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2026 CAPLAW National Training Conference

Tuesday, Jun 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM to Wednesday, Jun 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM MST

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, 340 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States

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Registration

Early Bird CAPLAW Member Partial Approval - $750.00

Sale ends on 04/10/2026

Available for CAPLAW members through April 10, 2026. To inquire about your CAPLAW membership status, please email conference@caplaw.org.

Non-Member Partial Approval - $880.00

Sale ends on 06/03/2026

To inquire about your CAPLAW membership status, please email conference@caplaw.org.

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Event Information

Tuesday, Jun 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM to Wednesday, Jun 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM MST

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, 340 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States.

Our annual training conference brings together leaders of Community Action Agencies and other grant-funded organizations across the country to navigate the legal and governance challenges they face as they deliver essential services in their communities. Join us for two packed days of learning from attorneys, accountants, network leaders, as well as your peers to increase your organizational capacity for effectiveness and accountability. 

Registration  

Your conference registration includes admission to all general and workshop sessions, the networking reception, the opening session plated breakfast, a continental breakfast, and access to the conference app.  

Conference Hotel  

This year’s conference will be held at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, which is surrounded by a wide variety of restaurants and cafés and offers easy access to walkable plazas, parks, and nearby cultural sites. 

Book Your Stay

We have reserved a special room rate at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. The discounted CAPLAW Early Bird hotel room rate is $249 (plus tax) per night. A non-refundable deposit of one room night + tax will be required at the time of booking. We recommend booking your stay early as our hotel block often sells out. 

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown 

Book your stay: https://book.passkey.com/event/51021885/owner/68648/home 
Hotel Address: 340 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004  
Hotel Phone: 866-837-4213   
Check in: 4:00 PM | Check out: 11:00 AM   
Reservation Questions? For all hotel reservation questions, contact the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown directly.    

Pre-Conference Tour 

Before the conference begins, attendees are invited to explore groundbreaking programs in Phoenix that provide 360-degree care for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty, helping them move from crisis to lasting stability. Two tours will be offered from 1–4 PM the day before the conference. Tour attendees will then be invited back to the hotel for a reception to learn even more, chat with organization leaders, and connect with fellow attendees. Refreshments will be served.

Community in Action: Phoenix’s 360° Response 
Tour Keys to Change and the Safe Outdoor Space in downtown Phoenix to see how innovative partnerships with local government and businesses deliver 360-degree care for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty. This model highlights how collaboration and creativity can transform community responses to complex challenges. 

Community in Action: Housing That Works at La Mesita 
Explore A New Leaf’s housing campus program at La Mesita to learn how personalized support and wraparound services help families and individuals move from crisis to lasting stability. Talk with program staff to understand how they brought this project to life, including with the use of Medicaid funding. This approach demonstrates the power of housing as a foundation for dignity, hope, and long-term opportunity. 

Learn more and register for the tours here

Education Credits 

Continuing legal education (CLE) and/or Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) credits are available for purchase prior to the conference. Once at the conference, you must request an education credit attendance form from the registration table and then return the completed form to the registration table before leaving the conference. Register for credits here.  

Sponsors + Exhibitors  

Support CAPLAW and connect with attendees by sponsoring an event, purchasing a program announcement, or becoming an exhibitor! Learn more and sign up here.  

Emerging Leaders Scholarship  

We are pleased to offer the Robert M. Coard and Winston Ross Emerging Leaders Scholarships, which will cover the conference registration fees and provide a travel stipend for selected emerging leaders. Learn more and apply here. Applications are due March 20, 2026.  

 

FAQs 

What are the registration payment options?  
You can pay by credit card or check. To pay by check, select the “Pay by Invoice” option at checkout. You will then be emailed an invoice that can be used to remit payment.  

When are check payments due and where do I send them?  
We must receive check payments no later than Friday, May 15, 2026, or your registration will be automatically cancelled. Please make checks payable to "CAPLAW", include a note indicating the individuals covered by the check payment, and mail them to:  

CAPLAW  
800 Boylston St #990626  
Boston, MA 02199  

How do I request an invoice and/or a W-9?  
To receive an invoice, select “Pay by Invoice” at registration checkout. If you would like a W-9, please contact us at conference@caplaw.org.   

Can I update my registration information?  
Yes! You can update your registration information through our online registration platform, Eventzilla. You can retrieve your conference registration ticket by having the buyer (the person who completed the conference registration and payment) log into their Eventzilla account and use the self-service option to make necessary updates (see instructions here.) 

What is the cancellation and refund policy?   
You may cancel your conference registration for a refund of your conference fees, less a $100 administrative fee, so long as we receive your cancellation request by Friday, May 8, 2026, via email to conference@caplaw.org. No refund will be available for any registrant who submits a cancellation request after Friday, May 8, 2026. Please contact conference@caplaw.org with any questions.   

Can I transfer my registration to someone else?  
If you cannot attend the conference, another individual from your organization may attend in your place, but you must update your registration information. Please retrieve your conference registration ticket by having the buyer (the person who completed the conference registration and payment) log into their Eventzilla account and use the self-service option to update your registration information (See instructions here.)  

To make changes to your hotel reservation, please contact the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown at 866-837-4213. 

Will the conference be live-streamed or available to view virtually?  
No, the conference will be an in-person event only.  

Is there a printable version of the conference agenda?  
A print version of the conference agenda is forthcoming.

Event Location

About Organizer

Community Action Program Legal Services, Inc. (CAPLAW) Organizer name

CAPLAW is the national legal expert for the Community Action network. Through consultations, training, and resources, we equip Community Action Agencies (CAAs) with the knowledge and tools to operate as accountable and effective change agents. We also provide guidance to federal, state, and national Community Action partners on legal and financial issues affecting CAAs. CAPLAW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization.

Contact the Organizer View other events

Speakers

Tom serves as the Board Chairman of South Central Community Action Partnership in Twin Falls, Idaho. Tom has been on the Board of Directors for 9 years and has served as Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Committee Chairman of the Housing and Finance Committee. Tom works at Idaho Power Company and for over 10 years assisted residential customers in improving energy efficiency in their homes by education and utility efficiency incentives. His current work as an Energy Advisor for the Large Power Customers allows him to do the same thing with large users of electricity, but on a much bigger scale. He is involved in the community serving in the local Lions Club, Church Leadership, and volunteering for various organizations in the area. Tom has a Bachelors degree in Business Management and Business Marketing from the University of Idaho.

About Tom Behm
Board Chair
South Central Community Action Partnership
Jun 02, 2026
03:45 PM

3A. Governance: Leadership Winds of Change: Strategies for CEO Succession + Retention

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

For more than 30 years, David has been one of Washington’s leading advocates on behalf of low-income programs. In 1981, David helped found the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF). As a private nonprofit organization funded solely by non-governmental contributions, NCAF represents funding and policy interests of the nation’s 1,000 Community Action Agencies before Congress and the Executive Branch. In this role at NCAF, David was the primary architect of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act. Besides the CSBG, David’s legislative activities include Weatherization Assistance, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Head Start, and job training programs.

In an age in which partisan gridlock is too often the norm, David has shown an uncanny ability to make poverty issues a concern to both parties. After facing elimination in the 1995 House Republican’s Contract with America, David was able to work with key House Republican leaders to ensure CSBG funding procured the largest percentage received of any domestic program in FY 1997. In his role at NCAF, David has also helped power CAPLAW and CAPPAC, a Political Action Committee.

Prior to joining NCAF, David worked in Congressional Affairs at the Small Business Administration under President Jimmy Carter. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from George Washington University. In 1987, he was a Senior Executive Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University. David’s mentor, Sargent Shriver, perhaps described David’s advocacy best when he wrote “no one has done more to keep the War on Poverty fresh in the hearts and minds of individuals than David Bradley."

About David Bradley
Co-Founder + CEO
National Community Action Foundation
Jun 03, 2026
11:15 AM

Legislative Update with David Bradley

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Kyle Broadfoot is a skilled employment litigator who represents employers in high-stakes disputes in state and federal courts across the country, with the majority of his practice focused in Arizona. Kyle regularly defends employers against claims arising under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the Arizona Civil Rights Act, the Arizona Employment Protection Act, and other federal, state, and local laws governing the employment relationship. In addition to his active litigation practice, Kyle provides practical, day-to-day counsel to employers on compliance with federal and state employment laws. He advises clients on workplace policies, employee discipline and terminations, and strategies to minimize litigation risk. Kyle takes a proactive approach to helping employers navigate the complexities of the modern workplace while maintaining legally compliant operations. Kyle is licensed to practice in Arizona and Montana. Kyle is a Phoenix native, having been born and raised in Scottsdale. He then attended the University of Alabama, and upon graduation, he returned to Phoenix to attend the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.

About Kyle Broadfoot, Esq.
Associate
Ogletree Deakins
Jun 02, 2026
11:00 AM

1B. HR: Present and Future of Anti-Discrimination Law in the Workplace

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Walter Calvert is a business and tax attorney whose practice focuses on state and local taxation; tax credits, opportunity zone funds, and other specialized federal and state tax incentive programs; public finance and project finance; and tax-exempt organizations. Walter focuses on state and local tax planning and controversy matters.  He represents individuals and businesses when planning to minimize state and local tax obligations, and in audit and litigation matters.  In addition, Walter serves as tax, issuer's and borrower counsel for public and private financings.  In public financing he serves as both borrower's counsel in conduit financings and as bond counsel to government issuers. He has extensive experience with financings that involve combinations of state and federal tax credits. He assists with structuring and compliance with special tax incentive program requirements for federal and state programs, including those involving opportunity zone funds, new markets tax credits, rehabilitation/historic tax credits, low- and moderate-income housing, and alternative energy incentives.

About Walter Calvert, Esq.
Partner
Venable LLP
Jun 03, 2026
03:45 PM

6D. Program: Connecting Capital and Communities: Opportunity Zones and Tax Credits

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Katherine Eilers is a senior manager who specializes in working with nonprofit clients and state agencies. As a consultant, she focuses on financial department process improvement, financial monitoring procedures, and provides training on federal grant regulations (Uniform Guidance), procurement, cost allocation, indirect cost rates, and financial best practices. With over 20 years of experience, Katherine has an extensive background as a financial statement auditor and grants auditor. Her experience spans working with nonprofit organizations and local governments, including counties, cities, townships, community colleges and school districts. Katherine has a bachelor of business degree in accountancy from Western Illinois University, Quad Cities, and a masters of science degree in accounting from Liberty University.

About Katherine Eilers, CPA
Senior Manager
Wipfli Advisory LLC
Jun 03, 2026
02:00 PM

5E. Specialized: Strengthening Record Retention for Compliance and Impact

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM

Eleanor is Partner in the nonprofit practice at Hemenway & Barnes LLP. She has over 25 years’ experience representing community action agencies and other tax-exempt organizations in a diverse range of legal, governance and compliance matters. She provides practical advice on strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations in areas such as shared services and mergers, bylaws, government grants and data privacy and security. Prior to joining Hemenway & Barnes, Eleanor served as Executive Director/General Counsel of CAPLAW and as General Counsel of Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. (ABCD), Boston’s Community Action Agency. She is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and Smith College. 

About Eleanor Evans, Esq.
Partner
Hemenway & Barnes
Jun 02, 2026
11:00 AM

1A. Governance: Effective Governance in Action: Board Roles and Responsibilities

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
03:45 PM

3A. Governance: Leadership Winds of Change: Strategies for CEO Succession + Retention

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Curtis Gibbs, CAP OC Director of Community Development, an employee since May 2016, brought almost 30 years of public finance, technology, and grants management expertise from his time with the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) working in under-served and disadvantaged communities. Curtis currently focuses on securing government grants, advocacy, and low-income housing production. He has served as the business development lead in securing the approvals and funding for CAP OC to implement all aspects of CalAIM, while strategizing on how to grow this program. He has participated on prior CalAIM and Medicaid waiver panels with NCAP, NEUAC, and CalCAPA. Previously, Curtis served as the CAP OC Director of Planning as CSBG lead for CAP OC resulting in two five-year Strategic Plans, four Community Needs Assessment and Community Action Plans, and seven CSBG Annual Reports. He is part of the CAP OC data management team. He served as the program lead in the development of the CAP OC Theory of Change. Curtis graduated from Johns Hopkins University studying political science and economics and has a master’s degree in public policy from UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy. For the past 20 years, Curtis has been on the Board of Managers for the Long Beach Y Community Development.

About Curtis Gibbs
Community Action Partnership of Orange County
Director of Community Development
Jun 02, 2026
03:45 PM

3D. Program: Leveraging Medicaid Section 1115 Waiver Pilots to Expand Community-Based Services

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Alicia Gilleskie is an experienced attorney who advises companies on technology transactions, data privacy, and related regulatory and strategic issues. She works closely with executive and business stakeholders to structure, negotiate, and manage complex technology contracts, including SaaS agreements, licensing arrangements, and strategic partnerships. Her practice also focuses on data privacy and information governance.  She regularly advises on data use, data sharing, cross-border data transfers, and incident response considerations. Known for providing pragmatic, business-oriented guidance, Alicia helps companies navigate legal complexity while enabling innovation and growth. She serves as a strategic partner to her clients, translating legal requirements into actionable advice that supports long-term business objectives. Alicia graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University School of Law.

About Alicia Gilleskie, Esq
Founder
DataTech Law
Jun 02, 2026
02:00 PM

2E. Specialized: Before the Ink Dries: Smarter Technology Contracting for CAAs

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
03:45 PM

3E. Specialized: Policies Before Problems: Building your AI Governance Strategy

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Dori Glanz Reyneri is a Managing Director with Manatt Health, an interdisciplinary policy, law, and business advisory consulting practice. She provides policy analysis and development, analytics, and strategic business services to states, health care providers, and foundations on a broad range of issues, including Medicaid waivers and other Medicaid authority issues, Medicaid payment and financing, and health care system reform. Dori frequently publishes on topics related to national Medicaid waiver activity. Prior to joining Manatt, Dori was a Medicaid program examiner with the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Healthcare Division. Before OMB, Dori was a program analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Presidential Management Fellowship program. She received her undergraduate degree in political science and French from Southwestern University and her Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

About Dori Glanz Reyneri
Managing Director
Manatt
Jun 02, 2026
03:45 PM

3D. Program: Leveraging Medicaid Section 1115 Waiver Pilots to Expand Community-Based Services

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Denise has served as Chief Executive Officer of the National Community Action Partnership since December 2014. She has been with the Partnership since 2011 and served as Senior Director of Training and Technical Assistance and Interim Chief Operating Officer. Prior to her tenure at the Partnership, she was the CEO of the New York State Community Action Association and Sr. Vice President for Capacity Building for the New York Council of Nonprofits. Denise has more than 35 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, has served on several nonprofit boards of directors, and was an appointee to the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council in New York State. She started her Community Action career as a social worker with the Schenectady Community Action Program. She has a master’s degree in social work from the University at Albany where she was also a Fellow on Women and Public Policy at the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society, and holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Valparaiso University.

About Denise Harlow
CEO
National Community Action Partnership
Jun 02, 2026
11:00 AM

1D. Program: CSBG Update

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
03:45 PM

3A. Governance: Leadership Winds of Change: Strategies for CEO Succession + Retention

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Dawn is the Chief Executive Officer at the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico (CAASNM), a position she has held since 2011. She is an outspoken advocate on issues that affect families and communities in New Mexico. At CAASNM, along with her team, she created and expanded several family centered initiatives. Under her leadership, CAASNM has garnered millions of dollars to advance family wellbeing and boost the economy. She holds an MBA from New Mexico State University where she also received her Bachelor of Business Administration, with distinction in university honors.

About Dawn Hommer
Chief Executive Officer
Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico
Jun 03, 2026
02:00 PM

5D. Program: Scaling Smarter: Strategies for Growing CAA Programs

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM

Keith is a Partner at Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC (CRI) and CRI Advisors, LLC. With more than 30 years of experience, Keith is part of CRI’s governmental and nonprofit team. Keith provides assurance and consulting services to a variety of organizations with a focus on community action agencies and Head Start programs. He regularly serves as a continuing education leader for CRI and is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA). Keith is a graduate of Troy University and a 2011 inductee to the Troy University Accounting Hall of Honor.

About Keith Hundley, CPA
Partner
Carr, Riggs, & Ingram
Jun 02, 2026
11:00 AM

1E. Specialized: It's Coming From Inside the House: Detecting and Deterring Occupational Fraud

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Jun 03, 2026
03:45 PM

6C. Finance: Finance & Friends: The Relationship Between Finance and Program Managers

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Shalynn Kellogg has been the CEO of South-Central Community Action Partnership since December 2025. Prior to coming to SCCAP she served as the Executive Director at the Housing Partnership of New Jersey where she launched the first CDFI focused on Homeownership initiatives and the financial capability program for young adults and youth empowering financial stability. She brings lots of experience working in the nonprofit world including working with the Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency in Pocatello, with Family Development, Homeless Assistance, Weatherization, CSBG & SHH and other Affordable Housing Programs. She holds an Master's Degree in State, Local & Non-Profit Administration, B.S. in Political Science, Certified CDFI Community Development Specialist, USDA Loan Packager, NCHEC Certified Financial Counselor, Certified in Project Management, Pre -License for Real Estate and is a Gantz Leadership Graduate from Harvard as well as other certifications. Over the course of her career she has developed housing counseling programs throughout the United States and has launched three Community Development Financial Institutions and overseen several affordable Housing programs . She has extensive experience working in underserved communities building economic initiatives, including specializing in tribal and rural communities and has sat on both State and National Housing Policy committees. She currently sits on the RCAC Reimagining 502 Direct Cohort , NLIHC tenant law committee, and actively participates in the Gem State Housing Alliance. 

About Shalynn Kellogg, MPA
CEO
South Central Community Action Partnership
Jun 02, 2026
03:45 PM

3A. Governance: Leadership Winds of Change: Strategies for CEO Succession + Retention

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Vance is a Partner at Fisher Phillips and represents a range of publicly traded companies, closed corporations and non-profit employers in federal and state court litigation and administrative proceedings throughout the U.S. As a former criminal prosecutor, he has tried over 300 cases, including 30 jury trials. Vance focuses on conducting internal investigations on behalf of publicly traded and private corporations. Vance’s practice includes advising employers on accommodating employees with disabilities and religious accommodations, recruiting, hiring, terminations, drug testing, and workplace violence issues. Vance collaborates with clients to develop workplace investigation training and compliance programs. He also has experience representing employers in wage and hour class and collective actions and FINRA employment arbitrations. A thought leader in the labor and employment law, Vance has lectured and written extensively on perennial and developing issues. Vance holds a BA from Colorado State University and JD from University of Colorado School of Law.

About Vance Knapp, Esq.
Partner
Fisher Phillips
Jun 03, 2026
02:00 PM

5B. HR: Speaking One's Mind: Managing Employee Communication and Speech

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
03:45 PM

6B. HR: Navigating Leave Laws: FMLA, Short- and Long-Term Disability, and More

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

David is the Executive Director for the California Community Action Partnership Association (CalCAPA) and has served in this role since December 2020. He began his career in Community Action in 2008 in Pikeville, KY, as a business service representative under the WIA (Workforce Investment Act), then a Special Projects Coordinator in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and then to Community Services Director under the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). At the age of 29, David became the youngest executive director in Arkansas state history as the Executive Director for Pine Bluff Jefferson County EOC. David also worked with the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) out of Washington, D.C. as the Community Services Director for the entire US before becoming the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for Hinds County Human Resource Agency, the CAA in Jackson, Mississippi. He received his Bachelor of Science in Social Work in August 2004 from the University of Mississippi. From there, David has completed over 300 hours of direct sales, leadership and marketing training; has over 150 hours of training in the Certified Community Action Management Program, and is a nationally certified Results Oriented Management & Accountability (ROMA) Master Trainer in which he trained at Community Action Agencies all over the United States. He also holds a certificate in Public Management and Leadership from the Institute of Government at Jackson State University.

About David Knight
Executive Director
CalCAPA
Jun 02, 2026
03:45 PM

3A. Governance: Leadership Winds of Change: Strategies for CEO Succession + Retention

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Sarah is Senior Policy Counsel at the National Immigration Law Center, focusing on health and economic justice issues at the state and federal level. She works on a wide variety of issues affecting low-income immigrants, including access to health care and public benefits, worker’s rights, and enforcement. Prior to joining NILC in July 2025, she worked at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for almost a decade, focusing on humanitarian immigration policy. She has a law degree from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in government and Hispanic studies from Hamilton College.

About Sarah Krieger, Esq.
Senior Policy Counsel
National Immigration Law Center
Jun 03, 2026
02:00 PM

5E. Specialized: Strengthening Record Retention for Compliance and Impact

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
03:45 PM

6E. Specialized: Step by Step: Walking Through PRWORA and Public Charge Requirements

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Dr. Sue Lynn Murphy Ledford is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in fiscal management, strategic planning, and community advocacy. As Executive Director of a Community Action agency—and with a background in nursing, public health, and healthcare leadership—she has overseen programs across North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, serving both rural and urban communities. Her work in housing, social services, and statewide health initiatives reflects a deep understanding of complex governance and cross-sector systems, enabling her to drive meaningful results for the communities she serves. She received her undergraduate degree from Western Carolina University, her Master of Public Administration from Western Carolina University, and her public health doctorate from the University of Chapel Hill NC.

About Dr. Sue Ledford, DrPH MPA BSN RN
Executive Director
Four Square Community Action Inc.
Jun 02, 2026
03:45 PM

3D. Program: Leveraging Medicaid Section 1115 Waiver Pilots to Expand Community-Based Services

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Sharon is a Partner at Casner & Edwards, LLP and enjoys the challenge and creativity of advising nonprofit organizations on a wide variety of strategic matters related to their tax-exempt status, governance, and operations. In addition, she assists clients in matters directly involving the Internal Revenue Service, including audits and in Tax Court. Her clients range from small startup nonprofits to well-established charitable institutions. Sharon graduated from Dartmouth College (summa cum laude) and from Harvard Law School (cum laude), is licensed in both California and Massachusetts, and is admitted in Tax Court and the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

About Sharon C. Lincoln, Esq.
Partner
Casner & Edwards, LLP
Jun 03, 2026
02:00 PM

5A. Governance: Asked & Answered: Burning Bylaws Questions

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
03:45 PM

6A. Governance: Divided We Fall: A Guide to Resolving Governance Disputes

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Allison Ma'luf is Executive Director and General Counsel of Community Action Program Legal Services, Inc. (CAPLAW). She advises community action agencies on a wide range of legal issues, including board responsibilities, Head Start, employment law, and tax-exempt organization law requirements. Prior to joining CAPLAW, Allison practiced law as a corporate associate at Goodwin Procter LLP in Boston, Massachusetts and Troutman Sanders LLP in Atlanta, Georgia where she represented public and private companies and nonprofit organizations in general corporate matters. She also completed a two-year appointment to the Staff Attorney’s Office at the United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. Allison received her undergraduate and law degrees from Wake Forest University.

About Allison Ma'luf, Esq.
Executive Director + General Counsel
CAPLAW
Jun 02, 2026
11:00 AM

1D. Program: CSBG Update

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Veronica is the Assistant General Manager of the Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), where she leads the Consolidated Planning and Program Operations Division. In this role, she oversees the planning and administration of the City's Consolidated Plan and a diverse portfolio of programs. Additionally, she holds the position of the City's state-recognized Community Services Block Grant Executive Director. Under her leadership, she implements groundbreaking initiatives such as LA's Guaranteed Basic Income pilot and a Children's Savings Account program, both among the largest in the nation. Veronica also oversees the FamilySource System, the City's flagship antipoverty program, as well as programs that support survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and homelessness prevention. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, she champions immigration and language access services alongside innovative childcare initiatives. Veronica provides strategic direction to the Commission on Community and Family Services, the Community Action Board, and the Domestic Violence Alliance, ensuring alignment with the department's mission and objectives. Before joining CIFD, Veronica was the Executive Director of Central City Neighborhood Partners, a non-profit organization that catalyzes systemic change for low-income families. Veronica received her degree in Business Administration with a finance emphasis from California State University Long Beach.

About Veronica McDonnell
Assistant General Manager, Community Investment for Families
City of Los Angeles
Jun 03, 2026
02:00 PM

5D. Program: Scaling Smarter: Strategies for Growing CAA Programs

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM

Jim is a Shareholder in the St. Louis office of national labor and employment law firm Ogletree Deakins. Jim has extensive experience in handling labor and employment law litigation and appeals in federal and state courts and claims/investigations in various governmental agencies. Jim also regularly advises employers on all labor and human resource management issues, with special expertise and emphasis on accommodating employee disabilities, work restrictions, and medical leaves of absence. Jim holds Labor Relations and Economics degrees from Saint Louis University and his law degree from Washington University. He has received the top “AV Rating” by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, has been named since 2010 in the annual editions of The Best Lawyers in America as a top labor and employment lawyer and litigator (including “The 2016 St. Louis Employment Litigator of the Year”), and has been listed in Super Lawyers Magazine since 2008. Jim earned his Juris Doctor degree at Washington University School of Law in 1995, and his bachelor’s degree from St. Louis University in 1992.

About James (Jim) Paul, Esq.
Shareholder
Ogletree Deakins
Jun 03, 2026
09:45 AM

4B. HR: Workforce Alternatives: Successful Use of Independent Contractors, Volunteers, and Unpaid Interns

09:45 AM - 11:00 AM
02:00 PM

5D. Program: Scaling Smarter: Strategies for Growing CAA Programs

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM

Ryan is an experienced consultant, advocate, and technology enabler. He has over 15 years of experience working with and planning for technology in regulated industries helping organizations manage, implement and utilize technology to engage constituents, and customers and achieve organizational goals. His experience includes all aspects of IT service delivery and planning including scoping, design, migration, configuration, training, documentation, report writing, and user adoption. Ryan has a bachelor of business administration degree with a major in information technology infrastructure management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

About Ryan Peasley
Partner
Wipfli Advisory LLC
Jun 02, 2026
11:00 AM

1C. Finance: The Budget Crystal Ball: Financial Forecasting in Uncertain Times

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
03:45 PM

3E. Specialized: Policies Before Problems: Building your AI Governance Strategy

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM
Jun 03, 2026
02:00 PM

5E. Specialized: Strengthening Record Retention for Compliance and Impact

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM

Rick is a Partner and former Co-Chair of the Labor and Employment Practice Group at Stinson LLP. He splits his practice equally between the labor and employment disciplines, and both counsels and litigates on behalf of clients. Rick also has considerable commercial litigation experience. He has appeared before numerous state and federal judges and administrative agencies, including the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Rick counsels clients daily in a variety of employment-related areas, including wage and hour, drug and alcohol testing, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), discrimination, hiring, discipline, separation, privacy, background checking, record keeping, and workplace violence. He also counsels clients on compliance with state and federal prevailing wage laws and transportation regulations. Rick frequently trains supervisors and employees on the basics of employment law, positive employee relations, and preventing workplace harassment and discrimination. He has been regularly selected for inclusion in both Super Lawyers® and Top 40 Employment Super Lawyers®. Rick received his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School.

About Rick Pins, Esq.
Partner
Stinson LLP
Jun 02, 2026
02:00 PM

2B. HR: Heed the WARNings: Navigating Furloughs and Other Workforce Disruptions

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
03:45 PM

3B. HR: Developing a Drama-Free Performance Management System

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Jacqueline serves as the Director of Program Operations for the City of Los Angeles’ Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD). With over 26 years of public service experience in local government, she leads the City’s largest anti-poverty initiative and oversees a range of vital social service programs focused on improving the well-being of low-income Angelenos. Jacqueline oversees the FamilySource System (FSS)—a network of 19 FamilySource Centers (FSCs) located in high-need communities across Los Angeles. These one-stop centers offer comprehensive services, including financial empowerment, educational support, housing stability, and employment resources. The FSS plays a central role in helping families increase income, achieve financial security, and improve youth academic performance. In addition to managing the FSS, Jacqueline also directs the Survivor Services Program (SSP).  SSP provides life-saving support and resources to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other forms of interpersonal violence, supporting their recovery and long-term stability. Known for her collaborative leadership and results-oriented approach, Jacqueline has a proven track record of building strategic public and private partnerships to advance programs and policies that uplift underserved communities.

About Jacqueline Rodriguez
Director of Program Operations, Community Investment for Families
City of Los Angeles
Jun 03, 2026
02:00 PM

5D. Program: Scaling Smarter: Strategies for Growing CAA Programs

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM

Maribeth is the Director of Organizational Capacity Building at the National Community Action Partnership. Maribeth has served the Community Action network since 2010 at the local, state, and national levels, including at a local Community Action Agency where she provided direct services, facilitated agency planning, and supported continuous improvement efforts; at the state level as Kentucky’s Director of Family Support where she led the state team responsible for administration and implementation of SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CSBG, and LIHEAP; and at the national level as the CSBG State Assistance Director at the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) where she supported CSBG Lead Agencies to effectively administer CSBG. Maribeth holds a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in law and public policy and is a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP), Nationally Certified ROMA Trainer (NCRT), and certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

About Maribeth Schneber-Rhemrev
Director of Organizational Capacity Buidling
National Community Action Partnership
Jun 02, 2026
11:00 AM

1A. Governance: Effective Governance in Action: Board Roles and Responsibilities

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
02:00 PM

2A. Governance: Building Stronger Boards Through Assessment and Reflection

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM

Kay operates Kay Sohl Consulting where she has provided training and consultation for Executive Directors, CFOs, and Boards of Directors of over 9,500 nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. She focuses her work on rethinking nonprofit strategies for financial sustainability, Board financial oversight, compliance with federal funds management requirements, and the challenges of nonprofit accounting and financial reporting. She is a frequent presenter for state and regional coalitions of nonprofits, and continuing professional education programs for attorneys and accountants serving the nonprofit sector. She has worked extensively with Community Action Agencies, CAPLAW, and the National Community Action Partnership. Kay has authored multiple financial management toolkits for CAAs and other nonprofits, including resources for cost allocation, financial reporting, dashboard development, and the revised OMB Uniform Guidance. She is a licensed public accountant and graduate of University of California at Berkeley. She has a master’s in teaching from Reed College and completed post-graduate work in accounting and business law at Portland State University.

About Kay Sohl
Nonprofit Financial Management Consultant and Trainer
Kay Sohl Consulting
Jun 02, 2026
03:45 PM

3D. Program: Leveraging Medicaid Section 1115 Waiver Pilots to Expand Community-Based Services

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM
Jun 03, 2026
09:45 AM

4C. Finance: Working Within the Limits: Coping Strategies for Administrative Cost Caps

09:45 AM - 11:00 AM
02:00 PM

5C. Finance: Keeping the Ship Steady: Finance Team Resilience Amid Turnover

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM

Liz focuses her practice on tax advisory and planning matters for domestic entities and individuals. Liz regularly provides transactional tax advice on a range of matters, including mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, private equity transactions, and fund formation. She also works with clients on business formation and operational issues, including choice of entity, capital raises, equity incentive planning, and the like. In addition, she has experience working with clients to structure investments and transactions involving real estate investment trusts and qualified opportunity zone funds. Liz has consistently been ranked as One to Watch by The Best Lawyers in America and was recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star for 2021. She currently serves as a co-chair of the Closely Held Business Committee for the American Bar Association Section of Taxation. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and programs sponsored by the American Bar Association and the Maryland State Bar Association. Prior to joining Venable, Liz served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable L. Paige Marvel of the U.S. Tax Court.

About Elizabeth Stieff, Esq.
Partner
Venable LLP
Jun 03, 2026
03:45 PM

6D. Program: Connecting Capital and Communities: Opportunity Zones and Tax Credits

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

As Chief Government Affairs officer, Ellen directs the development and implementation of FRAC’s legislative agenda. Working with Congress, national organizations, and FRAC’s diverse state and local grassroots field network, she advocates for improved access and participation to domestic anti-hunger programs for low-income individuals and families. Ellen joined FRAC in 1986 as a staff attorney and had previously worked at the American Bar Association’s Section on Individual Rights and Responsibilities, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and the Consumer Federation of America. She is a Member of the DC Bar and serves as the Chair of the Coalition on Human Needs Board of Directors and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the James Beard Foundation. Honors include: National WIC Association Leadership Award, 2006; Commodity Supplemental Food Program Association Award, 2003 & 2010; and the Congressional Hunger Center Emerson Fellows’ Fairy Godmother Award, 2008. Ellen has a B.A. in political science and English literature from the State University of New York College at Oneonta, and a J.D. from Western New England College School of Law.

About Ellen Teller, J.D.
Chief Government Affairs Officer
Food Research & Action Center
Jun 03, 2026
09:45 AM

4D. Program: Feeding Our Communities: The Latest in Federal Food and Nutrition Programs

09:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Brian is Managing Director at Tipton KPCL in metro Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, he practiced law in Montgomery, Alabama, with Sasser, Sefton, Brown, Tipton & Davis, P.C., as a Shareholder. Prior to entering private practice, he completed a judicial clerkship with Senior United States District Judge James H. Hancock, of the Northern District of Alabama. His practice is concentrated in the representation of nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations. He regularly represents Community Action Agencies and Head Start Programs in the areas of regulatory compliance, audits, funding source disputes, administrative appeals, and litigation. In addition, Brian consults with organizations on governance, human resources, programmatic, and corporate matters, and develops and presents training programs for nonprofits. He is a summa cum laude graduate of both the Louisiana State University and the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University.

About R. Brian Tipton, Esq.
Managing Director
Tipton KPCL
Jun 02, 2026
11:00 AM

1E. Specialized: It's Coming From Inside the House: Detecting and Deterring Occupational Fraud

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
02:00 PM

2D. Program: Head Start Hot Topics

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Jun 03, 2026
09:45 AM

4A. Governance: Making Tripartite Board Composition Easy as 1, 2, 3

09:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Yasmina serves as Executive Director of the National Head Start Association (NHSA). As a seasoned leader in both executive and policy roles, her professional experience and capabilities have delivered improvements in the lives of children at the national, state, and local levels. Yasmina came to NHSA after several years as principal and founder of EDGE Consulting Partners. As the first Executive Director of the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (now Child Care Aware America), she led NACCRRA’s transition from an all-volunteer association of fewer than 200 child care resource and referral agencies to a powerful national network of 860+ community-based organizations. Under her leadership, NACCRRA organized the national grassroots campaign that was instrumental to securing the funding for child care in the welfare reform legislation. In State government, she had the opportunity to supervise Head Start research, administer the federal Dependent Care Grant and plan for New Jersey’s implementation of the very first Child Care and Development Block Grant. Yasmina currently serves on numerous advisory boards and is a member of the International Organizing Committee for the World Forum on Early Care and Education. Yasmina received her Master in Public Administration degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

About Yasmina Vinci
Executive Director
National Head Start Association
Jun 02, 2026
02:00 PM

2D. Program: Head Start Hot Topics

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM

Ted serves as the Managing Partner of the law firm Feldesman LLP and is a member of the Health Care and Federal Grants practice groups. Ted focuses his practice on helping organizations to solve problems, often in crisis situations. A national authority in the area of federal grants, particularly in the health and community service spheres, he advises clients on all aspects of program requirements, including issues such as cost-based reimbursement, governance and the never-ending list of grant administration matters. For over 35 years, Ted has counseled numerous Community Action Agencies, Head Start programs and other federally funded entities, negotiated with federal and state officials, and represented clients in front of state and federal courts, administrative tribunals, Offices of Inspector General, and federal agencies. Ted has extensive experience advising boards and senior leadership in organizations undergoing major management changes, often in high-profile situations. He also serves as an adjunct professor at The George Washington University Law School. Ted graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Washington University in St. Louis and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law.

About Edward (Ted) Waters, Esq.
Managing Partner
Feldesman LLP
Jun 03, 2026
09:45 AM

4E. Specialized: Wading Through Muddy “Waters”: Understanding Recent Events in Federal Grants

09:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Alex is a Principal in ML Weekes & Company, PC located in Guilford, Connecticut. For over 30 years, he has provided a variety of services to assist clients who receive grants and contracts from federal agencies including the National Institute of Health (NIH), Office of Naval Research (ONR), Department of Labor (DoL) and the Department of Defense (DoD). He assists in the evaluation, interpretation and implementation of procurement and administrative regulations related to government grants and contracts. He has extensive experience with the federal regulations and guidelines governing NIH and DoD grants and contracts including the Federal Acquisition Regulations and 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance). Alex has served many Hospitals, Not-for-Profits, and Colleges and Universities with various federal grant and contracting matters. He specializes in assisting clients with optimizing direct and indirect cost reimbursement while minimizing compliance risk. His experience and services include the preparation and analysis of Facilities and Administrative (F&A) and indirect cost rates and the negotiation of these rates with government representatives. He is recognized nationwide for his expertise on direct and indirect cost recovery. Alex earned his accounting degree from Plymouth State University. 

About Alex Weekes, CPA
Principal
ML Weekes & Company, PC
Jun 02, 2026
02:00 PM

2C. Finance: Uniform Guidance: Top 10 Things to Know

02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
03:45 PM

3C. Finance: Consider the Costs: What’s the Best Cost Recovery Option for Your CAA?

03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Cheryl is Executive Director of the National Association of State Community Service Programs with more than 20 years of public policy and operations experience in the federal government and nonprofit sector. As Vice President of the Women’s Congressional Policy Institute, she provided strategic leadership to bring together women policymakers and trusted partners to advance issues important to women and girls, develop the next generation of women leaders, and foster a more effective and representative democracy. Previously, Cheryl served as Associate Director of Government Affairs for the United Negro College Fund, where she advocated on behalf of historically black colleges and universities and to increase access to higher education for students with low incomes. As senior legislative assistant to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, she was a trusted advisor on voting rights, women’s health, labor and employment, education, and appropriations, among other issues. A native Washingtonian, Cheryl serves on the boards of Everyone Home DC and the CKA SAVE Project. She also is a longtime volunteer with Food and Friends and SisterMentors. She earned her bachelor's degree from Spelman College and her law degree from American University. 

About Cheryl Williams, Esq.
Executive Director
National Association of State Community Services Programs
Jun 02, 2026
11:00 AM

1D. Program: CSBG Update

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Event Schedule

Session Date
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Sessions on Jun 02, 2026

09:00 AM
General/Networking

Opening Session + Breakfast

09:00 AM - 10:45 AM
11:00 AM
    speaker

    Maribeth Schneber-Rhemrev

    Director of Organizational Capacity BuidlingNational Community Action Partnership

    Maribeth is the Director of Organizational Capacity Building at the National Community Action Partnership. Maribeth has served the Community Action network since 2010 at the local, state, and national levels, including at a local Community Action Agency where she provided direct services, facilitated agency planning, and supported continuous improvement efforts; at the state level as Kentucky’s Director of Family Support where she led the state team responsible for administration and implementation of SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CSBG, and LIHEAP; and at the national level as the CSBG State Assistance Director at the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) where she supported CSBG Lead Agencies to effectively administer CSBG. Maribeth holds a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in law and public policy and is a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP), Nationally Certified ROMA Trainer (NCRT), and certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

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    speaker

    Eleanor Evans, Esq.

    PartnerHemenway & Barnes

    Eleanor is Partner in the nonprofit practice at Hemenway & Barnes LLP. She has over 25 years’ experience representing community action agencies and other tax-exempt organizations in a diverse range of legal, governance and compliance matters. She provides practical advice on strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations in areas such as shared services and mergers, bylaws, government grants and data privacy and security. Prior to joining Hemenway & Barnes, Eleanor served as Executive Director/General Counsel of CAPLAW and as General Counsel of Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. (ABCD), Boston’s Community Action Agency. She is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and Smith College. 

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      speaker

      Kyle Broadfoot, Esq.

      AssociateOgletree Deakins

      Kyle Broadfoot is a skilled employment litigator who represents employers in high-stakes disputes in state and federal courts across the country, with the majority of his practice focused in Arizona. Kyle regularly defends employers against claims arising under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the Arizona Civil Rights Act, the Arizona Employment Protection Act, and other federal, state, and local laws governing the employment relationship. In addition to his active litigation practice, Kyle provides practical, day-to-day counsel to employers on compliance with federal and state employment laws. He advises clients on workplace policies, employee discipline and terminations, and strategies to minimize litigation risk. Kyle takes a proactive approach to helping employers navigate the complexities of the modern workplace while maintaining legally compliant operations. Kyle is licensed to practice in Arizona and Montana. Kyle is a Phoenix native, having been born and raised in Scottsdale. He then attended the University of Alabama, and upon graduation, he returned to Phoenix to attend the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.

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        speaker

        Ryan Peasley

        PartnerWipfli Advisory LLC

        Ryan is an experienced consultant, advocate, and technology enabler. He has over 15 years of experience working with and planning for technology in regulated industries helping organizations manage, implement and utilize technology to engage constituents, and customers and achieve organizational goals. His experience includes all aspects of IT service delivery and planning including scoping, design, migration, configuration, training, documentation, report writing, and user adoption. Ryan has a bachelor of business administration degree with a major in information technology infrastructure management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

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        Program

        1D. Program: CSBG Update

        11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
          speaker

          Denise Harlow

          CEONational Community Action Partnership

          Denise has served as Chief Executive Officer of the National Community Action Partnership since December 2014. She has been with the Partnership since 2011 and served as Senior Director of Training and Technical Assistance and Interim Chief Operating Officer. Prior to her tenure at the Partnership, she was the CEO of the New York State Community Action Association and Sr. Vice President for Capacity Building for the New York Council of Nonprofits. Denise has more than 35 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, has served on several nonprofit boards of directors, and was an appointee to the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council in New York State. She started her Community Action career as a social worker with the Schenectady Community Action Program. She has a master’s degree in social work from the University at Albany where she was also a Fellow on Women and Public Policy at the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society, and holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Valparaiso University.

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          speaker

          Cheryl Williams, Esq.

          Executive DirectorNational Association of State Community Services Programs

          Cheryl is Executive Director of the National Association of State Community Service Programs with more than 20 years of public policy and operations experience in the federal government and nonprofit sector. As Vice President of the Women’s Congressional Policy Institute, she provided strategic leadership to bring together women policymakers and trusted partners to advance issues important to women and girls, develop the next generation of women leaders, and foster a more effective and representative democracy. Previously, Cheryl served as Associate Director of Government Affairs for the United Negro College Fund, where she advocated on behalf of historically black colleges and universities and to increase access to higher education for students with low incomes. As senior legislative assistant to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, she was a trusted advisor on voting rights, women’s health, labor and employment, education, and appropriations, among other issues. A native Washingtonian, Cheryl serves on the boards of Everyone Home DC and the CKA SAVE Project. She also is a longtime volunteer with Food and Friends and SisterMentors. She earned her bachelor's degree from Spelman College and her law degree from American University. 

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          speaker

          Allison Ma'luf, Esq.

          Executive Director + General CounselCAPLAW

          Allison Ma'luf is Executive Director and General Counsel of Community Action Program Legal Services, Inc. (CAPLAW). She advises community action agencies on a wide range of legal issues, including board responsibilities, Head Start, employment law, and tax-exempt organization law requirements. Prior to joining CAPLAW, Allison practiced law as a corporate associate at Goodwin Procter LLP in Boston, Massachusetts and Troutman Sanders LLP in Atlanta, Georgia where she represented public and private companies and nonprofit organizations in general corporate matters. She also completed a two-year appointment to the Staff Attorney’s Office at the United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. Allison received her undergraduate and law degrees from Wake Forest University.

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            speaker

            Keith Hundley, CPA

            PartnerCarr, Riggs, & Ingram

            Keith is a Partner at Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC (CRI) and CRI Advisors, LLC. With more than 30 years of experience, Keith is part of CRI’s governmental and nonprofit team. Keith provides assurance and consulting services to a variety of organizations with a focus on community action agencies and Head Start programs. He regularly serves as a continuing education leader for CRI and is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA). Keith is a graduate of Troy University and a 2011 inductee to the Troy University Accounting Hall of Honor.

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            speaker

            R. Brian Tipton, Esq.

            Managing DirectorTipton KPCL

            Brian is Managing Director at Tipton KPCL in metro Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, he practiced law in Montgomery, Alabama, with Sasser, Sefton, Brown, Tipton & Davis, P.C., as a Shareholder. Prior to entering private practice, he completed a judicial clerkship with Senior United States District Judge James H. Hancock, of the Northern District of Alabama. His practice is concentrated in the representation of nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations. He regularly represents Community Action Agencies and Head Start Programs in the areas of regulatory compliance, audits, funding source disputes, administrative appeals, and litigation. In addition, Brian consults with organizations on governance, human resources, programmatic, and corporate matters, and develops and presents training programs for nonprofits. He is a summa cum laude graduate of both the Louisiana State University and the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University.

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            02:00 PM
              speaker

              Maribeth Schneber-Rhemrev

              Director of Organizational Capacity BuidlingNational Community Action Partnership

              Maribeth is the Director of Organizational Capacity Building at the National Community Action Partnership. Maribeth has served the Community Action network since 2010 at the local, state, and national levels, including at a local Community Action Agency where she provided direct services, facilitated agency planning, and supported continuous improvement efforts; at the state level as Kentucky’s Director of Family Support where she led the state team responsible for administration and implementation of SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CSBG, and LIHEAP; and at the national level as the CSBG State Assistance Director at the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) where she supported CSBG Lead Agencies to effectively administer CSBG. Maribeth holds a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in law and public policy and is a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP), Nationally Certified ROMA Trainer (NCRT), and certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

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                speaker

                Rick Pins, Esq.

                PartnerStinson LLP

                Rick is a Partner and former Co-Chair of the Labor and Employment Practice Group at Stinson LLP. He splits his practice equally between the labor and employment disciplines, and both counsels and litigates on behalf of clients. Rick also has considerable commercial litigation experience. He has appeared before numerous state and federal judges and administrative agencies, including the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Rick counsels clients daily in a variety of employment-related areas, including wage and hour, drug and alcohol testing, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), discrimination, hiring, discipline, separation, privacy, background checking, record keeping, and workplace violence. He also counsels clients on compliance with state and federal prevailing wage laws and transportation regulations. Rick frequently trains supervisors and employees on the basics of employment law, positive employee relations, and preventing workplace harassment and discrimination. He has been regularly selected for inclusion in both Super Lawyers® and Top 40 Employment Super Lawyers®. Rick received his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School.

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                  speaker

                  Alex Weekes, CPA

                  PrincipalML Weekes & Company, PC

                  Alex is a Principal in ML Weekes & Company, PC located in Guilford, Connecticut. For over 30 years, he has provided a variety of services to assist clients who receive grants and contracts from federal agencies including the National Institute of Health (NIH), Office of Naval Research (ONR), Department of Labor (DoL) and the Department of Defense (DoD). He assists in the evaluation, interpretation and implementation of procurement and administrative regulations related to government grants and contracts. He has extensive experience with the federal regulations and guidelines governing NIH and DoD grants and contracts including the Federal Acquisition Regulations and 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance). Alex has served many Hospitals, Not-for-Profits, and Colleges and Universities with various federal grant and contracting matters. He specializes in assisting clients with optimizing direct and indirect cost reimbursement while minimizing compliance risk. His experience and services include the preparation and analysis of Facilities and Administrative (F&A) and indirect cost rates and the negotiation of these rates with government representatives. He is recognized nationwide for his expertise on direct and indirect cost recovery. Alex earned his accounting degree from Plymouth State University. 

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                  Program

                  2D. Program: Head Start Hot Topics

                  02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
                    speaker

                    R. Brian Tipton, Esq.

                    Managing DirectorTipton KPCL

                    Brian is Managing Director at Tipton KPCL in metro Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, he practiced law in Montgomery, Alabama, with Sasser, Sefton, Brown, Tipton & Davis, P.C., as a Shareholder. Prior to entering private practice, he completed a judicial clerkship with Senior United States District Judge James H. Hancock, of the Northern District of Alabama. His practice is concentrated in the representation of nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations. He regularly represents Community Action Agencies and Head Start Programs in the areas of regulatory compliance, audits, funding source disputes, administrative appeals, and litigation. In addition, Brian consults with organizations on governance, human resources, programmatic, and corporate matters, and develops and presents training programs for nonprofits. He is a summa cum laude graduate of both the Louisiana State University and the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University.

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                    speaker

                    Yasmina Vinci

                    Executive DirectorNational Head Start Association

                    Yasmina serves as Executive Director of the National Head Start Association (NHSA). As a seasoned leader in both executive and policy roles, her professional experience and capabilities have delivered improvements in the lives of children at the national, state, and local levels. Yasmina came to NHSA after several years as principal and founder of EDGE Consulting Partners. As the first Executive Director of the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (now Child Care Aware America), she led NACCRRA’s transition from an all-volunteer association of fewer than 200 child care resource and referral agencies to a powerful national network of 860+ community-based organizations. Under her leadership, NACCRRA organized the national grassroots campaign that was instrumental to securing the funding for child care in the welfare reform legislation. In State government, she had the opportunity to supervise Head Start research, administer the federal Dependent Care Grant and plan for New Jersey’s implementation of the very first Child Care and Development Block Grant. Yasmina currently serves on numerous advisory boards and is a member of the International Organizing Committee for the World Forum on Early Care and Education. Yasmina received her Master in Public Administration degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

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                      speaker

                      Alicia Gilleskie, Esq

                      FounderDataTech Law

                      Alicia Gilleskie is an experienced attorney who advises companies on technology transactions, data privacy, and related regulatory and strategic issues. She works closely with executive and business stakeholders to structure, negotiate, and manage complex technology contracts, including SaaS agreements, licensing arrangements, and strategic partnerships. Her practice also focuses on data privacy and information governance.  She regularly advises on data use, data sharing, cross-border data transfers, and incident response considerations. Known for providing pragmatic, business-oriented guidance, Alicia helps companies navigate legal complexity while enabling innovation and growth. She serves as a strategic partner to her clients, translating legal requirements into actionable advice that supports long-term business objectives. Alicia graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University School of Law.

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                      03:45 PM
                        speaker

                        Tom Behm

                        Board ChairSouth Central Community Action Partnership

                        Tom serves as the Board Chairman of South Central Community Action Partnership in Twin Falls, Idaho. Tom has been on the Board of Directors for 9 years and has served as Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Committee Chairman of the Housing and Finance Committee. Tom works at Idaho Power Company and for over 10 years assisted residential customers in improving energy efficiency in their homes by education and utility efficiency incentives. His current work as an Energy Advisor for the Large Power Customers allows him to do the same thing with large users of electricity, but on a much bigger scale. He is involved in the community serving in the local Lions Club, Church Leadership, and volunteering for various organizations in the area. Tom has a Bachelors degree in Business Management and Business Marketing from the University of Idaho.

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                        speaker

                        Eleanor Evans, Esq.

                        PartnerHemenway & Barnes

                        Eleanor is Partner in the nonprofit practice at Hemenway & Barnes LLP. She has over 25 years’ experience representing community action agencies and other tax-exempt organizations in a diverse range of legal, governance and compliance matters. She provides practical advice on strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations in areas such as shared services and mergers, bylaws, government grants and data privacy and security. Prior to joining Hemenway & Barnes, Eleanor served as Executive Director/General Counsel of CAPLAW and as General Counsel of Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. (ABCD), Boston’s Community Action Agency. She is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and Smith College. 

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                        speaker

                        Denise Harlow

                        CEONational Community Action Partnership

                        Denise has served as Chief Executive Officer of the National Community Action Partnership since December 2014. She has been with the Partnership since 2011 and served as Senior Director of Training and Technical Assistance and Interim Chief Operating Officer. Prior to her tenure at the Partnership, she was the CEO of the New York State Community Action Association and Sr. Vice President for Capacity Building for the New York Council of Nonprofits. Denise has more than 35 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, has served on several nonprofit boards of directors, and was an appointee to the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council in New York State. She started her Community Action career as a social worker with the Schenectady Community Action Program. She has a master’s degree in social work from the University at Albany where she was also a Fellow on Women and Public Policy at the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society, and holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Valparaiso University.

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                        speaker

                        Shalynn Kellogg, MPA

                        CEOSouth Central Community Action Partnership

                        Shalynn Kellogg has been the CEO of South-Central Community Action Partnership since December 2025. Prior to coming to SCCAP she served as the Executive Director at the Housing Partnership of New Jersey where she launched the first CDFI focused on Homeownership initiatives and the financial capability program for young adults and youth empowering financial stability. She brings lots of experience working in the nonprofit world including working with the Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency in Pocatello, with Family Development, Homeless Assistance, Weatherization, CSBG & SHH and other Affordable Housing Programs. She holds an Master's Degree in State, Local & Non-Profit Administration, B.S. in Political Science, Certified CDFI Community Development Specialist, USDA Loan Packager, NCHEC Certified Financial Counselor, Certified in Project Management, Pre -License for Real Estate and is a Gantz Leadership Graduate from Harvard as well as other certifications. Over the course of her career she has developed housing counseling programs throughout the United States and has launched three Community Development Financial Institutions and overseen several affordable Housing programs . She has extensive experience working in underserved communities building economic initiatives, including specializing in tribal and rural communities and has sat on both State and National Housing Policy committees. She currently sits on the RCAC Reimagining 502 Direct Cohort , NLIHC tenant law committee, and actively participates in the Gem State Housing Alliance. 

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                        speaker

                        David Knight

                        Executive DirectorCalCAPA

                        David is the Executive Director for the California Community Action Partnership Association (CalCAPA) and has served in this role since December 2020. He began his career in Community Action in 2008 in Pikeville, KY, as a business service representative under the WIA (Workforce Investment Act), then a Special Projects Coordinator in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and then to Community Services Director under the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). At the age of 29, David became the youngest executive director in Arkansas state history as the Executive Director for Pine Bluff Jefferson County EOC. David also worked with the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) out of Washington, D.C. as the Community Services Director for the entire US before becoming the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for Hinds County Human Resource Agency, the CAA in Jackson, Mississippi. He received his Bachelor of Science in Social Work in August 2004 from the University of Mississippi. From there, David has completed over 300 hours of direct sales, leadership and marketing training; has over 150 hours of training in the Certified Community Action Management Program, and is a nationally certified Results Oriented Management & Accountability (ROMA) Master Trainer in which he trained at Community Action Agencies all over the United States. He also holds a certificate in Public Management and Leadership from the Institute of Government at Jackson State University.

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                          speaker

                          Rick Pins, Esq.

                          PartnerStinson LLP

                          Rick is a Partner and former Co-Chair of the Labor and Employment Practice Group at Stinson LLP. He splits his practice equally between the labor and employment disciplines, and both counsels and litigates on behalf of clients. Rick also has considerable commercial litigation experience. He has appeared before numerous state and federal judges and administrative agencies, including the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Rick counsels clients daily in a variety of employment-related areas, including wage and hour, drug and alcohol testing, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), discrimination, hiring, discipline, separation, privacy, background checking, record keeping, and workplace violence. He also counsels clients on compliance with state and federal prevailing wage laws and transportation regulations. Rick frequently trains supervisors and employees on the basics of employment law, positive employee relations, and preventing workplace harassment and discrimination. He has been regularly selected for inclusion in both Super Lawyers® and Top 40 Employment Super Lawyers®. Rick received his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School.

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                            speaker

                            Alex Weekes, CPA

                            PrincipalML Weekes & Company, PC

                            Alex is a Principal in ML Weekes & Company, PC located in Guilford, Connecticut. For over 30 years, he has provided a variety of services to assist clients who receive grants and contracts from federal agencies including the National Institute of Health (NIH), Office of Naval Research (ONR), Department of Labor (DoL) and the Department of Defense (DoD). He assists in the evaluation, interpretation and implementation of procurement and administrative regulations related to government grants and contracts. He has extensive experience with the federal regulations and guidelines governing NIH and DoD grants and contracts including the Federal Acquisition Regulations and 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance). Alex has served many Hospitals, Not-for-Profits, and Colleges and Universities with various federal grant and contracting matters. He specializes in assisting clients with optimizing direct and indirect cost reimbursement while minimizing compliance risk. His experience and services include the preparation and analysis of Facilities and Administrative (F&A) and indirect cost rates and the negotiation of these rates with government representatives. He is recognized nationwide for his expertise on direct and indirect cost recovery. Alex earned his accounting degree from Plymouth State University. 

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                              speaker

                              Curtis Gibbs

                              Community Action Partnership of Orange CountyDirector of Community Development

                              Curtis Gibbs, CAP OC Director of Community Development, an employee since May 2016, brought almost 30 years of public finance, technology, and grants management expertise from his time with the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) working in under-served and disadvantaged communities. Curtis currently focuses on securing government grants, advocacy, and low-income housing production. He has served as the business development lead in securing the approvals and funding for CAP OC to implement all aspects of CalAIM, while strategizing on how to grow this program. He has participated on prior CalAIM and Medicaid waiver panels with NCAP, NEUAC, and CalCAPA. Previously, Curtis served as the CAP OC Director of Planning as CSBG lead for CAP OC resulting in two five-year Strategic Plans, four Community Needs Assessment and Community Action Plans, and seven CSBG Annual Reports. He is part of the CAP OC data management team. He served as the program lead in the development of the CAP OC Theory of Change. Curtis graduated from Johns Hopkins University studying political science and economics and has a master’s degree in public policy from UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy. For the past 20 years, Curtis has been on the Board of Managers for the Long Beach Y Community Development.

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                              speaker

                              Dori Glanz Reyneri

                              Managing DirectorManatt

                              Dori Glanz Reyneri is a Managing Director with Manatt Health, an interdisciplinary policy, law, and business advisory consulting practice. She provides policy analysis and development, analytics, and strategic business services to states, health care providers, and foundations on a broad range of issues, including Medicaid waivers and other Medicaid authority issues, Medicaid payment and financing, and health care system reform. Dori frequently publishes on topics related to national Medicaid waiver activity. Prior to joining Manatt, Dori was a Medicaid program examiner with the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Healthcare Division. Before OMB, Dori was a program analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Presidential Management Fellowship program. She received her undergraduate degree in political science and French from Southwestern University and her Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

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                              speaker

                              Dr. Sue Ledford, DrPH MPA BSN RN

                              Executive DirectorFour Square Community Action Inc.

                              Dr. Sue Lynn Murphy Ledford is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in fiscal management, strategic planning, and community advocacy. As Executive Director of a Community Action agency—and with a background in nursing, public health, and healthcare leadership—she has overseen programs across North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, serving both rural and urban communities. Her work in housing, social services, and statewide health initiatives reflects a deep understanding of complex governance and cross-sector systems, enabling her to drive meaningful results for the communities she serves. She received her undergraduate degree from Western Carolina University, her Master of Public Administration from Western Carolina University, and her public health doctorate from the University of Chapel Hill NC.

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                              speaker

                              Kay Sohl

                              Nonprofit Financial Management Consultant and TrainerKay Sohl Consulting

                              Kay operates Kay Sohl Consulting where she has provided training and consultation for Executive Directors, CFOs, and Boards of Directors of over 9,500 nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. She focuses her work on rethinking nonprofit strategies for financial sustainability, Board financial oversight, compliance with federal funds management requirements, and the challenges of nonprofit accounting and financial reporting. She is a frequent presenter for state and regional coalitions of nonprofits, and continuing professional education programs for attorneys and accountants serving the nonprofit sector. She has worked extensively with Community Action Agencies, CAPLAW, and the National Community Action Partnership. Kay has authored multiple financial management toolkits for CAAs and other nonprofits, including resources for cost allocation, financial reporting, dashboard development, and the revised OMB Uniform Guidance. She is a licensed public accountant and graduate of University of California at Berkeley. She has a master’s in teaching from Reed College and completed post-graduate work in accounting and business law at Portland State University.

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                                speaker

                                Alicia Gilleskie, Esq

                                FounderDataTech Law

                                Alicia Gilleskie is an experienced attorney who advises companies on technology transactions, data privacy, and related regulatory and strategic issues. She works closely with executive and business stakeholders to structure, negotiate, and manage complex technology contracts, including SaaS agreements, licensing arrangements, and strategic partnerships. Her practice also focuses on data privacy and information governance.  She regularly advises on data use, data sharing, cross-border data transfers, and incident response considerations. Known for providing pragmatic, business-oriented guidance, Alicia helps companies navigate legal complexity while enabling innovation and growth. She serves as a strategic partner to her clients, translating legal requirements into actionable advice that supports long-term business objectives. Alicia graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University School of Law.

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                                speaker

                                Ryan Peasley

                                PartnerWipfli Advisory LLC

                                Ryan is an experienced consultant, advocate, and technology enabler. He has over 15 years of experience working with and planning for technology in regulated industries helping organizations manage, implement and utilize technology to engage constituents, and customers and achieve organizational goals. His experience includes all aspects of IT service delivery and planning including scoping, design, migration, configuration, training, documentation, report writing, and user adoption. Ryan has a bachelor of business administration degree with a major in information technology infrastructure management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

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                                05:00 PM
                                General/Networking

                                Networking Reception

                                05:00 PM - 06:00 PM

                                Sessions on Jun 03, 2026

                                09:45 AM
                                  speaker

                                  R. Brian Tipton, Esq.

                                  Managing DirectorTipton KPCL

                                  Brian is Managing Director at Tipton KPCL in metro Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, he practiced law in Montgomery, Alabama, with Sasser, Sefton, Brown, Tipton & Davis, P.C., as a Shareholder. Prior to entering private practice, he completed a judicial clerkship with Senior United States District Judge James H. Hancock, of the Northern District of Alabama. His practice is concentrated in the representation of nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations. He regularly represents Community Action Agencies and Head Start Programs in the areas of regulatory compliance, audits, funding source disputes, administrative appeals, and litigation. In addition, Brian consults with organizations on governance, human resources, programmatic, and corporate matters, and develops and presents training programs for nonprofits. He is a summa cum laude graduate of both the Louisiana State University and the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University.

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                                    speaker

                                    James (Jim) Paul, Esq.

                                    ShareholderOgletree Deakins

                                    Jim is a Shareholder in the St. Louis office of national labor and employment law firm Ogletree Deakins. Jim has extensive experience in handling labor and employment law litigation and appeals in federal and state courts and claims/investigations in various governmental agencies. Jim also regularly advises employers on all labor and human resource management issues, with special expertise and emphasis on accommodating employee disabilities, work restrictions, and medical leaves of absence. Jim holds Labor Relations and Economics degrees from Saint Louis University and his law degree from Washington University. He has received the top “AV Rating” by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, has been named since 2010 in the annual editions of The Best Lawyers in America as a top labor and employment lawyer and litigator (including “The 2016 St. Louis Employment Litigator of the Year”), and has been listed in Super Lawyers Magazine since 2008. Jim earned his Juris Doctor degree at Washington University School of Law in 1995, and his bachelor’s degree from St. Louis University in 1992.

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                                      speaker

                                      Kay Sohl

                                      Nonprofit Financial Management Consultant and TrainerKay Sohl Consulting

                                      Kay operates Kay Sohl Consulting where she has provided training and consultation for Executive Directors, CFOs, and Boards of Directors of over 9,500 nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. She focuses her work on rethinking nonprofit strategies for financial sustainability, Board financial oversight, compliance with federal funds management requirements, and the challenges of nonprofit accounting and financial reporting. She is a frequent presenter for state and regional coalitions of nonprofits, and continuing professional education programs for attorneys and accountants serving the nonprofit sector. She has worked extensively with Community Action Agencies, CAPLAW, and the National Community Action Partnership. Kay has authored multiple financial management toolkits for CAAs and other nonprofits, including resources for cost allocation, financial reporting, dashboard development, and the revised OMB Uniform Guidance. She is a licensed public accountant and graduate of University of California at Berkeley. She has a master’s in teaching from Reed College and completed post-graduate work in accounting and business law at Portland State University.

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                                        speaker

                                        Ellen Teller, J.D.

                                        Chief Government Affairs OfficerFood Research & Action Center

                                        As Chief Government Affairs officer, Ellen directs the development and implementation of FRAC’s legislative agenda. Working with Congress, national organizations, and FRAC’s diverse state and local grassroots field network, she advocates for improved access and participation to domestic anti-hunger programs for low-income individuals and families. Ellen joined FRAC in 1986 as a staff attorney and had previously worked at the American Bar Association’s Section on Individual Rights and Responsibilities, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and the Consumer Federation of America. She is a Member of the DC Bar and serves as the Chair of the Coalition on Human Needs Board of Directors and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the James Beard Foundation. Honors include: National WIC Association Leadership Award, 2006; Commodity Supplemental Food Program Association Award, 2003 & 2010; and the Congressional Hunger Center Emerson Fellows’ Fairy Godmother Award, 2008. Ellen has a B.A. in political science and English literature from the State University of New York College at Oneonta, and a J.D. from Western New England College School of Law.

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                                          speaker

                                          Edward (Ted) Waters, Esq.

                                          Managing PartnerFeldesman LLP

                                          Ted serves as the Managing Partner of the law firm Feldesman LLP and is a member of the Health Care and Federal Grants practice groups. Ted focuses his practice on helping organizations to solve problems, often in crisis situations. A national authority in the area of federal grants, particularly in the health and community service spheres, he advises clients on all aspects of program requirements, including issues such as cost-based reimbursement, governance and the never-ending list of grant administration matters. For over 35 years, Ted has counseled numerous Community Action Agencies, Head Start programs and other federally funded entities, negotiated with federal and state officials, and represented clients in front of state and federal courts, administrative tribunals, Offices of Inspector General, and federal agencies. Ted has extensive experience advising boards and senior leadership in organizations undergoing major management changes, often in high-profile situations. He also serves as an adjunct professor at The George Washington University Law School. Ted graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Washington University in St. Louis and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law.

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                                          11:15 AM
                                          General/Networking

                                          Legislative Update with David Bradley

                                          11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
                                            speaker

                                            David Bradley

                                            Co-Founder + CEONational Community Action Foundation

                                            For more than 30 years, David has been one of Washington’s leading advocates on behalf of low-income programs. In 1981, David helped found the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF). As a private nonprofit organization funded solely by non-governmental contributions, NCAF represents funding and policy interests of the nation’s 1,000 Community Action Agencies before Congress and the Executive Branch. In this role at NCAF, David was the primary architect of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act. Besides the CSBG, David’s legislative activities include Weatherization Assistance, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Head Start, and job training programs.

                                            In an age in which partisan gridlock is too often the norm, David has shown an uncanny ability to make poverty issues a concern to both parties. After facing elimination in the 1995 House Republican’s Contract with America, David was able to work with key House Republican leaders to ensure CSBG funding procured the largest percentage received of any domestic program in FY 1997. In his role at NCAF, David has also helped power CAPLAW and CAPPAC, a Political Action Committee.

                                            Prior to joining NCAF, David worked in Congressional Affairs at the Small Business Administration under President Jimmy Carter. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from George Washington University. In 1987, he was a Senior Executive Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University. David’s mentor, Sargent Shriver, perhaps described David’s advocacy best when he wrote “no one has done more to keep the War on Poverty fresh in the hearts and minds of individuals than David Bradley."

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                                            02:00 PM
                                              speaker

                                              Sharon C. Lincoln, Esq.

                                              PartnerCasner & Edwards, LLP

                                              Sharon is a Partner at Casner & Edwards, LLP and enjoys the challenge and creativity of advising nonprofit organizations on a wide variety of strategic matters related to their tax-exempt status, governance, and operations. In addition, she assists clients in matters directly involving the Internal Revenue Service, including audits and in Tax Court. Her clients range from small startup nonprofits to well-established charitable institutions. Sharon graduated from Dartmouth College (summa cum laude) and from Harvard Law School (cum laude), is licensed in both California and Massachusetts, and is admitted in Tax Court and the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

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                                                speaker

                                                Vance Knapp, Esq.

                                                PartnerFisher Phillips

                                                Vance is a Partner at Fisher Phillips and represents a range of publicly traded companies, closed corporations and non-profit employers in federal and state court litigation and administrative proceedings throughout the U.S. As a former criminal prosecutor, he has tried over 300 cases, including 30 jury trials. Vance focuses on conducting internal investigations on behalf of publicly traded and private corporations. Vance’s practice includes advising employers on accommodating employees with disabilities and religious accommodations, recruiting, hiring, terminations, drug testing, and workplace violence issues. Vance collaborates with clients to develop workplace investigation training and compliance programs. He also has experience representing employers in wage and hour class and collective actions and FINRA employment arbitrations. A thought leader in the labor and employment law, Vance has lectured and written extensively on perennial and developing issues. Vance holds a BA from Colorado State University and JD from University of Colorado School of Law.

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                                                  speaker

                                                  Kay Sohl

                                                  Nonprofit Financial Management Consultant and TrainerKay Sohl Consulting

                                                  Kay operates Kay Sohl Consulting where she has provided training and consultation for Executive Directors, CFOs, and Boards of Directors of over 9,500 nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. She focuses her work on rethinking nonprofit strategies for financial sustainability, Board financial oversight, compliance with federal funds management requirements, and the challenges of nonprofit accounting and financial reporting. She is a frequent presenter for state and regional coalitions of nonprofits, and continuing professional education programs for attorneys and accountants serving the nonprofit sector. She has worked extensively with Community Action Agencies, CAPLAW, and the National Community Action Partnership. Kay has authored multiple financial management toolkits for CAAs and other nonprofits, including resources for cost allocation, financial reporting, dashboard development, and the revised OMB Uniform Guidance. She is a licensed public accountant and graduate of University of California at Berkeley. She has a master’s in teaching from Reed College and completed post-graduate work in accounting and business law at Portland State University.

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                                                    speaker

                                                    Dawn Hommer

                                                    Chief Executive OfficerCommunity Action Agency of Southern New Mexico

                                                    Dawn is the Chief Executive Officer at the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico (CAASNM), a position she has held since 2011. She is an outspoken advocate on issues that affect families and communities in New Mexico. At CAASNM, along with her team, she created and expanded several family centered initiatives. Under her leadership, CAASNM has garnered millions of dollars to advance family wellbeing and boost the economy. She holds an MBA from New Mexico State University where she also received her Bachelor of Business Administration, with distinction in university honors.

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                                                    speaker

                                                    Veronica McDonnell

                                                    Assistant General Manager, Community Investment for FamiliesCity of Los Angeles

                                                    Veronica is the Assistant General Manager of the Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), where she leads the Consolidated Planning and Program Operations Division. In this role, she oversees the planning and administration of the City's Consolidated Plan and a diverse portfolio of programs. Additionally, she holds the position of the City's state-recognized Community Services Block Grant Executive Director. Under her leadership, she implements groundbreaking initiatives such as LA's Guaranteed Basic Income pilot and a Children's Savings Account program, both among the largest in the nation. Veronica also oversees the FamilySource System, the City's flagship antipoverty program, as well as programs that support survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and homelessness prevention. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, she champions immigration and language access services alongside innovative childcare initiatives. Veronica provides strategic direction to the Commission on Community and Family Services, the Community Action Board, and the Domestic Violence Alliance, ensuring alignment with the department's mission and objectives. Before joining CIFD, Veronica was the Executive Director of Central City Neighborhood Partners, a non-profit organization that catalyzes systemic change for low-income families. Veronica received her degree in Business Administration with a finance emphasis from California State University Long Beach.

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                                                    speaker

                                                    James (Jim) Paul, Esq.

                                                    ShareholderOgletree Deakins

                                                    Jim is a Shareholder in the St. Louis office of national labor and employment law firm Ogletree Deakins. Jim has extensive experience in handling labor and employment law litigation and appeals in federal and state courts and claims/investigations in various governmental agencies. Jim also regularly advises employers on all labor and human resource management issues, with special expertise and emphasis on accommodating employee disabilities, work restrictions, and medical leaves of absence. Jim holds Labor Relations and Economics degrees from Saint Louis University and his law degree from Washington University. He has received the top “AV Rating” by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, has been named since 2010 in the annual editions of The Best Lawyers in America as a top labor and employment lawyer and litigator (including “The 2016 St. Louis Employment Litigator of the Year”), and has been listed in Super Lawyers Magazine since 2008. Jim earned his Juris Doctor degree at Washington University School of Law in 1995, and his bachelor’s degree from St. Louis University in 1992.

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                                                    speaker

                                                    Jacqueline Rodriguez

                                                    Director of Program Operations, Community Investment for FamiliesCity of Los Angeles

                                                    Jacqueline serves as the Director of Program Operations for the City of Los Angeles’ Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD). With over 26 years of public service experience in local government, she leads the City’s largest anti-poverty initiative and oversees a range of vital social service programs focused on improving the well-being of low-income Angelenos. Jacqueline oversees the FamilySource System (FSS)—a network of 19 FamilySource Centers (FSCs) located in high-need communities across Los Angeles. These one-stop centers offer comprehensive services, including financial empowerment, educational support, housing stability, and employment resources. The FSS plays a central role in helping families increase income, achieve financial security, and improve youth academic performance. In addition to managing the FSS, Jacqueline also directs the Survivor Services Program (SSP).  SSP provides life-saving support and resources to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other forms of interpersonal violence, supporting their recovery and long-term stability. Known for her collaborative leadership and results-oriented approach, Jacqueline has a proven track record of building strategic public and private partnerships to advance programs and policies that uplift underserved communities.

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                                                      speaker

                                                      Katherine Eilers, CPA

                                                      Senior ManagerWipfli Advisory LLC

                                                      Katherine Eilers is a senior manager who specializes in working with nonprofit clients and state agencies. As a consultant, she focuses on financial department process improvement, financial monitoring procedures, and provides training on federal grant regulations (Uniform Guidance), procurement, cost allocation, indirect cost rates, and financial best practices. With over 20 years of experience, Katherine has an extensive background as a financial statement auditor and grants auditor. Her experience spans working with nonprofit organizations and local governments, including counties, cities, townships, community colleges and school districts. Katherine has a bachelor of business degree in accountancy from Western Illinois University, Quad Cities, and a masters of science degree in accounting from Liberty University.

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                                                      speaker

                                                      Sarah Krieger, Esq.

                                                      Senior Policy CounselNational Immigration Law Center

                                                      Sarah is Senior Policy Counsel at the National Immigration Law Center, focusing on health and economic justice issues at the state and federal level. She works on a wide variety of issues affecting low-income immigrants, including access to health care and public benefits, worker’s rights, and enforcement. Prior to joining NILC in July 2025, she worked at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for almost a decade, focusing on humanitarian immigration policy. She has a law degree from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in government and Hispanic studies from Hamilton College.

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                                                      speaker

                                                      Ryan Peasley

                                                      PartnerWipfli Advisory LLC

                                                      Ryan is an experienced consultant, advocate, and technology enabler. He has over 15 years of experience working with and planning for technology in regulated industries helping organizations manage, implement and utilize technology to engage constituents, and customers and achieve organizational goals. His experience includes all aspects of IT service delivery and planning including scoping, design, migration, configuration, training, documentation, report writing, and user adoption. Ryan has a bachelor of business administration degree with a major in information technology infrastructure management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

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                                                      03:45 PM
                                                        speaker

                                                        Sharon C. Lincoln, Esq.

                                                        PartnerCasner & Edwards, LLP

                                                        Sharon is a Partner at Casner & Edwards, LLP and enjoys the challenge and creativity of advising nonprofit organizations on a wide variety of strategic matters related to their tax-exempt status, governance, and operations. In addition, she assists clients in matters directly involving the Internal Revenue Service, including audits and in Tax Court. Her clients range from small startup nonprofits to well-established charitable institutions. Sharon graduated from Dartmouth College (summa cum laude) and from Harvard Law School (cum laude), is licensed in both California and Massachusetts, and is admitted in Tax Court and the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

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                                                          speaker

                                                          Vance Knapp, Esq.

                                                          PartnerFisher Phillips

                                                          Vance is a Partner at Fisher Phillips and represents a range of publicly traded companies, closed corporations and non-profit employers in federal and state court litigation and administrative proceedings throughout the U.S. As a former criminal prosecutor, he has tried over 300 cases, including 30 jury trials. Vance focuses on conducting internal investigations on behalf of publicly traded and private corporations. Vance’s practice includes advising employers on accommodating employees with disabilities and religious accommodations, recruiting, hiring, terminations, drug testing, and workplace violence issues. Vance collaborates with clients to develop workplace investigation training and compliance programs. He also has experience representing employers in wage and hour class and collective actions and FINRA employment arbitrations. A thought leader in the labor and employment law, Vance has lectured and written extensively on perennial and developing issues. Vance holds a BA from Colorado State University and JD from University of Colorado School of Law.

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                                                            speaker

                                                            Keith Hundley, CPA

                                                            PartnerCarr, Riggs, & Ingram

                                                            Keith is a Partner at Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC (CRI) and CRI Advisors, LLC. With more than 30 years of experience, Keith is part of CRI’s governmental and nonprofit team. Keith provides assurance and consulting services to a variety of organizations with a focus on community action agencies and Head Start programs. He regularly serves as a continuing education leader for CRI and is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA). Keith is a graduate of Troy University and a 2011 inductee to the Troy University Accounting Hall of Honor.

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                                                              speaker

                                                              Walter Calvert, Esq.

                                                              PartnerVenable LLP

                                                              Walter Calvert is a business and tax attorney whose practice focuses on state and local taxation; tax credits, opportunity zone funds, and other specialized federal and state tax incentive programs; public finance and project finance; and tax-exempt organizations. Walter focuses on state and local tax planning and controversy matters.  He represents individuals and businesses when planning to minimize state and local tax obligations, and in audit and litigation matters.  In addition, Walter serves as tax, issuer's and borrower counsel for public and private financings.  In public financing he serves as both borrower's counsel in conduit financings and as bond counsel to government issuers. He has extensive experience with financings that involve combinations of state and federal tax credits. He assists with structuring and compliance with special tax incentive program requirements for federal and state programs, including those involving opportunity zone funds, new markets tax credits, rehabilitation/historic tax credits, low- and moderate-income housing, and alternative energy incentives.

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                                                              speaker

                                                              Elizabeth Stieff, Esq.

                                                              PartnerVenable LLP

                                                              Liz focuses her practice on tax advisory and planning matters for domestic entities and individuals. Liz regularly provides transactional tax advice on a range of matters, including mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, private equity transactions, and fund formation. She also works with clients on business formation and operational issues, including choice of entity, capital raises, equity incentive planning, and the like. In addition, she has experience working with clients to structure investments and transactions involving real estate investment trusts and qualified opportunity zone funds. Liz has consistently been ranked as One to Watch by The Best Lawyers in America and was recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star for 2021. She currently serves as a co-chair of the Closely Held Business Committee for the American Bar Association Section of Taxation. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and programs sponsored by the American Bar Association and the Maryland State Bar Association. Prior to joining Venable, Liz served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable L. Paige Marvel of the U.S. Tax Court.

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                                                                speaker

                                                                Sarah Krieger, Esq.

                                                                Senior Policy CounselNational Immigration Law Center

                                                                Sarah is Senior Policy Counsel at the National Immigration Law Center, focusing on health and economic justice issues at the state and federal level. She works on a wide variety of issues affecting low-income immigrants, including access to health care and public benefits, worker’s rights, and enforcement. Prior to joining NILC in July 2025, she worked at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for almost a decade, focusing on humanitarian immigration policy. She has a law degree from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in government and Hispanic studies from Hamilton College.

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