Purpose, Meaning & Happiness at the Summer CEO Leadership Symposium

The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Arthur Brooks, New York Times bestselling author, Vanderbilt professor and senior fellow at the Harvard Business School, and internationally recognized expert on happiness, purpose, and leadership. Attendees were also honored by a special appearance from Dr. Eugene Richardson, a Tuskegee Airman whose remarkable life story offered a powerful lesson in resilience, service, and perseverance.

Drawing on themes from his latest book, The Meaning of Your Life, Dr. Brooks encouraged attendees to reflect on the deeper questions that shape both effective leadership and personal fulfillment. Through a compelling blend of research, storytelling, and practical insights, he explored the importance of coherence, purpose, and significance, challenging leaders to think not only about how they serve, but why their work matters.

Throughout the afternoon, nonprofit professionals, board members, and philanthropic partners exchanged ideas, built new relationships, and explored opportunities to address the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

By bringing together hundreds of changemakers from across the region, the Summer Leadership Symposium underscored OceanFirst Foundation’s ongoing commitment to investing in nonprofit leadership development and empowering community leaders to create lasting impact.