More than 200 nonprofit leaders from across Kentucky are gathered in Lexington this week for the Kentucky Nonprofit Leadership Forum.
Presented by Kentucky Nonprofit Network, the state’s association of nonprofit organizations, the Forum is the only statewide event that brings leaders from the nonprofit sector together to discuss management best practices and network with their peers. It began today, and continues through Thursday, at the Lexington Convention Center.
Featured this year is a panel discussion on Thursday, Nov. 3 at approximately 1:30 p.m. – “A Preview of the Impact of the elections on the Sector” – moderated by KET’s Renee Shaw. Panelists include former U.S. Congressman Ben Chandler, David Thompson of the National Council of Nonprofits, and political analyst, Scott Jennings. (Click here for more information on the panel discussion.)
Also part of the Forum is the Kentucky Nonprofit Awards Luncheon at noon on Thursday, Nov. 3. To be honored are:
- The Carnegie Center of Literacy and Learning with the Innovative Nonprofit Award
- Richard Seckel with the Distinguished Nonprofit Leadership Award
- Kathy Plomin with the Outstanding Board Leadership Award
Lexington-based Carnegie Center will receive the 2016 Innovative Nonprofit Award, which recognizes an organization that implements inventive, nontraditional programs or methods that effectively meet community needs. The award winner is required to demonstrate creativity and vision in finding unique solutions to those needs.
The Center won for its “Reading Room in Triangle Park,” a unique outdoor learning space in the heart of downtown Lexington. Adults and children alike are encouraged to stay and enjoy a good book, as well as to browse and read gently used and new books to keep. The project is designed to promote and inspire a love of reading in all ages and, at the same time, put books in the hands of those who often have none. Carnegie Center partnered with the Triangle Foundation to bring the project to fruition.
Seckel will take home the 2016 Distinguished Nonprofit Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership among Kentucky nonprofit chief executives. The award recognizes achievement in the areas of strategic leadership, community building, ethical integrity, innovation, and commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector.
As executive director of the Kentucky Equal Justice Center in Lexington since 1979, Seckel has led the center from its early mission of consolidating services among legal aid programs in Kentucky to its current mission to serve as center for impact advocacy for low-income people.
Plomin, who has 30 years of experience working with numerous boards in the Lexington community, as well as serving as chief professional officer of the United Way of the Bluegrass will receive the 2016 Outstanding Board Leadership Award. The award highlights the work of a board leader who is strategic-thinking and works cooperatively to further the mission of an organization and is actively committed to best practices.
While serving on boards, including most recently Bluegrass Tomorrow and 100 Women, Plomin has been recognized for her ability to empower groups, to lead by example of service and to create coalitions of community partners.
Click here for more information on the Kentucky Nonprofit Awards.
Kentucky Nonprofit Network
