Nonprofits First Announce Honorary Chairs

Adam and Jillian Hasner (Nonprofits First)

(Press Release) West Palm Beach, Fla. (June 19, 2026) — Nonprofits First is proud to announce Adam Hasner, President of Florida Atlantic University, and First Lady Jillian Hasner, former statewide CEO of Take Stock in Children, as Honorary Chairs for the 10th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards (HONA), taking place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion.

Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Hats Off Nonprofit Awards is Palm Beach County’s premier recognition event honoring the nonprofit organizations, professionals, and volunteers who are driving meaningful, positive changes throughout the community. Produced by Nonprofits First, HONA has grown into a sold‑out annual celebration and the organization’s signature fundraising event supporting nonprofit education, Accreditation, and leadership development.

---

“Adam and Jillian Hasner exemplify the spirit of service, leadership, and community investment that HONA was created to celebrate,” said Trudy Crowetz, President and CEO of Nonprofits First. “Their collective commitment to education, public service, and nonprofit causes has had a lasting impact, and we are honored to recognize their leadership during this milestone year.”

As Honorary Chairs, the Hasners will serve as ambassadors for the event, helping to elevate awareness of the vital role nonprofits play in strengthening the local community. The role reflects distinguished community leadership and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the nonprofit and education sectors.

Adam Hasner has long championed nonprofit causes through his service in the Florida Legislature and continues that work as President of Florida Atlantic University, an institution recognized for its longstanding support of nonprofit causes and its pioneering nonprofit management program and newest Presidential Mentorship and Career Internship Initiative.

Jillian Hasner, as former statewide CEO of Take Stock in Children, has led transformative efforts to expand educational access and opportunity for students across Florida, helping countless young people achieve long‑term academic and career success.

Together, the Hasners’ leadership and dedication embody the mission of the Hats Off Nonprofit Awards, and the values Nonprofits First seeks to advance through this annual celebration.

The Hats Off Nonprofit Awards (HONA) Host Committee is led by a collaborative team of professionals, volunteers, and community leaders deeply committed to supporting Nonprofits First and the most critical causes in Palm Beach County. The committee Co-Chairs are Diane Smith of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and Dr. Peter Cruise of Florida Atlantic University. BillBone of BillBone Law Group will serve as emcee.

Nominations for the Hats Off Nonprofit Awards are now open! The categories are: Nonprofit of the Year Impact Awards for – Arts & Culture, Education, Environment & Animal Welfare,  Family Services, Health & Wellness, and Nonprofit Innovation Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Nonprofit Executive of the Year Award, Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award, Nonprofit MVP of the Year Award, Community Hero Award, Community Collaborator Awards, and Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year Award. Nominations for the 10th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards are now open until Friday, July 31, 2026.

Founded in 2005, Nonprofits First is a nonprofit capacity‑building organization serving Palm Beach County. Through Accreditation, professional development, leadership training, and nonprofit management support, Nonprofits First champions nonprofit excellence by providing resources, training, and Accreditation, so every organization can achieve its mission and serve the greater good.

For more information about the Hats Off Nonprofit Awards or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.HatsOffAwards.org.
​