“It takes a truly special kind of leadership to continue marching a 100+ year-old nonprofit so steeped in tradition into the future,” said CRCF Executive Director Karen Niemic Buchheit. “And that is exactly what Michael Hill has done as president of the Chautauqua Institution. We are blessed to have him as the 2018 Nonprofit Networking Day keynote speaker.”
Nonprofit Networking Day brings together nonprofit organizations’ staff, board and volunteers for an opportunity to collaborate, learn and network.
Hill will draw on his background in communications, branding, nonprofit leadership, fundraising and stewardship to arm attendees with strategies for vitality and success at the conference which take place on the St. Bonaventure University campus.
In his talk titled “Nonprofit Crystal Ball: What does the future hold?” Hill will discuss the diversity imperative for nonprofits, guest relations and service as a nonprofit niche and other strategies.
When Hill assumed the presidency at the 146-year old lakeside community known for exploring the best in human values, he immediately set out to drive forward an invigorated vision for the organization.
Since beginning his duties in January 2017, Hill oversaw the completion of a $41.5 million renovation project at the Chautauqua Amphitheater; began expanding the organization’s traditionally summer-season programming to take place year-round; and expanded the institution’s involvement with traditional and national partners—all while keeping intact the identity and tradition of the Chautauqua community.
“Hill has played key roles in some of the nation’s largest nonprofits and has brought that leadership back to Chautauqua,” said Buchheit. “He has been able to preserve the institute’s status as a gem here in Western New York, but he has also driven the institute to expand its leadership in thought and civil dialogue outside of the borders of Western New York with a lot of success.”
Prior to serving as Chautauqua Institute president, Hill served as president and CEO of Youth for Understanding USA and prior to that was senior vice president of external affairs for United Cerebral Palsy. He also led national development, communications and volunteer efforts for Washington National Cathedral as executive director for external relations and held a similar role at The Washington Ballet.
Hill’s keynote appearance will be a homecoming of sorts as he once served as executive director of the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure University, and currently serves on the university’s board of trustees. Hill holds a B.A. in journalism from St. Bonaventure and an M.A. in arts and cultural management from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.
Nonprofit Networking Day also will include breakout sessions on topics such as special event planning, the impact of the new tax law on donors, mission-forward fundraising and Facebook marketing following the keynote.
The day will begin with registration at 8 a.m. and include a noon networking luncheon. This year two free post-event workshops will be available to attendees so they may get the most networking and learning possible out of the day.
Registration is now open. To register, visit cattfoundation.org/NND. Contact the Foundation at 716-301-2723 with any further questions.
St. Bonaventure University and the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsors for the event.
