Succession planning is often avoided because it’s uncomfortable. This session is designed to make the conversation practical and approachable, covering everything from the proverbial “hit by the bus” scenario to planned transitions and long‑term leadership development. Succession planning isn’t just about staff; it always involves boards as well. In smaller and mid‑sized organizations, this matters even more because so much knowledge and responsibility rests with fewer people, and boards are often more hands‑on, making an unexpected board absence especially disruptive. For that reason, this session looks at succession across the Executive Director, other mission‑critical staff, board officers, and key volunteer leaders who are central to Habitat operations. Particular attention is given to the board’s responsibility to step in and execute during leadership transitions, alongside the continuity of mission‑critical volunteer roles. Participants will work through short‑, medium‑, and long‑term succession scenarios, explore key decision points such as Acting (internal) versus Interim (external) leadership, and leave with sample policies and board‑level discussion tools they can use immediately.
This session offers construction staff an opportunity to exchange practical insights on the day‑to‑day realities of building and site operations. The first hour will feature a moderator‑led discussion using broad questions relevant to construction workflows, planning, and field practices. In the final 30 minutes, participants will break into small groups for networking and deeper conversation, guided by on‑screen prompts. The session is designed to surface real‑world strategies that support efficient, safe, and mission‑aligned construction work.
Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT Heritage 2
This session brings ReStore staff together to share real‑world practices related to store operations and customer experience. The first hour will be a moderator‑led discussion using broad questions relevant to retail processes, staffing, and daily operations. In the final 30 minutes, participants will break into small groups for networking and deeper conversation, guided by on‑screen prompts. The session highlights practical, immediately applicable ideas from across the state.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT Heritage 2
This roundtable invites fundraising staff to discuss the practical side of donor engagement, events, and development operations. A moderator will lead the first hour with broad questions that reflect the diverse strategies affiliates use to build support. The final 30 minutes will shift to small‑group networking and discussion, supported by on‑screen prompts. Participants will walk away with peer‑tested practices they can adapt to strengthen their fundraising programs.
Today’s organizations are navigating shifting workforce expectations while advancing critical community missions. Building a healthy, effective workplace culture is no longer a side effort—it is essential to sustaining impact. This session explores how leaders at every level can intentionally design workplace cultures that foster trust, clarity, and accountability. Participants will examine how expectations of leadership and workplace experience have evolved, and why traditional approaches often fall short in today’s environment. Grounded in real-world application, this session introduces practical, scalable strategies for strengthening culture across organizations of any size. Participants will learn how to build “right relationships” rooted in respect, shared purpose, and clear communication, creating the conditions for stronger collaboration, increased retention, and greater mission effectiveness.
Dr. Robyn Short is an organization systems design consultant, peace-building trainer, and mediator specializing in restorative practices and transformative mediation. As the founder of three organizations, she understands the challenges leaders face when operating at the intersection... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm CDT Heritage 2
Amanda lives in Denton, TX with her child and their grumpy dog. After a career in education and social services, she experienced a period of homelessness with her spouse after domestic violence from a member of the household. She had been active in service to the community prior to... Read More →
