Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
2025 Directors’ Retreat: Working Through Uncertainty – Strategies for Adaptation and Support
Date/Time
5/22/2025 - 5/23/2025
Breakfast begins at 9 am on May 22nd and we conclude the retreat at noon on Frid
Breakfast begins at 9 am on May 22nd and we conclude the retreat at noon on Frid
Event Registration
Competency
Leadership, Communication, EDI
Event Description
We are excited to announce the 2025 Directors' Retreat: Working Through Uncertainty – Strategies for Adaptation and Support . We will be returning to the Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center this year. The retreat will kick off with a light breakfast on Thursday, May 22nd at 9:00 a.m. - the perfect time to catch up with your peers. The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. starting with Pursuing Inclusion in an Anti-DEI Political Climate. The afternoon will focus on working in these uncertain times and how to take care of yourself and support your staff. We will conclude the first day at 4:00 p.m. Dinner will be at 6:00 p.m. with the tradition of rich conversations to follow. The second day will start with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. followed by a Facilitated Discussion: Turning Insights into Action. We will conclude at noon with a quick lunch.
Thursday Morning, May 22nd:
Pursuing Inclusion in an Anti-DEI Political Climate
As political headwinds shift and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts become subject to new restrictions, some organizations are left wondering what actions they are and are not allowed to take. In this session, we take a look at the current political landscape & legal realities facing DEI work. Participants will examine what effective DEI work is and is not and how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts should raise the tide for all. The session will cover some common pushback & misconceptions about DEI efforts. Finally, participants will discuss how various elements of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion realistically fit into their efforts to create healthy organizations.
Learning Objectives:
Mark Swaim-Fox, President and CEO, The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
Mark Swaim-Fox has spent the last 18 years as the Executive Director of the Cleveland chapter of Facing History & Ourselves, a national nonprofit organization that uses lessons of history to challenge teachers and their students to stand up to bigotry and hate. He was responsible for strategic planning, programming, external relationship building, fundraising, and team development.
Mark also serves as the Chairperson of the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission, which consists of 15 members who are appointed by the Governor.
Mark began his career as a history teacher and is deeply committed to education. Mark joined The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio in September 2024 and is passionate about the Diversity Center's work, which is committed to creating communities where all people are connected, respected, and valued.
Afternoon Session: Workplace Wellness
In today’s ever-changing work environment, managing stress, uncertainty, and mental well-being is more important than ever. This presentation will explore strategies for maintaining your own mental health, supporting employees’ well-being, and fostering a resilient workplace culture. Attendees will gain practical tools to navigate heightened stressors, promote open conversations about mental health, and implement workplace wellness practices that benefit both individuals and organizations.
Learning Objectives:
Presenter: Katie Jenkins, Executive Director, NAMI Greater Cleveland
Katie Jenkins is a passionate mental health advocate, experienced public servant, lifelong student, and mother.
Her extensive professional background includes roles spanning every area of the mental health sector. Katie's guiding principle is rooted in empathy, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a high-level quality of life. She is dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring that no one faces their challenges alone.
Katie currently serves as a Vice-Chair of NAMI National's Executive Director Council's Executive Committee and is Chair of the NE Ohio Hub Steering Committee of the Mental Health and Addiction Advocacy Coalition. Katie is also a proud board member of R.A.K.E.
In May 2024, Katie graduated from Youngstown State University with a Master of Social Work and is a licensed social worker through the State of Ohio. She currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, Master of Public Administration, and a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant license.
Friday, May 23rd:
Thursday Morning, May 22nd:
Pursuing Inclusion in an Anti-DEI Political Climate
As political headwinds shift and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts become subject to new restrictions, some organizations are left wondering what actions they are and are not allowed to take. In this session, we take a look at the current political landscape & legal realities facing DEI work. Participants will examine what effective DEI work is and is not and how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts should raise the tide for all. The session will cover some common pushback & misconceptions about DEI efforts. Finally, participants will discuss how various elements of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion realistically fit into their efforts to create healthy organizations.
Learning Objectives:
- Review the current political landscape & legal realities facing DEI work
- Examine what effective DEI work is and is not
- Discuss common pushback & misconceptions about DEI efforts
Mark Swaim-Fox, President and CEO, The Diversity Center of Northeast OhioMark Swaim-Fox has spent the last 18 years as the Executive Director of the Cleveland chapter of Facing History & Ourselves, a national nonprofit organization that uses lessons of history to challenge teachers and their students to stand up to bigotry and hate. He was responsible for strategic planning, programming, external relationship building, fundraising, and team development.
Mark also serves as the Chairperson of the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission, which consists of 15 members who are appointed by the Governor.
Mark began his career as a history teacher and is deeply committed to education. Mark joined The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio in September 2024 and is passionate about the Diversity Center's work, which is committed to creating communities where all people are connected, respected, and valued.
Afternoon Session: Workplace Wellness
In today’s ever-changing work environment, managing stress, uncertainty, and mental well-being is more important than ever. This presentation will explore strategies for maintaining your own mental health, supporting employees’ well-being, and fostering a resilient workplace culture. Attendees will gain practical tools to navigate heightened stressors, promote open conversations about mental health, and implement workplace wellness practices that benefit both individuals and organizations.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize and Manage Personal Stressors – Identify common workplace stressors and learn strategies to maintain personal mental well-being.
- Support Employee Mental Health – Develop skills to foster a supportive work environment, recognize signs of mental health challenges in employees, and provide appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Build Resilience and Workplace Wellness Strategies – Implement practical techniques to create a culture of wellness and improve team morale.
Presenter: Katie Jenkins, Executive Director, NAMI Greater ClevelandKatie Jenkins is a passionate mental health advocate, experienced public servant, lifelong student, and mother.
Her extensive professional background includes roles spanning every area of the mental health sector. Katie's guiding principle is rooted in empathy, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a high-level quality of life. She is dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring that no one faces their challenges alone.
Katie currently serves as a Vice-Chair of NAMI National's Executive Director Council's Executive Committee and is Chair of the NE Ohio Hub Steering Committee of the Mental Health and Addiction Advocacy Coalition. Katie is also a proud board member of R.A.K.E.
In May 2024, Katie graduated from Youngstown State University with a Master of Social Work and is a licensed social worker through the State of Ohio. She currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, Master of Public Administration, and a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant license.
Friday, May 23rd:
Facilitated Discussion: Turning Insights into Action
Wrap up the 2025 Director's Retreat with an engaging discussion led by Ragan Snead, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System. This session will provide an opportunity to reflect on key takeaways from the retreat and collaborate with peers to identify actionable steps you can implement at your library.
Wrap up the 2025 Director's Retreat with an engaging discussion led by Ragan Snead, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System. This session will provide an opportunity to reflect on key takeaways from the retreat and collaborate with peers to identify actionable steps you can implement at your library.
Location
Setting: In-Person
Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center
11755 Kinsman Road
Newbury, OH 44065
click here for Google Maps
Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center
11755 Kinsman Road
Newbury, OH 44065
click here for Google Maps
Contact Person
Details
Who should attend: Directors and Deputy/Assistant Directors
Competency: Leadership
Cost: FREE
$165 surcharge for facility use and amenities.
On Your Own
Call the reservation line at 1-800-282-7275 to reserve a room under the NEO Library Conference Block or Block Code LIBR by Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Cost is $134.00 for a lodge room, $148 for an estate room, and $189 for a cabin with two sleeping rooms they are directly across from the lodge. All of the lodging is subject to a 6% lodging tax, and 3% beautification fee. Rooms are limited so book early.
It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO-RLS Memberships are pro-rated! Call us today to join.
Competency: Leadership
Cost: FREE
$165 surcharge for facility use and amenities.
On Your Own
Call the reservation line at 1-800-282-7275 to reserve a room under the NEO Library Conference Block or Block Code LIBR by Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Cost is $134.00 for a lodge room, $148 for an estate room, and $189 for a cabin with two sleeping rooms they are directly across from the lodge. All of the lodging is subject to a 6% lodging tax, and 3% beautification fee. Rooms are limited so book early.
It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO-RLS Memberships are pro-rated! Call us today to join.
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