Apply for the 2025-2026 Nonprofit Leadership Coaching Cohort
Applications for the Leadership cohort are open through September 26!
The Capacity Lab, in partnership with Ally Co, is excited to announce applications are now open for the 2025–2026 Nonprofit Leadership Coaching Cohort. This six-month program is designed to strengthen, connect, and grow the nonprofit leadership pipeline in Chautauqua County.
About the Cohort
This marks the third year The Capacity Lab has invested in this local leadership coaching cohort, reaffirming our commitment to cultivating strong nonprofit leaders. Facilitated by Beth Oakes, a seasoned nonprofit director with over 25 years of experience, the program blends individual coaching with peer learning to provide leaders with practical, timely, and locally relevant guidance.
The cohort is ideal for executive directors, senior management staff, and emerging leaders seeking to deepen their leadership skills, strengthen their organizations, and expand their networks. Participation for the cohort is limited to 12–14 leaders.
2024-2025 Nonprofit Leadership Cohort
Anna Gassman, Chautauqua Striders; Emily Morse, Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care; Emily Drew, Behind the Scenes Foundation; Michael Nordin, Mental Health Association; Valerie Johnson, Chautauqua Adult Day Services; Nick Weith, Jamestown Farmers Market and Ellie Shriver, Family Service of the Chautauqua Region. Emily Spielman, Child Advocacy Program; Alicia Ekstrom, The Waterfront Foundation; Reuben Hernandez, Chautauqua County Land Bank; Julie Putcher, Ahira Hall Memorial Library; and Jamie Probst, Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care
Program Details
Timeline: November 2025 – May 2026 (biweekly sessions, 14 total; with a December break)
Format: In-person sessions rotating across Chautauqua County
Tuition: $1,865 per participant (75% covered by The Capacity Lab; nonprofits contribute 25%)
Application Process: Digital application, interview with the applicant, and a phone call with the applicant’s supervisor or board president
Why Join?
Through coaching and collaboration, participants will:
Gain clarity on personal leadership strengths and areas for growth
Develop tools to navigate organizational challenges
Connect with a network of peer nonprofit leaders across the county
Strengthen their ability to lead with confidence and sustain organizational impact
Apply Today
Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Submit your application by September 26. Learn more about the program, coaching modules, and Beth Oakes’ leadership approach at: www.allyco.org/np-coaching-cohort.
Building the Nonprofit Talent Pipeline
The Leadership Cohort is one of three coaching opportunities The Capacity Lab is investing in to support nonprofit leaders. In addition to this local program, in partnership with the Nonprofit Support Group we also support participation in the Institute for Nonprofit Practice’s RISE Program for early-career professionals and the Core Certificate Program for established leaders across Western New York.
2023-2024 Nonprofit Leadership Cohort
Zachary Agett of Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, Carey Lee of Family Services of the Chautauqua Region, Erika Mayberry of Chautauqua Striders, Hillary Meyer of the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Alisha Perry of Prevention Works, Cherie Rowland of St. Susan Center, Amanda Telford of Jamestown Community Learning Council, Jessica McKeever of Arise Chautauqua, Daryl Simon of Sukanya Burman Dance, and Kellie Roberts of the Chautauqua County Humane Society.
The Capacity Lab is committed to strengthening our local nonprofit talent pipeline. If you’re interested in this or other opportunities, reach out to us at info@thecapacitylab.org to explore how we can support your application.