Program Description
Building a Winning Public Sector Strategy for Your Organization
Please join us for a virtual conversation about the importance of building a public sector strategy for your nonprofit organization.
A full list of panelists is below!
Our dynamic panel will include a presentation from Kevin Conlon of Conlon Public Strategies, a values-based strategic advising firm that helps nonprofits strengthen their effectiveness in serving their communities.
Kevin will talk about why it is essential for nonprofit organizations of all sizes to have a public sector strategy, what components of that strategy look like, and best practices for using this strategy to advance your mission.
About Our Speakers:
Kevin Conlon, Founder and President
Conlon Public Strategies
Kevin Conlon founded Conlon Public Strategies in 1998 with the goal of empowering organizations doing good work in their communities to have an even greater impact. A connector at heart with an entrepreneurial spirit, Kevin collaborates with clients in developing innovative approaches to achieving their objectives.
His wide-ranging background – in law, government, politics, business, academia, venture capital, and nonprofit growth – has resulted in a unique perspective and exceptional relationships. Kevin leverages these to assist organizations of all types successfully navigate the competitive landscape and position themselves for success. He leads a variety of client projects, including board development, government relations, organizational change and strategy, executive search, fundraising, issue advocacy campaigns, and profile-raising initiatives.
Kevin began his career as a labor and employment lawyer, and he has held leadership roles in campaigns at the national, state, and local levels. Kevin has also served in elected office and appointed positions in federal, state, and local government.
For more on Conlon Public Strategies click here.
Dr. Diane McFarlin, immediate past Artistic Director
Kaneland Arts Initiative
Dr. Diane McFarlin is a recent doctoral graduate from Aurora University, graduating with a doctorate in Educational Leadership in Mentoring and Coaching. She has been working in the field of Education for close to 40 years as a teacher, vocational director, dean of students, assistant principal, and educational coach and trainer. For twelve years, she served as Artistic Director of Kaneland Arts Initiative, a non-profit supporting the arts in the Kaneland community, working with the school district and the surrounding communities to promote the performing and visual arts. Recognized for her artistic contributions to the Kaneland community, she was honored with a "Friend of Kaneland" Hall of Fame designation in 2018. She has been a director and a performer in the community and regional theatres in Kane County as well as in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and in New York City. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at Aurora University and an Education Coach and Trainer with Lutheran Children and Family Services of Illinois, Best Start for Families Department. She and her husband, Peter, live in Sugar Grove and are parents to three artistic adult children.
Erica Whelan, GPC, GME; Grants Manager
DuPagePads,
President of Keyword Grant Consulting, LLC and Treasurer of the Chicago Area Grant Professionals Association (GPA)
Erica Whelan, GPC, GME, brings more than 10 years of professional grant writing and management experience to her roles as Grants Manager of DuPagePads, President of Keyword Grant Consulting, LLC, and Treasurer of the Chicago Area Grant Professionals Association (GPA). She possesses an extensive background in journalism and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Arts degree in Grant Writing, Management, and Evaluation from Concordia University Chicago. Through her work securing the critical funding needed to move missions, exceed metrics, and achieve ambitious programmatic outcomes, Erica manages a portfolio of not-for-profit clients spanning multiple states and social service spheres, winning millions in public and private funding at local, state, and federal levels for commendable causes. Erica’s primary specialties include homelessness, affordable housing, substance use treatment, reentry services, suicide prevention, youth development and child welfare programs. She also supports organizations focused on education, employment, arts enrichment, the environment, solar energy, emergency financial assistance, vision care, animal welfare and a myriad of wraparound support services for families and individuals experiencing instability. When not knee-deep in deadlines, she enjoys reading Harry Potter to her daughters, teaching them the impact of charity and conducting small acts of kindness to better the community. Connect with Erica on LinkedIn.
Miranda Barfuss, Community Grants Coordinator
City of Naperville
Miranda Barfuss is Community Grants Coordinator for the City of Naperville. She joined the city staff in January 2020 as Assistant to the Mayor & City Council. She was promoted to Community Development Block Grant Administrator in 2022 and then Community Grants Coordinator in 2023. Prior to her work in municipal government, Miranda had a 19-year career in development fundraising for non-profit human service organizations, including serving as Director of Development for TriCity Family Services, Manager of Annual Giving for Loaves & Fishes Community Services, Regional Director of Development for YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, and Grants and Contracts Manager for Deborah’s Place. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from North Central College and earned her CFRE in 2015. Miranda is also a full-time mom to two awesome adolescents, a published poet, and lives in Naperville with her husband and creative collaborator, Erik. She was previously a member of the West Suburban Philanthropic Network and is thrilled to be speaking on this panel today.
Drew Moran, Director of Institutional Partnerships
Nourishing Hope
Drew currently serves as Nourishing Hope’s Director of Institutional Partnerships where he is dedicated to building transformational relationships with philanthropic organizations to support Nourishing Hope’s many strategic initiatives. He has over 10 years of experience in volunteerism, operations, data technology, and fundraising. Before assuming this current role, Drew served on the leadership team as its Director of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives. He is also deeply invested in his local community, serving as a Director of the East Lake View Neighbors Association.
In his current work he leads a team of fundraisers building a strategy to secure funding and other organizational support from government, corporate, and foundation sources. He also oversees the annual Nourishing Hope Gala and other key fundraising events.
Drew’s commitment extends beyond just organizational partnerships. He shares Nourishing Hope’s passion for mental wellness. He is a former Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Roosevelt University. Drew also holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Eastern Illinois University.
