Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

Patton McDowell
  • 5.0 (108)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Looking for your next nonprofit job? Want to lead a nonprofit organization? Dr. Patton McDowell (www.pmanonprofit.com) brings the best in nonprofit career development to each episode, helping you find the perfect nonprofit opportunity and guiding you along the path to senior leadership in the philanthropic sector. Patton brings 30 years of nonprofit leadership, coaching and consulting experience, and shares best practices for individual and organizational success based on his work with over 250 nonprofit organizations and their staff and board leaders. Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership features more than 120 interviews with nonprofit leaders and philanthropy experts, as well as deep-dive solo episodes and other special editions. Hit subscribe, and accelerate your journey on a nonprofit career path that can change your life. Learn more at: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/

  1. 5D AGO

    347: Protecting Your Nonprofit from Fraud (Amy Seintourens)

    347: Protecting Your Nonprofit from Fraud (Amy Seintourens)  SUMMARY This episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support can be a powerful partner for your organization, offering financial expertise, expanded community relationships, and practical advice no matter your budget size. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.  Fraud is one of the most underestimated risks in the nonprofit sector - and one of the most disruptive when it strikes. In Episode #347 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, fraud prevention expert Amy Seintourens, SVP and Director of Fraud Management at TowneBank, breaks down the real vulnerabilities nonprofits face today, from internal threats and weak controls to sophisticated email scams, phone spoofing, counterfeit checks, and mail theft. Using clear examples and practical guidance, Amy explains why small organizations can be even more vulnerable and how simple steps - dual controls, treasury services, verification habits, and ongoing team training - significantly reduce risk. Whether you’re a founder handling your own bookkeeping, a board treasurer overseeing internal controls, or a senior leader strengthening organizational resilience, Amy offers straightforward strategies to help you prevent fraud before it happens - not after it’s too late. ABOUT AMY Amy Seintourens is the Senior Vice President and Director of Fraud Management at TowneBank, bringing 31 years of experience in fraud prevention and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance. She began her career in 1994 at Dean Witter, later known as Morgan Stanley, before joining EverBank in 2011, where she gained extensive experience supporting a primarily online bank environment. Amy maintains both her ACAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) and CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) credentials. She joined TowneBank in 2018 to support BSA operations and was promoted in 2022 to lead Fraud Management for the organization. Amy is deeply passionate about educating employees and members, staying ahead of emerging fraud trends, and helping nonprofits and businesses strengthen their internal controls. RESOURCES Learn more about fraud prevention at TowneBank.comTowneBank’s The Shield bi-monthly fraud-prevention newsletterLet Them by Mel Robbins (Amy’s book recommendation)Armstrong McGuireYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership (Audible edition available)

    35 min

  2. DEC 11

    346: Understanding the Science of Generosity (Cherian Koshy)

    346: Understanding the Science of Generosity (Cherian Koshy) SUMMARY This episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support can be a powerful partner for your organization, offering financial expertise, expanded community relationships, and practical advice no matter your budget size. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking. Why do some fundraising efforts inspire generosity while others fall flat, and what can nonprofit leaders do to fix it? In Episode #346 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, global philanthropy expert Cherian Koshy helps us understand how generosity actually works. Drawing from his groundbreaking book Neurogiving, Cherian explains why many well-intended fundraising tactics unintentionally create friction, suppress generosity, or erode trust. He offers clear insights on donor psychology, identity, timing, and the neuroscience behind decision-making—making the case that great fundraising isn’t about persuasion or pressure. It’s about designing environments that affirm who donors believe themselves to be and making it easier for them to act on their generous instincts. Whether you lead a large development team or fundraise off the side of your desk, Cherian’s guidance will help you build trust, reduce barriers, and communicate with greater authenticity in a noisy world. ABOUT CHERIAN Cherian Koshy, CFRE, CAP, is a globally recognized expert in fundraising strategy and innovation, and the author of Neurogiving, which blends behavioral science with practical tools to help organizations inspire generosity more effectively. A sought-after keynote speaker and advisor, he helps mission-driven teams adapt, grow, and lead with clarity in a changing philanthropic landscape. Cherian serves on the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and on the board of The Giving Institute. He received the 2022 Governor’s Volunteer Award for his leadership with Volunteer Iowa and is a LinkedIn Top Voice as well as a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. His insights appear in CEO Weekly, Yahoo Finance, and other leading publications. He founded the AI-powered platform NonprofitOS, which was later acquired by Kindsight, where he now serves as Vice President. RESOURCES Neurogiving by Cherian Koshy – neurogivingbook.comExactly What to Say by Phil M. Jones (Cherian’s recommended read)Learn more about Cherian – cheriankoshy.comArmstrong McGuire – www.armstrongmcguire.comYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership (Audible edition available)Sign up for the weekly Thursday Leadership Lens newsletter

    49 min

  3. DEC 4

    345: The Trust Factor: How to Strengthen Your Strategic Leadership

    345: The Trust Factor: How to Strengthen Your Strategic Leadership SUMMARY This episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support helps bring meaningful leadership conversations to nonprofit professionals across the sector. Learn more at townebank.com/nonprofitbanking. Nonprofit leaders often feel pulled in a dozen directions - responding to urgent needs, carrying the emotional weight of their missions, and struggling to find time for strategic thinking. In Episode #345 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Christy Pietryga, CEO at HEARTH in Pittsburgh, PA, shares how she has intentionally built a team culture grounded in trust, humility, and shared accountability. Christy talks openly about her journey from frontline work with veterans and families experiencing homelessness into executive leadership at a young age. She explains how listening first shaped her early success, how she empowers team members to operate as strategic contributors, and how leaders can balance compassion with clear expectations. Christy also offers thoughtful insight into fundraising as an introvert, supporting staff who face trauma in their daily work, and modeling healthy self-care for the whole organization. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned CEO, Christy’s practical approach offers a roadmap for leading with clarity, empathy, and confidence. ABOUT CHRISTY Christy Pietryga is the CEO at HEARTH in Pittsburgh, PA, and brings a deep background in supportive services and housing for homeless families and veterans. Before joining HEARTH, she spent a decade with the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, where she managed housing programs, provided direct case management, and advanced into key leadership roles during a period of significant organizational growth. In addition to her program and operations expertise, Christy has experience in communications and design, having created workbooks and materials for conferences and workshops. She holds a degree in Sociology with concentrations in Human Services and Nonprofits from Bucknell University. Today, she leads HEARTH with a blend of operational strength, empathy, and a strong commitment to cultivating a trusting, high-performing team culture. RESOURCES Falling Free by Shannon Martin (Christy’s book recommendation)Ready for your next leadership role? Check out Armstrong McGuireReady for a Mastermind?  Learn more herePatton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

    48 min

  4. NOV 27

    344: Thanksgiving 2025: 7 Reasons to Be Thankful

    Thanksgiving 2025: 7 Reasons to Be Thankful Special Edition Show Notes #344 This Thanksgiving episode highlights seven standout guests from 2025 - along with their books - plus three bonus titles from Patton’s Picks. Thanks to our partners: TowneBank: https://TowneBank.com/NonprofitBankingArmstrong McGuire: https://armstrongmcguire.comMastermind Leadership Program: https://PMAnonprofit.com/mastermind Featured Guests & Books Mary Kelly — Ep. 317: Crisis-Proof Your Leadership Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/317 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Leaders-Fail-Prescriptions-Success/dp/1640950857 Ora Grodsky — Ep. 329: Leading with Transformation Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/329 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Justice-Love-Organizational-Healing-Transformational/dp/1739581604 David Rhode — Ep. 326: 5 Essential Topics Every Nonprofit Leader Should Know Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/326 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Isnt-Enough-Practical-Nonprofit/dp/B0CR2T8XRM Rebecca White — Ep. 320: From Paper to Progress Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/320 Book: https://www.amazon.com/No-Stress-Nonprofit-Consultant-Rebecca-White/dp/1737867935 Salvatore Manzi — Ep. 322: Make Your Nonprofit’s Message Stick Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/322 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Compelling-Communication-Strategies-Ideas/dp/1646871449 Nick Grono — Ep. 315: Lessons Nonprofit Leaders Can Teach the Business World Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/315 Book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Lead-Nonprofits-Purpose-Impact/dp/1544535391 Dr. Keith Dorsey — Ep. 335: A Roadmap to Board Service Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/335 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Success-Board-Service-Leadership/dp/1637559626 Bonus Patton’s Picks (3 More Books for 2025) Uptime — Laura Mae Martin Book: https://www.amazon.com/Uptime-Optimize-Performance-Feel-Great/dp/0063304634 The Future Is Faster Than You Think — Peter Diamandis & Steven Kotler Book: https://www.amazon.com/Future-Faster-Than-You-Think/dp/1982109661 The Smart Nonprofit — Beth Kanter & Allison Fine Book: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Nonprofit-Alison-Fine/dp/1119818894

    21 min

  5. NOV 20

    343: Reclaim Your Capacity and Escape the Burnout Trap (Trasetta Washington)

    343: Reclaim Your Capacity and Escape the Burnout Trap (Trasetta Washington) SUMMARY Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking. Why do so many passionate nonprofit leaders find themselves constantly running on empty and teetering on the edge of burnout? In episode #343 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, leadership wellness coach and productivity strategist Trasetta Washington unpacks the core reasons mission-driven leaders sacrifice their own well-being for the cause, explaining that society glorifies resilience and sacrifice, creating pressure to push through. Trasetta helps define burnout as "stress that rest won't fix" - a chronic state that manifests as fatigue, irritability, and living in constant survival mode. ABOUT TRASETTA Trasetta Washington, known as The Team Technician™, is a nationally recognized speaker, leadership wellness coach, and productivity strategist. With over 25 years of experience in business operations and team development, she helps mission-driven leaders realign their teams without burning themselves out. As CEO of Profitable Productivity, LLC, Trasetta brings a signature blend of strategy, structure, and soul to her work, equipping nonprofit and human services leaders with practical tools to eliminate team friction and build a culture rooted in trust, accountability, and well-being. Through programs like the Teamwork Tune-Up Intensive and the Leadership Accelerator, she empowers leaders to stop managing everything and start leading teams that perform, without running on empty. Her no-fluff, heart-centered approach helps teams pause, reflect, and realign so they can thrive together. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Dare to Lead by Brene BrownLearn more about Profitable Productivity at https://trasettaannelle.com/ Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit Armstrong McGuire & AssociatesExplore the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, now accepting applications for 2026

    42 min

  6. NOV 13

    342: Lessons That Shape Great Nonprofit Leaders (Garrett Cathcart)

    342: Lessons That Shape Great Nonprofit Leaders (Garrett Cathcart) SUMMARY Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership.  Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking. What does it take to build something from the ground up - and lead it with purpose, humility, and vision? In episode 342 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Garrett Cathcart shares the lessons he’s learned in creating and scaling organizations that strengthen communities and unite people across divides. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of +More Perfect Union, a veteran-led nonprofit rebuilding civic and social trust through connection, service, and engagement, Garrett explores the power of starting from zero, leading volunteers with accountability, and measuring impact through both empathy and data. ABOUT GARRETT Garrett Cathcart is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of +More Perfect Union, a veteran-led movement to strengthen communities and heal the divides in our country through meaningful connections built on service, civic engagement, and leadership development. He also co-founded 550 Capital Partners, a venture firm investing in early-stage startups led by military veterans. Previously, Garrett served as the founding Executive Director of Mission Roll Call and as Southeast Regional Director of Team Red, White & Blue. A U.S. Army Cavalry officer for nine years, Garrett is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served in multiple combat leadership roles and earned three Bronze Stars and the Meritorious Service Medal. He continues to serve as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves and teaches leadership and military science at Georgia Tech. A graduate of West Point and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, he is a Truman National Security Fellow and a George W. Bush Veteran Leadership Scholar. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES It Worked for Me by Colin PowellLearn more about +More Perfect UnionExplore our Mastermind Program, now accepting applications for 2026!

    41 min

  7. NOV 6

    341: 4 Resources Every Nonprofit Leader Needs (Ivan Canada)

    341: 4 Resources Every Nonprofit Leader Needs (Ivan Canada) SUMMARY Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking. In episode #341 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Ivan Canada, President and CEO of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, shares the four essential resources every nonprofit leader needs to succeed: advocacy tools, legal compliance guidance, sustainable fundraising practices, and peer networking. Drawing on his extensive experience leading one of the state’s most trusted sector organizations, Ivan explains why each of these elements is vital to long-term organizational health and how leaders can apply them immediately. He offers practical advice for building advocacy confidence, avoiding compliance pitfalls, and fostering collaboration across diverse organizations. Listeners will gain actionable insights into how peer learning and shared leadership can strengthen both individual leaders and the sector as a whole. ABOUT IVAN Ivan Canada is the President and CEO of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, an organization dedicated to amplifying the collective voice of the state’s nonprofit sector. Under his leadership, the Center provides thousands of nonprofits with resources in advocacy, legal guidance, fundraising best practices, and peer learning opportunities. With a career spanning both nonprofit and corporate sectors, Ivan brings a unique perspective on how organizations can thrive through strategic collaboration and mission-centered leadership. Known for his inclusive leadership style and commitment to equity, Ivan works to ensure every North Carolina nonprofit has access to the knowledge and connections needed to fulfill its mission effectively. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES The Art of Gathering by Priya ParkerLearn more about the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits at https://www.ncnonprofits.orgReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit Armstrong McGuire & AssociatesExplore the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, now accepting applications for 2026

    45 min

  8. OCT 30

    340: You Should Be Moving at the Speed of Relationships (Will Acuff)

    340: You Should Be Moving at the Speed of Relationships (Will Acuff) SUMMARY Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking. How can you build stronger community impact without burning out or losing sight of your mission? In episode #340 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Will Acuff, Co-Founder of Corner to Corner in Nashville, Tennessee, shares how relationship-driven leadership has fueled his organization’s growth and sustained its mission. Will explains why authentic connection - not control - is the key to lasting impact. He discusses the importance of leading with empathy, setting boundaries that protect your energy, and prioritizing community trust over quick wins. His insights offer practical tools to deepen relationships, strengthen organizational culture, and build a team that moves together with purpose. If you’re striving to scale your nonprofit while staying grounded in your values, this conversation will help you lead with authenticity, humility, and resilience. ABOUT WILL Will Acuff is the Co-Founder of Corner to Corner, a Nashville-based nonprofit that equips neighbors with the tools and relationships they need to thrive. Under his leadership, Corner to Corner has grown into a nationally recognized organization known for its entrepreneurship programs, youth education initiatives, and storytelling platforms that celebrate community success. Guided by his belief that relationships drive sustainable change, Will has dedicated his career to creating pathways to opportunity for underserved communities. Through innovative programs like The Academy - which has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs launch and grow local businesses - he continues to prove that lasting impact begins with trust and collaboration. Will is a frequent speaker on leadership, faith, and social innovation, and his approach has inspired nonprofit leaders nationwide to “move at the speed of relationships.” EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES No Elevator to Everest by Will Acuff — AmazonLearn more about Corner to Corner at cornertocorner.orgReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit Armstrong McGuire & AssociatesExplore the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, now accepting applications for 2026

    48 min
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About

Looking for your next nonprofit job? Want to lead a nonprofit organization? Dr. Patton McDowell (www.pmanonprofit.com) brings the best in nonprofit career development to each episode, helping you find the perfect nonprofit opportunity and guiding you along the path to senior leadership in the philanthropic sector. Patton brings 30 years of nonprofit leadership, coaching and consulting experience, and shares best practices for individual and organizational success based on his work with over 250 nonprofit organizations and their staff and board leaders. Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership features more than 120 interviews with nonprofit leaders and philanthropy experts, as well as deep-dive solo episodes and other special editions. Hit subscribe, and accelerate your journey on a nonprofit career path that can change your life. Learn more at: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/

Information

  • Creator
    Patton McDowell
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    347
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership
  • Show Website
    Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

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