopher Timm, Maine Maritime Museum
  • Courtney Yeager, United Way of Kennebec Valley
  • Julia Zell, Island Heritage Trust

  • Heather Campbell, White Pine Programs
  • Deana Cavan, Rett's Roost
  • Christian Cotz, First Amendment Museum
  • Nicholas Fisichelli, Schoodic Institute 
  • Emily Flinkstrom, Fair Tide
  • Anna Goodale, Megunticook Rowing
  • Olivia Harris, Speak About It
  • Destie Hohman Sprague, Maine Women's Lobby + Education Fund
  • Gwendolyn Hudson, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine
  • Rota L. Knott, Tedford Housing
  • Annie Leahy, Mechanics' Hall
  • Michael R. Miclon, Johnson Hall
  • Jessica Muise, Engine
  • Cynthia Randall, Cornerstones of Science
  • Katie Rutherford, Frannie Peabody Center
  • Jean Sideris, Bicycle Coalition of Maine
  • Sarah Swift-Simons, Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area
  • Tamara Whitmore, Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed
  • Beth Wilbur Van Mierlo, Side x Side

  • Laura Cyr, Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG)
  • Kim Fleming, Waterfall Arts
  • Susan Gallo, Maine Lakes Society
  • Sam Herr, North American Bikeshare Association
  • Lisa Oakes, Humane Society Waterville Area
  • Sarah Personeni, Lighthouse Arts & Education
  • Stephanie Primm, Knox County Homeless Coalition
  • Claude Rwaganje, ProsperityME
  • Laura Seaton, WindowDressers
  • Theresa Shanahan, Ski Museum of Maine
  • Darcy Shargo, Maine Primary Care Association (MPCA)
  • Michael Shaughnessy, Friends of the Presumpscot River
  • Julie Ann Smith, Maine Farm Bureau
  • Nick Turner, The Grand
  • Charlie Woodworth, Greater Franklin Development Council
Partners

This program was developed with the generous support of The Betterment Fund and the Maine Community Foundation and was designed in partnership with Panta Rei Consulting.

2025-2026 Leadership Institute Sponsorship

If you’re interested in supporting the Leadership Institute or learning about sponsorship opportunities for other MANP programs, please contact our Executive Director, Jennifer Hutchins.