Crisis-Ready Nonprofits: A Communications Panel

Hello, nonprofit professionals!

Get ready for an engaging and insightful morning at Crisis-Ready Nonprofits: A Communications Panel, happening at the Grace Leadership Institute in Erie, PA, on April 25th from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

This session is the perfect spot for those of you involved in the vital work of public engagement, outreach, and marketing communications within the nonprofit sector.

About the Session:

Navigating the choppy waters of crisis communications is both an art and a science. In a landscape where unpredictability is the only constant, mastering the art of effective communication before, during and after a crisis is essential. Our session will bring together seasoned marketing communications and media relations professionals from nonprofits, universities, and the corporate world, each ready to share their unique experiences and strategies to prepare for and stay afloat during turbulent times.

What You'll Gain:

1. Effective Communication Techniques: Learn to craft messages that resonate with your audience while upholding your organization's values, even under pressure.
2. Preemptive Crisis Management: Discover strategies for preparing your organization to handle crises before they occur.
3. Engagement Strategies: Explore how to keep your stakeholders engaged and supportive, even during challenging times. Understand how to use social listening tools to better anticipate needs and respond to concerns.
4. Building Relationships with Leaders: Gain insights into fostering strong relationships with leaders within and outside your organization, ensuring alignment and support in crisis situations.
5. Gaining Trust Through Transparency: Learn how transparent communication can build trust with your audience, making your nonprofit more resilient in the face of adversity.
6. Mastering Media Relations: Enhance your media relations skills to effectively manage your message and maintain a positive public image during crises.
7. Insider Insights: Hear real-world stories of crisis management, including what worked, what didn't, and the lessons learned along the way.

Join Us:

Don’t miss this chance to enhance your crisis communication skills in a supportive, dynamic environment. Register now and secure your spot – space is limited! 

This is a free event for attendees associated with an organization that is a member with The Nonprofit Partnership.

Meet the Panelists:

Tammy Roche – Tammy is the Director, Strategic Communications with Barber National Institute. Prior to her role with BNI, Tammy led the charge on marketing and financial development for the YMCA of Greater Erie. Tammy is a highly skilled marketing communications and financial development professional with 25 years of experience in nonprofit, government, and public sectors. Additionally, Tammy is a lecturer with Penn State Behrend.

Joelyn Bush – Joelyn is an Erie native and speech communications graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Prior to her current position as Vice President of Marketing & Communications at United Way of Erie County, Joelyn held positions at the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership and the Erie Community Foundation. Joelyn is a 2017 Jefferson Society Civic Leadership Academy graduate. And, was honored in 2017 Erie Reader 40 Under 40 class and named 2018 Young Erie Professional of the Year. She has served on the boards of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) NWPA Chapter and the Erie Food Co-Op. She is currently a Women United for Community Schools and Erie County Technical School Public Advisory Council member. Other passions include being outdoors, shopping local, eating “veganish” and spending time with her dog, Rue and cats Reggie and BeBe.

Matthew Cummings – Matthew is the Manager, Strategic Communications at Erie Insurance (ERIE). In this role, he leads the Fortune 500 company’s public relations and media relations team, serving as corporate spokesperson in both local and national consumer and trade press. Prior to joining ERIE, Matthew served as Communications Director for Erie’s Public Schools and Marketing Communications Director at the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership. He has taught graduate-level integrated marketing communications (IMC) at West Virginia University since 2006 and was honored with the program’s top teaching award in 2012. A native of northwest Pennsylvania, Cummings is a graduate of WVU’s IMC program. In addition to his master’s degree, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Edinboro University in and also studied at the graduate level at Seton Hall University in strategic communication and the University of Nebraska in education administration.