Workshops & Events

Are you ready to lead through a crisis? Does your organization have a current Crisis Communications Plan? This workshop will prepare nonprofit organization leaders for effective communication during situations of crisis with the following objectives:

• Know the difference between public relations and crisis communications.
• Understand your communication role in an emergency.
• Review the five tenets of crisis communications.
• Prepare for a crisis following the eight steps to effective crisis communications.
• Learn from local case studies.
• Develop “trigger levels” as an assessment tool.

Lisa Jones is a communications professional, offering over 30 years of experience in public relations, crisis communications, strategic planning, community outreach, training facilitation and events. She owned Whitefish based LJ Communications, Inc. for over 20 years, serving many non-profit clients specializing in the fields of conservation, recreation, tourism and hospitality. She currently serves on the board of directors for three local non-profit organizations. Jones offers extensive knowledge and unique insight on crisis communications planning and preparedness based on local experiences with cyber extortion, wildfire, threats of hate and a pandemic, to name a few. She holds a B.A. in Communication from the University of Colorado and a Leading Through Crisis Certification from Rutgers University.

Change succeeds or fails not because of the strategy—but because of how people experience the transition. Logic alone does not drive adoption to change – emotions, identity, and resistance in times of uncertainty contribute greatly to change outcomes. This workshop is designed to equip leaders with tools for guiding their teams through the human side of change. Learn the difference between change and transition, explore the emotional journey individuals experience through change, and practice real-world conversations that build trust and alignment.

Adam Hannigan has over 20 years of experience shaping positive workplace cultures and building high-performing teams. He has delivered impactful results across public and private sectors, earning a reputation for driving meaningful change. His leadership background spans operations, business development, nonprofit leadership, family enterprises, construction, education, and behavioral health. Adam understands that effective leadership—regardless of industry—emerges through a process of discovery, alignment, and intentional growth. As a coach, Adam helps leaders enhance awareness, and integrate mindset, and technical expertise to accelerate and achieve meaningful professional outcomes. His candid, insightful approach empowers clients to broaden their perspective, sharpen their focus, and engage fully in opportunities that drive real results.

The event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to join us and celebrate with this year's grant awardees. Reception begins at 5pm and the program begins at 6pm.

This quarterly roundtable is open to all nonprofit executive directors to connect with and learn from each other during an open discussion format. Email npdp@whitefishcommunityfoundation.org to receive the Zoom link.

There are times when performance and/or behavior issues must be addressed with an employee. Skillful coaching will develop employees, boost productivity, build team morale and assist an organization with maintaining a positive work culture. This session will introduce participants to effective tools in managing performance and behaviors. We will cover:

• When to Coach- Identifying the right moment for intervention
• Coaching Process – Step by step approach to successful coaching
• Documentation Practices – Creating effective, legally sound records
• Discussion Techniques – Addressing issues directly and productively

Bethany Williamson has been with Associated Employers in the role of HR Business Partner since 2016. For more than 25 years, Bethany was in store management, district and regional management, and hospitality management with the responsibility for teams of up to 200 in corporate and small business environments. She has extensive experience in employee management, recruiting, staff training, succession planning, performance management, conflict resolution, and management training.  Bethany has lived in 23 states and 3 countries and chose Montana as her permanent home in 2014.