Executive Director Roundtable

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Leadership Can be Challenging.
You don’t have to navigate it alone.

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As an Executive Director or CEO, you spend a lot of time supporting your staff, your board, your organization, and your community. But where do you go to talk through a challenge, test an idea, learn from experience, or simply connect with people who understand the realities of nonprofit leadership?

TVNPA’s Executive Director Roundtable (EDR) creates that space.

Designed specifically for nonprofit Executive Directors and CEOs, EDR brings together a small cohort of Tri-Valley leaders for candid conversation, shared learning, professional development, and peer support.

This isn’t another networking event. It’s an opportunity to build trusted relationships with fellow nonprofit executives who understand the opportunities and challenges that come with leading an organization.

A Roundtable Built Around You

Each EDR cohort is shaped by the people around the table. Participants bring their own experiences, questions, challenges, and expertise, while a facilitator helps guide meaningful conversations around the issues that matter most to the group.

The result is a confidential and supportive environment where nonprofit leaders can talk openly, learn from one another, share what’s working, and work through what isn’t.

At EDR, you’ll have opportunities to:

• Build a trusted network of fellow nonprofit Executive Directors and CEOs
• Share challenges, successes, best practices, and creative solutions
• Talk candidly about leadership and organizational issues in a confidential setting
• Troubleshoot administrative and management challenges with peers
• Explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership
• Strengthen your leadership skills and expand your perspective
• Learn more about the organizations and resources within the Tri-Valley nonprofit community
• Discuss emerging issues and opportunities affecting nonprofit leaders
• Step away from the day-to-day demands of leadership for two hours each month to focus on your own growth and connections
• And yes, there will be coffee and a light breakfast!

What to Expect

The 2026–27 Executive Director Roundtable includes nine facilitated, in-person meetings at TVNPA’s CommonPoint Nonprofit Center.

Roundtable cohorts are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 12 participants, to encourage meaningful conversation and build trust among members.

Meetings include facilitated discussion, peer-to-peer problem solving, confidential sharing of current challenges and best practices, and occasional guest speakers based on the interests and needs of the cohort.

Who Should Participate?

Participant Requirements:

• Lead an organization that is a current TVNPA member
• Complete the registration and pre-cohort questionnaire
• Commit to prioritizing attendance and actively participating in the discussions
• Respect the confidentiality of fellow cohort members
• Provide candid feedback to help TVNPA continue strengthening the program
• Previous EDR participants are welcome to return.

2026–27 Meeting Dates

Meetings are held in person from 8:00–10:00 AM at TVNPA’s CommonPoint Nonprofit Center in Livermore.

October 6, 2026
November 3, 2026
December 1, 2026
January 5, 2027
February 2, 2027
March 2, 2027
April 13, 2027
May 4, 2027
June 1, 2027

Participation Fee
$200 for the full nine-month cohort
Space is limited to keep the Roundtable personal, interactive, and valuable for everyone around the table.

Make time for your own leadership.
Join a group of nonprofit executives who understand the work, are willing to share what they’ve learned, and can become a trusted sounding board throughout the year.

EDR Facilitator

Shaké Sulikyan, nationally-recognized nonprofit executive and former President & Executive Director, will facilitate TNVPA’s Executive Director Roundtable.

She is here to support the EDR by coordinating the group and the monthly discussions to ensure the program meets your expectations. As a former nonprofit executive director, she has lived experience and personal understanding of your needs and will keep them in mind in guiding the cohort.

Shaké Sulikyan (she/her) is a nationally recognized nonprofit executive and changemaker. She’s dedicated her life to making the world a better place. Shaké has over two decades of experience in aligning talent and resources to drive large-scale initiatives, build fruitful relationships, and reach record-breaking goals. Her nonprofit career includes leadership roles in healthcare, academic medicine, higher education, social service and nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. She has been a Tri-Valley resident since 2014 and served as President and Executive Director of ValleyCare Charitable Foundation for 5.5 years. In January 2022, she launched her consultancy which focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations and their teams, as well as advancing women in the workplace. She also serves as Senior Advisor and Executive Search Consultant with Boyden, where she’s helped build their social impact/nonprofit practice in the U.S. and has placed over 30 executives into various nonprofit organizations, including CEOs, CFOs, CDOs, and more. She moved to the U.S. at the age of 12 and currently lives in Livermore, CA with her husband and young teenage son.