Pennsylvania Community Foundation Association Annual Conference 2026
September 16 - 18, 2026  ·  Hershey Lodge and Conference Center

Tickets

PACFA Members

Early Bird, July 22-August 13: $400

Regular Rate, August 14-September 4: $425


Non-Members

Regular Rate, July 22-September 4: $500

Session Selection

During registration, you'll be asked to select the sessions you plan to attend. Your selections help PACFA gauge interest and plan accordingly, but they are not binding. If you decide you'd rather attend a different session during the conference, you're welcome to do so.


Download the Eventleaf Guide app to review your selected sessions (scroll down for app store links). If you'd like to update your selections before the conference, please email Kensley at KSemple@YourNPP.org.

Agenda

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Brian Clontz, Jason Arbacheski & Monika Collins Note: There will be an additional $200 fee for this Learning Cohort. This is an exceptional opportunity to learn from one of our field’s top experts, coupled with PA specific leaders.
Phil Koch & Mariska Van Aalst
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Jon Gilbertson
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Stuart Comstock-Gay & Adam Bratton Note: This session is the culmination of a year-long Learning Cohort and is limited to those participants.
Moderator Michael Yonas with panelists Patrick Herr & Monica Reyes Discuss and learn varied approaches to the integration of data into your grantmaking and community leadership programs.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Kathleen Enright, Council on Foundations Philanthropy’s Role in the Search for Common Ground
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Mike Batchelor & Phil Koch
Diana Aviv of the Charitable Independence Initiative
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Laura Ducceshchi, Maggie Martinelli & Cathy Fitzpatrick
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Jason Kavulich, PA Secretary of Aging
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
Matt Leighninger, National Civic League Inclusive Civic Engagement and Innovations in Democracy
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Kari McDonough, Liz Kemmery, Marta Rubel & Ashlinn Masland-Sarani
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Tisha Hyter, PNC
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Dianne Russell, Cindy Milian, Emily Smedley & Lladel Lichty
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Speakers

Click on each speaker to learn more.
President
Council on Foundations
A nationally recognized leader in philanthropy, Kathleen has spent her career advancing more effective and inclusive grantmaking while leading organizations dedicated to strengthening the nonprofit sector.
President
Charitable Independence Initiative
A nationally recognized leader in the charitable sector, Diana has spent decades helping nonprofits strengthen their independence, engage policymakers, and advance democratic values through effective leadership and advocacy.
Vice President
National Civic League
For more than 20 years, Matt has worked with communities across the country to strengthen civic engagement, democratic innovation, and collaborative approaches to public decision-making.
Senior Vice President | Director, Nonprofit Strategy
PNC
With extensive experience advising nonprofit organizations, Tisha helps mission-driven leaders strengthen strategy, financial stewardship, and long-term sustainability through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.
Senior Philanthropy Planning Officer
Chester County Community Foundation
Jason brings extensive experience in charitable gift planning and donor engagement, helping individuals, families, and organizations create meaningful philanthropic strategies that maximize community impact.
Executive Director
Teach Plus PA
Laura Boyce is the founding Executive Director of Teach Plus PA, which empowers excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that advance equity, opportunity, and student success.
Executive Director
The Nonprofit Partnership
With nearly 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Adam helps organizations strengthen their capacity, fundraising, and leadership through practical, data-informed strategies.
Director of Collective Giving
The Erie Community Foundation
Olivia Burgess is the Director of Collective Giving at The Erie Community Foundation, where she leads strategy, grantmaking, and engagement for three affinity funds and partners with donor-advised and field-of-interest fund advisors.
Founder & President
Charitable Solutions, LLC
Bryan is a nationally recognized expert in charitable gift planning and non-cash assets, helping nonprofits and community foundations maximize the impact of complex charitable gifts.
Chief Advancement Officer
The Foundation for Delaware County
Monika has spent her career helping nonprofit organizations grow their impact through fundraising, strategic planning, and strong donor and community relationships.
President and CEO
Delaware Community Foundation
Stu leads the Delaware Community Foundation, and has spent his career on a blend of philanthropy and democracy issues. He serves as senior fellow at the Biden School at UD, and on a number of national and local boards.
President & CEO
Scranton Area Community Foundation
Laura has led innovative philanthropic initiatives that strengthen nonprofits, workforce development, and community impact while managing more than $100 million in charitable assets.
Vice President of Grants & Scholarships
Scranton Area Community Foundation
With 25 years at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, Cathy oversees grantmaking and scholarship programs that support nonprofits, students, and community initiatives.
Education Advocate
Pottstown Regional Community Foundation
Dr. Forrest has dedicated her career to advancing educational equity, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement through decades of service as an educator, administrator, and advocate.
Pennsylvania State Lead
Common Ground USA (CG-USA)
Will Fuller currently serves as the Pennsylvania State Lead for Common Ground USA (CG-USA). CG-USA's Resilient States Project brings together civic sector leaders across PA to reduce polarization and transform conflict into collaboration.
Client Engagement Manager
Foundant Technologies
Jon Gilbertson is a client engagement and technology leader with 25+ years of experience supporting Fortune 500 companies, community foundations, and mission-driven organizations. At Foundant, he helps organizations maximize impact through technology.
Scholarship Funds and Donor Services Officer
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Drew brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy, helping donors maximize their charitable impact through thoughtful stewardship and strategic giving.
Vice President of Community Impact
The Erie Community Foundation
Pat brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, working with community partners to strengthen organizations and advance strategic, data-informed philanthropy.
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
Trisha has nearly 25 years of experience in nonprofit finance, philanthropic stewardship, governance, charitable fund administration, and ensuring donor intent is honored through accountable stewardship.
President & CEO
Wayne County Community Foundation
Ryanne is passionate about community building and philanthropy, drawing on her experience in public health and nonprofit leadership to strengthen organizations through collaboration and strategic giving.
Secretary of Aging
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Jason brings more than 25 years of experience in aging and human services, leading statewide efforts to strengthen programs and improve quality of life for Pennsylvania's older adults.
President
Foundation for Delaware County
Michael is an experienced nonprofit leader who specializes in guiding organizations through change, strengthening governance, and building sustainable strategies for long-term impact.
Senior Managing Editor of Digital
Welcome US
With a background in nonprofit, higher education, and journalism, Liz specializes in creating digital content strategies that inspire action and build community.
Vice President, Policy and Community Impact
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Phil has spent more than 20 years strengthening communities through philanthropy, public policy, and nonprofit leadership, helping organizations create lasting social impact.
Bedford and Somerset County Director
Community Foundation for the Alleghenies
Lladel brings extensive experience in community philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, working closely with donors, nonprofits, and local partners to strengthen Bedford and Somerset counties.
Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Scranton Area Community Foundation
Maggie Martinelli serves as the Chief Financial and Operating Officer at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s mission to build a strong and vibrant community.
Director of Philanthropy
Lancaster County Community Foundation
Ashlinn brings a diverse background in philanthropy, conflict resolution, and nonprofit leadership, helping organizations strengthen relationships, collaboration, and community impact.
Director of Major and Planned Gifts
First Community Foundation Partnership of PA
With more than 25 years of fundraising experience, Jason helps nonprofits strengthen donor relationships, expand planned giving, and build lasting philanthropic impact.
Vice President
Welcome US
Kari has dedicated her career to strengthening communities by connecting philanthropy, volunteer engagement, and collaborative solutions that support lasting impact.
Health and Human Services Program Oficer
Berks County Community Foundation
Cindy Milian is the Health & Human Services Program Officer at Berks County Community Foundation, managing grants for individuals, public health, and human services. With 25+ years’ experience, she excels in community engagement and collaboration.
Vice President of Grants and Community Engagement
York County Community Foundation
With a background in community health and philanthropy, Michele helps strengthen nonprofit impact through collaborative grantmaking and community partnerships.
Senior Scholarship Coordinator
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Carol Joy brings more than 15 years of experience in education and nonprofit leadership, helping students access scholarship opportunities through thoughtful program administration and donor stewardship.
Vice President for Programs and Initiatives
Berks County Community Foundation
Monica brings extensive experience in philanthropy, grantmaking, and public service, leading initiatives that strengthen nonprofits and improve community well-being.
Social Outreach Director
WelcomeUS
Marta has dedicated her career to supporting Ukrainian newcomers, building national resources and community partnerships that help refugees successfully settle and thrive in the United States.
President
Insitute for Conversation Leadership
With more than 40 years of experience, Dianne helps organizations and collaborative networks strengthen leadership, planning, and community-driven solutions to complex challenges.
President
Adams County Community Foundation
The Adams County Community Foundation is building a permanent charitable endowment for Adams County, Pennsylvania, using it to fuel community grantmaking, targeted initiatives, and advocacy that create lasting impact.
Environment and Energy Program Officer
Berks County Community Foundation
Emily combines expertise in environmental philanthropy and communications to advance conservation, sustainability, and community partnerships that protect natural resources.
Vice President of Communications
York County Community Foundation
With more than 25 years of communications experience, Sarah helps organizations tell compelling stories, build community trust, and strengthen engagement through strategic marketing and social media.
Program Officer, Community Impact & Policy
Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
Mariska brings experience in public policy, philanthropy, and communications, helping strengthen community impact through strategic partnerships and effective storytelling.
Director of Donor Initiatives
Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
With a background in fundraising and charitable gift planning, Maureen helps individuals and organizations develop meaningful philanthropic strategies that support long-term community impact.
Philanthropic Services Assistant
The Erie Community Foundation
Molly supports donor engagement and philanthropic initiatives by helping strengthen relationships, community partnerships, and charitable giving across the region.
Vice President Community Partnerships and Learning
The Pittsburgh Foundation
With a background in public health research and evaluation, Michael helps communities address complex health challenges through collaboration, data, and strategic philanthropy.

Kathleen Enright

A nationally recognized leader in philanthropy, Kathleen has spent her career advancing more effective and inclusive grantmaking while leading organizations dedicated to strengthening the nonprofit sector.

Diana Aviv

A nationally recognized leader in the charitable sector, Diana has spent decades helping nonprofits strengthen their independence, engage policymakers, and advance democratic values through effective leadership and advocacy.

Matt Leighninger

For more than 20 years, Matt has worked with communities across the country to strengthen civic engagement, democratic innovation, and collaborative approaches to public decision-making.

Tisha Hyter

With extensive experience advising nonprofit organizations, Tisha helps mission-driven leaders strengthen strategy, financial stewardship, and long-term sustainability through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.

Jason Arbacheski

Jason brings extensive experience in charitable gift planning and donor engagement, helping individuals, families, and organizations create meaningful philanthropic strategies that maximize community impact.

Laura Boyce

Laura Boyce is the founding Executive Director of Teach Plus PA, which empowers excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that advance equity, opportunity, and student success.

Adam Bratton

With nearly 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Adam helps organizations strengthen their capacity, fundraising, and leadership through practical, data-informed strategies.

Olivia Burgess

Olivia Burgess is the Director of Collective Giving at The Erie Community Foundation, where she leads strategy, grantmaking, and engagement for three affinity funds and partners with donor-advised and field-of-interest fund advisors.

Bryan Clontz

Bryan is a nationally recognized expert in charitable gift planning and non-cash assets, helping nonprofits and community foundations maximize the impact of complex charitable gifts.

Monika Collins

Monika has spent her career helping nonprofit organizations grow their impact through fundraising, strategic planning, and strong donor and community relationships.

Stuart Comstock-Gay

Stu leads the Delaware Community Foundation, and has spent his career on a blend of philanthropy and democracy issues. He serves as senior fellow at the Biden School at UD, and on a number of national and local boards.

Laura Ducceshchi

Laura has led innovative philanthropic initiatives that strengthen nonprofits, workforce development, and community impact while managing more than $100 million in charitable assets.

Cathy Fitzpatrick

With 25 years at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, Cathy oversees grantmaking and scholarship programs that support nonprofits, students, and community initiatives.

Dr. Myra Forrest

Dr. Forrest has dedicated her career to advancing educational equity, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement through decades of service as an educator, administrator, and advocate.

Will Fuller

Will Fuller currently serves as the Pennsylvania State Lead for Common Ground USA (CG-USA). CG-USA's Resilient States Project brings together civic sector leaders across PA to reduce polarization and transform conflict into collaboration.

Jon Gilbertson

Jon Gilbertson is a client engagement and technology leader with 25+ years of experience supporting Fortune 500 companies, community foundations, and mission-driven organizations. At Foundant, he helps organizations maximize impact through technology.

Drew Greenwald

Drew brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy, helping donors maximize their charitable impact through thoughtful stewardship and strategic giving.

Patrick Herr

Pat brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, working with community partners to strengthen organizations and advance strategic, data-informed philanthropy.

Trisha R. Higgins, CPA

Trisha has nearly 25 years of experience in nonprofit finance, philanthropic stewardship, governance, charitable fund administration, and ensuring donor intent is honored through accountable stewardship.

Ryanne Jennings

Ryanne is passionate about community building and philanthropy, drawing on her experience in public health and nonprofit leadership to strengthen organizations through collaboration and strategic giving.

Jason Kavulich

Jason brings more than 25 years of experience in aging and human services, leading statewide efforts to strengthen programs and improve quality of life for Pennsylvania's older adults.

Michael Kellerman

Michael is an experienced nonprofit leader who specializes in guiding organizations through change, strengthening governance, and building sustainable strategies for long-term impact.

Liz Kemmery

With a background in nonprofit, higher education, and journalism, Liz specializes in creating digital content strategies that inspire action and build community.

Phil Koch

Phil has spent more than 20 years strengthening communities through philanthropy, public policy, and nonprofit leadership, helping organizations create lasting social impact.

Lladel Lichty

Lladel brings extensive experience in community philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, working closely with donors, nonprofits, and local partners to strengthen Bedford and Somerset counties.

Maggie Martinelli

Maggie Martinelli serves as the Chief Financial and Operating Officer at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s mission to build a strong and vibrant community.

Ashlinn Masland-Sarani

Ashlinn brings a diverse background in philanthropy, conflict resolution, and nonprofit leadership, helping organizations strengthen relationships, collaboration, and community impact.

Jason McCahan

With more than 25 years of fundraising experience, Jason helps nonprofits strengthen donor relationships, expand planned giving, and build lasting philanthropic impact.

Kari McDonough

Kari has dedicated her career to strengthening communities by connecting philanthropy, volunteer engagement, and collaborative solutions that support lasting impact.

Cindy Milian

Cindy Milian is the Health & Human Services Program Officer at Berks County Community Foundation, managing grants for individuals, public health, and human services. With 25+ years’ experience, she excels in community engagement and collaboration.

Michele Mummert

With a background in community health and philanthropy, Michele helps strengthen nonprofit impact through collaborative grantmaking and community partnerships.

Carol Joy Powell

Carol Joy brings more than 15 years of experience in education and nonprofit leadership, helping students access scholarship opportunities through thoughtful program administration and donor stewardship.

Monica Reyes

Monica brings extensive experience in philanthropy, grantmaking, and public service, leading initiatives that strengthen nonprofits and improve community well-being.

Marta Rubel

Marta has dedicated her career to supporting Ukrainian newcomers, building national resources and community partnerships that help refugees successfully settle and thrive in the United States.

Dianne Russell

With more than 40 years of experience, Dianne helps organizations and collaborative networks strengthen leadership, planning, and community-driven solutions to complex challenges.

Ralph Serpe

The Adams County Community Foundation is building a permanent charitable endowment for Adams County, Pennsylvania, using it to fuel community grantmaking, targeted initiatives, and advocacy that create lasting impact.

Emily Smedley

Emily combines expertise in environmental philanthropy and communications to advance conservation, sustainability, and community partnerships that protect natural resources.

Sarah Thomas

With more than 25 years of communications experience, Sarah helps organizations tell compelling stories, build community trust, and strengthen engagement through strategic marketing and social media.

Mariska Van Aalst

Mariska brings experience in public policy, philanthropy, and communications, helping strengthen community impact through strategic partnerships and effective storytelling.

Maureen Wendling

With a background in fundraising and charitable gift planning, Maureen helps individuals and organizations develop meaningful philanthropic strategies that support long-term community impact.

Molly Wojcik

Molly supports donor engagement and philanthropic initiatives by helping strengthen relationships, community partnerships, and charitable giving across the region.

Michael Yonas

With a background in public health research and evaluation, Michael helps communities address complex health challenges through collaboration, data, and strategic philanthropy.

No records found.

Sponsors

Interested in sponsoring? Please email Mike@PACFApartners.org.
Impact Visionary
Community Steward
Foundation Builder

Location

Location: Hershey Lodge and Conference Center, 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033