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Convening for Chief Executives

May 1 @ 8:00 am May 3 @ 5:00 pm EDT

This convening will offer learning and networking tailored to chief executives of human services organizations. By bringing together sector leaders who truly understand each other’s day to day, it will offer a safe space to develop relationships, share challenges, find solutions, and build community.

With facilitated sessions, the event’s programming will emphasize dialogue and collaboration to identify solutions. Chief executives are invited to make new connections, deepen relationships, and grow their network of go-to colleagues. This event will be held at a community-based organization in the Social Current network and feature an optional networking event.

Who Should Participate

  • Chief executives of human and social sector organizations

Schedule

Wednesday, May 1

5:30-7 p.m. Welcome Reception at BasBlue

BasBlue is approximately 2.5 miles for the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. Participants are on their own for transportation to and from this reception.

Thank you to The Children’s Center for sponsoring this reception.

Thursday, May 2 at The Children’s Center

7:30 a.m. First Bus to The Children’s Center Departs

8:05 a.m. Second Bus to The Children’s Center Departs

7:45-9 a.m. Networking Breakfast

9-10 a.m. Welcome and Introductions

10-10:15 a.m. Break

10:15-11:45 a.m. The New Narrative Campaign

11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Networking Lunch

1-2:30 p.m. Effective Board Governance, Strategic Clarity, and Long-Term Mission Success

2:30-3:15 p.m. The Children’s Center Tour

3:15-5:30 p.m. Networking Activity: Motown Museum (sold out)

Transportation to the Motown Museum and back to the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit will be provided.

Those not participating in the networking activity are on their own for transportation back to the hotel. The Children’s Center is approximately 1.5 miles from hotel.

Dine with Your Peers or Evening on Your Own

Friday, May 3 at Judson Center

7 a.m. First Bus to Judson Center Departs

8 a.m. Second Bus to Judson Center Departs

7:30-8:45 a.m. Breakfast

Thank you to Judson Center for sponsoring this breakfast.

8:30-9:15 a.m. Judson Center Tour

9:15-9:30 a.m. Break

9:30-11 a.m. AI in Human Services: Opportunities and Considerations

11-11:45 a.m. Discussion: What’s Keeping You Up at Night?

11:45 a.m.-12 p.m. Closing and Evaluation

Participants are on their own for transportation after the closing session. Judson Center is approximately 26 miles (35 minutes) from the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

Registration

Registration must be received on or before April 3 to receive the early bird rate. After that date, regular rates apply.

Pricing

Impact Partners (Formerly Engagement Packages) and/or Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation

  • Early Bird Registration $595
  • Regular Registration $745

Other Organizations

  • Early Bird Registration $695
  • Regular Registration $845

Networking Activity (sold out) $60

 

Cancellation by Participant
All cancellation requests must be made in writing. Conference cancellations are subject to a $100 processing fee. Cancellation requests received after April 12 will not be refunded, including the optional tour. Credit toward future Social Current events is not currently possible. Notice of written cancellation must be emailed directly to Social Current.

Cancellation by Social Current
If Social Current cancels this conference, all registration fees will be refunded in full.

Sessions

Welcome Reception at BasBlue

Reconnect with longtime colleagues and make new connections with fellow chief executives during the Welcome Reception. Participants will enjoy appetizers, beverages, and informal networking at BasBlue. The reception will include special guests, Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, who will provide remarks, and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel.

BasBlue works to create pathways and open doors for women and non-binary individuals by fostering connection and discovery through a diverse and inclusive community, educational opportunities, and culturally enriching experiences. BasBlue takes pride in supporting farms and bakeries that are owned and led by women.

Thank you to The Children’s Center for sponsoring this reception.

The New Narrative Campaign

For our New Narrative campaign, Social Current looks to use the film Uncharitable as a catalyst for action. We have partnered with the film’s social impact campaign and are working to bring social sector organizations together to help change the current (mis)perceptions and lack of true understanding of nonprofits. This session will provide an opportunity for discussion about being intentional and thoughtful in leading narrative change for the social sector.

Presenters:

  • Jody Levison-Johnson, president & CEO, Social Current
  • Stephanie Pacinella, senior director of strategy and growth, Social Current

Effective Board Governance, Strategic Clarity, and Long-Term Mission Success

The role of nonprofit executives has become increasingly complex. Best-in-class leaders increasingly realize that their governance model, organizational culture, and strategic plan are intertwined, and that effective governance leads to long-term mission success. Based on research detailed in his critically acclaimed book, The CEO and the Board: The Art of Nonprofit Governance as a Competitive Advantage, Dr. Senske will lead an interactive dialogue on key topics. Participants will discuss how to chart their organizations’ desired destination with their own unique roadmap, the changing role of the board given post-COVID shifts, effective strategic planning in a rapidly changing external environment, and a scorecard to determine if their governance model is indeed a mission advantage.

Presenter: Kurt Senske, founder and principal, CEO-Board Services

Networking Activity: Motown Museum

Motown Museum is the heartbeat of the Motown legacy—a destination for music and history fans. It celebrates the authentic story of Motown, from its humble beginnings to its emergence as the “Sound of Young America” and beyond. The museum brings together fans, people, and ideas from different generations and it captures the imagination to fuel dreams and inspire accomplishments.

Transportation will be provided to the museum from The Children’s Center and back to The Westin Book Cadillac after the tour.

This tour has reached capacity and is sold out.

AI in Human Services: Opportunities and Considerations

This dynamic and interactive session is designed to help nonprofit leaders assess the opportunities and challenges of using artificial intelligence (AI) in their organizations. In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital technologies, strategically implementing AI can significantly enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of nonprofit initiatives. Participants will be introduced to the three main applications of generative AI, learn how to conduct an organizational assessment of AI readiness, and consider the elements of an AI policy for their organization.

Participants will:

  • Understand the types of artificial intelligence and map them to organizational functions
  • Identify opportunities for integrating artificial intelligence in day-to-day workflows
  • Explore elements of an artificial intelligence policy for organizations
  • Collaborate and brainstorm ideas for implementing artificial intelligence

Presenter: Lauri Goldkind, associate professor, Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University

Discussion: What’s Keeping You Up at Night?

Participants will be encouraged to share the challenges and concerns that keep them up at night while reflecting on the discussions of the past two days and impart new perspectives, understanding, or ideas they have gathered from their peers.

Facilitator: Jody Levison-Johnson, president & CEO, Social Current

Speakers

Lauri Goldkind, PhD, LMSW
Associate Professor
Fordham University

Dr. Lauri Goldkind, PhD, LMSW is an associate professor at Fordham University and the editor of the Journal of Technology in Human Services. Her current research focuses on artificial intelligence in social work practice and data ecosystems in nonprofit organizations. She is a network co-lead for the Grand Challenges in Social Work Harnessing Technology for the Social Good. She can be reached via email.

Jody Levison-Johnson, PhD, LCSW
President and CEO
Social Current

Jody Levison-Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience in the field of human services. She currently serves as the president and CEO of Social Current. Jody is a longstanding champion for systems change which results in the ability for individuals and communities to thrive. Over several decades, her career has crossed a variety of settings including private providers, state and local governments, and national associations. Much of her work has focused on cross-sector alignment to benefit children, youth, and families. Jody’s experience leading system reform efforts across the country has prompted her interest in the environmental contexts that surround leadership of deep change in social and public systems. Jody holds a master’s in social work from Syracuse University and a master’s and doctorate in leadership and change from Antioch University.

Stephanie Pacinella, MA
Senior Director of Strategy and Growth
Social Current

Stephanie Pacinella is the senior director of strategy and growth at Social Current. She is responsible for overseeing Social Current’s fund development strategy and special strategic initiatives that require enterprise-wide collaboration. She previously led the Standards Research and Development Department for COA Accreditation, researching and developing best practice standards for nonprofit organization administration, management, and social service programs. Stephanie has a background in research, grant writing, and behavioral health services. She earned a master’s in community psychology from Marist College.

Location

Wednesday, May 1
BasBlue
110 E Ferry St.
Detroit, MI 48202

Thursday, May 2
The Children’s Center
79 Alexandrine West
Detroit, MI 48201

Friday, May 3
Judson Center
4410 W. 13 Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI 48073

Lodging

The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
1114 Washington Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48226

Social Current has arranged a special room rate of $245 for single or double occupancy, plus applicable taxes. Reserve your room online or by calling the Marriott Reservations line at 888-627-7150 by April 3 and mentioning the group name Social Current May 2024 to receive the discounted rate.

Planning Team

Mike Bertrand
President & CEO
Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois

Karen Coleman
President & CEO
Tabor Services, Inc.

Joe Everett
President & CEO
The Opportunity Alliance

Julio Galan
President & CEO
Family & Youth Counseling Agency

Mary Garr
President & CEO
Family Service Association of San Antonio, Inc.

Andrea Hall
President/CEO
MYSI Corporation

Christa Hamilton
President & CEO
UCAN

Lenora Hardy-Foster
President & CEO
Judson Center, Inc.

Jenny Livelli
President & CEO
The Children’s Guild

Sandra Mintz
Chief Executive Officer
Lethbridge Family Services 

Michelle Murray
President & CEO
Nexus Family Healing 

Jill Oldham
Chief Executive Officer
Greenleaf Family Center

Kirsten Olson
Chief Executive Officer
Children & Families First

Anita Paukovits
Executive Director/President
The Children’s Home of Easton, Inc.

Nickaila Sandate
President & CEO
EmberHope Youthville

Eric Schindler
Chief Executive Officer
Child & Family Resources, Inc.

Michael Sexauer
President
Holy Family Institute

Martine Singer
Chief Executive Officer
Children’s Institute, Inc.

Richard Stagliano
Chief Executive Officer
Center For Family Services, Inc.

Nicole Wells Stallworth
President & CEO
The Children’s Center of Wayne County, Inc.