NONProfit University CONTRIBUTING Faculty
We are grateful to the talented and engaging faculty who make Nonprofit University programming possible.
If you have expertise to share and are interested in becoming a contributing faculty to Nonprofit University,
please contact us at nonprofit@albany.edu.
If you have expertise to share and are interested in becoming a contributing faculty to Nonprofit University,
please contact us at nonprofit@albany.edu.
FOunding faculty
Michael Buckley, CFRE, Principal
The Killoe Group
A career fund raiser, Michael J. Buckley, CFRE, is a non-profit consultant and coach working with organizations to manage annual and capital campaigns, provide staff and leadership trainings and provide counsel to strategically advance the overall mission of the organizations he works with. Prior to his consulting career, Mike spent nearly twenty years in various leadership fundraising roles at non-profits in both animal welfare and higher education environments. Mike started his fundraising career as a student phon-a-thon caller at his alma mater and ultimately served as the Vice President for Philanthropy & External Affairs at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Albany, NY. A passionate supporter of the profession of fundraising, Mike is the Past President of his local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and holds the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) distinction. Mike has presented multiple presentations to national audiences, including the AFP Donor Retention Workshop.
The Killoe Group
A career fund raiser, Michael J. Buckley, CFRE, is a non-profit consultant and coach working with organizations to manage annual and capital campaigns, provide staff and leadership trainings and provide counsel to strategically advance the overall mission of the organizations he works with. Prior to his consulting career, Mike spent nearly twenty years in various leadership fundraising roles at non-profits in both animal welfare and higher education environments. Mike started his fundraising career as a student phon-a-thon caller at his alma mater and ultimately served as the Vice President for Philanthropy & External Affairs at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Albany, NY. A passionate supporter of the profession of fundraising, Mike is the Past President of his local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and holds the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) distinction. Mike has presented multiple presentations to national audiences, including the AFP Donor Retention Workshop.
Winsome Foderingham, Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations
University at Albany
Winsome Foderingham is a strategist and resource connector who enjoys bringing people and ideas together to improve organizational efficiency. She is a higher education administrator for UAlbany’s Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations in the Division of Advancement where she builds external partnerships with corporations and foundations for grants for UAlbany. Winsome applies a cross-sector and international perspective from a career in industry research (Jamaica), nonprofit management, higher education administration, corporate philanthropy and executive education management for public-private partners. She worked with hundreds of local and regional nonprofits as Community Relations Manager for Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation. Winsome holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Master of Public Administration from UAlbany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.
University at Albany
Winsome Foderingham is a strategist and resource connector who enjoys bringing people and ideas together to improve organizational efficiency. She is a higher education administrator for UAlbany’s Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations in the Division of Advancement where she builds external partnerships with corporations and foundations for grants for UAlbany. Winsome applies a cross-sector and international perspective from a career in industry research (Jamaica), nonprofit management, higher education administration, corporate philanthropy and executive education management for public-private partners. She worked with hundreds of local and regional nonprofits as Community Relations Manager for Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation. Winsome holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Master of Public Administration from UAlbany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.
Dylan Hall, CEO
Common Good Design
Dylan is a mission-driven leader with over 10 years of social sector innovation. He has a proven ability to start and grow organizations, lead diverse teams, build partnerships, lead community engagement initiatives and create change. He has experience in the social sector, public health, and social entrepreneurship. He believes in the power of business as a force for good and leveraging the capabilities of individuals to work towards collective impact. Dylan is a systems thinker, innovator, design practitioner, and loves creating change with others.
Common Good Design
Dylan is a mission-driven leader with over 10 years of social sector innovation. He has a proven ability to start and grow organizations, lead diverse teams, build partnerships, lead community engagement initiatives and create change. He has experience in the social sector, public health, and social entrepreneurship. He believes in the power of business as a force for good and leveraging the capabilities of individuals to work towards collective impact. Dylan is a systems thinker, innovator, design practitioner, and loves creating change with others.
Libby Post, President and Strategist-in-Chief
Communication Services
For more than 35 years, Libby Post has been providing strategic communications, branding and marketing consulting and services to the nonprofit community. She is a political consultant who uses her skills to benefit her nonprofit clients. In that capacity, she serves as the Executive Director of the NYS Animal Protection Federation, the advocacy voice of New York's animal shelters. She is a local political commentator and is a regular on WAMC's The Roundtable.
Communication Services
For more than 35 years, Libby Post has been providing strategic communications, branding and marketing consulting and services to the nonprofit community. She is a political consultant who uses her skills to benefit her nonprofit clients. In that capacity, she serves as the Executive Director of the NYS Animal Protection Federation, the advocacy voice of New York's animal shelters. She is a local political commentator and is a regular on WAMC's The Roundtable.
Nancy Meyers Preston, President and Consultant
Nancy Meyers Preston, Ltd.
Nancy Preston is an independent strategic planning and fundraising consultant. She started her solutions-oriented consulting practice in February 2005 after working in the financial services industry for 12 years as a marketing and business development professional, and more recently in higher education fundraising management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for 10 years. Over the past 15 years she has engaged in more than 80 contractual arrangements with community-based nonprofits in the social services, education, faith-based, and recreation industries, among others.
Nancy Meyers Preston, Ltd.
Nancy Preston is an independent strategic planning and fundraising consultant. She started her solutions-oriented consulting practice in February 2005 after working in the financial services industry for 12 years as a marketing and business development professional, and more recently in higher education fundraising management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for 10 years. Over the past 15 years she has engaged in more than 80 contractual arrangements with community-based nonprofits in the social services, education, faith-based, and recreation industries, among others.
Tim Sarrantonio, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Neon One
Tim Sarrantonio is a team member at Neon One and has more than 10 years of experience working for and volunteering with nonprofits.Tim has raised over $3 million for various causes, engaged and enhanced databases of all sizes, procured multiple successful grants, and formulated engaging communications and fundraising campaigns for several nonprofits. He has presented at international conferences and is a TEDx speaker on technology and philanthropy. He volunteers heavily in his home town of Niskayuna, NY.
Neon One
Tim Sarrantonio is a team member at Neon One and has more than 10 years of experience working for and volunteering with nonprofits.Tim has raised over $3 million for various causes, engaged and enhanced databases of all sizes, procured multiple successful grants, and formulated engaging communications and fundraising campaigns for several nonprofits. He has presented at international conferences and is a TEDx speaker on technology and philanthropy. He volunteers heavily in his home town of Niskayuna, NY.
Elizabeth Searing, Assistant Professor
University of Texas at Dallas
Dr. Elizabeth Searing is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas and a former Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Policy at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany (SUNY). She is also the former Director of INLCD. Dr. Searing’s primary research focus is the financial management of nonprofit and social enterprise organizations, but she also conducts work on comparative social economy, the role of social and psychological factors in economic development and policy effectiveness, and applied ethics for the social sciences. Her articles have been published in several peer-reviewed journals, and Prof. Searing is also an editor of two books: Practicing Professional Ethics in Economics and Public Policy (with D. Searing) and The Social Enterprise Zoo: A Guide to Perplexed Entrepreneurs, Philanthropists, Investors and Policymakers (with D. Young and C. Brewer).
University of Texas at Dallas
Dr. Elizabeth Searing is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas and a former Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Policy at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany (SUNY). She is also the former Director of INLCD. Dr. Searing’s primary research focus is the financial management of nonprofit and social enterprise organizations, but she also conducts work on comparative social economy, the role of social and psychological factors in economic development and policy effectiveness, and applied ethics for the social sciences. Her articles have been published in several peer-reviewed journals, and Prof. Searing is also an editor of two books: Practicing Professional Ethics in Economics and Public Policy (with D. Searing) and The Social Enterprise Zoo: A Guide to Perplexed Entrepreneurs, Philanthropists, Investors and Policymakers (with D. Young and C. Brewer).
Pam Skripak, Executive Director
Institute of Nonprofit Leadership and Community Development
Pam has spent her career in the field of education, human and organizational capacity-building, and program design and development. She developed NEXT Consulting, a campus-based consulting firm for nonprofits at Siena College; designed a workforce development program and global internship in Amman, Jordan; and designed an innovative social and emotional development program at Emma Willard School. As a director of education at Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, Pam developed and facilitated programming for youth, parents, and professionals throughout the region. Pam is a trained facilitator of circle practice. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English and Women’s Studies from Hamilton College and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University. Pam served as a youth educator in Peace Corps Ecuador.
Institute of Nonprofit Leadership and Community Development
Pam has spent her career in the field of education, human and organizational capacity-building, and program design and development. She developed NEXT Consulting, a campus-based consulting firm for nonprofits at Siena College; designed a workforce development program and global internship in Amman, Jordan; and designed an innovative social and emotional development program at Emma Willard School. As a director of education at Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, Pam developed and facilitated programming for youth, parents, and professionals throughout the region. Pam is a trained facilitator of circle practice. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English and Women’s Studies from Hamilton College and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University. Pam served as a youth educator in Peace Corps Ecuador.
contributing faculty
Theresa Agresta, Co-Founder and Partner
CultureTalk
Theresa Agresta is a founding partner at CultureTalk, a system that turns organizational culture into a strategic business tool that can be measured and managed for significant impact. CultureTalk includes surveys to assess organizational culture and individual personality using a simple, story-based framework that creates genuine communication. Results improve change initiatives, enhance mergers, inform brand efforts, assist with recruiting and retention and help develop leaders and teams. In 2001 Theresa co-founded Allegory Studios, a brand development agency that helps clients uncover authenticity that became the proving ground for CultureTalk. Theresa currently serves as immediate past chair for the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. She is a sought-after speaker and expert facilitator. In the language of Archetypes, she is a Lover, Magician and Ruler.
CultureTalk
Theresa Agresta is a founding partner at CultureTalk, a system that turns organizational culture into a strategic business tool that can be measured and managed for significant impact. CultureTalk includes surveys to assess organizational culture and individual personality using a simple, story-based framework that creates genuine communication. Results improve change initiatives, enhance mergers, inform brand efforts, assist with recruiting and retention and help develop leaders and teams. In 2001 Theresa co-founded Allegory Studios, a brand development agency that helps clients uncover authenticity that became the proving ground for CultureTalk. Theresa currently serves as immediate past chair for the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. She is a sought-after speaker and expert facilitator. In the language of Archetypes, she is a Lover, Magician and Ruler.
Laurie Ballard, President / Founder
LMB Development Consulting, LLC
Laurie Ballard is the Founder and President of LMB Development Consulting, LLC, a consulting company that supports nonprofit organizations and businesses in identifying, developing and implementing short- and long-term strategies that promote growth and build long-term sustainability. Throughout her career, Laurie has designed an effective and successful development approach that has resulted in the securing of numerous national, state, and federal grants, major gifts, and community partnerships. Laurie’s work includes leadership and management training and coaching, board training and development, strategic planning, fundraising and communications, and organizational development. She has successfully built strong and cohesive teams and is viewed as a mentor by many in her profession.
LMB Development Consulting, LLC
Laurie Ballard is the Founder and President of LMB Development Consulting, LLC, a consulting company that supports nonprofit organizations and businesses in identifying, developing and implementing short- and long-term strategies that promote growth and build long-term sustainability. Throughout her career, Laurie has designed an effective and successful development approach that has resulted in the securing of numerous national, state, and federal grants, major gifts, and community partnerships. Laurie’s work includes leadership and management training and coaching, board training and development, strategic planning, fundraising and communications, and organizational development. She has successfully built strong and cohesive teams and is viewed as a mentor by many in her profession.
Lauren Collens, MPA, GPC, Adjunct Instructor
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy
Lauren Collens, MPA, GPC has over 12 years of experience in the nonprofit/public service field. She is Grant Professional Certified by the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (since 2016). Lauren is an active member of the Grant Professionals Association having served as past president of the Mohawk Hudson, NY Chapter and as a member of the national publications committee. Her love of reading, writing, and service for the greater good led Lauren to the grants field early on in her nonprofit career. She greatly values spending time helping others grow skills to enhance nonprofit operations and fundraising strategies.
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy
Lauren Collens, MPA, GPC has over 12 years of experience in the nonprofit/public service field. She is Grant Professional Certified by the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (since 2016). Lauren is an active member of the Grant Professionals Association having served as past president of the Mohawk Hudson, NY Chapter and as a member of the national publications committee. Her love of reading, writing, and service for the greater good led Lauren to the grants field early on in her nonprofit career. She greatly values spending time helping others grow skills to enhance nonprofit operations and fundraising strategies.
Lyndon Cudlitz, Founder & Principal Trainer
Lyndon Cudlitz: Consulting, Education & Training
With 20 years in LGBTQ services and social justice education, Lyndon Cudlitz provides customized training and technical assistance for nonprofits, businesses, schools, and healthcare providers. Lyndon has been serving on nonprofit boards since 18 and holds additional experience in hospital-based intimate partner violence services, reproductive rights organizing, Deaf/HoH services, and founding & directing youth leadership camps nationally.
Lyndon Cudlitz: Consulting, Education & Training
With 20 years in LGBTQ services and social justice education, Lyndon Cudlitz provides customized training and technical assistance for nonprofits, businesses, schools, and healthcare providers. Lyndon has been serving on nonprofit boards since 18 and holds additional experience in hospital-based intimate partner violence services, reproductive rights organizing, Deaf/HoH services, and founding & directing youth leadership camps nationally.
Angela Dixon, Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer at Berkshire Bank
Angela Dixon, MBA, SHRM-SCP, is the Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer at Berkshire Bank and President/Owner of Dixon Consulting II, a management consultant firm focused on talent management and diversity, equity and inclusion. She has more than 30 years of experience in the public and non-profit sectors. From 2008-2018, she led the Office of the New York State Comptroller’s Division of Human Resources and Administration as the Chief HR/Fiscal Officer, overseeing the statewide operations of the 2,600-employee agency. Angela is a Senior Certified HR Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP) and also a Senior Certified Professional through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). In 2019, she was named a Business Leads Fellow by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Angela earned her BA in Political Science and an MBA through the University at Albany in New York.
Angela Dixon, MBA, SHRM-SCP, is the Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer at Berkshire Bank and President/Owner of Dixon Consulting II, a management consultant firm focused on talent management and diversity, equity and inclusion. She has more than 30 years of experience in the public and non-profit sectors. From 2008-2018, she led the Office of the New York State Comptroller’s Division of Human Resources and Administration as the Chief HR/Fiscal Officer, overseeing the statewide operations of the 2,600-employee agency. Angela is a Senior Certified HR Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP) and also a Senior Certified Professional through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). In 2019, she was named a Business Leads Fellow by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Angela earned her BA in Political Science and an MBA through the University at Albany in New York.
Casey T. Jakubowski, PhD, Founder & President
CTJ Solutions
Casey T. Jakubowski, PhD, holds degrees in Social Studies education, history, teacher mentoring, educational leadership, and policy. Casey is an Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers LEAN and Six SIGMA certified. He holds MBTI practitioner certification, and teaches leadership and team dynamics to STEM and humanities professionals. He has experience working at the State policy levels, in rural, suburban and rural school districts. An expert in school improvement, team dynamics, conflict management, and data driven decision making, Casey has been recognized by multiple organizations for outstanding service, volunteerism, and change management and improvement. He has over 20 years experience in leadership, team dynamics, and communication.
CTJ Solutions
Casey T. Jakubowski, PhD, holds degrees in Social Studies education, history, teacher mentoring, educational leadership, and policy. Casey is an Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers LEAN and Six SIGMA certified. He holds MBTI practitioner certification, and teaches leadership and team dynamics to STEM and humanities professionals. He has experience working at the State policy levels, in rural, suburban and rural school districts. An expert in school improvement, team dynamics, conflict management, and data driven decision making, Casey has been recognized by multiple organizations for outstanding service, volunteerism, and change management and improvement. He has over 20 years experience in leadership, team dynamics, and communication.
Dale G. Klein, M.A., Founder
Profitable Speech, LLC
Trained as a certified Speech & Language Pathologist, Dale Klein has worked in clinical and administrative roles for nearly two decades. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct professor at two local colleges. Today, she’s a sought-after speaker, trainer & speech coach with an international reach. Dale is the founder and owner of Profitable Speech, LLC, established in 1994. As a Corporate Communication & Speech Specialist, she coaches individuals and addresses groups around the globe, conducting high-energy, information-packed workshops, webinars, and podcasts.
Dale has produced multiple business communication MP3s and written two books. Her newest book is titled: In 30 Seconds…Speak Like You Mean Business: You Are Your 30-Second Commercial! She focuses on furthering the success of her clients in: Public speaking, Presentations, Networking, Voice coaching, Interviewing, Meeting facilitation and Podcasting.
Learn what Dale can offer you and your colleagues by tuning in to her monthly podcasts, requesting her newsletter and reading her blog (What Would Dale Do?). You can find it all at: profitablespeech.com
Profitable Speech, LLC
Trained as a certified Speech & Language Pathologist, Dale Klein has worked in clinical and administrative roles for nearly two decades. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct professor at two local colleges. Today, she’s a sought-after speaker, trainer & speech coach with an international reach. Dale is the founder and owner of Profitable Speech, LLC, established in 1994. As a Corporate Communication & Speech Specialist, she coaches individuals and addresses groups around the globe, conducting high-energy, information-packed workshops, webinars, and podcasts.
Dale has produced multiple business communication MP3s and written two books. Her newest book is titled: In 30 Seconds…Speak Like You Mean Business: You Are Your 30-Second Commercial! She focuses on furthering the success of her clients in: Public speaking, Presentations, Networking, Voice coaching, Interviewing, Meeting facilitation and Podcasting.
Learn what Dale can offer you and your colleagues by tuning in to her monthly podcasts, requesting her newsletter and reading her blog (What Would Dale Do?). You can find it all at: profitablespeech.com
Marsha Lazarus, Career/Workplace Coach and Trainer
Your Career Fit Matters
Workforce Development Trainer and Career Coach Marsha Lazarus, MBA, is passionate about moving the workplace inclusion needle forward and recognizing the talents and contributions of all workforce members. Marsha has developed and delivered numerous workshops for supervisors and front line staff in local nursing homes, hospitals and a Head Start Program. These training sessions offer practical strategies on the challenges and “how-to’s” of recognizing the value that each employee brings to the workplace. Marsha founded and managed a non-profit community-based employment services agency for ten years with a mission to facilitate workplace success for entry-level employees with sporadic work histories and/or disabilities.
Your Career Fit Matters
Workforce Development Trainer and Career Coach Marsha Lazarus, MBA, is passionate about moving the workplace inclusion needle forward and recognizing the talents and contributions of all workforce members. Marsha has developed and delivered numerous workshops for supervisors and front line staff in local nursing homes, hospitals and a Head Start Program. These training sessions offer practical strategies on the challenges and “how-to’s” of recognizing the value that each employee brings to the workplace. Marsha founded and managed a non-profit community-based employment services agency for ten years with a mission to facilitate workplace success for entry-level employees with sporadic work histories and/or disabilities.
David Liebschutz, Principal
DSLeadership LLC
David S. Liebschutz is the principal of DSLeadership, LLC, a consulting and coaching firm specializing in leadership development and strategic planning. In addition, he is a long-term public service professor at the UAlbany’s Rockefeller College, where he currently teaches the senior capstone in public policy and an upper level course in administrative leadership. He is also an adjunct professor of management at Siena College, where he teaches a senior seminar in leadership. He has served in leadership roles on several local and national volunteer boards and committees, including the United Jewish Federation of NENY. He is a board-certified life and executive coach and has a BA in economics from Yale and a JD/MPP from Duke.
DSLeadership LLC
David S. Liebschutz is the principal of DSLeadership, LLC, a consulting and coaching firm specializing in leadership development and strategic planning. In addition, he is a long-term public service professor at the UAlbany’s Rockefeller College, where he currently teaches the senior capstone in public policy and an upper level course in administrative leadership. He is also an adjunct professor of management at Siena College, where he teaches a senior seminar in leadership. He has served in leadership roles on several local and national volunteer boards and committees, including the United Jewish Federation of NENY. He is a board-certified life and executive coach and has a BA in economics from Yale and a JD/MPP from Duke.
Scott Mathias, Consultant
Mathias Marketing
Scott Mathias is a seasoned marketing strategist with experience in every major business sector. He specializes in coaching, strategic planning and technical marketing support for large and small nonprofit organizations. Scott enjoys teaching his clients simple but effective strategies that result in strong returns-on-investment. He has often shared his insight by giving seminars and webinars to various economic development agencies across upstate New York including chambers of commerce, SCORE chapters, Small Business Development Centers and various businesswomen groups. Scott's philosophy focuses on a simple but effective website serving as the cornerstone of the marketing strategy, along with email and social media marketing serving as the drivers of qualified traffic. As the oldest sibling of 15, the oldest uncle of 25 cousins and the father of 2 pre-teens (Gen Z), Scott has his own built-in focus groups that span 4 generations and provide valuable insight into effective marketing strategies.
Mathias Marketing
Scott Mathias is a seasoned marketing strategist with experience in every major business sector. He specializes in coaching, strategic planning and technical marketing support for large and small nonprofit organizations. Scott enjoys teaching his clients simple but effective strategies that result in strong returns-on-investment. He has often shared his insight by giving seminars and webinars to various economic development agencies across upstate New York including chambers of commerce, SCORE chapters, Small Business Development Centers and various businesswomen groups. Scott's philosophy focuses on a simple but effective website serving as the cornerstone of the marketing strategy, along with email and social media marketing serving as the drivers of qualified traffic. As the oldest sibling of 15, the oldest uncle of 25 cousins and the father of 2 pre-teens (Gen Z), Scott has his own built-in focus groups that span 4 generations and provide valuable insight into effective marketing strategies.
damaris miller, Educator and Consultant
Rested Root
damaris miller (they / them) is an educator, organizer, storyteller, and farmer committed to Black, Queer & Trans liberation. They are a founding member of Rested Root, an entirely BlacQueer worker owned cooperative offering liberatory anti-oppression consulting and education. Prior to founding Rested Root, damaris spent 8 years working in the nonprofit sector on issues of racial, environmental, and food justice. They have been organizing in the Capital Region’s Movement for Black Lives since 2019 and in 2021 launched the Younger Two Productions, an animation production studio that tells stories about Black resistance and freedom. Their passion is to create spaces of rest, radical exploration, and connection for Black, Indigenous and other People of Color, Queer & Trans folks, and activists. Over the past 10 years, damaris has organized and/or hosted over 50 healing gatherings and retreats for BIPOC organizers and activists, centered in breath, Buddhist meditation, Ancestral Wisdom and Earth reverence. They have a B.A. in Anthropology and Environmental Studies from Princeton University.
Rested Root
damaris miller (they / them) is an educator, organizer, storyteller, and farmer committed to Black, Queer & Trans liberation. They are a founding member of Rested Root, an entirely BlacQueer worker owned cooperative offering liberatory anti-oppression consulting and education. Prior to founding Rested Root, damaris spent 8 years working in the nonprofit sector on issues of racial, environmental, and food justice. They have been organizing in the Capital Region’s Movement for Black Lives since 2019 and in 2021 launched the Younger Two Productions, an animation production studio that tells stories about Black resistance and freedom. Their passion is to create spaces of rest, radical exploration, and connection for Black, Indigenous and other People of Color, Queer & Trans folks, and activists. Over the past 10 years, damaris has organized and/or hosted over 50 healing gatherings and retreats for BIPOC organizers and activists, centered in breath, Buddhist meditation, Ancestral Wisdom and Earth reverence. They have a B.A. in Anthropology and Environmental Studies from Princeton University.
Joelle Monaco, Managing Member
Joelle Monaco Consulting
Joelle is passionate about educating others from a People First Principle, an organization's employees are their most valuable asset — each with their own experiences, assets, and purpose. Joelle’s expertise expands over ten years in organizational development; she possesses extensive experience in planning, directing, and training enhancements for both employee and organizational success. Throughout Joelle’s professional experiences, she utilizes a strength-based approach in employee and organizational management. These experiences provide Joelle the professional opportunities to build the skills and abilities required to lead teams and empower employees to achieve professional and organizational goals while fostering a people-first approach. Joelle received her MBA and BS in Psychology with a minor in Education from the University at Albany, New York.
Joelle Monaco Consulting
Joelle is passionate about educating others from a People First Principle, an organization's employees are their most valuable asset — each with their own experiences, assets, and purpose. Joelle’s expertise expands over ten years in organizational development; she possesses extensive experience in planning, directing, and training enhancements for both employee and organizational success. Throughout Joelle’s professional experiences, she utilizes a strength-based approach in employee and organizational management. These experiences provide Joelle the professional opportunities to build the skills and abilities required to lead teams and empower employees to achieve professional and organizational goals while fostering a people-first approach. Joelle received her MBA and BS in Psychology with a minor in Education from the University at Albany, New York.
Camille Nisich, Founder and CEO
Instant Equilibrium LLC
Camille Nisich is the owner of Instant Equilibrium, LLC , a business consultancy focused on cash flow strategy. After two decades managing cash flow across finance, communications and marketing departments at Dell Technologies, as well as consulting for small firms across the U.S., Camille now helps founders and executives spot and manage cash flow opportunities that will skyrocket and sustain their growth. Camille holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Virginia Tech and a Master of Business Administration from the Mason School of Business at the College of William and Mary. Camille is also a member of the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce.
Instant Equilibrium LLC
Camille Nisich is the owner of Instant Equilibrium, LLC , a business consultancy focused on cash flow strategy. After two decades managing cash flow across finance, communications and marketing departments at Dell Technologies, as well as consulting for small firms across the U.S., Camille now helps founders and executives spot and manage cash flow opportunities that will skyrocket and sustain their growth. Camille holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Virginia Tech and a Master of Business Administration from the Mason School of Business at the College of William and Mary. Camille is also a member of the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce.
Brian Rollo, Consultant
Brian Rollo Consulting
Brian has enjoyed a varied career that has given him perspective on all facets of the modern organization. In financial services, he learned to work in a professional, team-centric environment. As a repo man, he learned to navigate uncomfortable situations and effectively communicate in difficult circumstances. In his work in financial services retail leadership, he managed hundreds of employees and learned the principles of effective leadership. As Senior Training Manager of a $2.8B award-winning financial services company, Brian oversaw training for over 500 employees and created highly successful Coaching and Leadership programs for executives and high-potential employees. Today, Brian runs Brian Rollo Consulting Group. He is a certified Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) and a Professional Member of the New York City Chapter of the National Speakers Association.
Brian Rollo Consulting
Brian has enjoyed a varied career that has given him perspective on all facets of the modern organization. In financial services, he learned to work in a professional, team-centric environment. As a repo man, he learned to navigate uncomfortable situations and effectively communicate in difficult circumstances. In his work in financial services retail leadership, he managed hundreds of employees and learned the principles of effective leadership. As Senior Training Manager of a $2.8B award-winning financial services company, Brian oversaw training for over 500 employees and created highly successful Coaching and Leadership programs for executives and high-potential employees. Today, Brian runs Brian Rollo Consulting Group. He is a certified Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) and a Professional Member of the New York City Chapter of the National Speakers Association.
Paul Thurston, PhD, Associate Professor
Siena College
Professor Thurston has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a MS in Systems Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a PhD in Organizational Studies from the University at Albany. He started teaching full-time at Siena College as a member of the Management Department in 2006. Prior to coming to Siena, he was Project Director with the Group for Organizational Effectiveness. He is a career Air Force officer with a wealth of experience in systems engineering, project management, strategy, and organizational change. His research interests include organizational engagement and effectiveness, mentoring, leadership, organizational justice and organizational policies.
Siena College
Professor Thurston has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a MS in Systems Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a PhD in Organizational Studies from the University at Albany. He started teaching full-time at Siena College as a member of the Management Department in 2006. Prior to coming to Siena, he was Project Director with the Group for Organizational Effectiveness. He is a career Air Force officer with a wealth of experience in systems engineering, project management, strategy, and organizational change. His research interests include organizational engagement and effectiveness, mentoring, leadership, organizational justice and organizational policies.
