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2025 Leadership Conference

04 Jun 2025 @ 1:00pm EDT
05 Jun 2025 @ 4:00pm EDT

Event Details

Join us in Traverse City June 4-5, 2025Join us for the 2025 Incompass Michigan Leadership Conference  - At the Delamar Hotel in Traverse City, June 4-5! 


How to register:

1. Employees of Incompass Michigan Members must LOGIN to see and claim your discounted member rate.

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2. Select your ticket type below

  • $470 - Member
  • $570 - Non-Member

 

Agenda:

 

Wednesday 6/4

  • 1:00pm Opening
  • 1:05pm – 5:15pm Presentations
  • 5:30pm – 7:00pm Networking Hour

Thursday 6/5

  • 7:00am Breakfast
  • 8:30am – 11:30pm Presentations
  • 11:30pm – 1:00pm Lunch and Leadership Academy Recognition and Member awards
  • 1:00pm – 4:00pm Presentations

Additional Information:

Contact kkinde@incompassmi.org with any questions.

Cancellations:

  • Cancellations before May 18 are subject to a $25 administrative fee.
  • Cancellations between May 18 and May 26 are subject to a $50 administrative fee.
  • No refunds will be given after May 26. 
  • Substitutions are permitted. 

    Incompass Michigan is committed to event accessibility, please note accommodation requests on your registration by 05/10 as advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs or contact Katie Kinde, kkinde@incompassmi.org with any questions. 

 

Topics:

  • Assessing the Federal Landscape and the Impact for Michigan Nonprofits (1 SW CE) with Kelly Kuhn
  • Assessing the Outcomes Experienced by Clients: Why is it Important and How to do it in a Person-Centered Manner with Brian Abery
  • ChatGPT is Like Kleenex: Navigating the Generative AI Ecosystem for Social Workers (1 SW CE) with Brian Perron
  • Employment Law Update 2025 with Lindsay Raymond
  • Fundraising 101: The Power of Relationships (1 SW CE) with Christie Perdue and Anthony Rupard
  • Michigan Politics and Legislature (1 SW CE) with Malcolm Kletke
  • Provider-Readiness for System Change (1 SW CE)with Michael Christy 
  • Stop Discovering What You're Looking For! How Design Thinking Can Lead to Better Outcomes (1 SW CE) Joel Van Kuiken
  • Understanding the Cost of Care in Behavioral Health with Anya Eliasson
  • Unlocking Workforce Success: Strategic Leadership Planning for Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention Excellence (1 SW CE) with Kimika Garrett

 

Anthony Rupard

With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Anthony brings an eclectic skill set to clients. In addition to serving as the Development Director for three organizations, his extensive education and professional background in counseling, as well as research and statistics have shaped his approach to working with clients. He leans into client work with an emphasis on listening, analysis and relationships.  Anthony has experience with a wide variety of nonprofit sectors as well as a range of expertise focused on strategic planning, capital campaigns, and board & staff training. 

His most recent position prior to launching the firm was serving as the Development Director for the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s successful $71.4M Campaign for Generations. Self-described as a builder, his approach to fundraising and nonprofit growth strikes a unique balance between data-driven analytics and the art of cultivating authentic, trusting relationships with staff, volunteers, and donors.

Anthony holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and completed 21 credit hours of research and statistics coursework through a PhD program in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development at the University of Louisville.

 

Anya Eliassen

Anya is a highly motivated and experienced executive leader. Building on her decades of experience at one of the largest public Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans in Michigan, Anya has made it her mission to improve the state of non-profit healthcare through financial innovation. She combines her extensive finance expertise with a broad range of administrative skills, including strategic planning, financial modeling, resource allocation, budget development, and human resources management. Anya is a previous recipient of the Crains 40 under 40 honors and continues to be driven by her passion for supporting underserved populations in behavioral health.

 

Brian Abery, Ph.D

Brian Abery, Ph.D, is the Coordinator of School-Age Services at the Institute on Community Integration (ICI) and an adjunct faculty member within the Institute on Child Development and School Psychology Programs at the University of Minnesota. He has been Principal Investigator of numerous projects designed to enhance the educational outcomes, social inclusion, and self-determination of persons with disabilities both at a national and international level. His international work includes implementation of the Response to Intervention framework in India and the implementation of Inclusive Service Learning in Costa Rica. Dr. Abery holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology and has an extensive background in research, assessment, program development, and evaluation related to children, youth, and adults with disabilities.

 

Brian E. Perron, PhD

Brian E. Perron, PhD, is a Professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Perron’s recent work focuses on helping community-based organizations use data to improve service delivery and other business processes. This includes developing user-friendly and sustainable data management systems; creating interactive data visualizations to facilitate interpretation of data, especially for non-technical users; and building organizational capacity to promote data-driven decision making. Perron helped establish and works actively with the Child & Adolescent Data Lab, where he examines services for vulnerable youth and families in the child welfare system, with the ultimate goal of improving service outcomes. His research (NCBI, Google Scholar, ResearchGate) has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Veterans Affairs and the state of Michigan. Perron is also interested in the role, application and ethical use of artificial intelligence in social work and how tools like machine learning and natural language processing can be leveraged to improve our knowledge.

Perron is passionate about teaching students about research and data analysis, with a special interest in helping students who do not have a strong math background. Perron also has considerable experience teaching both the diagnosis and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. In addition to his research, service and teaching activities, Perron regularly participates as a student in MOOCs to ensure his skills and knowledge are current with the rapid developments of technology.

 

Christie Perdue

Christie has more than 20 years of development and nonprofit experience and has worked with a variety of nonprofits to strengthen their fundraising, marketing, and strategic planning initiatives. Since starting as an independent consultant in 2017, Christie and team have worked with hundreds of regional nonprofit organizations to build and strengthen their development activities. As well, Christie is a facilitator for the Rotary Charities Leadership Learning Lab, training non-profit leaders on how to maximize fundraising efforts throughout northern Michigan.

Prior to starting as a consultant, Christie led fundraising campaigns for Otsego Memorial Hospital and spent 10 years developing thriving and sustainable fundraising and marketing programs at the hospital in her role as Foundation and Marketing Director. Prior to working with Otsego Memorial Hospital, Christie was the Director of Community Relations at the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.

Christie holds a master’s degree from Central Michigan University and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. She has a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from Lawrence Technological University and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Christie has been a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) since 2008.

 

Joel Van Kuiken

Joel Van Kuiken is the principal of See Context, LLC, and co-founder of The Delta Project, where he combines expertise in strategic communications with innovative thinking to drive social impact.

His academic background includes an M.S. in Communications from Grand Valley State University, an MBA Certificate in Design & Innovation Management from Kendall College of Art and Design, and a B.A. in English Literature from DePaul University. His Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) underscores his commitment to the evolving field of public relations.

In January 2020, Joel transitioned from a corporate career to entrepreneurship and teaching. His work with The Delta Project focuses on providing mentorship and opportunities for young people navigating the juvenile justice system. His approach is driven by his personal mission to help translate creative concepts into semi-autonomous systems that benefit others and create greater social impact.

As an expert in intercultural communications, with a particular focus on Chinese culture, he brings a global perspective to his work. He follows 3 to 5-year plans for continuous improvement and knowledge acquisition, reflecting a dedication to personal and professional growth.

 

Kelley Kuhn

Kelley Kuhn (she/her) lives and breathes the business of nonprofits. She’s in the most perfect job in the world to help the nonprofits on the ground literally make lives and communities better – Kuhn is the president and CEO of Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), a charitable organization dedicated to nonprofits and the communities they serve.

“A solid and resourced nonprofit sector makes the world a better place and my mission is to ensure all nonprofits have access to capital, human and other resources they need to deliver on their missions,” she said.

It wasn’t always numbers and meetings though. Kelley fell in love with the power of change nonprofits can create when she was in college and volunteered as a Special Olympics Unified Sports coach. After that, an internship in Jackson County sealed the deal. Nonprofits also need safety nets, and Kelley aims to be the fuel that helps keep all nonprofit programs moving forward here in Michigan.

In her moments away from championing for Michigan's nonprofits, Kelley enjoys spending quality time with her family, along with their new puppy, Tracker.

 

Kimika Garrett

Kimika Garrett is a highly accomplished human capital executive and former Chief People & Culture Officer (CHRO) with a proven track record of driving enterprise-level transformation in global and mission-driven organizations. As the CEO of Organizational Kimistry, she partners with public and private sector organizations to design and implement innovative, people-centered solutions that optimize talent, elevate culture, and align HR strategy with organizational goals. Throughout her 15+ year career, Kimika has held senior HR leadership roles for leading organizations including Ford Motor Company, Accenture, and Walker-Miller Energy Services, where she shaped talent strategies, spearheaded organizational redesigns, led enterprise change initiatives, and delivered measurable improvements in engagement, retention, and workforce performance. Her expertise spans multiple industries including automotive, life sciences, energy, public sector, non-profit, and high-tech, giving her a unique perspective on workforce trends and operational challenges. Kimika’s core areas of focus include organizational design, workforce planning, talent management, succession planning, culture transformation, DEI, executive coaching, change management, and operational excellence. Kimika holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development, the SHRM-SCP certification, and is a Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt. She is widely recognized as a dynamic speaker and trusted advisor to senior leaders seeking to unlock workforce success through strategic HR and leadership excellence. is a highly accomplished human capital executive and former Chief People & Culture Officer (CHRO) with a proven track record of driving enterprise-level transformation in global and mission-driven organizations. As the CEO of Organizational Kimistry, she partners with public and private sector organizations to design and implement innovative, people-centered solutions that optimize talent, elevate culture, and align HR strategy with organizational goals. Throughout her 15+ year career, Kimika has held senior HR leadership roles for leading organizations including Ford Motor Company, Accenture, and Walker-Miller Energy Services, where she shaped talent strategies, spearheaded organizational redesigns, led enterprise change initiatives, and delivered measurable improvements in engagement, retention, and workforce performance. Her expertise spans multiple industries including automotive, life sciences, energy, public sector, non-profit, and high-tech, giving her a unique perspective on workforce trends and operational challenges. Kimika’s core areas of focus include organizational design, workforce planning, talent management, succession planning, culture transformation, DEI, executive coaching, change management, and operational excellence. Kimika holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development, the SHRM-SCP certification, and is a Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt. She is widely recognized as a dynamic speaker and trusted advisor to senior leaders seeking to unlock workforce success through strategic HR and leadership excellence.

 

Lindsay Raymond

Lindsay Raymond is an experienced management-side labor and employment law attorney who counsels public and private employers regarding workplace and personnel compliance, including, without limitation, policy development and implementation, hiring, employment and collective bargaining agreements, performance management, separation, wage and hour issues, discrimination and harassment matters, equity and inclusion, disability and pregnancy and religious accommodations, leave issues, safety compliance, restrictive covenants and trade secret matters, contract and business tort disputes, and employment litigation and labor arbitration. Lindsay conducts complaint investigations and workplace culture assessments, and provides management and employee compliance training.

As a trusted advisor, Lindsay listens and collaborates with her clients to identify potential issues and implement strategies to mitigate risk and protect their interests. As a litigator, Lindsay passionately advocates and defends her clients’ interests before state and federal courts and administrative agencies.

With a background in musical theatre, Lindsay is a trained communicator, thrives under pressure, and is skilled at thinking on her feet. Lindsay is creative, accessible and thorough, and she is committed to providing her clients peace of mind in times of heightened stress and worry.

Lindsay is a member of the Michigan and Virginia State Bar Associations, the Society for Human Resource Management, the Traverse Area Human Resources Association, and Impact100 Traverse City.

Lindsay is the President of Impact100 Traverse City and is a Trustee on the Board of Directors for the Old Town Playhouse. She was the past President of the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan and served on that Board from 2015-2022. Lindsay is a frequent presenter and contributor for numerous organizations and publications. Lindsay was named to the Traverse City Business News’ 40 Under 40 list of the region’s most influential leaders for six consecutive years.

Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys singing, being on the lake, and having adventures with her husband, Andrew, their two daughters, and their bernedoodle, Gussie.

 

Malcom Kletke

Malcolm Kletke joined MHSA in 2020. Malcolm previously held the position of Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor Whitmer, serving as the chief contact between the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer on all legislative issues. He was involved in historic changes to Michigan’s Auto No-Fault system, the Raise the Age package, sports-betting and online gaming legislation, Rebuilding Michigan Plan, and dealing with the COVID-19 response.

Prior to serving Governor Whitmer, Malcolm served as a policy analyst for the Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus. In this role he provided research, analysis, and policy advice on matters coming before the Transportation, Commerce, Natural Resources & Environmental Quality, and Agriculture Committees. He was also responsible for overseeing the Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development budgets. Malcolm began his career in the Michigan Senate working as a legislative assistant for then-Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer.

Malcolm holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science – Pre Law from Michigan State University.

Malcolm and his wife Alexandra live in Lansing.

 

Michael Christy

Michael is passionate about serving organizations through a human-centered design approach. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the DeVos Graduate School at Northwood University. With his extensive leadership experience in behavioral health, he has led high-achieving, interdisciplinary teams and guided large-scale change initiatives. Michael’s areas of interest include strategy, organizational development, program design, process improvement, and change management.

Assessing the Federal Landscape and the Impact for Michigan Nonprofits (1 SW CE) - Kelley Kuhn

The changes happening with our Federal Government are having a direct impact on Michigan’s Nonprofit Sector.  This facilitated session will provide an overview of the current issues as well as provide information and resources that support advocacy and other call to action efforts. 

 

ChatGPT is Like Kleenex: Navigating the Generative AI Ecosystem for Social Workers (1 SW CE)- Brian Perron

Just as "Kleenex" became synonymous with tissues regardless of brand, "ChatGPT" has quickly evolved into a generic term for all generative AI technologies. However, the AI landscape is far more diverse and nuanced. Since ChatGPT's release, hundreds of alternative models and thousands of specialized applications have emerged, creating a rich ecosystem with tremendous potential for social work practice. The generative AI ecosystem now includes specialized models designed for text generation and summarization, document analysis, multilingual communication, visual content creation, and voice interaction. Each category contains multiple tools with varying strengths, limitations, and appropriate use cases for social work contexts. This presentation showcases diverse AI tools can be thoughtfully applied to streamline administrative documentation while maintaining confidentiality, enhance resource identification for clients with complex needs, support evidence-based practice through improved literature analysis, facilitate more accessible communication with diverse client populations, and assist with ethical decision-making through structured reasoning. We'll provide practical demonstrations of selected tools that show particular promise for social work applications, with guidance on effective prompting strategies, determining when to rely on AI versus human judgment, identifying potential biases and limitations, and maintaining client confidentiality and ethical standards. By developing a nuanced understanding of the broader generative AI ecosystem beyond just "ChatGPT," social workers can strategically leverage these powerful tools while maintaining their professional judgment and ethical responsibilities.

Learning Objectives:

1. Differentiate between various generative AI models beyond ChatGPT and understand their unique capabilities and limitations

2. Identify at least three specific generative AI applications that can enhance social work practice in areas such as documentation, resource navigation, and client support

3. Demonstrate critical evaluation skills when selecting appropriate AI tools for specific social work contexts and ethical considerations.

 

Employment Law Update 2025 - Lindsay Raymond

Attendees will be updated on new legal developments and hot topics for employers in 2025. 
 

Fundraising 101: The Power of Relationships (1 SW CE) - Christie Perdue and Anthony Rupard

In 2023, Americans donated $557 billion to charity—80% of it from individuals and bequests. While fundraising has grown increasingly sophisticated with new technologies and strategies, the vast majority of nonprofits—90% of which operate on budgets under $1 million—lack the resources of larger organizations. Still, with targeted training and intentional relationship-building, even small nonprofits can significantly grow their philanthropic support and diversify their revenue model. This session will explore how to make that happen.

 

Michigan Politics (1 SW CE)- Malcolm Kletke

Join us for an engaging discussion with valuable insights into Michigan politics. With his wealth of knowledge of the legislative landscape, Malcom Kletke will offer a comprehensive overview of recent developments, key issues, and legislative priorities shaping policy decisions in Lansing. Whether you're a nonprofit executive navigating advocacy efforts, a community leader seeking to understand the political landscape, or simply interested in the dynamics of Michigan politics, this presentation promises to provide valuable perspectives and actionable insights.

 

Provider-Readiness for System Change (1 SW CE) - Michael Christy

As fast as change has come to the healthcare sector, that change only seems to be accelerating. This presentation will examine some of the drivers of system changes. It will also identify courses of action available to providers as they navigate that change: research-based advocacy, quality improvement, human resources innovation, and service innovation and expansion. Special consideration will be given to practical steps providers can take to develop, support, and retain a workforce capable of meeting the needs of the people they serve.

 

Understanding the Cost of Care in Behavioral Health (1 SW CE) - Anya Elliasen 

This session will explore why it’s essential for behavioral health providers to understand the true cost of delivering care. The presentation will break down direct, indirect, and hidden costs, and highlight how cost awareness supports financial sustainability, operational planning, and effective advocacy. Attendees will gain practical tools for analyzing service costs and making data-informed decisions that align with value-based care models.

 

Unlocking Workforce Success: Strategic Leadership Planning for Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention Excellence (1 SW CE)- Kimika Garrett 

Organizations are at a pivotal crossroads. Employee expectations are evolving, competition for talent is intensifying, and retention challenges are putting pressure on operational stability and growth. Addressing these complex issues requires more than quick fixes — it demands clear, actionable strategies driven by intentional leadership.

This interactive and insight-driven session introduces a strategic planning framework to help leadership teams assess current workforce realities, identify priority focus areas, and design targeted approaches to improve recruitment, engagement, and retention. Through guided exercises and thought-provoking discussions, participants will gain greater clarity and leave equipped with actionable ideas to align workforce strategies with organizational goals.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify and assess workforce challenges
  • Analyze current approaches to recruitment, engagement, and retention to uncover gaps and opportunities.
  • Prioritize strategic focus areas
  • Determine which aspects of the employee experience will deliver the greatest impact based on organizational needs.
  • Begin developing a workforce action plan
  • Draft a high-level roadmap to guide next steps in creating more effective and sustainable talent strategies.
  • Align workforce strategies with organizational objectives
  • Connect talent management priorities to broader business outcomes to ensure alignment and accountability.

 

There are 7 Social Work approved hours. Please attend the following sessions to receive credit. 

  • Assessing the Federal Landscape and the Impact for Michigan Nonprofits (1 SW CE) with Kelly Kuhn
  • ChatGPT is Like Kleenex: Navigating the Generative AI Ecosystem for Social Workers (1 SW CE) with Brian Perron
  • Fundraising 101: The Power of Relationships (1 SW CE) with Christie Perdue and Anthony Rupard
  • Michigan Politics and Legislature (1 SW CE) with Malcolm Kletke
  • Provider-Readiness for System Change (1 SW CE) with Michael Christy 
  • Stop Discovering What You're Looking For! How Design Thinking Can Lead to Better Outcomes (1 SW CE) Joel Van Kuiken
  • Unlocking Workforce Success: Strategic Leadership Planning for Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention Excellence (1 SW CE) with Kimika Garrett

We have updated the process for you to record your attendance, so please read the following thoroughly if you wish to obtain continuing education.

At the end of each of the 7 approved presentations: 

  • You will be shown a 5-digit code and QR code at the end of each presentation  

  • This 5-digit code and QR code will only be shown for approximately 5 minutes.  

  • Attendance will also be monitored live by staff members. Anyone who leaves for 5 or more minutes will be marked down as absent.  

  • You will need to scan the QR code on the projector screen with your phones, and youwill be redirected to a Google form. You must enter your name, email, and the provided 5-digit code in the PowerPoint. You will be directed to an evaluation.  

  • You will receive a verification email of your submission 

  • Certificates will be sent 1-2 weeks after the conference 

 

A handful of paper forms and evaluations will be available for those who cannot access the digital form or do not have a cell phone. We want to ensure everyone can receive their CE hours. Please contact Katie Kinde  kkinde@incompassmi.org if you anticipate you will need physical forms. 

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28 May 2025
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04 Jun 2025 @ 1:00pm EDT
05 Jun 2025 @ 4:00pm EDT

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Many thanks to our sponsors!

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Gesher Human Services

GOLD SPONSORS

 

Goodwill of Greater Detroit

 

Grand Traverse Industries

Lakestate Industries

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSOR

For sponsorship opportunities contact bjohnson@incompassmi.org


Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with Associate Members