With the Potomac River and flights connecting a fast-paced region as a backdrop, 300 nonprofit, corporate, government and philanthropic leaders came together on October 17 for the Center for Nonprofit Advancement’s 33^rd Annual Celebration.

In the morning’s keynote address Sheila C. Johnson, CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, vice chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment and president and managing partner of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, stressed the value of connecting the work of corporations and nonprofits, connecting with board members to build high functioning boards, connecting with key partners through stories, and connecting work and home life “safely.”

“Nonprofits and business are vital partners in a common cause—helping communities thrive,” said Johnson as she shared ways her new Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Va., has been giving back and connecting to the community well before it opens next summer. “You can help the private sector make smart and responsible choices.”

Building on the theme of “Making Your Connection,” leaders spent the morning connecting with each other in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport's Historic Terminal A Lobby and celebrating our collective efforts to advance communities throughout the region.

The celebration included announcement of the Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2012 EXCEL Award for excellence in chief executive leadership and presentation of the Phyllis Campbell Newsome Public Policy Leadership Awards.

"We are honored by the excitement and momentum we continue to generate in our 33rd year of service,” said Center CEO Glen O’Gilvie. “We congratulate our 2012 EXCEL and Public Policy Leadership award winners and recognize that our programs’ increase the performance of nonprofit organizations, which results in high quality and consistent services for children, youth and families in need.”

The Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2012 EXCEL Award was presented to the following chief executives:

• Robert Goldman of Montgomery Housing Partnership
• Scott Schenkelberg of Miriam’s Kitchen
• Nina Smith of GoodWeave

The following executive directors were named Honorable Mention recipients for the Award:

• Courtney Reeve of Greenbrier Learning Center
• Lissette Bishins of Carpenter's Shelter

Learn more about the EXCEL Award.

Elected officials from the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland were recognized with the 2012 Phyllis Campbell Newsome Public Policy Leadership Awards. Honorees included:

• The Honorable Rushern L. Baker III, Prince George's County Executive
• The Honorable Muriel Bowser, Council of the District of Columbia
• The Honorable Kerry Donley, Vice Mayor, City of Alexandria
• The Honorable George Leventhal, Council of Montgomery County

Each public official was recognized for their dedication to the region's nonprofit community.

Learn more about the Phyllis Campbell Newsome Public Policy Leadership Award.

See how participants were connecting on Twitter with hashtag #Center12 including:

• Shannon Steene (@GoodShepExec): Sheila Johnson's flight-related life lesson: put your own oxygen mask on before helping others. Stay connected to yourself.
• Rachael Gibson (@RachaelCGibson): I vow to practice "safe stress". Thanks Sheila Johnson for your inspiring words Thanks @CenterNonprof for inviting such an amazing speaker.
• Danielle M. Reyes (@danielle_reyes): Keynote speaker Sheila C. Johnson talks about importance of strong nonprofit boards.
• FACETS (@FACETSCares): @CenterNonprof great annual meeting honoring the true heroes & people who give back.

Additional Resources:

• Read posts from the Center's nonprofit leadership blog series
• Subscribe to e-news for photos and additional news from the Celebration

About the Center for Nonprofit Advancement

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement strengthens the capacity of nonprofit organizations throughout Greater Washington, D.C.  The Center directly partners with nearly 1,000 nonprofits (our members) helping them achieve their missions through training and technical assistance programs, networking, advocacy and group buying power.