NIRSA Regional Conference

Keynote Speaker

November 17-19, 2025

Portland, ME

2024 Keynote Speaker

Sponsored by:

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Rachael Finley

“Beingship” is the New Leadership

Leadership. We all talk about it. It feels like we are constantly striving towards it. We try to “do” it as best as we can. But the more we talk about it, chase it, and do it, the more complicated it feels and becomes. Let’s take a fresh perspective and stop thinking about leadership as something we are always DOING and start considering what’s possible if we get intentional about how we are BEING as leaders. During this keynote, Coach Roach takes us on a journey through story & science that challenges the audience to approach the rest of the conference and beyond from a “Beingship” perspective.

About Rachael Finley

Rachael, aka “Roach”, is a connection specialist and seasoned presenter with over 20 years of leadership and culture building experience. She’s held multiple service and employment leadership positions, built and expanded successful teams, and is an accomplished athlete. She’s also a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), and Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation and runs her own coaching and consulting business. “Coach Roach” has used her skills, abilities, and passion for building connections to support individual, team, and organizational goals by bringing and keeping humanity in the workplace and at the forefront of her actions.

Rachael graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services. Three years later she graduated with a Master’s degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Campus Recreation Leadership. She’s an alumni of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and serves the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) as a Board of Director and School Faculty member.

Rachael’s recreation and outdoor leadership background provides a playful and “don’t-take-yourself-too-seriously” approach to life and leadership, which has served and fueled her success. She believes that our connections to each other and ourselves make our lives healthier, richer, and more full.

Be it her Native American heritage, midwestern roots, or love for a good memoir, Rachael uses storytelling to engage audiences with laughter, emotion, and “ah-ha!” moments. Her numerous lived experiences, accomplishments, and challenges allow her to create engaging and thought-provoking talks that leave her audiences with ideas, actions, and paradigm shifts in thinking. Audience members are invited to look deep within themselves and unlock their inner power.

Read more at https://rachaelfinleycoachingandconsulting.com/about-me

Keynote Speaker

Sponsor for this event:

More Information Coming Soon!

For information on how to become a Sponsor or showcase your organization during the Vendor Expo at the 2020 NIRSA Region 1 Conference , please e-mail Tom St. John.

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