If you manage volunteers at a nonprofit, chances are you’ve felt overwhelmed, under-supported, and alone in your role. Maybe you don’t have the budget for conferences or training—and your organization can’t offer the guidance you need. That’s where following the right voices can make all the difference.
In this list, we spotlight volunteer management leaders who share practical insights, encouragement, and real-world experience. Whether you’re looking to grow your confidence, improve your systems, or build the case for more support, these are the people worth following.
1. Severina Ware
Severina Ware, CVA, Director of Volunteer Services at the National Breast Cancer Foundation, is a volunteer engagement professional and published author who’s passionate about volunteerism.
Severina is an expert on volunteer recognition and engagement, championing Black and POC nonprofit leaders, and so much more.
Watch Severina Ware's recent training,
Volunteer Recognition Beyond the Basics: Creative & Impactful Strategies.
2. Beth Steinhorn
Beth Steinhorn, President of VQ Volunteer Strategies, is a well-known thought leader and author in the space of volunteerism.
From partnering with organizations and their leadership to increase impact through strategic and innovative volunteer engagement to regularly participating in the national dialogue about volunteerism and rebuilding a volunteer base, Beth’s work and experience are expansive. 
3. Jessica Pang-Parks
Jessica Pang-Parks, Founder of Learn with JPP, is an award-winning volunteer engagement professional who has led strategic transformations at some of Canada’s largest nonprofits and grassroots groups.
A true nonprofit expert, Jessica is an invaluable resource for all things self-advocacy in volunteer engagement, as well as creating both meaningful volunteer roles and environments.
4. Alli Zuel
Alli Zuel, CVA, Volunteer Engagement Manager of America's Service Commissions, is a solutions-driven thought leader in the world of volunteerism.
Her expertise focuses on facilitating meaningful work, connecting people and ideas, and helping individuals flourish in their roles.
Alli also specializes in working with and supporting volunteers—including youth volunteers—by effectively engaging, empowering, and retaining them for program longevity.
Watch Engaging Youth Volunteers: How Young People are Showing Up in Service with Alli Zuel, CVA
5. Tobi Johnson
Tobi Johnson, CVA, President of Tobi Johnson & Associates and Founder of VolunteerPro is an expert at all things volunteerism.
From insights on growing your volunteer base and volunteer recruitment trends to thrifty volunteer appreciation strategies, Tobi is an excellent source of information on engaging and retaining the right supporters.
6. Faiza Venzant
Faiza Venzant, CVA, Executive Director of Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration, is another expert resource when it comes to volunteerism.
As a CVA, Faiza specializes in strategic volunteer engagement, managing volunteer performance and impact, advocating for volunteer involvement, encouraging hard conversations within the volunteer community, and so much more. 
Learn more about getting Certified in
Volunteer Administration at the CCVA website.
7. Nicole R. Smith
Nicole R. Smith, From the Suggestion Box, is an award-winning leader in the nonprofit space, receiving many accolades for her work (including the Emerging Leader Award from ALIVE Impact Awards for Volunteer Engagement Professionals).
An expert in helping nonprofits create safe and inclusive spaces for stakeholders to give feedback in order to expand impact and increase retention, Nicole is an expert at improving organizational/program efficiency, increasing stakeholder engagement, and building confident and more effective leaders.
8. Dr. Sue Carter Kahl
Dr. Sue Carter Kahl of Volunteer Commons and President of Sue Carter Kahl Consulting, is an internationally recognized expert who facilitates workshops, teaches graduate courses, coaches teams, and offers keynote speeches on volunteer engagement.
Her expertise spans subject matter—from understanding volunteer value to pushing back against privilege and reclaiming community roots in volunteer engagement.
9. Donte Curtis
Donte Curtis, owner and leader of Catch Your Dream Consulting, teaches and inspires individuals and teams on leadership, racial equity, anti-racism, and making change, as well as DEIA in volunteerism.
If you’re in need of inspiration, practical action, or hope for the future, Donte is an excellent source!
10. Breauna Dorelus
Breauna Dorelus, Connecting the Cause, is an expert in responsible service—helping volunteer leaders identify and uproot harmful volunteer practices while serving Black and brown communities.
From aiding nonprofits in understanding how traditional volunteering practices have perpetuated harm to teaching them how to take accountability for their roles in fostering community care, Breauna is a go-to resource for all things equity and empowerment in volunteering. 
Hear From All The Top Nonprofit Experts—For Free
The top nonprofit experts and voices can offer nonprofit leaders numerous insights and assistance on managing their own volunteers every day, from recruitment and engagement to long-term retention.
Want to be the first to know of top trends and insights?
Join our Get Connected Innovative approaches to volunteer leadership webinar series!
