Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership
For more information about how the Center for Leadership Development can help you, call 937.778.7805.
22 Years Strengthening Communities Through Leadership
Join the 2026 Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership! This is a series of workshops designed to develop more effective executive directors, board members, staff, and volunteers of nonprofit organizations. Course topics include communication, strategic planning, budgeting, board engagement, assessment, operations, and more. Enhance your skills as a leader to build a high-performing nonprofit organization!
About the Academy
The Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership 1.0 is held annually for five monthly sessions beginning in January and ending in May.
Session 1- January 21, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | Edison State at Piqua
Building a High-Performing Nonprofit Organization- Strong leadership, an engaged board of directors, dedicated staff and volunteers who are personally committed to the vision and mission of the organization are clear indicators of a high-performing, healthy nonprofit organization. This session provides the foundation for “building” this high-performing, healthy, successful nonprofit organization.
Session 2- February 18, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | Edison State at Piqua
Tools for High-Performing Nonprofit Organizations- This session provides an overview of essential tools utilized for assessment, operations, communication, financial health and building strategic partnerships.
Session 3- March 18, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | Edison State at Piqua
Planning for Passion and Purpose- Proactive planning is essential for organizational growth and success. Discover the components of strategic planning to unify your team around a shared vision and propel your organization forward. For long-term health and resilience, this process must include diversifying revenue to build stability and creating risk mitigation strategies to navigate unexpected challenges.
Session 4- April 15, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | Edison State at Piqua
The Work of the Board in the Community- Investing in board development is a powerful way to ensure the organization's mission is fulfilled. Delve into best practices for boards, including fostering community engagement, strengthening governance, and understanding expectations and legal responsibilities. Explore how the board and staff can jointly communicate the organization's impact to garner support and awareness from key stakeholders.
Session 5- May 20, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | Edison State at Piqua
Mosaic of Community Leadership Conference- Each May, this one-day conference brings together nonprofit representatives – including Academy participants and alumni – for specialized education and networking, with breakout sessions led by nonprofit professionals. Topics range from fundraising, communication, financial management, friendraising, leadership, and more! This is a valuable opportunity to connect and collaborate!
*Light Breakfast & Lunch Included at every session.
Inclement Weather Schedule: Due to the variability of winter weather and in preparation for a potential campus closure, a snow date is reserved for the following business day for each session. For instance, if the campus closes on January 21st, the session would then be conducted on January 22nd instead, so please plan accordingly.
At no extra cost, successful participants will be able to receive 1 college credit for BUS-299S: Non-Profit Leadership from Edison State Community College.
Academy of Community Leadership Graduates
ACL 1.0- Class of 2026
Current Participates
ACL 1.0- Class of 2025
Back [L–R]
Front [L–R]
ACL 2.0- Class of 2025
[L–R]
ACL 1.0- Class of 2024
Back [L–R] Christina Raterman, Chad Henry, Tasha Weaver, Chris Lundquist, Tara McCafferty, Laura Price, Michelle Mason, Gail Newhouse, Dr. Rick Hanes
Front [L–R] Meredith McKee, Melissa Stanley, Brenda Pansing, Cami Snyder, Valerie Mullikin, Elizabeth Sweeny, Naomi Cantrell, Jennifer Knisely, Deb Zwez
ACL 1.0- Class of 2023
[A to Z] Tricia Alloway, Mara Braun, Mary Casey, Dawn Eilert, Kristie Fisher, Suann Kleinhans, Karen Moss, Michelle Perry, Katie Price, Christina Raterman, Cecelia Rice, Nancy Royer, Jason Via, Mandy Via, Timothy Wells
ACL 2.0- Class of 2023
[A–Z] Shelly Calvert, Cathy Oda, Kathi Roetter, Kathy Sherman, Stephanie Waller
ACL 1.0- Class of 2022
Back [L–R] Lorna Swisher, R. Michael Johnson, Josiah Shaffer, Jeffrey McAtee, Katie Vasil, Becca Cotterman, Chelsi Schulz, Paula Long, William Slagle, Dr. Rick Hanes
Front [L–R] Becky Snell, Karen Boone, Trisha Elliott, Shannan Byers, Bethany Harp, Krysten French, DeVanice Ball, Krista Smith
ACL 2.0- Class of 2022
Back [L–R] Dr. Rick Hanes, Jessica Minesinger, Jenny Fox, Kelly Snyder, Christy Prakel, Lorna Swisher
Front [L–R] Scott Barr, Amy Breinich, Susan Walker Hemm; Carol Jackson, Jordan Knepper
ACL 1.0- Class of 2021
Back [L–R] Dr. Rick Hanes, Kirk Nichols, Mollie Verdier, Corey Vaughn, Katie Clevenger, Lorna Swisher
Front [L–R] Melissa Nichols, Kim Bulgin, Danielle Sweitzer
ACL 2.0- Class of 2021
Back [L–R] Dr. Rick Hanes, Lorna Swisher, James Oda, Bill Lutz
Front [L–R] Martha Harris, Andrea Keller, Jessica Muhlenkamp
ACL 1.0- Class of 2020
There is no class photo available for the 2020 Academy for Community Leadership class due to the pandemic.
Graduates from this class include: Joy Alane Bankston, Tina Budde, Ryan Casto, Karen Eliason, Brittney Eshelman, Jenny Fox, John Geissler, Tina Hooks, Jenny Huelskamp, Alexa Joyce, MaryJo Leonard, Samantha Lockard, Kathryn Mayes, Deb McDermott, Jessica Muhlenkamp, David O'Leary, Diane Ontrop, Helen Scott, Nikki Sherck, Stephanie Silk, Gary Stanley, Sybil Truster and DeWayne Williams II.
ACL 1.0- Class of 2019
Back [L–R] Anna Baumeister, Kim Meier, Megan Sherman, Dee Gillis, Lorna Swisher, Ian Hinz, Dr. Rick Hanes
Front [L–R] Kathy Sherman, Janel Ranly, Sonja Holycross, Andrea Keller, Sue Parker, Tricia Atwood