Are you a new or experienced Executive Director, looking for confidential individual or group leadership support? Recognizing the growing challenge all Executive Directors face, and the need for support beyond existing Executive Director Leadership Retreat, NYCON is launching two levels of Executive Coaching:
1. Executive Coaches: Through this one-on-one support, Executive Directors are paired with an experienced Executive Coach based on an interview process that enables EDs to choose a coach that meets their particular needs. This program will be helpful for newer EDs as well as any ED who wants extra support during times of organizational or personal transition or challenge.
The Executive Coach will provide at least 10 confidential, individual sessions of support over 3-6 months or a time period set by the ED and the Executive Coach, based on the ED’s needs and schedule. Additional support will also be provided between sessions, as needed. In initial conversations the ED and Executive Coach will identify goals to achieve during the coaching process. Sessions may be virtual or in-person, depending on Coach and ED location and preference.
NYCON staff vetted the coaches (see their bios below) based on their experience and coaching skill and will guide EDs through an interview process to find a coach that best meets their needs. The NYCON member preferred pricing of $3,500 cost is due at initial coach engagement; NYCON membership is required. EDs may be eligible for free coaching through existing NYCON funder partnerships; some funders also provide grants for coaching.
To get started, complete our intake form and you'll be sent a link to schedule a 30-minute meeting with NYCON VP of Nonprofit Capacity Building Mary Lou Carolan to discuss the ED’s needs, answer questions, and begin the ED/Coach matching process.
2. Group Coaching: As part of NYCON membership, all EDs can now access virtual Group Coaching, available at least twice per year and facilitated by NYCON’s Vice President of Nonprofit Capacity Building. A first Group Coaching session is planned for October in 2026; details will be shared in NYCON member e-newsletters.
Executive Coaching Program Kickoff
If you were unable to attend live or would like to revisit the session, you can access the 30-minute recording below. Hear from three of our coaches and learn what to expect!
Meet the Coaches
Click on each coach's headshot to learn more about them!
Denise Cavanaugh
Colette Ellis
Naomi Lippin
Jonathan Meagher-Zayas
Scott Morgan
Michelle A. Nicholas
Lauree Ostrofsky
Yaniyah Pearson
Jack Salo
Beverly Tillery
Need funding assistance?
Below are funders to try, though note eligibility and other requirements. We also recommend trying your local funders to see if they fund leadership development or training.
ABNY - for NYC nonprofits only
Citizens Committee for NYC
Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Nonprofit Training and Advancement Fund - for Capital Region nonprofits only
Dyson Foundation - For Mid-Hudson Valley nonprofits only
TD Bank's Nonprofit Training Resource Fund
New York Community Trust - Technical Assistance in NYC
Weraise.org - for Christian-focused nonprofits only
Thank you to Council Services Plus for sponsoring this service.
