2026 New Executive Director Series

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1121 Forest Avenue

Dover, DE 19904 United States

Modern Maturity Center

Thursday, January 29, 2026 (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM) (EST)

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Pricing

$550 for DANA members

$1000 for future DANA members

Event Details

A six-session leadership experience designed for emerging nonprofit Executive Directors. Participants gain practical tools, peer support, and strategic insight to lead with confidence, strengthen board partnerships, and build organizational capacity—while connecting with a trusted community of leaders across Delaware’s nonprofit sector. Through a six-session blend of in-person and virtual experiences, participants will explore the personal, organizational, and systemic dimensions of nonprofit leadership while forming a trusted peer network to sustain their journey. Participants will learn how to:

Understand the unique responsibilities and mindset of a nonprofit Executive Director.

Build a successful partnership with their Board of Directors.

Strengthen organizational capacity across governance, finance, people, and strategy.

Motivate and manage teams while cultivating healthy culture.

Become aware of strategies to manage risk.

Identify networks, partners, and resources to advance their mission.

Develop a community of support with fellow leaders in Delaware’s nonprofit sector and understand the unique aspects of Delaware’s social impact culture.

Presented by Sheila Bravo

About the presenter:

Sheila joined DANA as President and CEO in 2015. She regularly provides training and consulting services to DANA members on strategic planning, governance, and financial management. Sheila formerly served as Executive Director of the Rehoboth Art League in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Her professional experience spans nonprofit, for-profit, and academia. She has worked in in brand leadership positions launching new products, expanding businesses internationally, and developing strategic growth plans for brands such as Vlasic Pickles, Godiva Chocolatier, Corelle Dinnerware, Corningware Ovenware and Pyrex bakeware. She transitioned to provide strategic planning, new product and leadership consulting services to mid-size companies and nonprofit organizations in a variety of industries. Her work led her to pursue a doctorate in leadership, specializing in non-profit governance. Bravo has a PhD in Organizational Leadership from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, an MBA in International Business from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a BS in Business and Languages from Millersville University. Sheila lives in Lewes.

Additional Information

Event Contact:

Terry Vodery

Contact Organization:

Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA)

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Email:

tvodery@delawarenonprofit.org

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