Speakers
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Andy Keller, PhD
President & CEO, Meadows Institute
Andy Keller, PhD, is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Meadows
Institute, an independent, nonpartisan policy and program research
organization that helps local, state, and national leaders develop and
accelerate solutions to address our nation’s mental health crisis.
Andy is a licensed clinical and community psychologist with more than 25
years of experience bringing health policy, financing, and best practices
together to help people recover from mental illness and addiction. His work
centers on helping health systems deliver the effective care that people,
families, and communities need, and ensuring that local, federal and state
policy-makers implement the regulatory and financial frameworks to help
care providers innovate and thrive.
Prior to developing and leading the Meadows Institute, Andy spent over 15
years as managing partner for a national behavioral health management
consulting firm focused on health financing, strategic partnerships, and
system redesign. Before that, he worked in Colorado with a leading
Medicaid HMO and the local community mental health system, where he
led a range of community-based and care management programs.
9:00 am - 9:30 am
Morning Keynote: Leadership as a Mental Health Intervention
Session Speaker: Stacy Armijo
Chief Experience Officer, Amplify Credit Union
Stacy Armijo is Chief Experience Officer for Amplify Credit Union, which stewards $3B+ in assets under management. She is responsible for demand, deposits, payments and people, including the credit union’s social impact and community volunteerism. Stacy is also a nonprofit leader, having served as a volunteer and board member for almost a dozen organizations and as Board Chair for the American Red Cross serving Central Texas and the American Marketing Association. She’s seen corporate partnerships from both sides – as a nonprofit leader and a corporate funder – and aims to share knowledge from both seats with attendees.
9:45 am - 11:15 am
Session Title: Nonprofits + Corporations: Aligning missions, maximizing impact
Tips for finding and cultivating corporate partners to grow your organization’s mission
Extended Description: Nonprofits need corporate support and corporations want to invest in their communities… so why does it seem so hard to make that connection? We’ll unpack that question together, going beyond fundraising suggestions to explore the many ways corporations want to support nonprofits today. Attendees will leave with practical tips for capturing those opportunities and advice for when to know a corporation isn’t the right partner for your nonprofit.
Attendees: Nonprofit leaders who aspire to attract more corporate partners for monetary support, volunteer fulfillment, board leadership, public policy assistance and more.
Session Speaker: JMAT Bernal
Vice President, ECPR Texas
John Mathew “JMAT” Bernal is the vice president of digital innovation and creative services at ECPR Texas. Bernal has more than a decade of experience boosting brand narratives through enhanced digital storytelling. His expertise spans digital strategy, social media management and media buying.
Prior to joining ECPR Texas, Bernal worked at The Texas Tribune, where he successfully built digital partnerships with national, state and local organizations. Over his career, he has worked with clients that include Anheuser-Busch, Austin Board of REALTORS®, Bank of America, Chicago Public Health Department, Kerbey Lane All Day Cafe, Opportunity Austin, Shield Ranch, SXSW, Texas Library Association, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and more.
Born and raised in Austin, Bernal earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology with a double minor in mass communication and music at Texas State University. He currently runs an arts nonprofit, Chula League, and annually coordinates a free backpack drive for Central Texas students with his grandmother and family. He recently joined the board of directors for Creative Action, the arts engine of Austin. He is an avid donor to organizations that align with the arts and education.
He graduated from Leadership Austin‘s Essential Class 45 and the Anti-Defamation League‘s Glass Leadership Institute.
9:45 am - 11:15 am
Joint Session led by JMat Bernal and Nico Ramsey
Session Title: Marketing: How to Publicize Your Organization Without a Big Budget
Extended Description: Learn practical, low-cost ways to raise awareness for your organization and the work you do. This session will cover simple public relations and digital marketing strategies that help small and midsized nonprofits reach more people, tell their story effectively, and build stronger community support, even with limited time and resources.
Attendees: Nonprofit leaders who work in public relations and digital marketing, whether you're a "team of one" or have support from other staff, volunteers, or board members.
Session Speaker: Levente McCrary
Chief Operating Officer, ECPR Texas
Levente McCrary joined ECPR Texas in December of 2009 and has more than 15 years of public relations experience. During her time at ECPR Texas, McCrary has managed numerous high-profile clients including Concordia University Texas, Google/Google Fiber, Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare, Shalom Austin, Texas Mutual Insurance Company and Twin Liquors, among others. In this client work, she has led strategic media relations campaigns, crisis response, and client and event management.
In addition to executing ongoing communications campaigns, McCrary has coordinated large client events, such as Google Fiber’s Austin announcement and Google’s self-driving car project, various press conferences at Austin City Hall and the Texas State Capitol, and client events across Texas. She has proven success in navigating public relations efforts for clients during times of times of crisis, including the 2019 mass shooting in El Paso and a healthcare system’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working with national and local media outlets and reporters.
Prior to joining ECPR Texas, McCrary coordinated PR for Southern Methodist University (SMU), where she handled media efforts for the University’s key lecture series and development events, as well as media relations for all colleges across campus. As an integral part of SMU’s News & Communications team, McCrary also helped coordinate Fox News Channel’s live broadcasts of “Hannity & Colmes” and “Live Desk with Martha MacCallum,” as well as ABC’s “Good Morning America” broadcast from campus.
McCrary got her start in PR at The Richards Group in Dallas and Saunders-Ream in Fort Worth, working with national consumer clients.
A native Tennessean, McCrary earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and journalism from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science degree in public relations and advertising from Texas Christian University. She was named one of the 2026 Top Women in PR by PR News. She’s also previous Austin Under 40 Award finalist, a member and supporter of the Human Rights Campaign and the Mayor’s Corporate Engagement Council, as well as the League of Women Voters – Austin, Early Matters Greater Austin and Moms Demand Action.
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Joint session led by Levente McCrary and Lia Truitt
Session Title: Crisis Communications for Nonprofits
Preparing for Emergencies, Controversy & Unexpected Scrutiny: What every nonprofit leader needs to know
Extended Description: Nonprofit leaders are often expected to communicate quickly and confidently during emergencies, public criticism and other high-pressure moments. This practical session will help participants prepare before a crisis occurs and make sound communications decisions when information is incomplete, emotions are high and public trust may be at risk.
Attendees: This session is designed for nonprofit executives, communications staff, program directors and others who may help lead an organization’s crisis response. We’ll cover how to prepare for a crisis, manage it in the moment and evaluate the response afterward to rebuild trust and improve future readiness. Participants will leave with practical guidance for developing a crisis communications plan that protects their organization’s mission, credibility and relationships.
Session Speaker: Pamela Benson Owens
MAHS, MBA, CEO - Edge of Your Seat Consulting
Pamela Benson Owens is the President and CEO of Edge of Your Seat Consulting, Inc.,
recently completed her role as the Interim CEO of TXAEYC the Texas Association for the
Education of Young Children, and retired from the CEO of Six Square in September of 2024.
Her roster of clients includes; Tito’s Vodka, Kendra Scott, ISSA, Coke Cola, Russell, AMP,
Micron, Johnson Controls, Wells Fargo, Austin Board of Realtors, Integral Care, Austin Film
Society, The State Bar of Texas, Bastrop County Cares, Conspirare, Ronald McDonald House,
United Way for Greater Austin, and Huston Tillotson Unversity (where she just completed her
MBA in May), to name a few.
For over 25+ years, Pam has owned her consulting firm and wholeheartedly embraces the
ongoing honor of working alongside an all woman team who is dedicated to assisting for-profit,
nonprofit, and faith-based entities. The core focus of Edge of Your Seat Consulting is to provide
methodologies grounded in organizational culture that help manage complex and challenging
issues with courage and strategic passion. She is an advocate and ambassador for healthy
organizational cultures, thriving nonprofit ecosystems, the arts community and equity.
Pam often leverages humor, music, and radically honest storytelling to create memorable and
applicable strategies for sustainable and substantive change.
She serves the community in a variety of capacities with the intentional motive of building a
stronger and more equitable community. She is currently the Board Chair of the Black Leaders
Collective, serves on the board of ECHO, and is the National Leadership Council Chair for
Dignity Grows. Pam is often a guest lecturer at institutions of higher learning, and thrives on the
ways her consultancy work paves the way to assist organizations to be stronger by navigating
the nuances of organizational culture. She is passionate about arts and culture, believes that
music is the greatest equalizer, and often advocates for creatives and artists.
She is a proud Texas A&M Aggie where she earned a degree in Journalism and a certification
in Diversity Education and completed her graduate work at St. Edward's University with a
master’s in Human Services with a concentration in Conflict Resolution/Mediation. Pam has also
completed coursework at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, holds a certification in DEI
from Cornell, is Hogan and Daring Leadership certified, is Insight Coach Certifed, Neuroscience
Coach Certified, is a self-professed book nerd and lifelong learner, has a new book called In
Between The Lines: What You Thought I Wouldn’t Say, leads an online community of women
leaders called Leadership Lounge, has an online coffee business called 4TheCultureCoffee,
that directs a percentage of the proceeds back to BIPOC nonprofit organizations in the Central
Texas region.
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Session Title: What Donors Are Thinking Now: Fundraising in a Changing World
Every few years, nonprofit leaders begin asking the same questions:
Are donors giving less? Are they overwhelmed? Is now the wrong time to ask?
Extended Description: In this engaging and candid session, nationally recognized strategist Pamela Benson Owens explores what today's donors are actually thinking, how giving patterns evolve during periods of uncertainty and change, and why some organizations continue to grow while others struggle to gain traction.Together, we'll challenge common fundraising myths, separate perception from reality, and examine whether the biggest obstacle is the external environment- or the stories we tell ourselves about it. You'll discover practical strategies to strengthen your case for support, build donor confidence, and inspire generosity with greater clarity, courage, and optimism.
Attendees: Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser, executive director, board member, or volunteer, you'll leave with fresh perspective, renewed confidence, and actionable ideas to help your organization thrive- not just survive- in today's giving environment.
Participants will explore:
What today's donors are looking for- and what motivates them to give.
How philanthropy shifts during periods of uncertainty, change, and increased community need.
The difference between real fundraising barriers and perceived ones.
Why organizational mindset influences fundraising outcomes.
Practical strategies to inspire generosity, strengthen donor relationships, and raise more confidently in today's environment.
Session Speaker: Ryan Parks
CPA, Partner - CRI Advisors, LLC
Ryan Parks, CPA, is a seasoned financial leader with extensive expertise in nonprofit accounting, strategic financial management, and high-growth business operations.
Ryan joined Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI) in the Fall of 2025, bringing decades of specialized public accounting and executive financial experience. Prior to CRI, Ryan was a key leader at DK Partners starting in 2019, where he significantly expanded the accounting services team and served as a trusted Virtual CFO for major community organizations, including the United Way for Greater Austin, YMCA of Austin and various other prominent nonprofits.
With a career deeply rooted in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, Ryan previously served as CFO from 2016 to 2019 for HumanN, a direct-response growth company named to the Austin A-list of hottest startups and the Inc. 5000 list. From 2013 to 2016, he ran his own CPA firm supporting notable clients such as the Thinkery and the Zilker Botanical Gardens.
He began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers, auditing clients across the not-for-profit, healthcare, software, and financial services industries.
Deeply committed to the Central Texas community, Ryan has served on the Board of Directors for the Thinkery and Interfaith Action of Central Texas and currently serves on the board of Bookspring.
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southwestern University (2001) and has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas since 2002.
9:45 am - 11:15 am
Building a Solo Finance Engine and Transforming Your Form 990
Leave this session equipped with simple operational tools to protect your organization and turn tax compliance into a strategic donor magnet.
Attendees: Designed for paid staff and volunteer board members alike, this practical, 90-minute interactive workshop gives small-budget leaders a blueprint for financial clarity and storytelling.
Session Speaker: Nico Ramsey
Vice President, ECPR Texas
Nico Ramsey is a Vice President of Account Management at ECPR Texas and an active philanthropist in Austin.
At ECPR Texas, Ramsey supports a diverse portfolio of clients, including the Texas Restaurant Association, Google, Visit Austin, the City of Austin, Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2 and the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
Outside of his professional work, Ramsey is actively involved in organizations dedicated to strengthening Central Texas. He serves as a trustee of Zach Theater and the Austin History Center Association, and holds advisory roles with the City of Austin's Corporate Engagement Council, United Way for Greater Austin and Leadership Austin.
Ramsey is an alumnus of the McBee Fellowship through the Austin Area Research Organization and Leadership Austin. He has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and Austin Under 40, and has been honored by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Notley Ventures and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Austin Chapter for his leadership and community impact.
9:45 am - 11:15 am
Joint Session led by JMat Bernal and Nico Ramsey
Session Title: Marketing: How to Publicize Your Organization Without a Big Budget
Extended Description: Learn practical, low-cost ways to raise awareness for your organization and the work you do. This session will cover simple public relations and digital marketing strategies that help small and midsized nonprofits reach more people, tell their story effectively, and build stronger community support, even with limited time and resources.
Attendees: Nonprofit leaders who work in public relations and digital marketing, whether you're a "team of one" or have support from other staff, volunteers, or board members.
Session Speaker: Jill Stone
SHRM‑CP, PMQ, Manager - Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Jill Stone is a CAAS HR Manager with Carr, Riggs and Ingram (CRI). Jill has 10+ years of experience in human resource management for small to medium sized for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations. Jill specializes in performance management, multi-state compliance, payroll, leadership & organizational development, change management, team trainings and employee relations. She enjoys partnering with her clients to help them implement effective HR systems, as well as establishing HR policies and procedures that are tailored to their individual needs.
Jill has a passion for sharing her knowledge of the human resource practice with her clients. She has her degree in Business Management and Hospitality & Tourism Management from the College of Charleston. She holds professional certifications with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and a Qualified People Manager (PMQ). When she is not practicing HR, you can find her training for her next race, traveling with her husband or enjoying Austin’s beautiful trails with her dog, Griff.
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Session Title: Leadership–Strategies for leaders and staff doing emotionally demanding work
Extended Description: Nonprofit leadership means more than strategy, fundraising, and operations. It means leading people through emotionally demanding work that takes a toll that traditional leadership training rarely addresses. This session offers nonprofit CEOs and senior leaders a practical, research-informed roadmap for incorporating resilience and sustainable performance into daily operations. Drawing on years of HR leadership experience, Jill Stone, SHRM-CP, PMQ, will share strategies for recognizing depleted capacity early, having honest conversations about workload, and shifting from reactive crisis management to a culture that sustains people long-term.
Attendees: This session is designed for nonprofit CEOs and senior leaders who want to protect their organization's most valuable asset - its people - starting with themselves.
Session Speaker: Lia Truitt
Senior Vice President, ECPR Texas
Lia Truitt joined ECPR Texas in 2012 and has more than a decade of strategic communications expertise. Truitt’s prior experience as a reporter for KTBC-TV in Austin paved the way for her transition to the public relations field.
In her time at ECPR Texas, she has led teams for a broad spectrum of clients, such as Austin FC, Austin Transit Partnership, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, Visit Austin, Downtown Austin Alliance, Google, Workforce Solutions Capital Area, and the Texas Restaurant Association, among many others.
This client work has allowed Truitt to create and execute strategic communications plans, media campaigns, material development (including legislative), video development and production, and coordinating and promoting client events.
Originally from Houston, Texas, Truitt is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Journalism degree with a concentration in broadcast journalism.
Truitt was honored to be named an Austin Under 40 finalist and was the recipient of the inaugural Austin Under 40 Trailblazer Award. She serves on The Trail Conservancy Board of Directors. Truitt is also an active member of the Junior League of Austin, serving as chairs for various committees. She is also a supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and was a Woman of the Year candidate.
9:45 am - 11:15 am
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Morning Session: TBA
Extended Description: Every nonprofit has powerful stories to tell, but the most effective storytelling begins with a clear purpose, a defined audience and an understanding of the action you want people to take. Whether your goal is to inform, ignite or inspire giving, compelling stories help people understand who you are, why your mission matters and the difference your organization is making. This session will explore how to identify the stories worth telling and use them to build awareness, motivate support and strengthen relationships with donors, volunteers and the broader community.
Attendees: The session will also include practical guidance on nonprofit videography, from creating effective smartphone videos to understanding when a professional production makes sense. Participants will learn how to maximize limited budgets, create content that can be used across multiple platforms and leave with a framework for telling stories that connect emotionally, communicate impact and inspire action.
Joint session led by Levente McCrary and Lia Truitt
Session Title: Crisis Communications for Nonprofits
Preparing for Emergencies, Controversy & Unexpected Scrutiny: What every nonprofit leader needs to know
Extended Description: Nonprofit leaders are often expected to communicate quickly and confidently during emergencies, public criticism and other high-pressure moments. This practical session will help participants prepare before a crisis occurs and make sound communications decisions when information is incomplete, emotions are high and public trust may be at risk.
Attendees: This session is designed for nonprofit executives, communications staff, program directors and others who may help lead an organization’s crisis response. We’ll cover how to prepare for a crisis, manage it in the moment and evaluate the response afterward to rebuild trust and improve future readiness. Participants will leave with practical guidance for developing a crisis communications plan that protects their organization’s mission, credibility and relationships.