In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter sits down with Elizabeth “Betsy” Schmidt, senior research fellow at the University of Massachusetts and author of the new book Rules of the Road for Nonprofit Leaders. Betsy brings her decades of experience in public policy and nonprofit law to the table to demystify complex legal frameworks and help leaders leverage the law to support their mission.

Together, Rob and Betsy explore the often misunderstood legal and ethical responsibilities of nonprofit leaders. From navigating political activity and advocacy to understanding the distinctions between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, this episode offers practical and empowering guidance for social impact organizations seeking to remain compliant and mission-focused in an evolving landscape.

Key Topics Include:

• The difference between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, and when to consider forming a C4
• Legal boundaries for nonprofit advocacy, lobbying, and political activity
• How staying true to your mission often ensures legal compliance
• Best practices for nonprofit governance, financial oversight, and ethics
• How federal and state-level regulations are shifting and what to watch for in 2026
• Common legal pitfalls nonprofits face and how to avoid them
• Resources and tools for staying up to date with nonprofit law

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Rules of the Road for Nonprofit Leaders (Georgetown University Press)
• NonprofitRules.com
• Bookshop.org

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Rob speaks with Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options, a nonprofit that has been at the forefront of providing safe, dignified, and inclusive care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Stack shares his personal journey that led him into this field, beginning with volunteering as a young seminarian and evolving into decades of nonprofit leadership.

Robert offers eye-opening insights into the challenges and injustices still facing the disability care sector—from exploitative practices by private equity firms to deeply flawed state-run institutions. He also outlines Community Options’ impactful approach: prioritizing person-centered care, scaling nonprofit services responsibly, and advocating for inclusive employment that uplifts people with disabilities. His book, Silent No Longer, is a call to action for society to demand dignity and rights for all individuals, regardless of ability.

Key Topics Include:

• The negative impact of private equity investment in disability care services
• How state-run institutions often prioritize employment over quality care
• The injustice of sub-minimum wages and legal aversion therapies still used in some states
• The importance of inclusive employment and its social benefits for individuals with disabilities
• Community Options’ approach to personalized care and their growth across 12 states
• Why mentorship and dignity-driven programming lead to better outcomes
• What Robert Stack hopes readers take away from his book Silent No Longer

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Community Options
• RobertStack.org
• Silent No Longer (Book)

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Laura Parker, CEO and co-founder of The Exodus Road, a nonprofit combating human trafficking across the globe. Laura shares the deeply personal and powerful story of how she and her husband were first confronted with the realities of trafficking while working in Northern Thailand, which ultimately inspired them to launch their organization. With operations now spanning four countries, The Exodus Road works alongside law enforcement and communities to prevent exploitation, rescue victims, and support survivor aftercare.

Laura discusses the leadership principles and cultural values that have fueled the growth and resilience of her organization, including grit, empathy, excellence, and collaboration. She also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive workplace culture in an industry often mired in darkness.

Key Topics Include:

• The origin story of The Exodus Road and its mission to fight human trafficking
• How grit and persistence have been key to the organization’s impact and longevity
• Laura’s collaborative yet decisive leadership style as a “reluctant CEO”
• The critical role of workplace culture, communication, and survivor-centered storytelling
• Strategies for balancing international work with U.S.-based initiatives
• Embracing partnerships and an abundance mindset to expand limited nonprofit resources
• The launch of Influenced, a U.S. program focused on digital safety and prevention for teens

Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Exodus Road: theexodusroad.com
• Influenced (digital safety & prevention education): influenced.org
• Follow Laura Parker on Instagram: @iamlauraparker

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox:

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!