Speaking
Dr. Patton McDowell, MBA, CFRE
He Can Help On and Off the Stage
Patton knows his true value comes not just from his time engaging an audience, but from the RESULTS that are generated by them after the fact. His signature talks provide practical advice and motivation for current leaders and those aspiring to join the nonprofit leadership community.
He customizes his presentations and workshops to connect with your people and address their challenges. Whether it is a conference keynote, in-depth breakouts, or individualized workshops, you will get an experience designed for impact. Through a blend of education, engaging stories, and actionable strategies, he ensures everyone has takeaways they can implement immediately.
He customizes his presentations and workshops to connect with your people and address their challenges. Whether it is a conference keynote, in-depth breakouts, or individualized workshops, you will get an experience designed for impact. Through a blend of education, engaging stories, and actionable strategies, he ensures everyone has takeaways they can implement immediately.
Presentation Options
- 45-to-90 minute keynote
- Full or half day breakout workshops
- Presented in person or virtually
- Compliment a keynote speech with additional in-depth training and development
- Moderate a panel of leaders, or engage with individuals "interview" style
- Choose from one of Patton's signature presentation topics or collaborate with us to customize your own
Presentation Topics
Seven Steps to Successful Leadership
How do you turn your desire to lead a philanthropic organization into a reality? From his best-selling book, Patton shares the seven stops along the path, as well as associated resources and exercises to advance your leadership journey.
Five Keys to Organizational Excellence
What differentiates the best nonprofit organizations from those seeking greater impact? Patton breaks down the five keys and offers implementation strategies to achieve each of them.
Building A Dynamic Board of Directors
How do you maximize the time and talent of your most dedicated volunteers? Through his work with dozens of organizations and their staff and volunteer leadership, Patton describes the characteristics of the most successful boards and how you can move your organization closer to the ideal level of engagement.
The Essentials: How to Launch Your Nonprofit Career
How do you identify the best organization to start your nonprofit career?How do you make yourself an ideal candidate to land the job?
Patton offers practical tips and advice to best position you for career success.
Give an Autographed Copy of Patton's Latest Book
People love receiving Patton's bestselling book, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector courtesy of the meeting chair. Patton offers bulk order discounts on books for you to provide your attendees. His time with your audience can also include an autograph session at no charge where he will sign and interact individually.
"Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership is a must-read for any leader who is focused on their legacy. Patton channels his experience and down-to-earth approach to inspire his readers to action. From being introspective to gaining perspective to being effective, this book covers it all on the nonprofit leader- ship journey."
SAMARA HAKIM, JD
Founder, CulturGrit
San Diego, CA
"Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership is an invaluable guide for anyone who aspires to nonprofit leadership. Patton not only identifies each of the skills, assets, and experiences aspiring leaders need to develop, he takes the reader, step by simple step, through the entire self-development process. "
MARTYN DRAKE
Author, The Commercial Charity
Nottinghamshire, England, United Kingdom
"If Patton's Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership podcast is any indication, his knowledge and mastery of nonprofit culture and careers will benefit all who read this, from those who are new to the sector to seasoned managers seeking to elevate their knowledge and skills."
ELIZABETH ABEL
Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising
New York City, NY
"When navigating any path, you want a guide who has been there and can get you there safely. Without a doubt, Patton is your guide on the path to nonprofit leadership."
DOLPH GOLDENBURG
Host, Successful Nonprofits Podcast
Atlanta, GA
"With Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, you'll have a road map to a successful transition and ongoing professional development. What an indispensable guide!"
GAIL S. BOWER
President, Bower & Co. Consulting, LLC
Philadelphia, PA
"Interested in enhancing your non-profit acumen? In Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Patton uses his clear and effective style to discuss complex topics with ease."
ADAM A. COOK, CFRE
Chief Development Officer, Mercy Health Foundation
Chesterfield, MO
"Patton's years of experience in the nonprofit sector have given him incredible insights into best practices and leadership development. This book is an essential part of your professional development plan."
JENNIFER P. GARNER, MA
Executive Director of Development, Univ. of Denver
Denver, CO
"In this book, Patton shares critical insights he has gleaned from his many years of experience in the trenches of leading, building, and sustaining nonprofits. You will be inspired."
DR. ROB HARTER
Host, The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast
Park City, UT
"Patton's refreshing take on the nonprofit leadership journey bridges skill-building and self-reliance with community support. This gives us the capabilities to walk the path and build it at the same time."
JENNIFER HARRIS, MA
Founder, JH Collective, Inc.
San Diego, CA
"As a two-time guest on Patton's podcast, I've marveled at his insightful observations about the current state of the nonprofit sector. I believe this book will be an essential resource for the growth of current and aspiring nonprofit leaders."
JIM TAYLOR
Vice President of Leadership Initiatives, BoardSource
Washington, DC
"Patton is like one of those experienced football coaches who have seen it all: every offensive set, every defensive formation. He's always ten steps ahead of the opponent. His new book crystallizes the lessons he's been teaching and coaching on nonprofit leadership throughout his career."
CLAY HODGES, JD
Partner, Harris, Sarratt, & Hodges, LLP
Raleigh, NC
"Patton has worked in the nonprofit field for decades with leaders at every stage. I'm excited for people interested in nonprofit leadership to have a resource from him that clearly marks the way to success."
SALLY LOFTIS, MSOD
Managing Director, Loftis Partners
Crossnore, NC
"This is more than tips, techniques, and tactics. Patton has created a practical resource which will be a solid addition to the toolkit of any nonprofit professional, regardless of where they are in the leadership journey."
BEN MOHLER, MA, CFRE, ACFRE
CEO and Principal Consultant, GivingThree, LLC
Richmond, KY
"Patton's enthusiasm for--and deep knowledge of--the nonprofit world has always impressed me. Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership will be a powerful guide for any nonprofit leader hoping to excel in the charitable sector."
MIKE SMITH
Founder, BIGiDEASPORTS
Barcelona, Spain
"What makes Patton's teaching so powerful is that he's built a career from the ground up, having served in all key aspects of nonprofit work as a volunteer, a staff member, board member, and consultant. This book should be on your list of great resources for guidance and reflection."
KEITH L. FISHBURNE
President and CEO, Special Olympics of North Carolina
Moorisville, NC
"Patton is the Wayne Gretzky of philanthropy. He knows where the puck has been, but more importantly, he knows where it's going. And he willingly shares his expertise so that my organization can get in the game with confidence and put points on the board."
KEN D. FUQUAY
CEO, LIFESPAN Services
Charlotte, NC
"Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership is a benefit to all who are in, or who want to join, the nonprofit sector."
CHRIS DELISIO, MBA, CFRE
VP for Institutional Advancement,
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
