CEO Retreat: May 13 – 14, 2026
At Foellinger Foundation, we believe that strong leaders create strong communities. By investing in new inspiration, new tools, and new energy to sustain yourself in this work, you can better steward your organization for the benefit of Allen County residents.
Please note: Your invitation is exclusive to only you; additional guests cannot be accommodated. Space is limited, so please plan to stay for the entire retreat. Each guest will have a private room.
This retreat is designed as a chance to slow down and be present—so we encourage you to take a break from phones and technology during sessions to fully engage and recharge.
We hope that you leave the retreat with new inspiration, tools, and energy to sustain yourself in this work. We hope you'll be reminded of how much the work you do matters and how much you are valued.
Event Details
This year’s retreat will feature a new curriculum—focusing on the theme of Resilience—and will benefit both those who attended last year’s session and those who are attending the retreat for the first time.
Dates:
Wednesday, May 13 – Thursday, May 14, 2026
Location:
Wellness and Renewal Activities
Participants will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of restorative self-care experiences, including chair yoga, massage, kayaking, creative reflection, a nature walk, and more. The full list of activities will be available to view and sign up for at event registration.
Recommended Packing List
Comfortable clothes
Walking shoes
Light, waterproof jacket
Phone charger
A note on attire: We invite you to dress casually and comfortably. Please note that photos and videos will be taken to help promote future events.
List of Attendees
For those wishing to carpool with fellow retreat participants, please view our spreadsheet with contact information.
Retreat Agenda
Dinner on Wednesday will be off-site at Blue Barn Berry Farm, with indoor seating for the meal. Weather permitting, guests are also welcome to enjoy the outdoor space for drinks and lawn games.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
8:00 AM: Guest Arrival, Check-in, Breakfast and Connection Time
9:00 AM: Welcome
9:15 AM: Ice Breaker, led by Ritch Hochstetler, CEO, ULEAD, Inc
10:00 AM: Suzanne Smith, Founder and CEO, Social Impact Architects
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Suzanne Smith
3:00 PM: Wellness and Renewal Activities, Hotel Check-in
5:00 PM: Transportation to Blue Barn Berry Farm (Bus 1)
5:15 PM: Transportation to Blue Barn Berry Farm (Bus 2)
5:30 PM: Cocktail Hour at Blue Barn Berry Farm
6:30 PM: Dinner at Blue Barn Berry Farm
8:00 PM: Transportation to Oakwood Resort (Bus 1)
8:15 PM: Transportation to Oakwood Resort (Bus 2)
8:30 PM: Campfire and Connection Time
Thursday, May 14, 2026
8:00 AM: Breakfast and Connection Time
9:00 AM: Suzanne Smith
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Suzanne Smith
2:00 PM: Closing and Dismissal
Workshop Facilitators
Ritch Hochstetler
CEO, ULEAD, Inc.
Ritch leads the staff and board in defining and pursuing ULEAD’s mission and vision. Together with the board, Ritch supervises strategic and operational planning. He is a graduate of Goshen College and Fuller Seminary, with additional certifications in Talent Optimization, Appreciative Inquiry, True Colors Personality Temperament, and Servant Leadership. As an aspiring mystic and servant leader, Ritch thrives on engaging individuals and teams in playful exploration, learning, and growth. When he isn’t dreaming up new ways to stretch people’s comfort zones, he loves to go on adventures with his grandchildren, paddle a kayak, and write songs accompanied by a vintage Martin guitar.
Post-retreat one-on-one coaching sessions with Ritch will be available to anyone interested. Details will be provided at the retreat.
Suzanne Smith
Founder and CEO, Social Impact Architects
Suzanne is a social entrepreneur, professor, public speaker, and the founder and CEO of Social Impact Architects—a benefit corporation that shows organizations how to maximize the potential of the social sector. As an educator, writer and blogger, TEDx speaker, and coach to social sector organizations, she pioneers meaningful and sustainable social solutions to create real, scalable impact. She authors the top-rated blog Social TrendSpotter, which offers resources and thought leadership that align the interests of nonprofit, business, and government professionals. Her writing has been featured in Forbes, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Nonprofit Business Advisor, and other publications. Suzanne holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Post-retreat one-on-one coaching sessions with Suzanne will be available to anyone interested. Details will be provided at the retreat.
Have a Question?
Contact Lisa Pickerman, Program Officer at Lisa@foellinger.org.
Lisa Pickerman
Program Officer
Did you see last year’s recap?
We asked three attendees to share their main takeaways and shared photos! Click here to read the blog post.
Event Registration
** Details: All meals, lodging, and expenses are covered by the Foellinger Foundation, with individual hotel rooms provided for overnight stays, and participants are encouraged to dress in casual dress, including jeans.