FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Tiffany Wilson
Center for Nonprofit Excellence
twilson@thecne.org

Center for Nonprofit Excellence Announces Inaugural Day of Learning

Meeting the Moment: A Collaborative Day of Learning for Nonprofit Resilience

Charlottesville, VA – Monday, October 6^th, 2025 — The Center for Nonprofit Excellence – Virginia (CNE) will host its inaugural Day of Learning on Thursday, October 16, from 9:15 am to 4:15 pm at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library Central Branch in Historic Downtown Charlottesville.

Designed as Virginia’s premier nonprofit learning opportunity, the Day of Learning will convene nonprofit staff, board members, philanthropic partners, and community leaders for a full day of workshops, facilitated discussions, and peer-to-peer learning. Participants will explore strategies for resilience, leadership, and collaboration in response to a rapidly changing environment.

“Nonprofit organizations are at the forefront of addressing community needs, yet they continue to face unprecedented challenges,” said Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle, Executive Director, CNE. “The Day of Learning will provide nonprofit leaders with tools, insights, and partnerships that strengthen their capacity to create meaningful and lasting impact.”

Featured Sessions Include:

• Community Engagement That Matters: Building Authentic Relationships for Greater Impact
  Presented by Sly Mata, UVA Community Engagement
  Guidance on cultivating trust-based relationships that strengthen programs and enhance impact.
• Collaboration Over Competition: Breaking Out of Scarcity Thinking to Build Stronger Partnerships
  Presented by Frank Dukes, UVA Institute for Engagement & Negotiation
  Tools for fostering trust and building partnerships that advance shared vision and collective impact.
• Scenario Thinking for Nonprofit Boards: Preparing for the Unknown with Strategic Foresight
  Presented by Staci Barfield, Armstrong McGuire
  Approaches to help boards anticipate change and make agile, mission-driven decisions.
• Purpose-Driven Governance: Reimagining Board Leadership for Mission and Impact
  Presented by CNE
  A reexamination of board leadership to prioritize mission advancement and long-term community outcomes.

Additional Program Features

Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a dine-around lunch break on Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Mall, with participating restaurants offering special Day of Learning discounts. Complimentary parking validation will be provided for the Market Street Parking Garage.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Thank you, Wells Fargo, our presenting sponsor for the Day of Learning.

 

Thank you, TechDynamism, Woodard Properties, Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, TowneBank, and UVA’s Division of Community Engagement & Equal Opportunity, for sponsoring this event.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Day of Learning. Interested organizations may contact Tiffany Wilson at twilson@thecne.org.

 

The inaugural Day of Learning represents a significant step in advancing nonprofit excellence across the Commonwealth. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and shared learning, the event seeks to equip nonprofit professionals and partners with the knowledge and resources necessary to meet the moment and strengthen community resilience.

Registration is open at thecne.org/events/meeting-the-moment-a-collaborative-day-of-learning-for-nonprofit-resilience

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Waverly Davis, Director of Advancement and Communications

Center for Nonprofit Excellence

wdavis@thecne.org

 

Center for Nonprofit Excellence’s Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle to Moderate the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Community Event

(Charlottesville, Virginia – February 19, 2025) – The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) is pleased to announce that its Executive Director, Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle, has been appointed Board Vice Chair of the Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee.

The Chamber’s Public Policy Committee serves as a legislative and regulatory think tank, providing guidance to the Chamber Board of Directors, as well as its many roundtables and councils, to shape the organization’s advocacy efforts. The committee also reviews legislative actions and, when necessary, makes recommendations to the Chamber Board.

“The Chamber plays a vital role in strengthening our business community, and I am honored to serve the business community as Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Public Policy Committee. Nonprofits are small businesses and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a voice for more than 2,000 nonprofits that play a critical role in the economy in the greater Charlottesville region” said Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle, Executive Director of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence.

In addition to this leadership role, Dr. Doyle will moderate the Chamber’s fourth annual State of the Community event on February 21st at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) in Charlottesville. This event will feature executive leaders from the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County who will share insights on the region’s business climate as well as business and research leaders speaking to the power of relationship-building and the impact of shifting demographics on the business and nonprofit communities.

Featured Speakers:

• Sam Sanders, Jr. – City Manager, City of Charlottesville
• Jeff Richardson – County Executive, Albemarle County
• Antwon Brinson – CEO, Culinary Concepts AB
• Hamilton Lombard – Estimates Program Manager, Weldon Cooper Center

The event will take place at PVCC’s Bolick Center from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Admission, which includes breakfast, is $45 for Chamber members and $60 for non-members. Event registration is now open at www.CvilleChamber.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Center for Nonprofit Excellence Hosts Member Appreciation Event: “Relax, Connect and Celebrate”

Charlottesville, VA – March 20, 2025 – The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) is delighted to announce a special evening dedicated to appreciating its members, fostering community connections, and celebrating the impactful work of local nonprofits.

Event Details:

• Title: CNE Member Appreciation: Relax, Connect and Celebrate
• Date: Monday, April 7, 2025
• Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Level 10, 323 2nd St SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902

This exclusive event offers CNE members an opportunity to unwind, network, and enjoy an evening of appreciation. Attendees will experience Charlottesville’s stunning views from Level 10, indulge in delicious offerings by Harvest Moon Catering, and connect with fellow nonprofit professionals. Complimentary onsite garage parking is available, with the entrance on Garrett Street.

Thanks to the generous support of Level 10 and Harvest Moon Catering, this event is free for CNE members.

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence is committed to strengthening nonprofits to realize the potential of our communities. This event underscores CNE’s dedication to fostering collaboration, learning, and growth within the nonprofit sector.

About the Center for Nonprofit Excellence:

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) envisions equitable, thriving, and just communities powered by healthy nonprofits and to achieve that vision, we serve as a champion, learning partner, and advisor to Virginia nonprofits.

Contact: Center for Nonprofit Excellence

Phone: 434.244.3330

Email: btullman@thecne.org

Website: thecne.org