Compass Pro Bono’s annual On Course Summit is a one-day, interactive conference designed for nonprofit Executive Directors and Board Members. Each year, the Summit convenes hundreds of social impact leaders for a day of structured peer learning and powerful networking.

Participants attend in-person in Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC with a Zoom option as well. Sites are connected virtually with panelists and speakers in each location.

Chicago

181 W Madison St.

Minneapolis-St. Paul

550 Vandalia St.

Philadelphia

2005 S Market St.

Washington, DC

555 13th St. NW

Virtual

Zoom


April 2026 Nonprofit Leadership Summit Agenda

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. ET | Networking & Coffee

Get settled in for a day full of informative sessions.

10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. ET | Leading Through a Changing Landscape: The Resilient Board and ED Partnership

ED-board relationships are important in the best of times, but particularly in times of stress and uncertainty – when funding feels uncertain, demand rises, or staffing gets tight. This session gives Executive Directors and board leaders guidance for decision-making, communication, and trust, so you can move faster, reduce drama, and support the mission when the stakes are high.

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. ET | Strategic Risk Management

In an era of constant uncertainty, effective risk management is critical for mission sustainability and long-term impact. This session moves beyond basic compliance to explore scenario planning, strategic collaborations & mergers, and data privacy, providing board members and Executive Directors with actionable frameworks to safeguard their organizations.

Panelists

Amy Cook

Attorney & Director, Economic Justice Program, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights

Lindsay Kijewski

Partner, SeaChange

Sara Gibson

Co-Founder & CEO, 20 Degrees

12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET | Lunch, Activities, and Networking

Lunch break and activity.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET | How Board Members & Nonprofit Leaders Can Leverage AI to Supercharge Their Missions

AI is transforming the social sector – but it can feel impossible to keep up with the pace of change. In this hands-on session, we’ll explore how nonprofits can leverage AI to supercharge their missions (instead of creating new headaches) and how boards can use AI tactically in their own work, with practical demos, examples, and activities.

Facilitator

Remy Reya

Director of AI and Thought Leadership, Compass Pro Bono

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET | Importance of Board Support to Foundation Funding

Developing a strong board is important for nonprofits in maintaining and seeking all sources of funding, including foundation grants, corporate sponsorship and individual giving. Healthy boards have sound governance, strategic oversight and active participation in fundraising. Panelists will share insights on what board members can do to strengthen their organization and support the Executive Director.

Panelist

Amy Mummery

Senior Advisor, Sport for Good Chicago

Josh Johnson

Program Officer, Minneapolis Foundation

Karen FitzGerald

Chief of Staff, Meyer Foundation

Valerie Kind-Rubin

Managing Trustee, Patricia Kind Family Foundation


Moderator

Rob Bull

President & CEO, Compass Group

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET | Networking & Refreshments

Close out the day. Connect, refresh, and discuss shared learnings

Thank you to our sponsors


Summit Legacy

Previously named the Sorkin Summit, Compass Pro Bono’s annual nonprofit leadership conference was created in honor of the late Jerry Sorkin. Jerry was an executive at CEB with a passion for nonprofit work and board service. He developed board training curriculum and mentored leaders to be strong, effective board members. The On Course Summit carries on Jerry’s passion for board service and extends his mentorship to a future generation of leaders. We are proud to honor his legacy since 2017.


Watch the video of last year’s 2025 Nonprofit Leadership Summit and see how this experience has supported nonprofit leaders like you.

While we’ll connect in person within our local communities, we’re also coming together across all four cities and virtually—harnessing our collective wisdom and energy in service of our communities.


Interested in sponsoring the event?
Learn more or contact Wendy Gualtieri, Managing Director.

Feedback from previous Nonprofit Leadership Summits