Effective leadership is critical to the success of most nonprofit organizations, which are faced with stagnant or shrinking budgets yet numerous demands on their resources. A program designed for agency professionals, board members and civic leaders will explore these issues on the Cornell University campus on Thursday, Sept. 25.

Organized by Cornell's School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions, the half-day program, "The Nonprofit Leader of the Future: Social Sector Leadership in a Central New York Perspective" consists of a PBS video seminar followed by a panel discussion with local nonprofit leaders and analysts.

"Leaders in this field have to be all things to all people," said Milt Goldstein, executive director of Challenge Industries and a program panelist. "They need to communicate effectively, both in speech and writing, relate well to their customers, attract and retain a strong staff and board and focus on strategic planning in order to take full advantage of the opportunities that come their way."

Scheduled to appear on the video seminar are management specialist Peter Drucker, former Girl Scouts CEO Frances Hesselbein, leadership expert Max De Pree and former American Red Cross CEO Richard Schubert. Participating in the local discussion are: Goldstein; Robert Milligan, Cornell professor of agricultural, resource and managerial economics; Melissa Seigel, former Tompkins County United Way chief; and Donald Tobias, Cornell associate professor of policy analysis and management.

"The combination of the video seminar, which will bring in some of the household names in the nonprofit world, and four live expert panelists, who will provide local perspective, should prove to be useful and informative for nonprofit leaders," said Judith Eger, director of special programs.

The program will take place in 105 Ives Hall from 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Included in the $65 program fee are lunch and refreshments. For additional information and to register, contact the School of Continuing Education, B20 Day Hall, 255-7259, e-mail sp@sce.cornell.edu.