Wipfli announces Courtney Clark as keynote speaker for Stronger to Serve 2027

A global speaker on adaptability, resilience and succeeding through change, Clark is known for helping leaders navigate uncertainty with practical, research-backed strategies. As a four-time 9/11-related cancer survivor and brain aneurysm survivor, she combines personal experience with original research to challenge conventional thinking about resilience and organizational change. Her work has been featured by USA Today, Forbes, Psychology Today, CNN, CBS, ABC and the Chicago Tribune. She is also a Certified Speaking Professional™ (CSP), a designation held by a small percentage of speakers worldwide.

"Nonprofit leaders are navigating an environment defined by funding pressures, workforce challenges and rapidly changing expectations," said Kathleen DuBois, partner and leader of Wipfli's nonprofit, government and education practice. "And yet, every day I see leaders meet that uncertainty with hope, determination and heart. Courtney's message is exactly what leaders need right now. She reminds us that resilience isn't simply about persevering, it's about knowing when to evolve, having the courage to chart a new path, and inspiring our teams to move forward with confidence. I am excited for attendees to leave her keynote energized by what's possible and ready to turn challenge into opportunity."

Moving from mindset to action

The Stronger to Serve 2027 keynote builds on the conference's tradition of helping nonprofit leaders strengthen both themselves and their organizations. Following the 2026 keynote from Cam Awesome, which encouraged attendees to examine the conversations they have with themselves, Clark's presentation will focus on what leaders do when circumstances change and the original plan no longer fits reality.

Conference attendees will gain practical tools for responding to disruption, making strategic adjustments without viewing change as failure and creating a shared language for adaptability across their organizations.

"Grit is great, but my research found we've been over-indexing on the 'grit' side of resilience, and it's actually made many people less adaptable to change," said Clark. "I'm excited to teach nonprofit leaders the framework for strategic adaptability, so that they can let go of "the way we've always done it" and build a new path forward."

A message grounded in nonprofit experience

Before launching her speaking and research career, Clark worked with cancer-focused nonprofit organizations and later founded Austin Involved, a nonprofit dedicated to volunteerism and community engagement. Her firsthand experience in the sector gives her a unique perspective on the realities nonprofit leaders face as they balance mission, people and resources while adapting to changing conditions.

Since 1999, Stronger to Serve has brought together nonprofit executives, financial leaders and program professionals from across the country to share ideas, address emerging challenges and strengthen the communities they serve. The 2027 conference marks the event's first year in Anaheim and will feature expanded educational tracks, enhanced preconference learning opportunities and signature networking experiences designed for nonprofit, government and education leaders.

Event details

• Conference: Stronger to Serve 2027
• Dates: July 12-15, 2027
• Location: Anaheim Marriott, Anaheim, California
• Keynote Speaker: Courtney Clark
• Registration: https://www.wipfli.com/stronger-to-serve 

About Wipfli

Wipfli is a leading national advisory and accounting firm with nearly 100 years of serving ambitious middle-market organizations. We understand our clients' unique challenges and help them succeed on their terms through assurance, tax, advisory, outsourcing and technology services. With 2,900+ associates and global alliances, we combine national capabilities with local relationships. Wipfli operates under an alternative practice structure: Wipfli LLP, a licensed CPA firm, provides attest services, while Wipfli Advisory LLC, a non-CPA firm, delivers business advisory and non-attest services. Learn more at wipfli.com or contact Alicia O'Connell at [email protected].

CONTACT:
Alicia O'Connell
[email protected]

SOURCE Wipfli