Chief Executive Officers
Organizational leadership, strategy, governance, and the choices that shape long-term direction.
FacilitatorNadereh Salim
National Center · Peer learning
Bring the work into the room.
Affinity Groups give leaders and professionals in member organizations a consistent place to compare perspectives, work through shared questions, and learn from peers who understand the responsibilities of the role.
Find your peer group
Conversations shaped around your role.
Each group focuses on the opportunities and challenges that come with a shared area of responsibility.
Chief Financial Officers
Financial sustainability, budgeting, and the financial decisions behind community-based care.
FacilitatorEmily Kliethermes
Chief Operating Officers / Chief Program Officers
Operations, program delivery, and the systems that support quality services for children and families.
FacilitatorValerie Holmes
Chief Information Officers / Chief Technology Officers
Technology, information systems, and the responsible use of data and digital tools.
FacilitatorStacy Peacock
Chief Quality Officers
Quality improvement, performance, and approaches for learning from outcomes.
FacilitatorBrandy Tofel
Human Resources
Workforce, talent, and the organizational conditions that help people do their best work.
FacilitatorJeanine Watson
Chief Development Officers / Business Development
Growth, partnerships, and the relationships that help organizations extend their impact.
FacilitatorAlice-Lydia Bird
CY2027 calendar
Plan for the year.
Each group meets three times online before coming together at the annual Symposium. Times below are Central Time.
| Group | Facilitator | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Time (CT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO | Nadereh Salim | Tue, Jan 19 | Tue, Apr 20 | Tue, Aug 17 | 1–2 p.m. |
| CFO | Emily Kliethermes | Tue, Jan 26 | Tue, Apr 27 | Tue, Aug 24 | 10–11 a.m. |
| COO / CPO | Valerie Holmes | Tue, Feb 9 | Tue, May 11 | Tue, Sep 14 | 10–11 a.m. |
| CIO / CTO | Stacy Peacock | Thu, Feb 11 | Thu, May 13 | Thu, Sep 9 | 2–3 p.m. |
| CQO | Brandy Tofel | Tue, Feb 23 | Tue, May 25 | Tue, Sep 28 | 10–11 a.m. |
| HR | Jeanine Watson | Thu, Jan 28 | Thu, Apr 29 | Thu, Aug 26 | 2–3 p.m. |
| CDO / BizDev | Alice-Lydia Bird | Thu, Feb 25 | Thu, May 27 | Thu, Sep 23 | 2–3 p.m. |
No virtual sessions are scheduled in March, June, or July. Please confirm meeting links and any calendar changes with the National Center.
Q4 · In person
Continue the conversation in Chicago.
Affinity Group participants will reconnect at the 2027 National Center Symposium, October 20–22, in Chicago. Session details will be shared with the Symposium program.
Stay connected
Take part in the conversation.
Member organization leaders interested in joining an Affinity Group can contact the National Center to learn more about the groups and participation process.