Charlotte NC Leadership Academy: Nonprofit Executive Leadership Training with Ronnie L. Bryant, LLC

Program Overview

Ready to lead your nonprofit to greater heights?

The RLB Leadership Academy equips emerging, evolving, and established nonprofit executive leaders with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the nonprofit sector.

Why Choose Us:

Tailored for Nonprofits: We understand your unique challenges, from governance and fundraising to fiscal management. Our curriculum is designed specifically for the nonprofit sector.

Expert Instructors: Learn from experienced instructors who understand the nonprofit’s intricate workings and complexities. They'll share insights, answer questions, and guide you through interactive exercises and case studies.

Actionable Skills: Gain practical tools and strategies to immediately apply in your role, leading to greater success for your organization and the communities you serve.

Whether you're:

Taking the first steps in your executive journey
A seasoned leader seeking to amplify your impact

Our program will empower you to:

Achieve your goals and lead a successful, impactful organization.
Become the influential and effective leader your organization needs.

Don’t miss this opportunity. Get started today!

Who Will Benefit

Emerging nonprofit visionaries: Individuals seeking a clear vision for starting an organization.
Evolving leaders: Team members seeking advancement to an executive leadership role.
Established nonprofit executive leaders: Individuals who need to enhance their leadership experience.
Board Members: Individuals who desire a deeper understanding of nonprofit management from
the executive director or CEO’s perspective.

What You’ll Gain

A deeper understanding of the nonprofit industry, including its challenges, opportunities, and best practices
Enhanced leadership skills and competencies, including communication, strategic planning, fundraising, and relationship building
Improved ability to navigate the complex and changing landscape of the nonprofit sector and lead your organization through any challenges
Increased confidence, a renewed sense of purpose, and passion for your service in the nonprofit sector

How It Operates

The Nonprofit Executive Leader's Journey

Starting a Nonprofit Organization Workshop

Summer Semester August
4 Hour
For Aspiring Leaders
Class Format & Style
IN- Person

Executive Leadership Fundamentals

Fall Semester September To October
3 Hours Per Session
For Emerging, Evolving, Establish, Leaders & Board Members
Class Format & Style
Collaborative

Masterclass & Graduation

Winter & Spring Semester January To March
4 Hours Per Session
Graduation
Spring Semester 2 Hours
Class Format & Style
Interactive Setting

Key Course Takeaways

Devise employee-related practices that improve your organization and thereby enhance service outcomes to customers
Implement healthy team behaviors and functions
Respond decisively and consistently when faced with situations that require a decision
Detect and address impediments to your credibility with subordinates, superiors, and others with whom you interact professionally
Evaluate factors that undermine employee motivation and engagement in your organization
Explore critical decisions such as when to negotiate, when not to negotiate, whether you should make the opening move in a negotiation, and how many issues you want to put on the table

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Download a Brochure

Not ready to enroll but want to learn more? Download the certificate brochure to review program details.

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What You'll Earn

Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
80 Professional Development Hours (8.0 CEUs)
60-80 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification
60-80 Credit hours towards HRCI recertification
54-74 Professional Development Units (PDUs) toward PMI recertification

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Watch the Video

Learn how eCornell delivers an unmatched online learning experience to working professionals and organizations across the globe.

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Who Should Enroll

High potential mid-level managers with 5+ years experience

Upper-level or senior managers with 5+ years experience

VP or C-level executives

Starting a Nonprofit Organization Workshop

This tuition-free workshop is designed to equip aspiring nonprofit leaders with the foundational knowledge and resources to launch their organizations effectively. No participation in the Executive Leadership Fundamentals is required.

From Vision to Action: Launching Your Nonprofit

Instructor(s): Chrystal Joy & Harold Rice

DATE: August 10, 2024

TIME: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. EST

LOCATION:

Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library

2412 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216

Executive Leadership Fundamentals

This 10-week component is designed for emerging, evolving, and established nonprofit leaders who are ready to take their leadership to the next level. Through interactive sessions and practical application, you'll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in managing your organization's daily operations, staff, programs, and finances.

The Executive Leadership Fundamentals are a prerequisite to the Masterclasses.

Module 1 - Orientation/Principles of Effective Leadership

Session	Objective	Instructor
Orientation Principles of Leadership: What it Takes to Be an Effective Leader Programmatic Execution	Learn the role and responsibilities of a nonprofit CEO and create a strategic plan to manage the organization.	Ronnie Bryant Principal Ronnie L. Bryant, LLC
Learn the role and responsibilities of a nonprofit CEO. Understand the guiding values, principles, and essential qualities to become an effective and influential executive leader to ensure a successful tenure and ultimate survival. Examine strategic planning to identify approaches that will guide the organization’s achievement of its initiatives and objectives. Learn how to engage staff, donors, stakeholders, board of directors, and elected officials to ensure a universal buy-in of the organization’s strategic plan.
DATE: September 10, 2024 TIME: 3pm - 6pm LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Session

Objective

Instructor

Orientation

Principles of Leadership: What it Takes to Be an Effective Leader

Programmatic Execution

Learn the role and responsibilities of a nonprofit CEO and create a strategic plan to manage the organization.

Ronnie Bryant

Principal

Ronnie L. Bryant, LLC

Learn the role and responsibilities of a nonprofit CEO. Understand the guiding values, principles, and essential qualities to become an effective and influential executive leader to ensure a successful tenure and ultimate survival.

Examine strategic planning to identify approaches that will guide the organization’s achievement of its initiatives and objectives. Learn how to engage staff, donors, stakeholders, board of directors, and elected officials to ensure a universal buy-in of the organization’s strategic plan.

DATE: September 10, 2024

TIME: 3pm - 6pm

LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Module 2 - Strategic Planning

Session	Objective	Instructor
	Learn how to craft a vision that inspires, develop actionable goals, and navigate change with agility.	Chrystal Joy Managing Director, The Lee Institute
Learn how to craft a vision that inspires, develop actionable goals, and navigate change with agility. You'll leave equipped to chart a course for sustainable impact and secure your organization's future.
DATE: September 17, 2024 TIME: 3pm - 6pm LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Session

Objective

Instructor

Learn how to craft a vision that inspires, develop actionable goals, and navigate change with agility.

Chrystal Joy

Managing Director,

The Lee Institute

Learn how to craft a vision that inspires, develop actionable goals, and navigate change with agility. You'll leave equipped to chart a course for sustainable impact and secure your organization's future.

DATE: September 17, 2024

TIME: 3pm - 6pm

LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Module 3 - Governance & Board Engagement

Session	Objective	Instructor
Governance & Board Engagement	Learn the role and duties of a board of directors.(Robert Rules of Order will be provided)	Chris Jackson CEO Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
Learn the role and responsibilities of a board of directors and its relationship with the nonprofit CEO. Understand why the CEO should regard board members as “assets” and how to manage their personal interests and expectations to achieve organizational programmatic and governance excellence. Identify target board candidates and assess their competence, emotional intelligence, and individual motives to build a cohesive governing body. Learn how to use systematic nurturing and effective communication to empower board members to make sound policy decisions. Instruct the staff and board members on the principles of governance, meetings, and accountability outlined in the Roberts Rules of Order.
DATE: September 24, 2024 TIME: 3pm - 5pm LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Session

Objective

Instructor

Governance & Board Engagement

Learn the role and duties of a board of directors.(Robert Rules of Order will be provided)

Chris Jackson

CEO

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont

Learn the role and responsibilities of a board of directors and its relationship with the nonprofit CEO. Understand why the CEO should regard board members as “assets” and how to manage their personal interests and expectations to achieve organizational programmatic and governance excellence.

Identify target board candidates and assess their competence, emotional intelligence, and individual motives to build a cohesive governing body. Learn how to use systematic nurturing and effective communication to empower board members to make sound policy decisions. Instruct the staff and board members on the principles of governance, meetings, and accountability outlined in the Roberts Rules of Order.

DATE: September 24, 2024

TIME: 3pm - 5pm

LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Module 4 - Fiscal Management & Reporting

Session	Objective	Instructor
Fiscal Management & Reporting	Learn and understand financial management to maintain operations and organizational scale.	Sharai Lavoie, CPA CEO/Managing Member Lavoie CPA, PLLC
Learn the necessity of creating a fiscal management system to accurately track an organization’s performance and achievements, maintain compliance with state and federal regulations, and demonstrate accountability and transparency among internal and external supporters. Examine the difference between internal and external reporting to help staff members, donors, board of directors, and state and federal agencies understand and evaluate the organization’s financial status, key performance indicators, and financial insights to establish future goals.
DATE: October 1, 2024 TIME: 3pm - 5pm LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Session

Objective

Instructor

Fiscal Management & Reporting

Learn and understand financial management to maintain operations and organizational scale.

Sharai Lavoie, CPA

CEO/Managing Member

Lavoie CPA, PLLC

Learn the necessity of creating a fiscal management system to accurately track an organization’s performance and achievements, maintain compliance with state and federal regulations, and demonstrate accountability and transparency among internal and external supporters.

Examine the difference between internal and external reporting to help staff members, donors, board of directors, and state and federal agencies understand and evaluate the organization’s financial status, key performance indicators, and financial insights to establish future goals.

DATE: October 1, 2024

TIME: 3pm - 5pm

LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Module 5 - Legal Counsel & Banking Relationships

Session	Objective	Materials	Instructor
Legal Counsel & Banking Relationships	Learn the significance of building relationships with professional service providers.	TBD	Bobby Robinson Attorney Nexsen Pruet Marcus Smith Commercial Lender Bank of America Edward Timberlake Vice President, Small Business Lending Fifth Third Bank
Learn how to build relationships with professional service providers to support the nonprofit organization. Examine the short and long-term benefits of developing a service-provider relationship that supports the organization’s legal and financial requirements.
DATE: October 8, 2024 TIME: 3pm - 6pm LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Session

Objective

Materials

Instructor

Legal Counsel &
Banking Relationships

Learn the significance of building relationships with professional service providers.

TBD

Bobby Robinson

Attorney

Nexsen Pruet

Marcus Smith

Commercial Lender

Bank of America

Edward Timberlake

Vice President, Small Business Lending

Fifth Third Bank

Learn how to build relationships with professional service providers to support the nonprofit organization. Examine the short and long-term benefits of developing a service-provider relationship that supports the organization’s legal and financial requirements.

DATE: October 8, 2024

TIME: 3pm - 6pm

LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Module 6 - Fund Development & Donor Management

Session	Objective	Instructor
Fund Development	Learn and understand the importance of fundraising and key strategies to secure ongoing funding and donor support.	Patton McDowell, EdD. CEO PMA Consulting
Learn key principles and strategies for building and managing a sustainable fund development plan. Gain insight into strategic targeting of prospective donors and the management of existing supporters. Examine how to create clear messaging to secure their financial support. Discover how to integrate philanthropy as the primary driver in creating a successful fund development plan. Study standard ethical practices in managing a fund development strategy to ensure transparency and accountability among the organization’s staff, stakeholders, and board of directors.
DATE: October 15, 2024 TIME: 3pm - 5pm LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Session

Objective

Instructor

Fund Development

Learn and understand the importance of fundraising and key strategies to secure ongoing funding and donor support.

Patton McDowell, EdD.

CEO

PMA Consulting

Learn key principles and strategies for building and managing a sustainable fund development plan. Gain insight into strategic targeting of prospective donors and the management of existing supporters. Examine how to create clear messaging to secure their financial support.

Discover how to integrate philanthropy as the primary driver in creating a successful fund development plan. Study standard ethical practices in managing a fund development strategy to ensure transparency and accountability among the organization’s staff, stakeholders, and board of directors.

DATE: October 15, 2024

TIME: 3pm - 5pm

LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Module 7 - Team Recruitment and Development

Session	Objective	Instructor
Staff Development	Learn and understand how to manage daily operations, staffing, and programming.	Tina Winner Partner Winner Partners
Develop roles and responsibilities for key staff members. Explore developing their skills, industry knowledge, and acumen to empower them to make strategic, tactical, and operational decisions. Learn how to create and implement new strategies, initiatives, and programs to support the organization’s stability and growth. Develop practical steps and creative ways to engage with staff members to establish a supportive and collaborative work environment. Identify strong performers to expand their roles or responsibilities within an organization.
DATE: October 22, 2024 TIME: 3pm - 5pm LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Session

Objective

Instructor

Staff Development

Learn and understand how to manage daily operations, staffing, and programming.

Tina Winner

Partner

Winner Partners

Develop roles and responsibilities for key staff members. Explore developing their skills, industry knowledge, and acumen to empower them to make strategic, tactical, and operational decisions. Learn how to create and implement new strategies, initiatives, and programs to support the organization’s stability and growth.

Develop practical steps and creative ways to engage with staff members to establish a supportive and collaborative work environment. Identify strong performers to expand their roles or responsibilities within an organization.

DATE: October 22, 2024

TIME: 3pm - 5pm

LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Module 8 - Stakeholder & Partner Engagement

Session	Objective	Instructor
Stakeholder/Partner Engagement	Learn and understand how to build and maintain relationships with board members and stakeholders.	Danielle Frazier CEO Charlotte Works Monique Drayton The Drayton Leadership Group LLC
Gain insight into the roles of stakeholders and partners in private and public sectors and how they are essential to an organization’s survival and growth. Learn the importance of relationship-building, additional strategies to engage stakeholders and partners to build trust and buy-in, and how to leverage their influence, resources, and ongoing support to promote an organization’s vision, initiatives, and objectives.
DATE: October 29 2024 TIME: 3pm - 5pm LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Session

Objective

Instructor

Stakeholder/Partner Engagement

Learn and understand how to build and maintain relationships with board members and stakeholders.

Danielle Frazier

CEO

Charlotte Works

Monique Drayton

The Drayton Leadership Group LLC

Gain insight into the roles of stakeholders and partners in private and public sectors and how they are essential to an organization’s survival and growth.

Learn the importance of relationship-building, additional strategies to engage stakeholders and partners to build trust and buy-in, and how to leverage their influence, resources, and ongoing support to promote an organization’s vision, initiatives, and objectives.

DATE: October 29 2024

TIME: 3pm - 5pm

LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Module 9 - Marketing & Public Relations

Session	Objective	Instructor
Marketing & Public Relations	Learn and understand communication, and media relations.organizational marketing.	Dianne Chase CEO Chase Media
Learn the importance of marketing to establish and grow an organization’s brand, raise awareness about its cause, attract new donors and supporters, and build community support. Explore traditional and digital approaches to building an effective marketing campaign to keep an organization top of mind among supporters and the general public. Learn the role of public relations and how to develop strategies to inform stakeholders, other supporters, and the public about its advocacy, activities, and achievements.
DATE: November 5, 2024 TIME: 3pm - 5pm LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Session

Objective

Instructor

Marketing & Public Relations

Learn and understand communication, and media relations.organizational marketing.

Dianne Chase

CEO

Chase Media

Learn the importance of marketing to establish and grow an organization’s brand, raise awareness about its cause, attract new donors and supporters, and build community support.

Explore traditional and digital approaches to building an effective marketing campaign to keep an organization top of mind among supporters and the general public. Learn the role of public relations and how to develop strategies to inform stakeholders, other supporters, and the public about its advocacy, activities, and achievements.

DATE: November 5, 2024

TIME: 3pm - 5pm

LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Masterclasses

* For Executive Leadership Fundamentals Graduates Only

These classes offer an in-depth exploration of specific areas within our core Executive Leadership Fundamentals curriculum. Each class delves into four modules, providing you with a chance to:

Go Beyond the Basics: Move beyond foundational knowledge and explore advanced strategies within each topic.
Learn by Doing: Engage in real-life case studies and scenarios, applying your learnings to practical situations.
Collaborate and Share: Participate in dynamic small group discussions, fostering knowledge exchange and peer-to-peer learning.

The Masterclasses succeeds the Executive Leadership Fundamentals.

Governance & Board Engagement

Go beyond the basics of board governance. This masterclass delves into strategies for proactive board engagement, transforming your board from passive oversight to a dynamo of strategic support. Learn how to identify and cultivate ideal board members, nurture their expertise, and foster collaborative decision-making that fuels organizational success.

Instructor(s): Chris Jackson

DATE: January 24, 2025

TIME: 8:30pm-12:30pm

LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Fiscal Management & Reporting

Unleash the power of your financial data in this masterclass. Learn how to create a robust system that tracks performance, ensures compliance, and fosters transparency. We'll delve into the art of storytelling through financial reporting, empowering you to communicate your impact and secure the resources your organization needs to thrive.

Instructor(s): Sharai Lavoie, CPA

DATE: TBD

TIME: Time:8:30pm-12:30pm

LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Fund Development & Donor Management

Instructor(s): Patton McDowell

DATE: February 28, 2025

TIME: 8:30pm-12:30pm

LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte NC 28208

Marketing & Public Relations

Instructor(s): Dianne Chase

DATE: March 28th, 2025

TIME: 8:30pm-12:30pm

LOCATION: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte NC 28208

If you have any questions about the Masterclasses, please contact Toccara Robinson, Program Coordinator, at [email protected].

Invest in Your Future, Invest in Your Cause:

The RLB Leadership Academy offers a multi-tiered approach designed to empower you at every stage of your nonprofit journey. If you’re unsure about the “nuts and bolts” of establishing a nonprofit organization, begin your leadership journey with the Starting a Nonprofit Organization Workshop.

If you’re seeking to advance into an executive leadership role, need more operational management experience, or desire to serve on the Board of Directors, start your journey with the comprehensive Executive Leadership Fundamentals followed by the Masterclasses.

The Executive Leadership Fundamentals combined with the Masterclasses represent a valuable investment of $9,999. Scholarships are available based on your organization's annual budget. This flexible structure ensures you can access the support you need, regardless of your budget.

FAQs

Who is the RLB Leadership Academy designed for?

Emerging nonprofit visionaries: Individuals seeking a clear vision for starting an organization.
Evolving leaders: Team members seeking advancement to an executive leadership role.
Established nonprofit executive leaders: Individuals who need to enhance their leadership experience.
Board Members: Individuals who desire a deeper understanding of nonprofit management from the executive director or CEO’s perspective.

How is the program structured?

The RLB Leadership Academy is an interactive, hybrid program, not a self-paced online one. It combines fundamental leadership sessions with masterclasses and workshops, offering a dynamic learning experience for participants who attend together in real-time in person and virtually.

How long does the program last, and what is the time commitment?

The fundamentals sessions are held weekly for ten weeks, lasting two to three hours, depending on the module. The masterclasses, based on participant feedback, last four hours. The annual workshop lasts six hours.

The program year begins in the summer and ends the following spring. The workshop lasts four hours. The fundamentals sessions are held one day a week for ten weeks, lasting two to three hours, depending on the module. The masterclasses last four hours.

Is financial assistance available for the program?

We offer scholarships for qualified candidates based on their organization’s annual operating budget.
Full Scholarship (Annual Budget is less than $500,000)
50% Scholarship (Annual Budget is between $501,000 to $750,000)
25% Scholarship (Annual Budget is between $751,000 to $1,000,000)
No Scholarship (Annual Budget is $1,000,000+)
*You must have a register 501(c)(3) with EIN to be a qualified candidate for scholarships.

Are there any networking opportunities provided through the program?

Yes. We’ve designed the program to encourage participants to connect with each other, the instructors, and the RLBLA Team to build their professional networks.

How do I register for the program?

Select the “Register Now” button to complete the registration form.

Are there in-person and virtual sessions?

Yes. We have a virtual option for those who prefer online participation. However, we encourage registrants from the Charlotte Region to attend the sessions in person.

What is the attendance policy?

We encourage participants to attend all instructional sessions due to the significant topics covered and the quality of the group discussion. The Executive Leadership Fundamentals sessions offer a total of 16 credits. A minimum of 14 credits is required to graduate. If a participant has a scheduling conflict and cannot attend a session either in-person or virtually, it is the participant's responsibility to review the presentation materials and complete the post-session survey to receive credits for the session. Failure to follow the make-up process for classes missed can result in not graduating.

What is the cancellation policy?

For Executive Leadership Fundamentals, you will receive a full refund if you cancel your registration five business days before the first class. If you drop out after attending the first class, you will receive a 50% refund. No refund will be issued after the second class.