By Katy Snyder, JVA Consulting

Expert input: Every JVA Executive Director Academy includes what we like to call the “Genius Bar,” a panel of nonprofit movers and shakers who share their expertise on what it is like to lead some of the area’s most dynamic nonprofits. Past Genius Bar panelists have included Grant Jones from the Center for African American Health, Alyssa Kopf from Community Shares of Colorado, Jim Garcia from Clínica Tepeyac, and Nita Gonzales from Escuela Tlatelolco.

Seasoned trainers: Genius Bar participants aren’t the only experts, however. EDA participants also benefit from the experience of JVA’s trainers—all nonprofit professionals with years of experience in the field. This session’s trainers include Lisa Cirincione, who was on the statewide committee that revised the Colorado Common Grant Application in 2008, and JVA President Janine Vanderburg, who has trained thousands of people across the country in creating sustainable nonprofit organizations, writing proposals, researching funders, developing business plans, creating new social enterprises, and other aspects of social change work.

A peer-learning network: Sure, expertise is great, but what about the chance to become a part of a network of new and learning executive directors? Or the chance to develop friendships and working relationships with peers who are at the same place in their careers? EDA is a great place to meet fellow EDs who are new to the sector, refreshing their knowledge, or are nonprofit sector veterans who have recently become EDs. Many of our past ED participants have formed bonds with their fellow EDA participants that have spanned years. And JVA has made it easier than ever to maintain these connections with its new series of Executive Director Breakfast Clubs. Exclusively for EDs, ED Breakfast Clubs meet at JVA monthly for expert discussion and plenty of time to network with peers over coffee and breakfast.
JVA’s next EDA will be held Monday, February 13, through Friday, February 17, 2012. To hear first-hand from previous EDA participants and for more info, click here. To hear what one of our trainers has to say about the EDA grantwriting session click here. To sign up, click here.