Find out who we’re celebrating as this month’s Community Champion 2026

Our featured champions are dedicated leaders working in nonprofits who have been nominated for their innovation, resilience, dedication and empathy in the face of a complex and ever-changing world. Find out more about this month’s Community Champion:

Would you like to nominate someone for our Diligent Community Champions? Nominate them here !

Find out who our 2025 Community Champions were here .

August's Community Champion

Name: Pietro Bonacossa, CFRE

Title: Vice President of Development

Organization: Easterseals South Florida

We’re excited to spotlight Pietro Bonacossa, CFRE, Vice President of Development at Easterseals South Florida, as our August BoardEffect Community Champion!

As Vice President of Development at Easterseals South Florida, Pietro leads the organization's fundraising strategy, helping expand its impact through support from individual donors, corporations, foundations, and special events. A metrics-driven fundraising leader, he has built a career creating meaningful partnerships and securing philanthropic investments that advance mission-driven organizations.

Originally from Florence, Italy, Pietro has called Miami home for nearly 20 years. During that time, he has held development leadership roles at Nicklaus Children's Health System, Miami Dade College, Florida International University, and Barry University, where he helped drive fundraising efforts supporting healthcare, education, research, scholarships, and community programs. Beyond his professional work, he remains actively involved in South Florida's nonprofit community through board service, volunteer leadership, and industry organizations.

“In the nonprofit world, good governance means that the mission always comes first,” Pietro shared. “It ensures that every dollar spent and every decision taken gets the organization closer to making the strongest impact for the benefit of the community it serves - through action, purpose, and heart.”

Congratulations, Pietro — we’re honored to celebrate your leadership and impact!

July's Community Champion

Name: Jenny Killian

Title: Assistant Director for Board and Cabinet Relations

Organization: Siena University

We’re proud to recognize Jenny Killian, Assistant Director of Board and Cabinet Relations at Siena University, as our BoardEffect Community Champion for July.

In her role, Jenny orchestrates the operations, communications, onboarding, and events for both the Board of Trustees and the President’s Cabinet. By collaborating with leaders and stakeholders across the university, Jenny ensures the Board and Cabinet are informed, connected, and engaged.

Beyond her work in governance, Jenny also supports the Board of Advisors by organizing meetings and facilitating outreach and engagement. Her impact extends across campus through her commitment to supporting and connecting with students. She co-advises the Student Presidential Leadership Committee, mentors the President’s Leadership Intern, and actively contributes to campus initiatives and events wherever support is needed.

For Jenny, impactful governance relies on maintaining institutional integrity through transparency, accountability, and equity. She believes that excellent organization, crystal-clear communication, and a genuine passion for the mission are what transform good governance into a powerful institutional asset.

Congratulations, Jenny! We’re honored to spotlight your dedication to strengthening governance and fostering meaningful connections across the Siena University community.

Would you like to nominate someone for our Diligent Community Champions? Nominate them here !