2025 Annual Non-Profit Appreciation Day

Rivero, Gordimer & Company’s 8th Annual Nonprofit Appreciation Day – Future in Focus – brought together more than 100 nonprofit leaders, board members, and community partners from across Tampa Bay for a morning centered on what’s next for the sector.

Held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Higgins Hall in Tampa, the half-day program combined practical learning with meaningful connection, all through the lens of leadership, mentorship, and long-term impact.

Honoring the 2025 Community Impact Leader

A signature moment of the event was the presentation of the 2025 Community Impact Leader Award to The Pepin Family.

The award recognizes individuals and families whose long-standing commitment has helped shape Tampa Bay for the better. The Pepin Family’s decades of investment in health, education, and community impact made them a natural choice for this year’s honor.

Accepting the award on behalf of the family, Tina Pepin, Executive Director of the Pepin Family Foundation, shared remarks that underscored the power of sustained, intentional philanthropy and the importance of championing those who might otherwise be overlooked. It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when generosity and strategy work hand in hand.

Panel Discussion: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

This year’s panel, “Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Importance of Mentorship and Passing the Torch,” focused on one of the most pressing opportunities in today’s nonprofit landscape: how to intentionally develop the next generation.

Moderated by Liz Wooten-Reschke of Connect For More, the conversation featured three accomplished nonprofit leaders:

• Elodie Dorso, Chief Executive Officer & President, Evara Health
• Freddy Williams, Chief Executive Officer & President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay
• Lisa Suprenand, Chief Executive Officer, Ronald McDonald House Charities Tampa Bay

Together, they explored:

• How mentorship can be woven into an organization’s culture—not just offered as a program.
• Ways to transfer institutional knowledge so it doesn’t “walk out the door” when leaders retire or transition.
• Practical approaches to building a leadership pipeline, including opportunities for emerging leaders at all levels.

Attendees walked away with real-world ideas they can adapt to their own organizations—from more intentional one-on-ones to board-supported leadership development initiatives.

Keynote: Succession and Synergy at the Top

This year’s keynote, “The Next Generation – Succession and Synergy for Your C-Suite and Board,” was delivered by Ian Adair, MS, ACNP.

Ian tackled a topic many nonprofit leaders know is important but often struggle to prioritize: succession planning. He highlighted how strong organizations don’t simply plan for “who comes next”—they build systems and relationships that ensure continuity, even through leadership changes.

Key themes included:

• Why collaboration between the executive team and the board is essential for healthy succession.
• How to identify and prepare future leaders before a transition is imminent.
• Practical steps organizations can take now to position themselves for long-term stability.

The keynote reinforced the event’s Future in Focus theme by encouraging attendees to think beyond the next fiscal year and consider what their leadership teams should look like five, ten, or even twenty years from now.

Connection, Coffee, and Community

In addition to the formal program, Nonprofit Appreciation Day offered plenty of time for peer connection and casual conversation.

Guests enjoyed a light breakfast catered by Catering by Melissa Sierra and a specialty coffee cart courtesy of Delightful Bean, creating a relaxed atmosphere for networking with fellow nonprofit leaders, board members, and community partners.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the energy in the room.

Participating Organizations We were honored to be joined by the following organizations, among others:

Photos and Recap Video

Want to revisit the morning or share it with your team?  See below photos and video:

Save the Date: 9th Annual Nonprofit Appreciation Day

We’re already looking ahead to next year. Mark your calendar for the 9th Annual Nonprofit Appreciation Day, returning to Higgins Hall on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

More details will be shared as the date approaches, but we hope you’ll plan to join us as we continue to celebrate and support the nonprofit community that makes Tampa Bay stronger.

Partnering with Nonprofits Beyond the Event

At Rivero, Gordimer & Company, our commitment to nonprofits extends far beyond a single day of appreciation. With more than 40 years of experience and a dedicated not-for-profit team serving over 150 organizations annually, we understand the unique challenges nonprofits face—whether in audit and assurance, tax compliance, board governance, or long-term strategic planning.

If your organization is considering its “future in focus”—from leadership transitions to financial sustainability—we’d be honored to help. Contact us to learn how RGCO can support your mission, so you can stay focused on the communities you serve.