What to Expect

How are nonprofit leaders actually using AI to solve real problems without losing the human side of the work?

In this session, Jordan Vernoy, Partner at SWIM, will share practical use cases that emerged from our recent Food Bank AI Cohort, with lessons that apply across the broader nonprofit sector. You’ll see how leaders are using AI to interpret complex data, surface insights faster, and strengthen board governance - freeing up more time for human connection.

In addition to tools and tactics, you’ll hear from Colleen Ahearn, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Northern Illinois Food Bank and AI Cohort member, on how she shifted from seeing AI as “cheating” to viewing it as an efficiency multiplier that helps her and her team focus on what matters most.

We’ll share how SWIM continues to support food banks, philanthropies, and nonprofit organizations as they integrate AI into daily workflows in responsible, people-first ways. The focus isn’t automation for automation’s sake, it’s using AI to enable more meaningful human interaction.

Meet Your Speakers

Colleen Ahearn

Colleen Ahearn joined Northern Illinois Food Bank in April 2025 as Chief Philanthropy Officer. In this role, she leads the Food Bank’s fundraising, marketing, and volunteer engagement efforts across the 13-county service area.

Colleen brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. She previously served as Vice President of University Advancement at Lewis University, where she led a 50-million-dollar comprehensive campaign and supported the university’s merger with St. Augustine College. Prior to that, she was Executive Director at San Miguel School Chicago and Community Center and held leadership roles with the YMCA of Greater St. Louis and Ballwin Parks and Recreation.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a concentration in Communications from DePaul University, where she was a two-year captain of the women’s soccer team, and a Master of Science in Business Analytics with a concentration in Marketing from Lewis University. She became a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 2012 and serves on the Board of Trustees for San Miguel School and Community Center. She grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, but now resides in Lombard.

Jordan Vernoy

Jordan is driven by the faces and stories of people he’s met across the country who are struggling to meet their most basic needs. With more than a decade of experience in the Feeding America network, he has worked alongside local organizations, food banks, and national leaders to reimagine how we fight hunger. His passion is helping people see the human side of food insecurity and inspiring bold action to end it.