Nonprofit Leadership: Top Insights from the Nonprofit OpCon 2025

Photo credit: City and State

Strong leadership remains one of the most critical drivers of nonprofit success. Whether navigating economic uncertainty, reimagining team structures, or responding to evolving funder expectations—nonprofit leaders must inspire, adapt, and collaborate with purpose.

At City & State's Nonprofit OpCon Conference on June 5, 2025, in New York City, experts from across the sector shared how effective leadership practices are helping organizations stay resilient, mission-aligned, and people-centered. Ilana Batnitzky, CFO Consultant at Kwi Partners, joined the conversation alongside nonprofit finance peers.

Here are the top takeaways every nonprofit leader should know:

🔄 1. Adaptability Is the New Stability

“The nonprofits that are willing to stretch and pivot are weathering the storm better.” – Ilana Batnitzky, CFO Consultant, Kiwi Partners

From federal funding cuts to rising benefit costs, the sector is facing real financial pressure. But those who treat crisis as a catalyst for transformation are emerging stronger.

Actionable Tip: Re-evaluate your five-year plans. Build flexible strategies that allow for quick pivots and honest conversations about sustainability.

🔑 2. Leadership Is About People, Not Position

“It’s not about you. It’s about people sustaining the change even when you leave.” – Tiffany Hamilton, CEO of YMCA White Plains & Central Westchester

Leadership today means empowering others, not just managing tasks. Whether you're a CEO or a department head, your role is to equip your team with tools, context, and trust to lead alongside you.

Actionable Tip: Create a culture of feedback and professional development. Invest in your team’s growth so they can carry the mission forward—even in your absence.

🤝 3. Cross-Department Collaboration Builds Resilience

“We all benefit from understanding and supporting each other’s work – finance, development, and programs alike. At a nonprofit, everyone should be a numbers person and a development person.” – Ilana Batnitzky, CFO Consultant, Kiwi Partners

Silos are a liability. When departments understand each other’s roles—especially finance, development, and programs—they can work together more effectively.

Actionable Tip: Host cross-functional workshops or “department showcases” to foster mutual understanding and reduce friction.

💬 4. Trust and Transparency Are Non-Negotiable

“Leadership needs trust. What concrete steps are you taking to build it?” – Jan Fisher, Executive Director, Nonprofit Westchester.

“Start with listening.”  “It’s not just my team—I give feedback to people from other teams too. Building trust and accountability means showing that you have their back.” –  David Piccolo, Senior Manager, Public Sector Sales, T-Mobile

Trust isn’t built through titles—it’s built through action. Leaders must model accountability, give and receive feedback, and communicate the “why” behind decisions.

Actionable Tip: Be transparent about budget decisions, benefit changes, and strategic shifts. Let your team see the full picture.

📉 5. Budget Cuts Require Strategic Storytelling

“People are choosing to work for us and take a lower salary because they believe in our mission.” – Tiffany Hamilton, CEO of YMCA White Plains & Central Westchester

When resources are tight, your ability to tell a compelling story—internally and externally—becomes even more critical.

Actionable Tip: Reframe budget conversations around impact. Show how every dollar supports the mission and the people behind it.

🌱 6. Mentorship and Intergenerational Learning Matter

“There are enough accolades for everyone.” – Ilana Arbeit, Vice President Benefits Practice, Hilb Group

Leadership development isn’t reserved for executives. From mentorship to intergenerational learning, nonprofits benefit from cultivating talent across teams. Emerging leaders need exposure, mentorship, and opportunities to grow.

Actionable Tip: Invest in leadership programs or create internal mentorship circles that span generations, experience levels, and departments.

🧭 Final Thought: Lead with Purpose, Not Ego

“Don’t let ego get in the way.” – Tiffany Hamilton, CEO of YMCA White Plains & Central Westchester

The most effective nonprofit leaders in 2025 are those who lead with humility, clarity, and a deep commitment to their mission and people.

📌 Ready to Lead Differently?

Leadership is a journey, not a title. Whether you're facing staff transitions, planning for growth, or navigating financial complexity—Kiwi Partners can help.

We offer:

• Outsourced nonprofit accounting services

• Interim and fractional CFO support

• Strategic finance and advisory services to guide budgeting, reporting, and accounting technology decisions.

  
  

Our team partners with nonprofit leaders to build resilient, mission-aligned finance functions that scale with your organization. Let’s talk about how we help support your nonprofit leaders. Book a free consultation to learn more.

Panel participants:

Jan Fisher (Moderator), Executive Director, Nonprofit Westchester

David Piccolo, Senior Manager, Public Sector Sales, T-Mobile

Ilana Arbeit, Vice President Benefits Practice, Hilb Group

Ilana Batnitzky, CFO Consultant, Kiwi Partners

Tiffany Hamilton, CEO, YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester

Ilana Batnitzky, CPA, MBA, CFO Consultant, joined Kiwi Partners in 2018 and brings over 20 years of senior-level experience in accounting and financial management. She began her career in public accounting

and has worked in both large institutions and growing organizations. Ilana has deep expertise in the nonprofit sector, providing CFO-level advisory services including tax credit syndication, permanent debt placement, tax-exempt bond structuring, market and financial feasibility studies, credit risk analysis, and development consultancy.