Converge
Converge 2026 is AQORD’s first official gathering following the formation of our new association. More than a conference, it is a formative moment; an intentional coming together of leaders to define who we are becoming together.
Converge is a unique opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and connect with peers who understand your work. This is a smaller, highly relational gathering designed to help you build meaningful connections, gain practical insight, and shape what comes next—together.
About Converge
Join us November 11 – 12, 2026 at Gamber Auditorium, Woodcrest Villa by Tandem Living, Lancaster, PA
Accommodations available at Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square. Information on our room block coming soon.
Who should attend:
- C-suite leaders seeking connection, perspective, and shared learning
- Board members committed to strong governance and mission alignment
- Emerging leaders growing into greater responsibility and influence
If you value relationships, collaboration, and values-driven leadership, this experience is for you!
Why you should attend:
- Stronger relationships with peers you can learn from and lean on
- Practical ideas and tools you can apply right away
- Renewed clarity and purpose in your leadership
- A deeper sense of belonging within the AQORD community
Our 2026 Annual Members’ Meeting will take place during the Converge conference.
Be part of this important moment as we come together to strengthen our community and shape the future of AQORD.
Registration will be open from August 31st to October 27th.
Schedule of Events
2:30pm – 3:00pm
Connect
Enjoy refreshments, get settled in, and connect with colleagues.
3:00pm – 3:20pm
Opening
Jerry Lile | CEO, Fairmount Homes
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Leading Together
Leadership can be deeply rewarding, and at times deeply isolating. This opening conversation brings you together with peers who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of your role. Through guided discussion, you’ll share what’s most pressing in your work, learn how others are navigating similar issues, and begin building relationships that will continue throughout Converge and beyond. Together, we’ll lay the foundation for a community where leaders support one another in advancing their organizations and missions.
5:00pm – 6:30pm
Connect & Continue
The conversations don’t end when the roundtables conclude. Join fellow attendees for a relaxed reception featuring appetizers, desserts, and refreshments as you continue building relationships across the AQORD community. Whether you’re reconnecting with longtime colleagues or introducing yourself to someone new, this is an opportunity to strengthen the connections that make our network so valuable.
8:30am – 9:30am
Breakfast
9:30am – 10:15am
Keynote
Drew Smith | Executive Director, Friends Council on Education
10:15am – 10:30am
Break
10:30am – 11:30am
Leadership in Practice
Myron Weaver | CEO, OrrVilla (Facilitator)
What does authentic leadership look like in today’s complex and changing environment? Drawing from their shared study of Authentic Leadership by Dan Owolabi, AQORD member CEOs will reflect on the principles of authentic leadership and how those ideas come to life in their organizations. This session invites honest discussion about the opportunities, challenges, and lessons that emerge as leaders seek to lead with integrity, humility, and purpose.
11:30am – 12:30pm
Growing Together
The best leadership insights often emerge through conversation. Building on the ideas shared during Leadership in Practice, you’ll gather around the table with fellow attendees to reflect, exchange perspectives, and explore how authentic leadership takes shape in your own organizations. Together, we’ll challenge, encourage, and inspire one another while identifying practical ways to strengthen your leadership and mission.
12:30pm – 1:45pm
Lunch + Annual Members Meeting
1:45pm – 2:00pm
Break
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Preparing the Next Generation
Suzette Davis | Vice President, AQORD Consulting
Strong organizations don’t happen by accident. They are built through intentional investment in people. In this interactive session, you will explore practical strategies for succession planning, leadership development, and creating meaningful career pathways. Throughout the session, you’ll consider how your organization can cultivate future leaders while strengthening its mission for years to come.
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Closing: Forward, Together
Karen Lehman | President & CEO, AQORD 
As Converge comes to a close, we’ll reflect on what we’ve experienced together and look ahead to what comes next for AQORD and the community we are building. You will be invited to consider how the relationships, conversations, and insights from these two days can strengthen our organizations and our shared mission. You’ll leave with an opportunity to identify one meaningful insight and one intentional next step to carry forward long after Converge concludes.