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 Center for Nonprofit Excellence offers this free two-day event 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 as part of the CNE of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County.
What to Expect at the CEO Retreat
This retreat is designed exclusively for nonprofit CEOs who want to strengthen how their boards lead, support, and advance their organizations. Whether you’re new to the role or a seasoned executive, leading a grassroots nonprofit or a multimillion-dollar agency, this retreat will offer practical tools, fresh strategies, and hard-earned insights to help you cultivate a board that governs with clarity, gives with intention, and champions your mission.
Led by Cathy Russell, a veteran CEO with deep experience in board transformation at both local and regional levels, the retreat blends high-energy facilitation with grounded, real-world guidance. Through interactive sessions, peer collaboration, and candid storytelling from leaders who’ve been in your shoes, you’ll gain a renewed understanding of your board’s role in fundraising, strategic direction, stewardship, and scaling impact.
You’ll leave with a CEO board engagement toolkit, a 90-day action plan, and the confidence to lead your board with greater boldness and purpose.
This event is first-come, first-served, 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, Organizational Growth Strategist
Cathy Russell is a nationally respected nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations grow with purpose through strong board governance and mission-aligned strategy.
She began her career in 1999 at the Boys & Girls Club in Decatur, Indiana, where she helped triple the organization’s size and deepen its community impact. Her leadership there sparked recognition across the national movement.
In 2008, Cathy joined Boys & Girls Clubs of America as an organizational development consultant, working alongside 34 local clubs across Indiana. She guided executive leaders and boards through capacity-building efforts, helping align strategy with mission and strengthen governance.
Since 2013, Cathy has served as CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of North Central Illinois (formerly BGC Elgin). Under her leadership, the organization has expanded from five to 51 Club sites in seven communities. It now serves more young people daily than any other club in Illinois, with nearly 300 staff members and an annual budget that has grown from $1.2 million to more than $10 million. In 2024, she launched Moonshot 100, a strategic initiative to reach 10,000 youth at 100 sites in 1,000 days.
Known for her grounded, action-oriented approach, Cathy works closely with nonprofit boards to clarify roles, deepen engagement, and strengthen alignment with mission. She leads retreats, facilitates culture-building conversations, and supports boards in becoming stronger partners to executive leadership.
Cathy brings a style of facilitation that is practical, energizing, and rooted in real-world experience—helping boards and leaders move from intention to action.
What you can expect to learn…
Join us for an immersive 1.5-day retreat designed specifically for nonprofit CEOs who want to transform how their boards lead, support, and grow their organizations. Whether you’re a first-year executive or a seasoned leader, running a grassroots initiative or a multimillion-dollar agency, this retreat will give you the tools, strategies, and real-world insights to build a board that governs with clarity, gives with purpose, and champions your mission. Through dynamic sessions, peer collaboration, and storytelling from leaders who’ve been in your shoes, you’ll walk away with a refreshed understanding of your board’s role in fundraising, strategy, stewardship, and scaling your impact.
Facilitated by Cathy Russell, a veteran CEO who has led board transformation at both the local and regional level, the retreat is practical, high-energy, and grounded in what works across organizations of every size. Participants will leave with a CEO board engagement toolkit, a 90-day action plan, and a renewed sense of confidence in how to lead their boards boldly and strategically. If you’re ready to stop managing your board and start leveraging it, this retreat is for you.
