Blog

LACF and Viterbo University award Certificates in Nonprofit Leadership Development

May 1, 2025

By La Crosse Community Foundation

Group of people in front of ViterboSixteen area nonprofit leaders have earned a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Development, a joint program of the La Crosse Area Community Foundation and Viterbo University. The 2024-2025 cohort gathered on April 30 at Viterbo to present their capstone projects and celebrate their achievement.

Held monthly from September through May, the program combines interactive workshops, real-world case studies, and mentorship to equip nonprofit professionals and board members with the tools to lead effectively in today’s environment. Topics include strategic planning, fundraising, ethics and values, governance, volunteer management, and more.

“This program invests in the leadership capacity of our local nonprofits, which translates directly to stronger outcomes for our community,” said Chad Dull, chief executive officer at La Crosse Area Community Foundation. “The individuals who complete this program leave better prepared to build trust, drive impact, and collaborate for the greater good.”

Nicole Van Ert, director of the Center for Professional Learning at Viterbo, said the program reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and civic engagement.

“Participants gain practical skills they can apply immediately,” said Van Ert. “Just as importantly, they form valuable peer networks and deepen their understanding of what it means to lead with integrity and purpose in the nonprofit sector.”

This year’s cohort includes:

  • Carolyn Colleen Bostrack, founder of Fierce Foundation
  • Brittney Eyman, executive director of Bluff Country Family Resources
  • Bailey Johnson, associate director of La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO)
  • Dawn Justin, board member at UFAH United Fund for the Arts and Humanities
  • Shannon Kummerow, executive director at The Center 7Rivers LGBTQ Connection
  • Risa Mauss, director of program development at VARC, Inc.
  • Patrick McGuire, board member at City Vision
  • Sara Nelson, instructor at Project Proven at Western Technical College
  • Shelby Neubauer, director of client services, VARC, Inc.
  • Jonathan Niemi, board chair at First Light Early Learning Center
  • Napela Shim, board member at Junior Achievement Coulee Region
  • Anna Sprague, development manager at Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region
  • Mindy Stetzer, executive director of United Fund for the Arts and Humanities
  • Diana Moran Thundercloud, community volunteer, board member at various nonprofits
  • Mai Tia Yang, board member at Hmoob Cultural & Community Center
  • Tyler Zibrowski, finance director at Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Inc.

The program is open to nonprofit staff, church administrators, and current or aspiring board members. Registration for the 2025–2026 cohort is now open. For details, visit www.viterbo.edu/nonprofitcertificate.