Todd Durbin has led Hands of Hope Northwest in Nampa for five years, building on his background in accounting to manage the nonprofit health care organization. His career with the organization began as a volunteer reviewing accounting work before transitioning to executive leadership.

Under Durbin’s direction, Hands of Hope Northwest provides free durable medical equipment loans to Idaho residents, offering everything from crutches to hospital beds at no cost. The service allows patients to recover at home rather than in institutional settings, reducing health care burdens while improving comfort and outcomes.

Durbin has overcome his initial reluctance to ask donors for funding, recognizing it as essential to sustaining the organization’s mission. His immediate goals include beginning construction of a larger warehouse to expand the organization’s capacity to serve those in need.

His accounting background from Northwest Nazarene University provides the financial expertise necessary to manage the nonprofit’s operations and donor relationships effectively.

Nancee Bakken has led Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho for one and a half years, building on a 15-year career with the Saint Alphonsus Foundation. Her nonprofit journey began unexpectedly when she relocated to Cascade, Idaho, and volunteered for a park revitalization project while staying home with young children.

What started as a playground refresh evolved into a complete park remodel, sparking her passion for mission-driven work. After returning to Boise, she joined Saint Alphonsus Foundation, where she spent 15 years supporting community health initiatives before transitioning to her current role.

Under Bakken’s leadership, the organization provided more than 9,000 nights of lodging for more than 2,000 families last year, plus services to 10,000 additional individuals through day programs and hospitality carts at local hospitals.

“To be successful in the nonprofit world, you must feel comfortable with rejection. Over time, I’ve come to understand that ‘no’ is just part of the process and not a reflection of my effort or potential,” Bakken said.

Beatrice Black made it her life’s work to make Idaho a better place ― one person at a time. Whether it’s a woman fleeing from a scary domestic abuse or sexual assault situation, giving children a safe space to heal from trauma, or training her team members to support and advocate for women and children struggling, Black’s work as the CEO of the Women and Children’s Alliance (WCA) for the past 17 years has been truly lifechanging.

Black, a graduate of Wellesley College, is known for her compassion, dedication in bringing people together, and ability to talk about uncomfortable topics with grace. During her time at WCA, Black has been instrumental in taking the organization to new heights. She led the building of a transitional shelter in 2017, oversaw the increase of the WCA endowment fund, and helped expand the crisis hotline’s capacity, which now fields more than 4,000 calls each year.

Black announced her retirement in 2026 and looks forward to traveling and spending additional time with her family.

Christina Bruce-Bennion has built a strong career in the nonprofit sector, focusing on strengthening communities and serving those in marginalized groups.

Bruce-Bennion holds a political science and government degree from Willamette University and a Master of Education degree in international educational development from Boston University and taught for two years as an adjunct professor at Boise State University.

In 2000, she became the program director for Agency for New Americans, where she worked for more than 16 years providing direction for the organization including strategic planning, partnership development, fundraising and much more.

Bruce-Bennion then transitioned to work for the Idaho Office for Refugees, where she coordinated programs and services for individuals and families arriving as refugees in Idaho. All of these roles have prepared her for her current role as the executive director of Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, a position she’s held for the last three years.

With a career that demonstrates his commitment to strengthening communities across the Gem State, Steve Burns took the helm of the Idaho Community Foundation nearly four years ago.

During that time, he has continued to guide the organization to incredible success, building on the foundation’s history of granting more than $200 million in grants and scholarships since 1988. Last year, Burns oversaw the merger of the Idaho Nonprofit Center and the Idaho Community Foundation to better serve communities around the state.

“This merger ensures that the philanthropic dollars raised in Idaho stay in Idaho, and that they are distributed by those who know their communities best,” he wrote about the merger.

Prior to his current position, Burns worked for 16 years as the director of Zoo Boise. While he was there, he implemented a conservation fee which has now generated millions of dollars for wildlife conservation, ultimately establishing the Zoo as a true innovator and leader in the world of animal conservation.

Bart Cochran is the founder and CEO of LEAP Housing, a nonprofit organization that has become a driving force in tackling Idaho’s growing housing challenges.

Cochran shares that his background in real estate gave him insight into what people needed to access safe and affordable housing, and he wanted to do something about it. Today, he is an advocate for equity, partners with local stakeholders to create an impact, and has developed innovative housing solutions that have made Idaho a better place to live.

“My most significant professional accomplishment is ensuring 25 income-constrained Idaho households now have the generational wealth building opportunity of homeownership,” he said in an interview in 2024.

Under his guidance, LEAP has become a trusted resource that helps families and individuals from all walks of life find a place to call their own.

When he’s not at work, you can find Cochran exploring Idaho by hiking or biking. He also loves to work with his family on their small farm in Boise.