Launch Your Nonprofit Leadership Journey

In partnership with the United Way of Champaign County, the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, and Community Education at Parkland College, the Nonprofit Leadership series is designed to strengthen the nonprofit sector through focused professional development.

Courses will address technical skills unique to nonprofit work and feature instruction from local experts and mentorship from community-minded business leaders. Emphasizing high-quality instruction and in-class application, the series ensures each session is immediately relevant and impactful.

 

Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership—October 2025

The series launches with Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership, a dynamic 3-hour course led by Sue Grey, CEO of United Way. This session offers a comprehensive view of the leadership skills needed in today’s nonprofit environment and serves as a preview of the full series experience.

 

Nonprofit Leadership Series—Starting Spring 2026

After completing Introduction to Nonprofit Management in October, take the next step with our full Nonprofit Leadership Series. The spring courses feature hands-on modules, followed by a summer capstone project. In the fall, participants can shape their path through a choice of electives. Participants who complete the Introduction, the core curriculum modules, the capstone, and mentoring will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Build Confidence & Skills: Four Core Course Modules

• Strategic Planning
• Financial Standards
• Mission Development
• Stakeholder Engagement

Apply What You Learn: Capstone Project + Mentorship

Put your knowledge into action. You’ll be matched with a local business or nonprofit leader to complete a capstone project reflecting the realities and rewards of nonprofit leadership. This guided experience supports both skill development and career growth.

Go Deeper: Electives

Tailor your learning through deep-dive electives in leadership, operations, technology, and communication—offered in both online and in-person formats. These optional courses expand your perspective and equip you to meet emerging challenges in the nonprofit world.

 

Meet Your Instructors

Sue Grey

Sue has been a member of the United Way of Champaign County team since June 2006. Sue has over 38 years of experience working with the community bringing people and resources together to make lasting change and positive impact in our community.

Before joining United Way, Sue worked at Champaign Park District organizing community events, managing volunteers and working with the Board of Commissioners. Sue also spent three years with the Green Meadows Girl Scout Council as their CEO.

As a “Townie”, Sue has developed great community contacts and mobilizes those resources to better the quality of life for those in need in Champaign County. Sue is a member of Chapter HI PEO, an Alpha Phi Alumnae, class member of Leadership Illinois 2019. Sue was elected to the Champaign Unit 4 School Board in April of 2007 and again in 2011. She served as Board President for two years. Since 2020, Sue has served on the Board of Visitors for the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois.

Sue was a recipient of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Athena® Award in 2005. In 2012, she was selected as A Woman of Distinction by the East Central Illinois Girl Scout Council. In 2022, Sue was honored as a Distinguished alum from the Champaign-Urbana Schools Foundation. Sue most recently received an Honorary Degree from Parkland Community College, in recognition of her service to the community.

Sue is married to Tom and has three children, Randi, Ryan and Catie and three grandchildren.

Becca Guyette

Rebecca (Becca) has over twenty years of experience of nonprofit development work. One of her greatest joys is seeing “aha” moments for board and state members in the nonprofit sector, as they realize they can further their mission with the right training, focus, and support. 

Becca joined United Way of Champaign County in 2013 as Director of Leadership Giving, overseeing the now $2.5 million annual Pillar giving program. In 2019, she became Chief Development Officer. In this role, Becca continues to oversee the Pillar program, Major Gifts, and United Way’s Resource Development division. Under her leadership, United Way of Champaign County has consistently ranked in the top 10 in revenue generation and top five in leadership giving out of 270 United Ways across the country, in similar-sized communities. In 2023, Becca led a successful $6.8 million endowment and current-funds campaign for United Way’s 100th anniversary.

As a Certified Fundraising Executive, she does ongoing training with local fundraising professionals, with specific emphasis on the development and sustainability of annual fund and major gift programs. She is an adjunct instructor at the University of Illinois and regularly teaches a course she founded and created, entitled “Leading Nonprofits” for juniors and seniors at the University. 

Prior to joining United Way, Becca worked for 10 years at the University of Illinois YMCA as Program and Development Director and led a capital funds drive to renovate the building. She received her MA in Communication from the University of Illinois.

In 2014, Becca was recognized as the Central Illinois Business Magazine Woman of the Year for her professional and community efforts. She is currently a board member of ClarkLindsey and a Trustee for the University of Illinois YMCA. She is the former Board President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of East Central Illinois and a former Board member for Junior League of Champaign Urbana and Executive Club of Champaign County. She and her husband live in Savoy with their two teenagers. 

Lynn Peisker

Lynn Peisker is a non-profit professional with extensive experience in education, faith-based organizations, the public sector, and non-profit environments. Currently serving as a consultant and instructor for Professional Development at Parkland, she specializes in brand building, project management, and strategic planning for non-profit organizations.

For the past ten years, Lynn lived in South Bend, Indiana, working in Marketing and Communications at the University of Notre Dame and managing her own consulting firm, supporting nonprofit and faith-based organizations.

Originally from East Central Illinois, Lynn previously worked at Champaign Unit 4 Schools and at United Way of Champaign County. She holds a Master's degree in Non-Profit Administration from the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business, with specialized coursework in HR, board relations, financial management, law, and fund development, along with an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Lynn is married to John Peisker, and their three adult children all attended high school in Champaign-Urbana. Moving back "home” to Champaign County, Lynn brought with her an idea that a professional development program for nonprofit professionals could help strengthen the local network. Collaborating with like-minded leaders from United Way of Champaign County, The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, and Parkland College Community Education, she helped build a partnership and program that will make a difference in the region far into the future.

Beverly Baker