Recognizing outstanding nonprofit leaders
Learn from the experience of our winners!
The annual EXCEL Award not only recognizes outstanding nonprofit leadership in our region, but also provides an opportunity for all of us to learn from authentic paths toward excellence. The Center has produced a series of video shorts touching on three key issues identified in this year’s competition. Each video stars one of this year's finalists, with each leader sharing their successful experience in a relevant area of achievement.
Hosted by Sean Sweeney, the Center's Director of Operations, the videos also include guest appearances from Ian Shuman, representing GRF CPAs & Advisors, our EXCEL Award Sponsor.
First release: Challenging the Status Quo in a New Organization
Cast: Julie Fabsik-Swarts, Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA)
Guest appearance: Ian Shuman, Selection Committee Member participating from our Award Sponsor, GRF CPAs & Advisors.
When hiring an executive director, organizations may prioritize different qualities, such as subject-matter expertise aligned with the mission or strong business and financial skills to lead organizational change. Sometimes, a new leader may need to learn about the mission area after joining, which is the focus of this discussion with Julie.
Second release: Expanding Reach and Replicating Success
Cast: Dr. Indira Henard, Executive Director, DC Rape Crisis Center
Guest appearance: Ian Shuman, Selection Committee Member participating from our Award Sponsor, GRF CPAs & Advisors.
This second installment with Dr. Henard highlights how partnering with other leaders and organizations is now seen as a best practice. Beyond fostering sustainability, the process encourages valuable internal reflection on organizational successes, policies, and procedures.
Third release: Finance Administration and Growing Investments
Cast: Dawn Quattlebaum, CEO, Seabury Resources for Aging
Guest appearance: Ian Shuman, Selection Committee Member participating from our Award Sponsor, GRF CPAs & Advisors.
This third and final installment with Dawn focuses on the importance of good financial management for a strong, lasting nonprofit. It’s essential for the board of directors to set policies and for staff to put them into action, with the chief executive helping to connect the two. We’ll also share how Dawn’s leadership has helped improve financial operations at her organization.
Congratulations to the 2024 award winner:
Dawn Quattlebaum, CEO, Seabury Resources for Aging
In 2020, Dawn Quattlebaum was appointed CEO of Seabury Resources for Aging, bringing over 30 years of experience in healthcare, senior services, senior housing, and area agency on aging services. Since joining Seabury, she has held key roles, including Administrator of Friendship Terrace and Program Director of Ward 5 Lead Agency Services. In 2014, she was promoted to Chief Program Officer, and by October 2019, she advanced to Chief Operating Officer.
And we'd like to congratulate our honorable mentions:
Dr. Indira Henard, Executive Director, DC Rape Crisis Center
Julie Fabsik-Swarts, CEO, Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA)
Click on their names to learn more about these individuals! Thank you to our sponsor, GRF CPAs & Advisors, and selection committee for their continued time and efforts.
Awarded by the Center since 2005 and sponsored by GRF CPAs & Advisors since 2007, the EXCEL Award honors exceptional nonprofit chief executives in our region. This year's competition will place a special emphasis on innovation in leadership, recognizing achievement in the areas of motivation, community building, ethical integrity and strategic leadership.
Nominations can be made by board members, staff members, volunteers, clients or community members, and can be made with or without the candidate’s knowledge.
One nominee is selected as the EXCEL winner and is given access to a $10,000 professional development account. The winner’s organization receives a $2,000 cash award to support professional development programs for its staff.
Up to two nominees may be selected as honorable mention recipients. Each of their organizations receives a $3,000 award to support professional development programs for the candidate and/or staff.
If you have any questions about the process, please email seans@nonprofitadvancement.org.