Join us as we gather for a time of learning and restoration.
This gathering of Elkhart County nonprofit leaders is intended to connect and recharge those leading organizations that serve our community.
This is a unique opportunity offered — by invitation — to CEOs of Elkhart County nonprofits or those serving Elkhart County. The spot along Lake Wawasee is perfect for us to gather for a time of learning and restoration. The Learning Center offers this free two-day session to care for those who provide so much for others, including their staff and those they serve. All meals, lodging, and expenses are covered for those who lead Elkhart County nonprofits or nonprofits that serve Elkhart County through The Learning Center of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County.
This event is first come, first serve and we expect registration to fill up quickly.
Schedule – Wednesday, September 17
| 8:00 a.m. | Registration and Breakfast | Hilltop Banquet Center, upstairs |
| 8:30 a.m. | Session with Cathy Russell | Hilltop, upstairs |
| 10:15 a.m. | Break | |
| 10:30 a.m. | Session with Cathy Russell | Hilltop, upstairs |
| Noon | Lunch | Hilltop, downstairs |
| 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | 15-minute massages (optional, must sign-up) | Hilltop, downstairs |
| 1:15 p.m. | Session with Cathy Russell | Hilltop, upstairs |
| 3:00 p.m. | ||
| 3:15 p.m. | Session with Cathy Russell | Hilltop, upstairs |
| 4:00 p.m. | Break and check-in to hotel rooms | Oakwood Resort Hotel |
| 5:15 p.m. | Board S.S. Lillypad at 5:45 p.m. | S.S Lillypad leaves from behind The Frog Tavern |
| 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Dinner | S.S. Lillypad |
| 8:00 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Campfire, entertainment, s’mores, open bar | Lakeside fire circle and patio at the hotel |
| 10 p.m. – midnight | Indoor open bar | The Pier & Back Porch Restaurant at Oakwood Resort |
Schedule – Thursday, September 18
| 7:30 a.m. | Check out of rooms | Hotel |
| 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast | Hilltop, upstairs |
| 8:30 a.m. | Session with Cathy Russell | Hilltop, upstairs |
| 10:15 a.m. | Break | |
| 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Session with Cathy Russell | Hilltop, upstairs |
| Noon | Lunch | Hilltop, downstairs |
| 1:00 p.m. | Community Foundation staff updates | Hilltop, upstairs |
| 3:00 p.m. | Dismissal |
Our Speaker
Cathy Russell – Nonprofit CEO, Board Development Expert, and Organizational Growth Strategist
Cathy Russell is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader with over two decades of experience driving transformational growth through strong board governance and intentional organizational development.
She began her career at the Boys & Girls Club in Decatur, IN in 1999, where she more than tripled the size and scope of the organization’s work—laying the foundation of innovation, community partnership and sustainable growth that caught the attention of the national movement.
In 2008, Cathy was hired by Boys & Girls Clubs of America to serve as an Organizational Development Consultant, supporting 34 Clubs across the state of Indiana. In this role, she helped executive leaders and boards build capacity, strengthen governance, and align strategy with mission.
Since 2013, Cathy has served as the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of North Central Illinois (formerly BGC Elgin). Under her leadership, the organization has grown from 5 to 51 Club sites across 7 communities, expanded daily capacity to serve more youth daily than any other Club in IL, increased its team to nearly 300 staff, and scaled its budget from $1.2 million to more than $10 million annually. In 2024, she launched Moonshot 100, a bold strategic initiative to triple impact—reaching 10,000 kids at 100 sites within 1,000 days.
Cathy is known for her pragmatic and empowering approach to board development, helping boards clarify their roles, deepen engagement, and align more powerfully with organizational mission and strategy. She has led board retreats, governance redesigns, and culture-building efforts that elevate board performance and partnership with executive teams.
Cathy brings a facilitation style that is grounded, inspiring, and action-oriented—blending firsthand experience with practical tools to help boards and leaders move from good to great.
2025
CEO
RETREAT
Dates:
September 17-18, 2025
Location:
Oakwood Resort,
702 E. Lake View Rd.,
Syracuse, Indiana
Topic:
Board Development
