Executive Leaders (CEOs, Presidents, and Executive Directors) are key levers of change in their philanthropic organizations and are well-positioned to foster change in their communities and the sector. The Council knows that executive leaders are key actors in advancing the field to be more diverse, ethical, equitable and effective. Our community of executive leaders will support you to grow personally and professionally.

What we're doing

Advisory Committees and Working Groups (in-person and virtual)

We regularly tap member CEOs and leaders to advise our work, including through our:

Dedicated Programming Track at Council conferences

Building Together 2024 features a dedicated track of CEO-only programming, including peer to peer sessions and CEO-based practice teams. The 2025 Leading Locally Conference for place-based funders will feature a track of concurrent sessions specifically for executive leaders, as well as opportunities to network and build relationships informally. 

Field Research

Get Involved

Are you an executive leader new to your role, looking to make peer connections, and/or interested in helping us shape our offerings for executive leaders? Complete our interest form so we can keep you informed about the Council's programming for executive leaders!

Some offerings are tailored to executives new to their role, or to experienced executives. Let us know when you started, so we can reach out about specific opportunities.
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Executive Leader Retreats

Biannual retreats will hold time and space for executive leaders to connect and dig deep on role-specific challenges and issues facing the sector. Each retreat session will focus on a specific audience, such as new leaders, veteran executives, or foundation-type, and agendas will be tailored to the needs of participants.

Interested in a future retreat? Complete the interest form below.

Online Peer Communities

Our online Philanthropy Exchange communities for private foundation executives and community foundation executives provide a space to pose questions and get support from peers.

Virtual Roundtables

Conducted in partnership with CEONet, these quarterly calls focus on member-generated topics like civic healing, values-aligned philanthropy and donor-advised funds.

Collaborative roundtables provide a space for private foundation executives to share experiences and solve problems, delving into topics such as the CEO-board relationship and growing trust in organizational cultures.

Quarterly closed-door discussions provide leaders a chance to talk frankly about challenges unique to corporate philanthropy.

These quarterly calls gather executive leaders who are new to their roles, their organization, and/or the philanthropic sector to discuss transition hurdles and build collective knowledge.

Questions?

Connect with Council Staff
Marlee Clayton
Marlee Clayton

Marlee Clayton

Senior Manager, Executive Office

marlee.clayton@cof.org

Related Resources

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