Corporate sponsorships are more than a line item on an event budget — they're an opportunity to build lasting, mission-aligned partnerships that go far beyond the check. 

Join John Brkic of Volunteers of America and Maggie McKendry from Kent State University for a practical session on identifying, qualifying, and cultivating corporate sponsors and partners across two very different nonprofit landscapes: community-based human services and higher education.

Drawing from real-world prospecting strategies, sponsorship package design, and in-kind donation management, this session will cover:

Based in Akron, Ohio, John is an operations and management professional with broad experience in marketing, development, and corporate partnerships across mission-driven organizations. John has held leadership roles in nonprofits and youth-serving organizations, including the Director of Field Services with the Boy Scouts of America’s Great Trail Council, where he managed field operations, volunteer engagement, and program delivery across multiple Ohio counties.

Currently, John works in corporate sponsorship and partnership development, helping connect companies with high-impact programs and events that align with their values. His work emphasizes building sustainable revenue streams, creating strong stakeholder relationships, and designing campaigns that elevate both brand and community outcomes.

Deeply committed to service and leadership development, John has been an active Rotarian in Akron, Boardman, and Ashtabula, Ohio; and is a long-time volunteer advisor with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, where he supports undergraduate leaders and chapter operations. He is a two-time graduate of Youngstown State University holding a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Counseling. Additionally, he has completed regional leadership programs such as Leadership Lake County (2015) and Leadership Mahoning Valley (2018), as well as being recognized as a “25 Under 35” honoree by the Mahoning Valley Young Professionals (2020).

In addition to his nonprofit work, John is also a freelance photographer and enjoys hiking, reading, and relaxing with sitcoms and reality tv.

Maggie McKendry, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy
Kent State University

Maggie leads the university-wide strategy for developing and growing mutually beneficial partnerships with corporations, foundations, and industry leaders. Elevated to this role in 2025, she is responsible for identifying opportunities that align corporate engagement with Kent State's priorities in student success, research, athletics, workforce development, and community impact.

Prior to assuming her university-wide leadership role, Maggie served for 10 years as Associate Athletics Director for Athletic Philanthropy, where she led all aspects of fundraising and donor engagement for Kent State Athletics. During her tenure, the athletics program achieved record breaking numbers in cash, pledges, and planned gifts, supporting transformative capital projects, scholarships, and programmatic initiatives. She provided leadership for major and principal gifts, corporate and community engagement, annual giving, advisory board management, donor communications, stewardship, special events, and premium donor experiences. Throughout her fundraising career at Kent State, Maggie has been a part of securing more than $30 million in philanthropic support through major gifts, corporate partnerships, capital campaigns, endowments, and planned giving, advancing strategic priorities across the university.

Maggie joined Kent State University in 2009 after beginning her career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Roy Hobbs Diamond Enterprises, and My Gym Children's Fitness Center, where she was recognized as Director of the Year in 2006. She initially served in Recreational Services, where she was named Kent State's Administrator of the Year in 2012 before transitioning to University Advancement and Athletics in 2014.

Known for her relationship-centered approach to fundraising and partnership development, Maggie is passionate about connecting organizations with meaningful opportunities that create lasting impact for both the university and its partners.

An engaged member of the Kent community, Maggie has served on the boards of Main Street Kent, the Kent Historical Society, Habitat for Humanity of Portage County, and the Kent Jaycees. She is also a graduate of the Kent State Institute for Excellence, Leadership Portage County, and was recognized as a Mothers, Mentors & Muses Honoree.

A proud Kent State alumna, Maggie earned both her Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and Master of Arts in Sport Administration from Kent State University. She and her husband, Pat, live in Kent with their daughter, Hallie.