This April, the Chazin Leadership Team headed to Nashville, Tennessee, for a few days of strategic sessions, surprise celebrations, and special ceremonies. The 2026 Retreat delivered exactly what these gatherings always seem to: a reminder of how strong we are when we’re together.
As a remote-first team, we don’t take face time for granted. So, when we can come together, we make it count.
Boots, Blazers, and Custom Cowboy Hats
If you’re going to Nashville, you have to go all in. Our team kicked off the retreat with connection time, where everyone got to customize their very own cowboy hat. It was a perfect icebreaker and an even better Nashville souvenir. The evening wrapped up with great food and lively conversation.
Deep Work, Real Conversations
This year’s retreat was anchored by two themes: conflict resolution and personal leadership identity. The work on conflict resolution pushed the team toward greater honesty, trust, and deeper working relationships. The personal leadership identity sessions were just as impactful. With each person expressing what they stand for and how they want to show up, that clarity creates accountability to one another and to the clients we serve.
As one of our leaders put it, “Excellence in client services is an outside reflection of an inside standard, and the retreat was about improving both.”
The sessions reinforced what we believe: The way we navigate hard conversations internally is the same mindset we use when we’re guiding a nonprofit through a financial challenge. Who we are as leaders directly shapes the experience our clients have.
A Surprise, A Celebration, and a Special Ceremony
This year’s retreat came with a few extra special moments woven throughout.
One evening, the team pulled off a full-on surprise bridal celebration for Chazin’s own Senior Marketing Manager, Liza. To keep the secret airtight, Liza received a completely different itinerary than everyone else. Instead of the “Rhinestone Cowboy” event she was expecting, she got “Liza’s Last Luau”. We’re so happy for you, Liza. Congratulations!
The true highlight of this year’s get-together was watching our CEO, Adele Chazin, accept her Top Executive honor: Nashville Business Journal’s 2026 Women of Influence Award. Every leadership team member was present to show up and celebrate a leader who has shaped us all.
Adele remarked, “Inspired. Grateful. Blessed. Inspired by the nonprofit community we are privileged to partner with. Grateful for the team behind me, our mission, and this moment. Blessed for being acknowledged for doing what I love for the community I love. Thank you all so much.”
This recognition is a huge honor, and it was extra meaningful that so many of Chazin’s own were able to be present.
Looking Ahead
Every retreat sharpens us in a new way. This year it was the intentionality in how we handle conflict, define our leadership legacy, and show up as trusted advisors to the clients we serve. The team came back from Nashville refreshed and clear on the standard we hold ourselves to.
Our ongoing commitment to proactive client stewardship, staying ahead of challenges, deepening engagement, and ensuring every client feels important, remained front and center and was strengthened throughout.
Here’s to leading with purpose and making room for a good hat.
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With over 20 years working exclusively with nonprofits, we pride ourselves in having a unique understanding of nonprofit accounting needs. We believe that nonprofits deserve personalized, quality service and should not settle for a one-size-fits-all approach. We collaborate with you to provide a fully virtual and customized solution that is not only cost-effective but also strengthens your accounting function. We offer a team of industry experts at your disposal to provide advice, leading technology, and to supplement existing staff to improve efficiency and compliance.