Dr. Emilie Socash is a dynamic and visionary leader whose career is rooted in creating meaningful, mission-driven change across the nonprofit sector. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and organizational psychology, Emilie has become a nationally respected innovator, educator, and strategist, known for fusing purpose with performance. Her approach is as personal as it is professional—guided by a deep belief in authenticity, creativity, and tenacity as tools to uplift communities, strengthen institutions, and inspire individual potential.
As the Founder and CEO of the Nonprofit Help Center (NHC), Emilie has built a trusted resource for nonprofit professionals and organizations seeking to enhance their capacity for impact. Under her leadership, NHC evolved from a startup to a nationally recognized leader in nonprofit training, achieving a fivefold revenue increase within two years and forging partnerships with institutions such as Auburn University, Coalition Manager, and CFRE International. Emilie’s commitment to equity in professional development is reflected in the organization’s flagship offerings like the Merit® Nonprofit Professional Development system and the Nonprofit Board Member Basics course, which she co-developed to democratize access to practical, high-quality learning.
Her executive track record includes transformative tenures at several Florida-based organizations. As Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco Counties, Emilie led a cultural and financial revitalization, nearly tripling the organization’s annual campaign, reopening a beloved summer camp, and securing federal grants to bolster community security and response preparedness. Prior to that, she served as Executive Director of the TOP Jewish Foundation, where she oversaw the growth of managed assets from $32 million to over $50 million and expanded the foundation’s services beyond its original three-county scope, generating new revenue streams and national recognition. She also played pivotal roles in resource development and strategic outreach at the Tampa JCCs & Federation and the freeFall Theatre Company, often leading high-profile capital campaigns and cultivating enduring donor relationships.
Beyond executive roles, Emilie’s leadership extends into board development, governance training, and strategic facilitation—where her warmth and sharp insights have helped hundreds of organizations align around purpose and practice. Her early academic background in English literature, coupled with a Master’s in Nonprofit Management and a Doctorate in Organizational and Leadership Psychology from William James College, reflects a lifelong dedication to storytelling, learning, and applied change theory.
Dr. Socash is also a published author, with titles including Nonprofit Capacity in a Nutshell and Mission Statement Magic, which reflect her holistic philosophy on purpose-driven living and leadership. Her personal mission is clear and compelling: to serve as a role model through unapologetic authenticity and a deep, grateful connection to the world around her.
In every role, Emilie brings more than credentials—she brings courage, clarity, and a contagious passion for helping others thrive. Whether building curriculum, coaching executives, or designing strategic frameworks, she is unwavering in her pursuit of inclusive excellence and community upliftment. Through her work, she continues to shape the future of nonprofit leadership and organizational health—one mission, one leader, and one meaningful conversation at a time.
Character
Emilie Socash embodies authenticity, creativity, and tenacity in every aspect of her work, consistently aligning her personal values with her professional mission to empower communities and elevate organizations through purpose-driven leadership. Her unwavering commitment to equity, gratitude, and service makes her a trusted and respected force across the nonprofit sector.
Knowledge
With a doctorate in Organizational and Leadership Psychology and over 20 years of executive experience, Emilie brings a powerful combination of academic depth and real-world expertise to her work, developing scalable training programs and impactful strategies that advance organizational effectiveness. Her published works and ongoing education initiatives reflect her dedication to lifelong learning and sector-wide improvement.
Strategic
Emilie’s ability to guide organizations from survival to thriving status is rooted in her skillful navigation of complex challenges, innovative capacity-building methods, and results-oriented planning. She has led multi-million-dollar growth efforts, launched national initiatives, and built partnerships that continually extend her organizations’ reach and influence.
Communication
A gifted facilitator, writer, and speaker, Emilie excels at translating complex concepts into accessible, motivating guidance that sparks engagement and action among diverse audiences. She creates inclusive spaces for meaningful dialogue and brings clarity to mission, vision, and values through storytelling and strategic messaging.
