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Solihten Annual Conference

About this event

A conference for staff, board members, and friends of the Solihten Institute and anyone interested in our Network. Registration is now open for in-person and virtual attendees. See the conference agenda for which sessions are available for virtual attendees. Note: This event does not offer CEs.

Need to contact us? Email Melissa

LOCATION AND LODGING:
Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward
508 N. College St., Charlotte, NC, 28202
Use the hotel booking link below to make your reservation for discounted lodging. Rooms will be $149.00 per night plus tax. Deadline is August 10th!

If you have any issues, contact Salma Kobaili at the hotel directly: (704) 335-3338 ext. 3492.

Click here to make your hotel reservation with the conference room rate.

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Dan Stephens

Dan Stephens serves as President and CEO of the Solihten Institute, a Denver-based national nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, educate, connect, and equip professionals who integrate mind, body, spirit, and community in their approach to caring for the wellbeing of others. Through its affiliated Centers, Solihten provides over 500,000 hours of client services across 160 locations annually. Stephens’ professional journey is marked by a deep appreciation for counseling, which he describes as personally transformative. He has experienced firsthand the positive impact counseling can have on individuals and communities, shaping his belief in its power to foster well-being and resilience. Prior to joining Solihten, he led initiatives focused on education and health equity, including mental health initiatives. He has served in leadership roles with United Way, Rotary International, and the Presbyterian Church (USA). Stephens holds degrees from Columbia Theological Seminary, the University of Georgia, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and he completed the Allstate Foundation’s Nonprofit Executive Leadership Program at Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management.
Sessions
- END : Lunch and Closing Remarks
- 03 : Lunch and Opening Program
Javier Young, MBA, MS
Sessions
- 05 : AI's Impact on Finance, Digital, and Talent Approaches
Jim Rafter

A business technologist with over 30 years of helping customers address needs through technology, Jim Rafter oversees the Sales Department at Webfitters. He focuses on delivering the right solution for a fair price which results in long and mutually beneficial relationships with our clients. Jim is also currently serving as the President of both the Green Bay News Network and the Village of Allouez.
Sessions
- 20 : Building Your Digital Presence
Jordan Miller, CPA
Sessions
- 07 : Protecting the Mission: Strong Culture, Smart Controls
Mary Beth Fisk

Mary Beth Fisk has more than 30 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector as a visionary, executive, clinical research scientist, and community builder. As the former president and chief operating officer of South Texas’ largest blood, tissue, and cellular therapy center, Mary Beth initiated and implemented meaningful programs that still stand today, including Gencure (a cellular therapy & tissue engineering program involving umbilical-cord). Over the years, Mary Beth founded and directed a nonprofit foundation, developed an international tissue donor bank, and was an active instrument in shepherding new legislation for medical needs at both the state and national level, as well as authored numerous scientific and peer-reviewed journal articles. An active volunteer, Mary Beth was elected to The Ecumenical Center’s Board of Directors and served as its treasurer, as well as serving on several influential local and national boards. In 2009, and again in 2012, she was named a Health Care Hero in the areas of innovation and administrative excellence, respectfully, by the San Antonio Business Journal. Service to military personnel and veterans, as well as their families, is important to Mary Beth. She proudly serves the Military Veterans Community Council (MVCC) as both an inaugural Board Member and as Co-chair of the Health Solutions Team. She is also an active Member of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Council Legislation Committee and a Team Lead for the Texas Information Transition Program (TX TIP).
Sessions
- 22 : Community Crisis Response and Working with First Responders
Matt Bloom, PhD
Sessions
- 08 : Lasting Wellbeing with Matt Bloom, hosted at UNC Charlotte
- 11 : Lasting Wellbeing - A Deeper Dive
Norm Jones, PhD

Dr. Norm Jones, Ph.D is a seasoned leader in organization development and equity-minded leadership, with over 25 years of experience driving transformation across industries. As CEO of Integrated Diversity, iD delivers customized, evidence-based strategies that help clients build inclusive, high-performing teams and achieve sustainable growth. His background in both higher education and consulting has equipped him with a deep understanding of how to create meaningful, lasting change at every level of an organization. Dr. Jones has held senior leadership positions at several institutions like Harvard University, Amherst College, and Dickinson College, where he led transformative diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He has also consulted with a wide range of organizations, from JetBlue Airlines to the U.S. Department of Transportation, always with a focus on delivering measurable results. Dr. Jones leads iD with a clear vision to identify and engage promising leaders who are committed to creating sustainable value through diversity, equity, and inclusion. Known for applying insights to real-world challenges, he helps clients create organizational cultures that are inclusive and capable of driving long-term success. With a proven track record of transforming organizations, Dr. Jones and his team focus on creating solutions that are both practical and impactful. Whether you're looking to enhance leadership capacity, build cohesive teams, or embed DEI into your culture, Dr. Jones and iD are ready to collaborate with you to reach your goals. Dr. Jones earned his BA in English from Morehouse College, and he earned his Master’s in Public Administration from Penn State University. He also holds a PhD in Workforce Education and Development from Penn State. Outside of work, Dr. Jones enjoys time with his wife, Paula, their blended family and their two French bulldogs, Bella and Jaden.
Sessions
- 03 : Lunch and Opening Program
Patton McDowell

Patton McDowell brings more than 35 years of experience helping nonprofit leaders and organizations strengthen their impact through effective leadership, strategic planning, and fundraising. He has partnered with more than 325 nonprofit organizations, supporting boards, executives, and senior teams as they navigate growth, change, and complex strategic decisions. Prior to his consulting work, Patton held leadership roles with Special Olympics International, NC Special Olympics, UNC Wilmington, and Queens University of Charlotte before founding PMA Nonprofit Leadership. He currently serves as Director of the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership, where he leads the Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy and Leadership Gift School programs. He also facilitates cohorts of the Mastermind Leadership Program and the Interim Management Institute, as well as board and staff retreats. Patton is the host of the award-winning podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and the author of the book of the same name. He was a Morehead Scholar at UNC Chapel Hill, earned an MBA from Queens University of Charlotte, and holds a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. Patton and his wife Cindy are the proud parents of Katie, Lauren, and Parker.
Sessions
- 15 : Fundraising Strategy with Armstrong McGuire
- 17 : Board Engagement with Armstrong McGuire

Disclosures

The event does not offer CEs.

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Solihten Annual Conference

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$275.00 - $550.00

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Type

Hybrid Event
Location

Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward (508 N. College St., Charlotte, NC 28202)
Date

September 09 - 12, 2026

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