Meet Our 2025 Facilitator
Dzenan Berberovic, M.A., CFRE
Refugee of war. Immigrant. Difference-maker.
Some people feel called to be a champion of the world’s least and last. Dzenan Berberovic (JE-nahn Bur-bur-oh-vik) is committed to making lives better.
Born and raised in one of the poorest countries of the world, war-torn Bosnia, his humble beginnings were a stepping stone that shaped him into the professional he is today. A resident of a refugee camp and Germany for six years, Dzenan and his mother immigrated to the United States when he was nine years old.
Today, Dzenan has the honor of serving Avera as Chief Philanthropy Officer and Foundation President. Inspired by a stranger’s generosity, Dzenan was led to his life’s work: philanthropy.
At Avera, an organization that cares for a population of one million individuals across a five-state footprint, Dzenan is the executive sponsor of philanthropy. He leads Avera’s philanthropic agenda to better serve patients, families, residents and employees. Prior to joining Avera, he held increasingly responsible roles at his alma mater, University of South Dakota, where he served as Executive Director for Principal Giving. During his career, Dzenan has also held Chief of Staff responsibilities and has been responsible for managing key internal and external relationships, strategies and initiatives.
Dzenan’s work spans the continuum of philanthropy: annual giving, marketing, special events, donor services, development operations, campaigns, and individual giving programs focused on major, lead and principal-level gifts. He has served and led teams to raise more than $550 million.
Dzenan and his wife, Kelsey, reside in Sioux Falls, SD. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota. He received a graduate degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Philanthropy and Development. Dzenan holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Credential.
Dzenan was named the Outstanding Young Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Global. Prior to transitioning to healthcare, Dzenan received the Rising Star Award by the Council for Advancement in Support of Education (CASE). He was named Outstanding Graduate Student at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. The Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) recognized him as a 40 Under 40 recipient. In 2023, he was named Tomorrow’s Leader by the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA). Becker’s Hospital Review has listed Dzenan as a “Rising Star Under 40.”
Dzenan is involved in the community and serves on several regional and inter/national nonprofit boards and committees, including the Pi Kappa Alpha Foundation Board of Trustees.
SUMMIT REGISTRATION & INFORMATION
2025 Schedule
Sunday, January 26
| Time | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Invitation Only: FFE Board of Directors Reception | The Cape: Rooftop (Bar/Cabanas) |
Monday, January 27
| Time | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Invitation Only: FFE Board of Directors Meeting | The Cape: A-Frame I |
| 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | First Time Attendee Registration and Orientation | The Cape: A-Frame II |
| 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Welcome Reception & Returning Attendee Registration | The Cape: Glimpse (Rooftop Location) |
| 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Welcome Dinner | The Cape: Glimpse (Rooftop Location) |
Tuesday, January 28
| Time | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast | The Cape: Manta |
| 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Day 1 Opening Session | The Cape: A-Frame |
| 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Speaker Workshop with Dzenan Berberovic | The Cape: A-Frame |
| 12:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch | The Cape: Manta |
| 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Facilitated Group Discussion, TED Talks and Peer Learning: Theme TBA | The Cape: A-Frame |
| 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Casual Reception and Networking | The Cape: Lobby Bar |
| 5:30 p.m. | Optional Registration Add-On: Poolside Buffet Dinner at The Cape | The Cape – Pool |
Wednesday, January 29
| Time | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast | The Cape: Manta |
| 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Day 2 Opening Session | The Cape: A-Frame |
| 9:30 – 12:00 p.m. | Speaker Workshop with Dzenan Berberovic | The Cape: A-Frame |
| 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch & Group Photo | The Cape: Manta |
| 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Facilitated Group Discussion, TED Talks and Peer Learning: Theme TBA | The Cape: A-Frame |
| 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Casual Reception | The Cape: Lobby Bar |
| 5:30 p.m. | Dinner | On Your Own |
Thursday, January 30
| Time | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast | The Cape: Manta |
| 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. | Summit Closing Session | The Cape: A-Frame |
| 10:00 a.m. | Departures | On Your Own |
