Piper Conversations
Piper Conversations
Piper Conversations are informal gatherings of community partners, grantee organizations, and invited guests to hear from and talk with a range of thought leaders, authors, and experts in a conversational environment and gain insight and inspiration.
Piper Conversations are part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to help local nonprofits build their capacity and expertise, identify problems and find solutions, and become more stable and effective.
Watch videos from some recent Piper Conversations.
Succession Planning & Co-Leadership Models:
Lessons from Our Community
October 4, 2024
Local nonprofit leaders share ideas and perspectives about leadership transitions—what works, recommendations, and options for effectively leading an organization through a significant transition.
The conversation is moderated by Julia C. Patrick, CEO of American Nonprofit Academy.
Retired CEO
Foundation for Blind Children
Co-CEO
Girl Scouts-Arizona
Cactus-Pine Council
Executive Director
Black Theatre Troupe, Inc.
CEO
American Nonprofit Academy
9 Innings with Derrick Hall:
Leadership Lessons from an Arizona Ace
February 21, 2025
Derrick Hall, President and CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is known for building a world-class organization within the global sports industry. His leadership and acumen have resulted in countless honors and, overall, an unparalleled culture of achievements, care, and commitment that runs throughout the entire Diamondbacks’ organization. From the team and employees to the fans, partners, and philanthropic efforts–there is a unified and unique drive by all to do well and do good.
This special conversation, led by Piper Trust CEO Steve Zabilski, touches on Hall’s Circle of Success, B-U-I-L-D Values, and spirit of innovation, as well as stories from inside baseball.
President, CEO and General Partner
Arizona Diamondbacks
Call to Serve:
Florence Nightingale & Virginia Galvin Piper
June 13, 2025
Melissa Pritchard is the award-winning author of twelve books, including the biography of Virginia Galvin Piper, Devotedly, Virginia, and the historical fiction biography of Florence Nightingale, Flight of the Wild Swan.
Born a century apart, British icon and founder of modern-day nursing, Florence Nightingale, and Virginia Galvin Piper, visionary leader and beloved Arizona philanthropist, share an abundance of spiritual and humanitarian qualities. In their unique responses to the call to selflessness and servant leadership, we can find inspiration and strength to conduct our own lives with even greater generosity, compassion, and joy.
This conversation includes a special interview with Paul Critchfield, a Founding Trustee and nephew of Virginia Piper.
Author and Professor Emerita
Arizona State University
Founding Trustee
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust