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

Image

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.

Image

Crystal Hughes

Community Engagement Coordinator

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Crystal Hughes has served as Community Engagement Coordinator with Virginia State Parks since 2022, supporting the Office of Community Engagement and Volunteerism. She works closely with community partners, field staff, Friends Groups, and volunteers, and can often be found representing Virginia State Parks at festivals and events across the state. When she's not on the clock, she's still in the parks, camping and hiking with her family.

Image

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.