A Retreat to Renew and Inspire
Nonprofit CEOs dedicate themselves to being champions of opportunity, stewarding their organizations for the benefit of Allen County residents. This work is intellectually, emotionally, and physically demanding. That’s why Foellinger Foundation offered the CEO Retreat, to pour back into our community’s leaders—so they can continue to pour into those with the greatest economic need and least opportunity.
The CEO Retreat provides a dedicated opportunity for the CEOs of Foellinger Foundation grantees to step away from their fast-paced, urgent daily tasks and engage in self-reflection, connection, growth, and renewal.
Our first CEO Retreat was held on May 6–7, 2025, at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana, and was facilitated by Suzanne Smith, Founder and CEO of Social Impact Architects. Forty-one nonprofit executives participated in sessions designed to inspire and equip them to sustain their leadership, helping them recognize the significance and value of their contributions and well-being.
“Leadership can be lonely, and I relish the opportunities Foellinger Foundation provides for us to simply spend time with one another in safe spaces,” said Jessica Henry-Johnson, Executive Director of Humane Fort Wayne. “I was surprised at how rejuvenating the leadership retreat was. Even though the sessions lasted all day, I came home feeling refreshed and re-centered. And in a field that never sleeps, I was grateful for a few days away to reset and renew my commitment to our mission.”
Travis Pope, President and General Manager of WBOI NEI Public Radio and a newer leader to the Northeast Indiana nonprofit community, shared: “I stumbled upon kindred spirits who also live for the work their organizations do. I made acquaintances with change agents dedicated to making Northeast Indiana the best that it can be. I’ve broken bread with people willing to say, ‘I’ve fallen in that particular hole. I know the way out.’”
Donna Elbrecht, CEO of Easterseals Northern Indiana, said, “CEOs always focus on the people, families, and communities we support. We don't prioritize ourselves as much. Being off-site with other CEOs helped us do exactly what Suzanne taught us—lead ourselves before we lead others. I entered this retreat thinking it would be similar to other leadership trainings I had attended, but it was truly unique. Suzanne covered a lot of information, but she did so in a way that connected the dots instead of just sharing theories.”
Jessica continued, “The biggest single takeaway for me was the realization that my organization's leadership team would benefit from something similar. Now, for the first time, we're planning a daylong offsite event for all Humane Fort Wayne managers to spend time together learning from and about each other.”
“I took what I learned back to our team, and we are using the assessment tools, activities, and materials to develop each of our leadership abilities,” Donna agreed.
“I have always appreciated Foellinger's commitment to nonprofit leaders, but I am extra grateful for the work they're doing to find innovative ways for us to connect and to feel supported. Thank you, Foellinger Foundation!” said Jessica.
For Travis, one of the most impactful moments of the retreat wasn’t a handout or takeaway, but a quiet moment of human connection and understanding. “As I was looking out of a window, a member of Foellinger Foundation’s staff asked me if I was okay. She knew that the work my organization does was tiring, and she wanted me to know that. I can’t translate into text how much those spoken words meant to me in that moment.”
Thank you to all participants who invested their time and energy in this retreat!
