Diane Yentel, Opening Speaker

Diane Yentel is president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, the largest network of nonprofit organizations in North America. Since joining NCN in January 2025, Diane has been a leading national advocate and thought leader for the nonprofit sector. Under Diane’s leadership, NCN has filed four landmark lawsuits to protect nonprofit funding and programs, achieved significant public policy wins, launched a major national narrative campaign to build public support for the vital work of nonprofits, doubled its team, and expended its network.

Diane has spent the entirety of her nearly 30-year career working for, with, and in support of nonprofits. Prior to joining NCN, Diane was President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition for 9 years, leading multiple national campaigns to historic success. Diane has also held leadership roles at Enterprise Community Partners and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and worked to advance equitable public policies with Oxfam America and the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Diane also served over 3 years as a community development Peace Corps volunteer in rural Zambia.

Diane was named Influencer of the Year by the Nonprofit Times (2025), one of DC’s most powerful women by the Washingtonian (2025 and 2026), and to Forbes 50 over 50 (2026).