January 08, 2026

350: What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know About Mergers (André Anthony)

59 minutes

350: What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know About Mergers (André Anthony)

SUMMARY

This milestone episode is brought to you by the newly merged Armstrong McGuire + PMA Nonprofit Leadership, joining forces to strengthen nonprofit leadership across the sector. Together, we are expanding our support for organizations through consulting, executive search, leadership development, and thought leadership. Learn more at ArmstrongMcGuire.com. As we announce our own merger, it felt like the perfect moment to explore what a healthy, mission-driven merger really looks like. André Anthony, CEO of NeighborUp, helps us mark Episode #350 with a conversation every nonprofit leader should hear. NeighborUp is the result of a thoughtful, intentional merger between Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministry. André explains why the best mergers don’t come from crisis - they come from vision, alignment, and a shared desire to serve communities more effectively. He walks us through the realities of merging boards, teams, cultures, branding, operations, and fundraising, and why treating this as a true merger - not an acquisition - mattered for trust and long-term success.

ABOUT ANDRÉ

André Anthony is the CEO of NeighborUp, the merged organization created by Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministry. A seasoned nonprofit leader who began his career with the YMCA, André is known for his relational leadership style, focus on community-centered solutions, and ability to guide organizations through complex change. Under his leadership, NeighborUp has expanded its geographic reach, strengthened financial sustainability, and increased its impact through a unified service model. André frequently shares his experience with leaders exploring collaboration, shared services, and full mergers, offering practical insight into governance alignment, culture building, and community trust.

RESOURCES