The speaker for the seminar will be Dr. Cory Sparks.

Dr. Cory Sparks directs the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations' (LANO) Institute for Nonprofit Excellence, a statewide resource for improving the practice and sustainability of nonprofit organizations. In the New Orleans area, he is a leader of LANO's efforts to expand and strengthen services to hundreds of regional nonprofits.

Dr. Sparks has years of executive leadership experience and has demonstrated excellence as a public speaker, educator, fund raiser, and a community activist and organizer. He holds degrees from Columbia University, Southern Methodist University and a Doctorate in American History from Louisiana State University. Dr. Sparks' board leadership includes a current position as President Elect of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), New Orleans Chapter.