Keynote Speaker for Nonprofit Leaders

Inspiring. Strategic. Unshakably Compassionate.

What kind of community becomes possible when leaders choose to lead with compassion—even when everything feels uncertain?

That’s not just the opening line of her signature speech.

It’s the core of her life’s work.

Meet Marilyn Neece.

A trusted advisor to boards, interim CEO for nonprofits in transition, and strategic architect for dozens of high-impact organizations,

Marilyn has spent more than 35 years helping nonprofit leaders lead with clarity, confidence, and compassion—even in times of chaos.

She knows the stakes. Because she’s lived them.

From a childhood shaped by housing insecurity and a revolving door of schools, she saw firsthand how nonprofit organizations are often the only constant in a family’s life. Libraries, clinics, parks, schools, food programs—these weren’t abstract services. They were survival.

They were hope.

And today, her mission is clear:

To equip nonprofit leaders with the tools, perspective, and strategy they need to thrive—even when the rules keep changing.

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Your audience will walk away with a proven framework to align vision, budget, and operations—so your team stops guessing and starts gaining ground, real tools that strengthen board unity, clarify decision-making, and help everyone row in the same direction, fresh perspective on the value of compassion—not as a “soft skill,” but as a radical strategy for long-term resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose that reminds them why their work matters—now more than ever.

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Whether your organization is navigating transition, rebuilding after a crisis, or simply seeking new energy and direction, this keynote offers more than inspiration. It offers a map.

Let’s start the conversation.

Because your work is too important to lead without a plan.

And your vision is too big to carry alone.

Signature Speech: “The Compassionate Roadmap: Leading Through Change Without Losing Heart”

This is not your typical rah-rah motivation talk.

This is a powerful fusion of real-world strategy, lived experience, and deep respect for the work nonprofit leaders do every day.

Who's This Perfect For

nonprofit leadership conferences

board retreats and strategic planning summits

funders and foundation convenings

interim leadership transitions

social impact events

nonprofit networks

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Why Audiences Love Marilyn

Relatable

She’s been the carpool mom and the chamber exec, the struggling student and the MBA grad. Her story is real—and so is her voice.

Insightful

Every story has a strategy behind it. Every insight leads to action. This isn’t just inspiration—it’s a shift in how leaders see themselves and their work.

Energizing

Teams leave her speeches not just feeling good—but thinking differently. They reconnect to the heart of their mission and see the next steps more clearly.