An interactive weekend with state leaders from across the country — practical, hands-on, and built for real conversation.
The 2026 State Leadership Summit has concluded. Thank you to everyone who attended!
The inaugural State Leadership Summit brought together leaders from 16 states in Kansas City for practical discussions on association management, leadership, and advocacy. Read the full recap for highlights and key takeaways.
Read the event recap
Each affiliated state association may send up to three leaders and is encouraged to send at least two.
Incoming and current state association presidents and elected officers setting direction for the year ahead.
Board members and committee chairs who keep the work of the association moving.
Anyone stepping into a state leadership role in the next year and ready to build the skills for it.
"It's a great opportunity to learn how to approach situations differently and learn what motivates you and others. As an officer of my state association, I am working on improving my leadership and communications."Travis Atkins, Jr., official court reporter, Mobile, Ala. — NCRA Leadership Series attendee
"It's a great opportunity to learn how to approach situations differently and learn what motivates you and others. As an officer of my state association, I am working on improving my leadership and communications."
Earn up to 1.1 CEUs
Sessions and times are subject to change. All times listed in Central time.
Cathy Penniston, M.A., RPR, CRI — NCRA PresidentDave Wenhold, CAE, PLC — NCRA Executive Director
Dave Wenhold, CAE, PLC
Drawing on his 30 years of experience as an association executive, NCRA's Executive Director will discuss the top skills and knowledge leaders wish they had before becoming association president. (0.1 CEU)
Dave Wenhold, CAE, PLCCindy Isaacsen, RPR — NCRA Immediate Past President
An association without a strategic plan can quickly drift into reaction mode, wasting time and resources while losing focus on its mission. A clear plan gives leaders direction, helps them make better decisions, and keeps members aligned around shared goals. The message is simple: Strategy is what keeps an association from floundering and helps it stay relevant, accountable, and effective. (0.1 CEU)
Daphne Rothstein — NCRA Vice President, Finance & Human ResourcesStacey M. Potenza, CRC — NCRA Vice President
You do not have to be an accountant to ask the right questions about your association's finances. This seminar will cover the board's financial responsibilities, how to read financial statements, and what to look for when reviewing a budget. We will discuss donor restrictions, reserves, revenue risks, and the importance of comparing actual results with budget projections. Participants will leave better prepared to make informed financial decisions that support their association's mission and long-term stability. (0.1 CEU)
Cathy Penniston, M.A., RPR, CRICindy Isaacsen, RPRStacey M. Potenza, CRC — NCRA Vice President
NCRA's commitment to state associations has long been a standard in the industry, but as a state leader, are you making the most of that service? Cathy, Carol, and Stacey will discuss the various seminars states can request and how to make the most of the NCRA Rep's visit. (0.1 CEU)
David Castillo — NCRA Content Manager
Social media can help your state association expand its reach, engage members, and showcase the impact of your advocacy and programs. In this seminar, we'll cover simple, high-impact practices, such as choosing the right platforms, staying consistent, and using visuals that work even for small, volunteer-led teams. You'll learn how to turn posts into real engagement by inviting conversation, highlighting member stories, and promoting events and calls to action. You'll leave with a practical checklist and content ideas you can immediately add to your association's social media calendar. (0.1 CEU)
Dave Wenhold, CAE, PLCCindy Isaacsen, RPRCynthia R. Bruce, M.S.Ed. — NCRA Vice President, Education and Certification
Chances are that your annual conference is one of the biggest revenue generators for your association. This seminar will help you identify hurdles to and opportunities for your state association to put on memorable conferences. We will look at site selection, contracts, appealing programming, and marketing. (0.1 CEU)
Panel of NCRA and NVRA Board Members
One of the most important roles you will play as a state leader will be conducting your board meetings. To be effective, you will need a basic understanding of parliamentary procedures (Robert's Rules), consent agendas, strategic discussions, and time management. You might have the best board and strategic plan in the world, but if you cannot have an effective board meeting, you will not get out of the starting gate. (0.1 CEU)
Colin Brehm — NCRA State Government Relations Manager
This seminar will look at what is going on, both positively and negatively, with state affiliates and the challenges faced by all of us. The sharing of information and contacts will help you forecast what might be coming your way. Knowledge plus action is power, and this seminar will give you the information you need to make decisions that will affect the members in your state. (0.1 CEU)
These NCRA leaders have spent time in the trenches of both national and state associations. They will share some of the challenges and lessons they have learned through decades of service in the industry. This interactive seminar will give attendees the opportunity to share their experiences and allow the entire group to develop strategies to address their unique situations back home. (0.1 CEU)
Irene L. Cahill — NCRA Director of Membership & TechnologyMembers of the Steno Agency
The final session of the Summit will be interactive, with state leaders working in assigned groups to create new membership strategies and tactics that they can take back to their states for implementation. (0.2 CEU)
The 2026 State Leadership Summit was held at the Loews Kansas City Hotel.
Loews Kansas City Hotel1515 Wyandotte St.Kansas City, MissouriHotel website