Press Releases

October 2024 – Mansfield PA – First Citizens Community Bank (FCCB) held its "Thought Leadership for Those Who Lead" event, bringing together 23 nonprofit leaders from the Lancaster County area. The event served as a platform for nonprofit professionals to gain insights from expert speakers, exchange ideas, and network with peers in a collaborative setting.

The event featured Jose R. Lopez, President and CEO of SACA (Spanish American Civic Association) and SACA Development Corporation, as the keynote speaker. Jose, with his extensive background in nonprofit leadership and banking, delivered a presentation on Neighborhood Tax Credit Programs, highlighting how these programs can be leveraged to foster community development and support nonprofit goals. His experience in leading SACA and his involvement on FCCB’s Southcentral PA Regional Board provided valuable context for nonprofit leaders looking to strengthen their communities.

Kelsi Waltemire Palmer, CXO of Kite & Anchor, shared her expertise on volunteer and fundraising engagement, offering actionable strategies for increasing volunteer involvement and improving fundraising efforts. Drawing from her diverse background in communications, coaching, and nonprofit consulting, Kelsi helped attendees explore new approaches to engaging supporters and driving growth in their organizations.

Mary Ellen Waltemire, a certified leadership coach and facilitator, led a session focused on leadership development, strategic planning, and board governance. Mary Ellen provided practical tools for nonprofit leaders to enhance their board governance structures, improve strategic planning processes, and build stronger leadership teams. Her interactive approach enabled attendees to gain new perspectives on effective organizational management.

Additionally, four nonprofit organizations were awarded $500 each for their outstanding contributions to the community: Hilltop Playground Association, Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce, National Addiction Awareness Complex, and True Life Youth Ministries. Attendees were also introduced to FCCB Academy, a comprehensive financial literacy platform offered for free to nonprofits. FCCB provides a co-branded version of the platform, reinforcing its commitment to supporting nonprofits with valuable educational resources.

"Our goal with these events was to create a space where nonprofit leaders could not only learn from experts but also connect with one another to share ideas and solutions," said Jami Theiller, Cash Management Team Lead at First Citizens Community Bank. "The engagement and enthusiasm we saw from the participants were truly inspiring, and we’re proud to support these incredible organizations that do so much for our communities."

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