Investing in Our Leaders Today: The Launch of the CEO Cohort Peer Gatherings
Introducing the SVP CEO Cohort
Strong leadership is one of the most powerful drivers of lasting social impact. Yet NGO/nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors often carry some of the most complex responsibilities in our sector—fundraising, governance, program delivery, community stewardship—while also serving as the public face of their organizations. Their vision sustains communities, but too often they lack spaces designed just for them: spaces to connect with peers who understand both the challenges and the possibilities of the role.
Recognizing this, we are excited to launch the CEO Cohort Peer Gatherings. These sessions are built with intention: structured to respect leaders’ time while creating opportunities for meaningful exchange. They will include thought leadership and tactical insights, but just as importantly, they will provide room for candor, shared problem-solving, and trust. These gatherings are not simply another Zoom on the calendar; they are a commitment to the collective power of leaders learning and growing together.
Respect for Where We Are
Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege—and at times the heavy responsibility—of serving as a nonprofit Executive Director and CEO. Those experiences gave me a deep respect for the role and the clarity that leaders need more than strategies or technical tools; they need one another.
In my role at SVP International, I work alongside Executive Directors and CEOs across our global network who are partnering with hundreds of community-based organizations worldwide. Every day, I see that when leaders are supported, their organizations flourish. And when organizations flourish, the communities they serve are stronger and more resilient.
Grounded in Our Shared Values
The CEO cohort is deeply connected to the values of SVP and the principles that guide our affiliates. It reflects our belief that equity, trust, and collaboration are the foundations for meaningful change. It also underscores the levers of success we see across our network: partner engagement, systems leadership, and community power-building. By creating intentional opportunities for leaders to connect across geographies, we strengthen not only individual affiliates but also our shared global community.
A Global Community, Leading Together
I see these gatherings growing into a cornerstone of how we lead together: by listening deeply, sharing openly, and reminding one another that leadership is not a solitary journey.
To all of my colleagues stepping into this new space: thank you. Your presence, insight, and generosity will help build a future where leaders are sustained, affiliates thrive, and our shared commitment sparks the systems change our communities need most.
