Volunteers as Leaders: Multiplying Your Mission Impact

Discover how empowering volunteers to step into leadership roles can transform your organization's reach and effectiveness.

This webinar will help expand your National Public Lands Day (NPLD) 2026 efforts and beyond, giving you a deeper understanding of NPLD and practical strategies for identifying, developing, and deploying volunteer leaders who can extend your capacity. From leading project teams and mentoring fellow volunteers to driving community outreach and spearheading events, volunteer leaders multiply your mission in ways that are sustainable, scalable, and deeply rooted in community ownership.

Whether you're just beginning to build a volunteer leadership pipeline or looking to strengthen an existing program, this session will equip you with actionable tools and real-world examples to help your organization do more with and through the people who care most about your cause.

Speakers

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Kelley V Phillips

Program Director, Conservation

National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF)

Kelley V. Phillips is the Program Director of Conservation at NEEF. She leads events, initiatives, and grant programs that provide opportunities for people to deepen their connection with nature through positive experiences on public lands. Kelley holds a master's degree in park and resource management with additional degrees in anthropology and environmental studies. For more than a decade, she has used her skills as a Certified Interpretive Guide, Master Naturalist, and environmental educator to develop and lead recreation and volunteer programs for all ages at environmental nonprofits across the country. Kelley enjoys leisurely hiking and biking and volunteers for a local literacy organization.  Kelley is located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Emily Wilson

Community Engagement Manager

South Yuba River Citizens League

Emily Wilson began her career at the intersection of choreography and human resources, channeling the creative energy of people into well-organized projects. Over the past decade, she has built thriving volunteer teams across arts, senior services, and environmental nonprofits, with a focus on matching each volunteer with a role where their talents can shine. Her best days start with her team feeling prepared and supported and end with them feeling proud and connected.

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Joanna Wheelton

Director of the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation

Cottonwood Canyons Foundation

Jo Wheelton is the Executive Director of the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation. The Cottonwood Canyons Foundation supports the Cottonwood Canyons through stewardship and education. The canyons are located within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, one of the most highly-visited portions of national forest in the nation. With over twenty years of experience as an attorney and executive, Joanna melds her love of the outdoors with her administration experience. Working in the canyons allows her to follow her second dream as an avid nature lover and biologist.