speakers

Jacqueline Ackerman, MA

Women's Philanthropy Institute - Associate Director of Research

Jacqueline Ackerman is Associate Director of Research at the Women's Philanthropy Institute (WPI), housed at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. WPI believes that gender matters in philanthropy, and that solving the world's complex problems requires perspective, leadership, and generosity from men and women. Jacqueline supports this vision by managing all aspects of WPI's research. Jacqueline has a Master's in Public Administration from Indiana University-Bloomington O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Ian Adair, MA

Gracepoint Foundation

Ian Adair has spent a career building successful nonprofits. Ian is a three time nonprofit CEO, TEDx speaker, and recognized expert in leadership, fundraising, and nonprofit management. He is a speaker, author, and advocate concerning mental health awareness and addressing mental health in the workplace. Ian is author of the book, Stronger Than Stigma, A Call To Action: Stories of Grief, Loss, and Inspiration!

Nicole Adair

Salesforce.org - Principal Solution Engineer

Nicole Adair has been working at the intersection of nonprofits and technology for more than 15 years. As a Principal Solution Engineer at Salesforce, she helps nonprofit leaders align technology to drive their strategy and power their missions. Her previous work includes leading fundraising, marketing and operations teams at United Way and the American Red Cross.

Eva Aldridge

CFRE International - President & CEO

Eva E. Aldrich is President/CEO of CFRE International, the first globally recognized fundraising credential. Prior to CFRE International, Aldrich was Associate Director of Public Service and The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Aldrich has been published in fundraising journals and is an editor of Achieving Excellence in Fundraising, 3rd Edition, from Jossey-Bass. She holds a Ph.D. in Philanthropic Studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Anthony Alonso

Catapult Fundraising, Inc. - President

Anthony Alonso, president of Catapult Fundraising, is one of the nation’s leading fundraising consultants. He has three decades of expertise in direct marketing and telefundraising. Anthony is a recipient of the AFP New Jersey Award for Consulting Excellence and serves as Immediate Past President of AFP Las Vegas. He is a former board member of AFP New Jersey, The Giving Institute, Giving USA, and the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy.

Jack Alotto

Fundraising Academy at National University - Trainer

Jack serves a Trainer at the Fundraising Academy at National University. He has served on panels in Ethics in Fundraising, Cause Selling, and Donor Loyalty/ Donor Centered Fundraising and has taught a variety of fundraising classes. Jack currently runs a CFRE Study Group and serves as a California CFRE Ambassador. He is committed and passionate to philanthropy and works diligently to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sector.

Francesco Ambrogetti

UNICEF - Lead Supporter Engagement

Francesco Saverio Ambrogetti is the UNICEF global lead of supporter engagement in NY. Before reaching this position, he was at the Capital Development Fund of the UN and director of fundraising for UNICEF Italy. He has over 20 years international experience with UNICEF, UNAIDS, World Bank, WWF, and MSF, in Geneva, Panama,Bangkok. Ambrogetti teaches at the University of Bologna and authored Emotionraising: How to Astonish, Disturb, Seduce and Convince the Brain to Support

Jim Anderson

Ariana Aragon

Feathr - Director of Services

Ariana Aragon has a proven track record of supporting nonprofits with strategic digital advertising, creative prowess, and entrepreneurial flair. In 2017, she founded Springful, a digital ad agency, which was acquired by Feathr in 2019. As Director of Services, Ariana oversees the Feathr’s in-house Services team which has successfully fulfilled over 4,000 marketing campaigns.

Brenda Asare, MBA

The Alford Group - President and CEO

Brenda brings nearly 30 years of management and cross-sector experience and has assisted clients in raising over $2 billion, focusing on campaign execution, strategic planning, corporate partnerships, board leadership development and organizational design. Prior to joining The Alford Group, she was Chief Development Officer with the American Red Cross in Chicago where she led various disaster fundraising efforts raising over $100 million.

Aidan Augustin

Feathr - CEO

Aidan Augustin is the co-founder and president of Feathr, a leading software company making digital marketing technology more accessible to nonprofits and event organizers. Feathr has helped over 1,000 nonprofits and countless events know, grow, and engage their audiences. Aidan leads the sales and marketing teams at Feathr and spearheads industry education as a regular speaker on the topics of digital marketing tools and strategies.

Don Baker, AFP Master Trainer, MPA

FAME, Inc. - Chief Executive Officer

For 20 years, Don has invested his time to serve people in and around Delaware. Before becoming CEO of FAME, Inc., Don built a reputation for tackling the root causes of social issues including hunger, poverty, social/racial justice, and education. Don received his formal training at Morehouse College as a Political Science Pre-law major. Don was one of the Delaware Valley’s first Standards for Excellence ® Licensed Consultants and AFP Certified Master Trainers.

Michael Baker, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer

m3 Development - Partner & Founder

Michael J. Baker, CFRE, is founder and partner of m3 Development, a full-service consulting firm. Michael has over 25-years of experience, is an AFP Master Trainer, serves on the Board of the Marlboro Educational Foundation, Ambassador for CFRE International, and the AFP U.S. Government Relations Committee. Michael served on the AFP Global Board, is Past-President of the AFP–NJ Chapter, has a BA from the University at Albany, SUNY, and is an Eagle Scout.

Chad Barger, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer, CNP

Productive Fundraising - Chief Strategist & Owner

Chad Barger helps nonprofits overcome the barriers to fundraising success. He is a sought after nonprofit fundraising speaker, master trainer and coach who shares actionable nonprofit fundraising tips and free resources at productivefundraising.com.

Noah Barnett

Virtuous Software - Chief Marketing Officer

Noah Barnett is the CMO at Virtuous and the host of the Responsive Fundraising Podcast. Virtuous is a technology company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Much more than a nonprofit CRM, Virtuous is a suite of responsive fundraising platforms designed to help nonprofit teams build better supporter relationships and increase impact with confidence.

William "Bill" Bartolini

An AFP Master Fundraising Teacher, coach, and counselor in philanthropy, Bill Bartolini (PhD, ACFRE) has been a professional fundraiser for 40 years, recently retiring from Ohio State where he solicited gifts of $5M+. He’s worked for several universities, including George Washington, Northeastern, Kent State, Ball State, and a variety of nonprofits. Bill’s PhD dissertation at Kent State asked “What do People Think and Feel when You Ask them for Money?”

Erynn Beaton

The Ohio State University - Assistant Professor

Dr. Erynn Beaton is an Assistant Professor in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University where she teaches courses on nonprofit management. In her research she studies the ways in which the nonprofit sector and its organizations reflect, combat, and sometimes reproduce structural inequalities. Beaton earned her doctorate at the University of Massachusetts Boston in the business school’s program on Organizations & Social Change.

Leticia Becerril-Palacios, MA, FTA

Ayuda y Solidaridad con las Ninas de la Calle, IAP - General Director

Leticia has a B.A. in International Relations from the Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico, a Master’s degree in Social Responsibility, and a Diploma of Sustainable Development. She is currently CEO of the Children’s home Ayuda y Solidaridad con las Niñas de la Calle, and previously served as CEO of Worldfund Mexico in teachers’ training. Since 2005, Leticia is an active member of CASE and AFP Mexico City Chapter. Actually, the Secretary of the Board.

Christopher Beck

Michelle Beisker

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation - Senior Vice President of Development

Michelle Beisker, Senior Vice President of Development at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, is responsible for the Community Foundation’s asset development activities by overseeing donor service, stewardship, communication, and the administrative database. Michelle previously served as Program Director of PUSH-CR; Assistant VP of Development at Mount Mercy University; COO at Waypoint; and Sales Manager at PMX Industries. Michelle has her BA from the University of Iowa and is a 21/62 Certified Advisor.

Dzenan Berberovic, CFRE, MA

Avera Health - Chief Philanthropy Officer

Dzenan Berberovic serves at Avera Health as their Chief Philanthropy Officer. He served in several committee roles in his local AFP Chapter. In 2022, he will have the honor of serving the South Dakota Chapter as President. After being named AFP’s Young Professional in 2018, he served on the Next Generation Task Force, ICON Education Committee, and AFP Global’s Nominating Committee. He enjoys his role on the AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy Fundraising Board.

Arlene Berkowitz

DonorPerfect - Senior Training Specialist

Arlene has spent the last 20 years training clients on DonorPerfect. On occasion, you can hear her training clients in Spanish. When not working, she volunteers for Special Olympics of Montgomery County Pennsylvania. Her passions are travel and photography, but due to COVID, she spent the last 18 months concocting baked goods. Arlene received her BA in Spanish from Temple University, and an MBA in Finance from Drexel.

Michelle Bibbs, MBA

The Alford Group - Senior Consultant

Michelle Bibbs brings 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and public sectors to The Alford Group as a development director, grant maker, board member, faculty and volunteer at a variety of organizations in the Chicago area. Michelle has advised organizations in building fundraising capacity, strategic planning, assessing campaign readiness and serving as interim chief development officer. Prior to joining The Alford Group, Michelle was a gift officer in the Advancement Office at DePaul University.

Chessie Biggam, CFRE, MPA, CNP

Meritan, Inc. - Director Development

Chessie Hayes, CFRE, Development Director for Meritan, has been an active member of the fundraising community and creates and implements thoughtful, strategic plans to enhance donor engagement. She was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Memphis. She received the award for AFP International Outstanding Young Professionals and Memphis’ Top 20 Under 30. She serves as the Membership Chair for AFP Memphis and on the Emerging Leaders Initiative and the Membership Division for AFP Global.

Sterrin Bird

Salesforce - Senior Director, Nonprofit Industry Advisor

A nationally recognized leader in the nonprofit community, Ms. Bird joined Salesforce in July 2020 after spending 28 years in the nonprofit sector. Sterrin has spent her entire career in service to philanthropy, with particular emphasis (and passion) for capital campaigning and major gifts. Sterrin has conducted more than three-dozen capital campaigns throughout the United States with combined goals exceeding $5.5 billion.

Theresa Blancaflor

Douglas College - Manager, Philanthropy

Theresa is the Manager, Philanthropy at Douglas College, with over 15 years of fundraising experience ranging from Olympic athletics and legacy, to the health care and scientific sectors.

Lynne Boardman

Harvey McKinnon Associates - Managing Director

Lynne Boardman has spent over 20 years creating successful individual giving programs for charities in both Canada and the UK. Her work has spanned health care, international development, human rights, education and environmental causes. She is currently the Managing Director of HMA, working with clients like Amnesty, Oxfam, Indspire, Covenant House, and a number of children's hospitals. She speaks, strategizes and writes about legacy fundraising whenever there is someone nearby to listen.

Jen Bokoff

Brian Bonde, ACFRE

Advanced Certified Fundraising, LLC - President

Brian is a consultant, past-chair AFP US Foundation, and was a senior leader at Sanford Health, Children's Care Hospital Foundation, Augustana University, and MediaOne Marketing. Brian attended graduate school at Stanford University. He has helped raise over $150 million and was recognized with the AFP Global Award for Excellence in Fundraising and the AHP Showcase Award. He has been on multiple nonprofit boards for over 30 years, founding several organizations and companies, and speaks regularly.

Laura Booth, CFRE

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation - Director of Family Philanthropy

Laura Booth, CFRE, is a Development Officer at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation where she is responsible for deepening relationships with prospects and the stewardship of existing fund holders. Before joining the Community Foundation in 2014, Laura worked for ten years in retirement and investment services at Principal Financial Group. Laura grew up in Cedar Rapids, received her BA in Political Communication from the University of Northern Iowa, and earned her CFRE in 2019.

Cheryl Bosley

Douglas College - Director, Philanthropy

Cheryl Bosley has over two decades of senior fundraising experience in sectors ranging from universities, hospital foundations to international humanitarian organizations. Cheryl is currently the Director, Philanthropy at Douglas College.

Kimberly Bottom

Feathr - Senior Account Director

Kimberly Bottom is a passionate storyteller and a sharp strategic thinker with more than a decade of experience in digital media. As a Senior Account Director at Feathr, Kimberly consults with associations and nonprofits on the most effective and efficient ways to do their best digital marketing. While she measures results in data and benchmarks, she also believes that unquantifiable metrics, like infectious energy and positive influence among others, are equally vital for measuring success.

Marcus Brewer, MBA

Change Happens - Special Projects & Development Director

Consultant Positions have included Chief Community Relations & Fund Development Officer, Director of Advancement, Major Gifts Officer. Raised over $15 million

Sommer Brock, CFRE

Pontiac Community Foundation - Vice President of Development

Sommer Brock is Vice President of Development for Pontiac Community Foundation, Immediate Past President of the Greater Detroit Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the founder of No Nonsense Fundraising, LLC which expands the reach and impact of small nonprofits. Sommer holds a certificate in nonprofit management from Oakland University, is a graduate of Leadership Oakland XXVII and a member of Oakland County Elite 40 under 40 class of 2018.

Alphonce J. Brown

T. Clay Buck

TCB Fundraising - Founder and Principal

Clay is a thirty-year fundraising veteran and has worked as a frontline fundraiser at several nonprofits, as well as a senior consultant with prominent consulting firms. He has held the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation since 2010 and is an AFP Master Trainer. Clay has experience in all areas of fundraising with special expertise in individual giving, copywriting and case development, and data and systems management.

Michael Buckley, CFRE

The Killoe Group - President

Michael J. Buckley, CFRE is a consultant who assists non-profits across a broad spectrum of focus areas increase dollars, exposure and capacity. As the President of The Killoe Group, Mike's experience includes annual and capital campaigns, feasibility studies, strategic planning and capacity building. Mike is an effective presenter and has been an invited to array of professional development opportunities and serves as a Member of the Board of Directors for the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy.

MiVida Burrus, MBA

Haven of Oakland County - Director of Development

MiVida Burrus has held key roles in fund development, grant writing and donor cultivation for area nonprofits, municipalities and colleges. In her previous role as development director for Mosaic Youth Theatre, she supervised corporate and individual giving campaigns in addition to the foundation relations. Prior, as the alumni relations manager for Walsh College, Burrus developed a new mid-level donor process and managed student and alumni programs, as well as campaign and event staff and volunteers.

Ken Cameron

Corporate CultureShift - CEO

Ken Cameron is the CEO & Lead SHIFT Disturber at Corporate CultureShift. He has worked extensively in the corporate and non-profit fields. He has focused on some of the continent’s largest non-profits, including as the Calgary Stampede, the National Arts Centre of Canada and United Way Worldwide; and on international corporations such as Volker Stevin Construction or start-ups such as CreativeSparQ.

Julia Campbell

J Campbell Social Marketing - Digital Storytelling & Social Media

Julia Campbell has run her digital marketing consulting business for almost a decade, focused exclusively on mission-driven organizations. Based in Boston, Julia is a global authority on digital storytelling, with happy clients spanning the globe from Moscow to San Francisco. Her passion is to get nonprofits of all sizes to stop spinning their wheels on social media and to start getting real results using digital tools.

Laura Champion

Do Good Donuts - Board Member

Laura loves fundraising. After leaving her first career in Library Science she found her niche in the fundraising world. Having spent 5 years on the consulting side she is now the Senior Manger - Integrated Direct Marketing at the Canadian Red Cross. In her spare time she has Chaired AFP Toronto Congress, founded the AFP Speaker Discovery Series and helped to get Do Good Donuts off the ground.

Jason Champion

Winspire - Vice President, Business Development

Jason Champion, a 15+ year fundraising veteran and HGTV alumni, "Has been there and done that." Jason has created immersive experiences, garnered millions in donations, and helped organizations take their fundraising events and goals to new heights. His creative approach to fundraising starts with a straightforward statement, "Let's do this"!

Nathan Chappell

DonorSearch

A 20-year veteran in nonprofits, Nathan serves as Senior Vice President of DonorSearch Aristotle, leading the research and development division dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence to help nonprofits harness actionable insights from big data. He is a thought leader and frequent public speaker within the nonprofit sector. Nathan has led a variety of nonprofit organizations over the past 20 years, including Senior Vice President at City of Hope and Assistant Vice-Chancellor at UC San Diego.

Mark Chilutti, CFRE

Magee Rehab Hospital Foundation - Assistant Vice President of Development

Mark Chilutti has raised over $30 million to improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities during his 20+ year career at Magee Rehab Hospital in Philadelphia. His specialties are major and planned giving, and donor stewardship. He has presented frequently for many AFP chapters, at AFP ICON, AFP Spotlight Sessions, and on AFP global webinars. Mark is an Eagle Scout and a former wheelchair tennis player living with a spinal cord injury.

Rachel Clemens

Mighty Citizen - Mighty Citizen

Rachel Clemens launched a strategic communications firm, Creative Suitcase, helping orgs like United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and countless others, increase revenue and awareness. Today she is Chief Marketing Officer at Mighty Citizen, a branding and digital transformation agency for nonprofits. Rachel is a proud mom to her son Baylor and two pug mixes, Buddy and Biscuit.

Ash Collins

Best Friends Animal Society - Influencer Relations Specialist

Ash Collins (she/her/hers) is the Influencer Relations Specialist at Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization. She manages relationships and marketing collaborations with social media influencers to help end the killing of cats and dogs in America's shelter. She has been in animal welfare for over 6 years and is skilled in influencer relations, social media, digital marketing, relationship development, and corporate relations.

Matt Connell

Blackbaud University - Principal Instructor

Matt Connell is a Blackbaud University Instructor at the Principal level, and the lead instructor for nonprofit organizational best practices and fundraising. Matt has been a contributor to sgENGAGE and the Blackbaud Community and has presented at bbcon and AFP events. As an educator to the social good sector, Matt helps to grow the expertise and advance the knowledge of those working to do the most good for the world we share.

Alexis Cooke

Alford Group - Vice President, Client Service and Innovation

For over fifteen years Alexis Cooke has worked for nonprofits, motivated and inspired by each organization’s unique mission and impact. Prior to joining The Alford Group, Alexis served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement for the Music Institute of Chicago. Prior to that, Alexis was the Director of Development for the Adler Planetarium, served as Senior Officer, Major Gifts at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and worked at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Melanie Cote

Do Good Donuts - Executive Director

Melanie is a communications professional, storyteller and advocate. She spent 20 years in the for-profit world, working in advertising as a copywriter. In her role on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association for Williams Syndrome, Melanie has worn many hats. Shifting her focus in January 2019, Melanie founded Do Good Donuts, a start-up social enterprise that will train youth with intellectual disabilities for mainstream food service jobs, linking them to national hiring partner.

Susannah Crawford

GiveSmart by Community Brands - Community Manager

A creative mind with a data-driven approach, Susannah is the Community Manager at GiveSmart, by CommunityBrands. Susannah has helped countless nonprofits secure funds through years of onsite management, direct consulting, and thought leadership content. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Caterpillar Ministries, a small NPO located in Huntersville, NC.

Kacey Crawford

Pursuant - VP, Digital

Kacey joined Pursuant in July of 2021, and brings a wealth of expertise in both nonprofit and agency strategy and leadership. In her role as Vice President of Digital Strategy, Kacey will lead Pursuant’s digital practice and serve as the senior strategist, to bring best-in-class digital offerings. With a breadth and depth of experience spanning over 20 years, at organizations like Sierra Club, CDR Fundraising Group, Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Ben Crook

Givergy - Chief Operating Officer

I’m Ben Crook, Chief Operating Officer of Givergy! I have spent over a decade working in the Fundraising and Events industry and have personally worked on over 350 events. I love injecting energy and innovation into every aspect of fundraising and with my current role with Givergy I get every chance to do this.

Paul D'Alessandrop, CFRE, JD

High Impact Nonprofit Advisors - Founder & CEO, D'Alessandro Inc. & High Impact Nonprofit Adv

Paul D’Alessandro, J.D., CFRE. is the founder & CEO of High Impact Nonprofit Advisors and D’Alessandro Inc. (DAI), a fundraising and strategic management consulting company with more of 20 years experience in the philanthropic sector. Paul works on efforts to raise millions to billions of dollars with his educational, university, healthcare, cultural and faith-based clients. Also, he is a practicing attorney working with high-level global philanthropists vetting and negotiating their strategic gifts

Joshua Daniel

Korn Ferry - Coach and Associate Principal

Josh Daniel is a Coach and Associate Principal consultant with Korn Ferry out of Austin, TX. Josh has been supporting the career coaching offering for AFP360 members and specializes in supporting members in job search strategy, navigating professional transitions, and career advancement. Josh’s career is supported by a Master’s Degree in Organizational Behavior studies and a professional certification in Executive Coaching from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Rebecca DeLauter

The Community Foundation of Frederick County - Philanthropic Services Manager

Rebecca “Becki” has worked in nonprofits for over 10 years. Becki first started her work in nonprofits supporting grants and scholarship disbursement. Later, her ability to build deep relationships lead her to a career in development and she now serves as the Philanthropic Services Manager with the Community Foundation of Frederick County Maryland. Also, Becki's unique educational background in psychology, human studies and marketing enable her to understand donors' giving and their patterns.

Cara Dickerson

GiveSmart by Community Brands - Sr. Director of Customer Success

Cara Dickerson is Sr. Director of Customer Success at GiveSmart by Community Brands where she oversees a team dedicated to assisting thousands of organizations utilize technology platforms to exceed their financial goals and fund their missions. With close to 15 years in the non-profit space, her passion for this industry runs deep. While she loves to travel anywhere and everywhere with her husband, Cara is proud to call Chicago, IL home.

Nathan Dietz, MA, PhD

School of Public Policy - University of Maryland - Senior Researcher - Do Good Institute

Nathan Dietz, Ph.D. is a Senior Researcher at the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland, College Park. His work with DGI focuses on social capital, volunteering, charitable contributions, civic engagement and social entrepreneurship. While working with the Growth in Giving Initiative, he has coauthored two Spotlight reports published by the Giving Institute, sponsors of the annual Giving USA report on American philanthropy.

Agne Dizona, CFRE, MPA

Joslyn Art Museum - Major Gifts and Foundation Giving Manager

Agne has assisted over 60 nonprofits nationwide including hospitals, religious and civic organizations, education and art institutions, as well as social services in their efforts to enhance fund development during her ten-year fundraising consultant career. She developed and managed fundraising programs and special funding initiatives as well as successfully implemented annual giving funds, major gift efforts, and capital campaigns. Currently at Joslyn Art Museum (Omaha, NE), she is responsible for major gift fundraising.

Timothy Dougherty, MPA

Silver Hill Hospital - Chief Advancement Officer

Timothy J. Dougherty has over 30 years of experience in philanthropy. Tim currently serves as CAO for Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, CT. He has served in fundraising leadership roles for the Interlochen Center for the Arts, United World Colleges (in the USA and Costa Rica), Cornell University, Habitat for Humanity International and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. Tim earned his MPA at Syracuse University and his BS from Cornell University.

Darcy Douglas, JD

South Texas College of Law Houston - Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Engagement

Darcy Douglas was named Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Engagement South Texas College of Law Houston in January 2021. She is currently developing a comprehensive campaign to commemorate the school’s upcoming 100th anniversary. Ms. Douglas has 14 plus years of professional fundraising experience in fields of higher education, healthcare, education reform, and politics. She earned her undergraduate degree in Corporate Communications from the University of Texas at Austin, and her law degree from South Texas.

Bob Duckworth, MA

While enrolled at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and conducting a nation-wide study on best practices of gift tables, Bob transitioned from higher education to healthcare philanthropy and began working with St. Joseph/Candler hospital in Savannah, GA as their Foundation Vice President.Bob is past president of Savannah Chapter of AFP. He has spoken at BBCons in US and in Canada on using Raiser’s Edge for Prospect Identification, Moves Management, and Major Donor Pipelines.

Lauren Dula, PhD

Binghamton University, SUNY - Assistant Professor

Lauren Dula, PhD is an Assistant Professor in public administration, specializing in nonprofit management at Binghamton University, SUNY. She earned her Ph.D. at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, Bloomington. Her current research investigates the relationship between gender identity and nonprofit board governance practices and outcomes. As an AFP member in Wilmington, NC, she worked as a grant writer and nonprofit management consultant.

Leah Eustace

Blue Canoe Philanthropy - President and Head Paddler

Leah Eustace, ACFRE, is President and Head Paddler at Blue Canoe Philanthropy, where she specializes in fundraising strategy, coaching, case writing and storytelling. She works with some of North America’s most impactful nonprofits. Her volunteer work is extensive: she’s a member of the AFP Global Board, and is the Chair of the ACFRE Credentialing Board. Leah holds a Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology (Distinction) through the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy.

Danny Farr

Non Profit Studio | Donor Connector - Co-Founder

Danny is an award-winning director, fundraising consultant, & marketing guru from Los Angeles. As the co-founder of Donor Connector & Non-Profit Studio, Danny’s innovative, out-of-the-box thinking has helped him launch five successful companies, three of which are in the non-profit sector. With over $110,000,000 raised for NPOs, Danny’s passion is to help NPOs break fundraising barriers via creative, affective solutions so they can focus on their true mission.

Ann Fellman

Bloomerang - Chief Marketing Officer

As the Chief Marketing Officer at Bloomerang, Ann is responsible for the company's overall thought leadership, brand, marketing and community outreach programs that work to strengthen relationships with customers and the broader nonprofit community.Ann brings with her more than 24 years of experience in business-to-business (B2B) marketing in the technology industry, including time spent working at a nonprofit organization.

Alice Ferris, ACFRE, CFRE, MBA, AFP Master Trainer

GoalBusters Consulting - Partner

Alice L. Ferris, MBA, CFRE, ACFRE, is the founder of GoalBusters, supporting small fundraising teams with development training, coaching, strategy, and implementation. For the last 30 years, she has worked extensively in fundraising for public media, rural healthcare, education, and science organizations. Alice thrives in finding creative solutions for the fundraising challenges of small organizations and teaching and training about practical and realistic tactics.

Allison Fine

Allison Fine - Author, Innovator

Allison is among the nation’s pre-eminent writers and strategists on the use of technology for social good. She is the co-author of The Smart Nonprofit: Staying Human Centered in an Automated World. In addition, she is the author of the award-winning Momentum: Igniting Social Change in the Connected Age, co-author with Beth Kanter of the bestselling The Networked Nonprofit, and Matterness: Fearless Leadership for a Social World.

Logan Foote

Golfstatus.org - Education and Development Manager

Logan Foote is the Education and Development Manager at GolfStatus.org. Since 2017, Logan has worked with all types of nonprofit organizations to automate and streamline the management of their golf events and maximize fundraising outcomes. Logan has been playing golf since he was four years old. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and resides in Lincoln, NE with his wife and two sons.

Andre Forbes-Ezeugwu

Laura Fredricks, JD

THE ASK - CEO and Founder

Laura Fredricks, JD, is the Billion Dollar ASK Maker Powerhouse, CEO and Founder of THE ASK©, and an international consultant, who trains and coaches individuals, nonprofits and businesses on How to ASK and GET exactly what you want. Her book: “THE ASK: For Business, For Philanthropy, and Everyday Living” has helped hundreds of boards, fundraisers, philanthropists, artists, entrepreneurs, teenagers, and just every day people, get their Best Life Possible, through THE ASK.

Michel Freller, MA

Criando Consultoria ltda - Director

Michel Freller, founder and CEO of Criando Consultoria, speaker, teacher and consultant. Public Managment graduated from FGV-SP, Master in Administration from PUC-SP, specialist in ESG and SGD, making bridges between companies and non-profit organizations. Volunteer counselor of Instituto Filantropia, Fundação Ilumina (Cancer), CIP (Jewish community in São Paulo), CIAM (intellectual disability) and ABRAPS (Brazilian Association of Professionals for Sustainable Development. Current vice-president of the Board of Directors of ABCR (Fundraisers Brazilian Association)

Julia Gackenbach

DonorPerfect - Communications Manager

Julia Gackenbach has spent over a decade working locally and globally with nonprofits. This has sharpened her skills to raise funds, care for donors and communicate impact. Her experience, coupled with her desire to create community through a mission, gives her unique passion to work with all types of organizations. Julia now uses that enthusiasm and expertise to lead communication strategies from DonorPerfect to industry practitioners.

Courtney Gaines

NextAfter - Senior Vice President

A curious mind, a competitive drive, and an empathetic fundraiser, Courtney Gaines leads client success at NextAfter – a data-driven, digital-first agency. Before serving as Senior Vice President with NextAfter, she led the digital marketing and fundraising for a $110MM radio, publishing, and education nonprofit. Her extensive nonprofit experience fuels her desire to help organizations embrace a culture of optimization and testing in all they do.

Kathryn Gamble, MBA, PhD, ARNOVA

Gail Perry Group - Vice President and Executive Consultant

Kathryn Gamble, MBA, PdH, leads the national consulting team at Gail Perry Group. With over twenty-five years of major donor fundraising experience, she brings analytical, strategic, practical, and technical expertise to campaigns and major gift teams. Gamble has led successful campaigns at East Carolina University, St. Mary’s School, and NC Museum of Art, among others. Her PhD focuses on nonprofit governance, and she is an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University nonprofit program.

Maria Jose Gatti

Maria Gatti

Maria Jose Gatti serves as the Executive Director Community Engagement for MGM Resorts International. She is responsible for fostering and maintaining relationships with national and local community organizations. Through these relationships, she supports the Company’s business objectives, and additionally facilitates the Company’s participation in programs and events that support the community. She also implements programs to help educate and engage the employees of MGM Resorts on community related initiatives, activities and issues.

Craig Gella

Bonterra - Segment Director for Campaigns

Craig Grella has helped nonprofits across the globe use technology in smart ways to advance and accomplish their missions. He is the founder of two nonprofit organizations, and a local elected official in Pennsylvania. Craig is the Segment Director for Campaigns at Bonterra and helps to direct the marketing efforts for issue advocacy groups and political campaigns

Katelyn Gerber, MAcc

FORM - Director of Operations

With eight years of experience working with nonprofits, Katelyn works to inspire engagement, tap into audience values, and build trust with donors in the digital space. Utilizing her experience working with 80+ nonprofit organizations as the Director of Operations of FORM, Katelyn has helped organizations launch high-powered websites, implement email segmentation and social campaigns, and develop cohesive branding. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accountancy from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.

Michelle Glenn Costa, CFRE

University of Oregon - Director of Development

Michelle Glenn Costa joined the University of Oregon in 2014 as Regional Director of Development, Southern California. She moved to the School of Music and Dance in 2017. Michelle has more than 20 years’ experience in fundraising for higher education, healthcare, public broadcasting and the arts. Michelle earned a BA in Economics from the University of California, San Diego. She has been a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2004.

Ana Flavia Godoi, MBA

Women in Fundraising Brazil - Founder and CEO

Ana Flavia Godoi is the founder of Women in Fundraising Brazil, providing hands-on, comprehensive fundraising leadership for more than 150 female fundraisers. Ana has two decades of nonprofit fundraising experience, focusing on strategic and development planning, major gifts and corporate fundraising. For 12 years she was on Brazilian Fundraising Association’s board. Ana Flavia loves teaching and she helped more then 500 NGOs develop better donor stewardship habits and better negotiations techniques with high value donors.

Ephraim Gopin

1832 Communications - Principal

After nearly two decades in the nonprofit trenches, Ephraim Gopin founded 1832 Communications, an agency which helps nonprofits build more relationships so they can raise more money, serve more people and have more impact in the community. Ephraim crafts strategies which help nonprofits successfully upgrade their online presence, boost their email fundraising and marketing and improve their marketing collateral. When fundraising and marketing work together, it's a beautiful thing!

Leanne Gould

RallyUp - Director of Customer Education

Leanne is the Director of Customer Education for RallyUp. Leanne was born and raised in Boston, USA and now lives in Tucson, Arizona. Leanne obtained her undergraduate degree in Economics and master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. Leanne’s goal at RallyUp is to make it easy for customers to understand the RallyUp platform to make it easy for them to raise funds and find monumental success.

Corrine Grant

James Greenfield, ACFRE

J.M. Greenfield & Associates - J.M. Greenfield & Associates

Jim Greenfield served as a senior fundraising executive providing leadership at eight major colleges and hospitals in his 50-year career. He also is author and editor of ten books and numerous articles on fundraising management and performance evaluation.

Lori Guenther Reesor, BMath, MTS, DMin

Lori Guenther Reesor - Principal

Dr. Lori Guenther Reesor (B. Math, MTS, DMin) is an expert in Christian giving (although Mennonites tremble at using the word ‘expert’ to describe themselves!) She asked Christian donors about their giving during a church basement research tour of Canada. She is delighted that her book, Growing a Generous Church: A Year in the Life of Peach Blossom Church is the only theology book with an illustration of a snowblower!

Lisa Habighorst

Spread the Word Nevada - Executive Director and Co-Founder

Lisa Habighorst is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Spread the Word Nevada, the state's largest children's literacy nonprofit. She has dedicated 12 years of her life to public education, where she served as an elementary school teacher and a middle school mathematics teacher. Spread the Word Nevada was born in 2001 and has distributed 6 million free books to children in need throughout Nevada; an accomplishment she says is both humbling and exciting.

Mary Hackett, MA

The Alford Group - Vice President

As a vice president for The Alford Group, Mary operates Alford Analytics and Alford Diagnostics, providing deep insights into donors, trends and gaps in giving, fundraising programs and infrastructure that inform organizational decision making. She also works shoulder-to-shoulder with clients on their data migrations, builds complex campaign reports, performs database clean-up, develops processes for database management and writes customized manuals.

Tami Hance-Lehr

Communities in Schools Nevada - Chief Executive Officer & State Director

As the Chief Executive Officer & State Director of Communities In Schools of Nevada, the nation’s leading and most effective dropout prevention and intervention organization, Tami Hance-Lehr brings 30 years of leadership, strategic planning, crisis management, relationship building, and communication skills to the position of CEO. Tami’s passion is driven by the belief that every child has unlimited potential but may not have access to equal opportunities to succeed.

Peter Hansen, CFRE

Hansen Philanthropic Solutions - Principal

Peter H. Hansen is an accomplished fundraising executive with 35 years of experience as a chief development officer and strategic fundraising consultant for large organizations. He has raised $500M, helped to build one of the nation’s largest performing arts centers and reimagined fundraising operations for multiple institutions. Hansen Philanthropic Solutions provides strategic fundraising counsel in the arts and public media. He is a former President of AFP-NJ and served on the AFP Committee on Directorship.

Ruth Hansen, PhD

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater - Assistant Professor

Ruth K. Hansen, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of nonprofit management at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Her research focuses on the practice of fundraising, popular support for unpopular causes, and social policy. Ruth has more than 20 years’ professional experience as a fundraiser, and is a former board member of AFP-Chicago. She speaks regularly on the topics of fundraisers, fundraising, and related issues both nationally and internationally.

Josh Hirsch, MS

Susan G. Komen - Social Content Marketing Manager

Josh Hirsch is the Social Content Marketing Manager for Susan G. Komen. He has an extensive background in social media, digital communications, and marketing along with experience in grant research and writing, individual giving, special event planning, stewardship, and cultivation of donors. He is Membership Chair for the AFP First Coast Chapter and Past-President of the Palm Beach County Chapter. Josh is also a member of the AFPeeps, the social media vanguard for the AFP.

Catharine Holihan

Catharine Holihan is a 10-year veteran of the American Cancer Society. She has served in various roles, allowing her and her team to increase revenue and donor value by acquiring and retaining profitable donors to fund the mission. She also leads process efficiency and enterprise support efforts, driving down costs while ensuring a positive customer experience.

Kate Huebner, LISW-S

Mid-Ohio Food Collective - Director, Grants Management

Kate Huebner, LISW-S, is the Director of Grants Management for Mid-Ohio Food Collective, a non-profit organization that provides hunger relief services to a 20-county service area that spans central and eastern Ohio. In her role, Kate leads MOFC’s grant strategy and provides direct supervision to the organization’s grant team. She has worked in grant development in human services for more than a decade and is the current co-chair of the GPA Ethics Committee.

Jason Huff

Mercy Health Foundation - Vice President, Development

Jason serves as VP of Development at Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis and teaches graduate-level courses on fundraising and marketing at Washington University in St. Louis and Webster University. He is past president of AFP St. Louis, and has served on various committees for AFP International. He earned his distinction as an AFP Master Trainer in 2014 and was named to the inaugural class of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy’s 40 Under 40.

Rachel Hutchisson

Blackbaud - Vice President of Global Social Responsibility

Rachel Hutchisson is VP of Global Social Responsibility at Blackbaud, leading the company’s social impact investments and sustainability and helping the company’s 3,600 associates be Agents of Good. She is committed to the core philosophy that “good is for everyone,” championing positive change and inspiring individuals to integrate service into their development. Rachel brings experience in marketing, brand communications, corporate culture and strategic relationships to her role.

Steve Jacobson

JCA, Inc. - CEO

Steve Jacobson is the CEO of Jacobson Consulting Applications, Inc. (JCA), a firm that he founded in 1988 to provide information management services to nonprofit organizations. Steve has provided CRM strategy and system selection consulting for such clients as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Jewish Museum, Carnegie Hall, and Theatre Development Fund. He is the president of the New York City chapter of AFP and an active member of AAM, MCN, and INTIX.

Beth Kanter

Beth Kanter - Author, Trainer, and Facilitator

Beth is an internationally recognized thought leader and trainer in digital transformation and well-being in nonprofits. She is the co-author of the award-winning Happy Healthy Nonprofit: Impact without Burnout and co-author with Allison Fine of The Smart Nonprofit. Named one of the most influential women in technology by Fast Company and recipient of the NTEN Lifetime Achievement Award, she has over three decades of experience in designing and delivering training programs for nonprofits and foundations.

Nejeed Kassam, JD

Keela - CEO

Nejeed is the CEO & Founder of Keela, a nonprofit management software company that empowers organizations to raise more money and do more good. Nejeed is also the founder of the Better Canada Initiative and former executive director of both End Poverty Now and Conversations for Change. He authored High on Life (foreword written by former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien) and co-produced the documentary, Conversations for Change. He currently sits on several nonprofit boards.

Danielle Kempe, CFRE

Dogs for Better Lives - Development Manager - Northeast

Danielle Kempe, CFRE is a fundraising generalist with 13+ years nonprofit experience. She is a proud disability justice activist and board member for ACCESS 2.0

Muhi Khwaja

Muhi currently focuses his time consulting on nonprofit management, fundraising, and executive coaching. Formerly, Muhi served as the Director of Development & Philanthropy at AMCF where he worked with donors to connect them with nonprofits creating impact, helping families distribute more than $6 million. AMCF serves as the only national nonprofit organization focused on creating Donor Advised Funds, Giving Circles, distributing grants, partnering on fiscal sponsorships, & building endowments for the American Muslim community.

Kerri Kilbane, CFRE, SCMP

Inova Health Foundation - Director of Donor Stewardship

Kerri Kilbane is a communications leader with more than 25 years' experience in marketing, sales and nonprofit fundraising. She is currently Director of Donor Stewardship at Inova Health System where she leads donor engagement initiatives, stewardship programming, impact storytelling and reporting. As a professional fundraiser, Kerri specialized in grants development, securing general support, program and project grants of over $10 million from corporations, government funders and national and local foundations.

Audrey Kintzi

Cherian Koshy, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer, CAP

Endowment Partners - Chief Development Officer

Cherian Koshy is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP), & AFP Master Trainer. Cherian is a consultant and principal at Endowment Partners, an investment management firm that solely works with nonprofits and foundations.

David Kravinchuk

The Common Good Fundraising - Philanthropy Firebrand

David firmly believes that philanthropy's power belongs to everyone. He created The Common Good Fundraising Agency and the Western Canada Fundraising Conference to help charities empower donors to achieve their philanthropic dreams. David is an in-demand speaker who is regularly requested to share his unique, practical approach to fundraising at conferences and seminars across Canada and internationally.

Rachel Kribbs

FORM

Rachel Kribbs has eleven years experience in nonprofit administration, having held positions at The Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Institute of Music where she garnered support for educational programs. Ms. Kribbs is the Account Executive at FORM where she serves nonprofit clients through her experience in marketing, grant writing, and stewardship. She holds degrees from Catholic University and Cleveland Institute of Music, is a community volunteer, member of AFP Northeast Ohio, and mother of two.

Mary Catherine Kropinski, PhD

Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University - Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Professo

Dr. Mary-Catherine Kropinski is the Associate Dean, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, with the Faculty of Science at Simon Fraser University.

Nicholas Kulik, CFRE, MLW

Bowling Green State University - Senior Director for Gift Planning

Nick Kulik, CFRE is a dynamic leader focused on the growth of young professional fundraisers and has presented at a variety of fundraising conferences. He is the former chair of AFP Global’s Next Generation Committee and member of the Emerging Leaders Initiative task force. He is the Chief Donor Engagement Officer for the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, recipient of the AFP International Outstanding Young Professional Award, and serves on the AFP Global Board of Directors

Sam Laprade, CFRE

Gryphon Fundraising - Director

Sam aligns her work with her four professional passions: successful fundraiser, donor data enthusiast, award-winning radio host and stand-up comedian. She loves to connect people for the greater good! Sam is an engaging speaker who embraces talking about emotional topics including mental health. She practices the delicate balance of the art and science of the non-profit sector and loves to share her learnings with enthusiastic fundraising professionals. Sam Laprade was born to be a fundraiser!

Brett Lashbrook

Las Vegas Lights FC - Owner and CEO

Brett Lashbrook's extensive background in soccer includes work at Major League Soccer’s headquarters in New York City as Special Assistant to the Commissioner’s Office & Legal Counsel. He also served as the Chief Operating Officer for Orlando City Soccer Club, overseeing all business aspects of the club’s transition from the United Soccer League (USL) to Major League Soccer (MLS) – including finalization of plans for the club’s new 20,000-seat downtown stadium.

Kirk Laughlin

Joe Leach

Diane Lebson, CFRE

Evergreen Philanthropic Solutions - CEO and Co-Founder

Diane is CEO and Co-Founder of Evergreen Philanthropic Solutions, a consultancy that empowers people to achieve their philanthropic goals. A 28-year nonprofit veteran, she is also author of For A Good Cause: A Practical Guide to Giving Joyfully. Diane served as Governance Director of United Way Worldwide and led the national women’s philanthropy programs for both the American Red Cross and United Way. Both programs have raised over $2 billion and mobilized over 70,000 philanthropists.

Megan LePere-Schloop

Kimberly Lewis, MS, CE

Goodwill Industries of East Texas, Inc. - President & CEO

Kimberly B. Lewis, an author, speaker and consultant has 21 years of nonprofit experience. She has authored three books: "The Fourth Generation", "A Seat at the Table or Part of the Meal," which was nominated for the Alliance for Nonprofit Management Terry McAdam Book Award and "Biases," a guide for uncovering areas of unconscious bias. She is the 2020 Goodwill Industries International Diversity & Inclusion Advocate of the Year.

Jolene Livingston, ICD NFP Directors Certification, Can. Gift Planning Certification, ESG Competent Boards

Bespoke Non-Profit Solutions - Principal

Jolene is a social entrepreneur with 20 years of experience working with and for the non-profit sector. As founder of Bespoke Non-Profit Solutions, she works with organizations to find opportunities that create and advance enterprising and enduring solutions. Jolene has contributed to the design/delivery of campaigns ranging from $500K to $1.3B and is currently working to launch the Calgary Affordable Housing Foundation which facilitates philanthropic partnerships to increase the stock of affordable homes in Calgary.

Beth Ann Locke

The Fundraiser Coach - Chief Spark

Beth Ann became a fundraiser to invite donors to change the world. When she joined the front lines of fundraising, she started with the basics: thank you letters, direct mail, and events, rising to become Chief Development Officer. Working in the U.S. and Canada for 30 years, she now coaches fundraisers to greater success in their work. At at every stage, she's been a champion of relationship fundraising and gratitude.

Timothy Logan, ACFRE, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer, FAHP, MNO

Edge Direct - Assoc Vice President and Senior Consultant

Timothy Logan, FAHP, ACFRE, is Associate Vice-President of Strategy at Barton Cotton. Tim is a leader in developing innovative multichannel direct response programs for major and planned giving. He holds a Masters of Nonprofit Management (MNO) from Case Western Reserve University. Tim has over 40 years experience in fund raising and nonprofit management including 24 years as a direct response fundraising consultant. An AFP certified Master Instructor, he is also an author on fundraising.

Tracy London, JD, MSW

AFP Greater Vancouver (Canada) - President-Elect

As a multiracial British Korean Canadian, Tracy London is fiercely committed to Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenization in her role as Executive Director, Foundation & Alumni Relations at Douglas College, one of Canada's most diverse higher education institutions. Tracy has over 15 years experience in university fundraising. With her Juris Doctor and Master in Social Work, her early career roots are in social justice campaigns. She is President-Elect of AFP Greater Vancouver Chapter.

Miguel Lopez

Miguel Lopez is dedicated to growing and enhancing equitable opportunities for his community and beyond. Through listening, heeding, and collaborating, he creates opportunities that may not have been clearly visible. His role as a fundraising professional prioritizes the communities he serves, where fundraisers, donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders are in service to the community. Miguel is a development manager at The San Diego Foundation, where he focuses on strategic new business initiatives.

Kandice Luisi

Event.Gives - Head of Partnerships

I am the Head of Partnerships at Event Gives. I participate in all non-profit conferences and acquire new clients and partners. I am an expert in our Event Gives platform and an expert in event production, registration, auctions, and the overall event planning process. I have a bachelor's Degree in Business Management from East Carolina University.

Brandon Lyons

DonorSearch - Vice President of Strategic Partnerships

Brandon Lyons has been with DonorSearch since 2015 and is currently the is Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. For the past 7 years, he has worked in the non-profit sector. Brandon graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Micro-Biology and is also a small business owner. He speaks fluent German and in his spare time enjoys painting, drawing, and gardening.

Linda Lysakowski, ACFRE, AFP Master Trainer

LindaLysakowski.com - Author, Speaker, Consultant

A graduate of Alvernia University, with majors in banking and finance and theology/philosophy, and a minor in communications. AFP Master Teacher, graduating from AFP’s Faculty Training Academy. Over thirty-plus years as a philanthropic consultant, having managed capital campaigns that have raised more than $50,000,000, helped hundreds of nonprofit organizations achieve their development goals. Author of over 30 fundraising books, and one of the first ACFREs. Was awarded Barbara Marion Award for Outstanding Service to AFP.

Bruce MacDonald, MA, BComm

Imagine Canada - President and CEO

Bruce MacDonald is the President & CEO of Imagine Canada. Prior to joining Imagine Canada in 2014, Bruce was the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, championing mentoring programs for kids. Bruce holds a BComm. from Laurentian University, and an MA. in Management in the Voluntary Sector from McGill University. In 2019, he was appointed Co-Chair of the Permanent Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector working with the Canadian government.

Cyndi MacKenzie, GPC, GPA Approved Trainer

Cyndi MacKenzie Consulting - GPC and GPA Approved Trainer

Cyndi MacKenzie, Grant Professional Certified, has 18 years in the field offering ethical services to non-profits of all sizes including prospect research, board development, strategic planning development, grant writing and management, budget creation, and post-award consultation. Cyndi is a Grant Professional Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, GPA GrantNews contributing author, and Chair of the GPA Ethics Committee. She was the recipient of the GPA 2020 Pauline G. Annarino Award.

Carlos Madrid Varela, MA, FTA, Certified Mexican Consultant by CEMEFI

AFP Mexico Foundation - AFP Mexico Foundation Treasurer

Carlos Madrid has more than 22 years of experience in Institutional Development and Fundraising, holds a Bachelor in Communication, and two Masters. He is an accredited consultant, and Board member for diverse institutions. Director for Development of the Hospital Infantil de Mexico (1994- 2013) and Director of the Banorte and Gruma Foundations (2006-2013); past Chairman of the Junta de Asistencia Privada del Distrito Federal (2014-2020). Actually, independent consultant mainly in Board Development and Corporate Volunteering.

Sana Mahboob

Sana is an enormous advocate for the communities she serves. She began her career at the University of Manitoba, while completing her B.Sc and is now a Senior Advisor with the Government of Canada. With over a decade of experience in education, philanthropy and advisory roles, Sana continues to work directly with various stakeholders, and holds executive positions on local, national, and international Boards ranging from philanthropy, sports, youth and information technology.

Joshua Marshall, CFRE, MBA

Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation - Development Manager

Joshua Marshall, MBA, CFRE is an experienced fundraiser with a demonstrated history of working in social service and the higher education industry, and consulting to a variety of not-for-profit sectors. He is skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Major Gift Solicitation, Higher Education, Leadership, and Public Speaking. He is a strong business development professional and earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) focused in Growing Enterprise from Trinity Western University.

Leticia Martinez, MA

International Community Foundation - Director of Philanthropy

Senior Development Officer I managea all activities related to donor relations, fundraising campaigns, and planned giving. Over 12 years of experience successfully fundraising and stewarding donor relations.Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Tijuana. Youth Program and Fundraising Director for Centro de Formación Humana. Social Investment Director for Fundación Dibujando un Mañana. Graduate of Universidad Anáhuac México Master of Family Sciences. B.A. in International Business ITESM SLP. Certified Nonprofit Manager USAID.

Punam Mather

Angela Matthews

Angela E. Matthews is an Investment Coach, and founder of the Happy Investor Method™. As an experienced investor of over 12 years, she has conducted workshops and 1:1 coaching with thousands of individuals. As a first-generation investor, she was making $40,000 a year, and was six figures in debt when she taught herself how to generate multiple 6 figures passively in the stock market. Her goal is to make investing accessible and fun for all.

Shelley Mayer, BBA, Chartered Marketer

Ramp Communications Inc. - Founder & President

Shelley Mayer, CM is founder & president of Ramp Communications, a certified B Corporation and award-winning creative agency. Shelley has expertise in every facet of social impact branding & advertising, and has worked with more than 80 non-profits & social enterprises. Shelley holds a BBA degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a member & Chartered Marketer (CM) with the Canadian Marketing Association, where she serves as a sector expert for the CMA NFP Council.

Mark McCampbell

Advancement Resources - Senior Vice President

With over 4 decades of experience in a wide range of development leadership positions, Mark has worked with leaders in healthcare, higher education, arts, human services, and faith-based institutions to help organizations prepare and take steps towards the next level of growth. He is active in various fundraising professional organizations, community nonprofits, and boards.

Laura McCullough, CFRE

The Community Foundation of Frederick County - Director of Philanthropic Services

Laura has been a fundraising professional for over 13 years. She has served as the Director of Philanthropic Services at the Community Foundation of Frederick County MD since 2015 where she recently completed a $21.8 million endowment campaign which supported the greatest needs in the community. Previously, Laura has worked in higher education and health organizations. She is very active in her local AFP, Western Maryland Chapter and on the Women's Impact Initiative.

Adrienne McDade, CFRE, MA, MBA

Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation - Senior Development Director

Adrienne McDade Taylor is the Sr. Development Officer for the Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Adrienne started her career in fundraising through the AFP-Greater Cincinnati Chapter’s diversity program, New Faces of Fundraising, which she has served as the program’s co-chair and is involved in the national expansion. Her commitment to Diversity & Inclusion efforts extends beyond her role within AFP and into her current role as the Emerging Leaders Task Force Committee Chair.

Patton McDowell, CFRE, MBA, AFP Master Trainer, Ed.D.

PMA Consulting, LLC - President

Dr. Patton McDowell, MBA, CFRE, founded PMA Consulting in 2009, and has worked with 240 nonprofits on fundraising and strategic planning. Previously he led development teams at two universities after a decade working for Special Olympics. He’s an AFP Master Trainer, and a former board president for AFP Charlotte and chapter representative for AFP International. His podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership now includes 100+ episodes with nonprofit and fundraising leaders from around the world.

Linda McGhee, JD, PhD

Dr. Linda McGhee is a licensed clinical psychologist who speaks and writes nationally on mental health, race, and education. She received her Psy.D. from George Washington University following a career as an attorney. Dr. McGhee is on the Board of Directors and the President of the Maryland Psychological Association. Dr. McGhee specializes in speaking and training on mental health, diversity and inclusion, and culturally competent therapy and assessment.

David McGoy, CFRE

ASSIST Development Consulting - Founder and President

David is a self-professed nonprofit nerd with over 25 years of experience in the sector. As the Founder and President of ASSIST Development Consulting, I work with small and mid-sized nonprofit organizations to solve for both short- and long-term fundraising needs. I am committed to supporting nonprofit professionals of color in their career advancement and passionate about the need to dismantle racism and white privilege in philanthropy.

Taylor McMillan

National MS Society - VP, Individual and Foundation Giving

Taylor McMillan is the Vice President, Individual Giving and Foundation Relations for the National MS Society. She is a member of the Development Leadership team that oversees $180M annually and her direct team of 25 raises more than $50M through midlevel, major, planned, and foundation giving. Prior to this role, Taylor lead all fundraising efforts for the MS Society's South Central region. She is a mom of two boys and a lover of TexMex food.

Jonathan Meagher-Zayas

Villa of Hope - Director of Community Engagement

Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, CFRE (He/Him) is a Queer Latinx Millennial nonprofit strategist dedicated to addressing equity issues, building capacity, engaging the community, motivating new impact leaders, and getting stuff done. Jonathan wears many professional hats including Director of Agency Advancement at Villa of Hope, Founder for the Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator, Leadership Development and Equity Trainer, Social Sector Career Coach, and AFP Global Board Member. A fundraiser for ten+ years, Jonathan has raised over $5 million.

Krishan Mehta, PhD

Ryerson University - Executive Director, Campaign

Krishan has been a fundraiser in higher education for over 20 years in Toronto, Canada. He is also a researcher on immigrant and diaspora philanthropy, and teacher of fundraising management. In 2020, Krishan was named Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year by the AFP Toronto Chapter.

Nivisha Mehta

RAFT - Chief Development Officer

Nivisha is a fundraiser focused on the Indian American community. She helped found the groundbreaking South Asian Heart Center at El Camino Hospital. Spanning her 20 year career, Nivisha has raised over $10M and spent over half of this time fundraising from this group. Nivisha is writing a book about ethnic fundraising.

Robin Merle

Robin Merle Associates, LLC - Principal

Robin Merle, CFRE has been a senior executive for billon-dollar nonprofit organizations in education and healthcare during her 35+ years in the field. She is an active AFP member at the Global level, in the New York City Chapter, and served as the Chapter’s Vice Chair of National Philanthropy Day 3 times. She was named Woman of Achievement in 2017 by Women in Development, NY. Robin is the author of the award-winning book, Involuntary Exit.

Joshua Meyer

Bloomerang - VP, Demand Generation

Joshua Meyer brings more than 20 years of fundraising, volunteer management, and marketing experience to his current role as the VP, Demand Generation for Bloomerang. Currently, as a member of the Bloomerang marketing team, Josh manages all organization’s growth marketing efforts. Through his previous roles at the Human Rights Campaign and OneCause, he has a passion for helping to create positive change and helping nonprofits engage new donors and achieve their fundraising goals.

Benjamin Miller

Bonterra - SVP of Data Science and Analytics

Benjamin Miller is an entrepreneur drawing upon degrees in mathematics and systems engineering to advance applied data science in the non-profit sector. Ben Miller is the SVP of Data Science and Analytics at Bonterra, and has helped raise billions of dollars from tens of millions of donors for thousands of organizations over his career. Ben serves on the Research Council for the AFP and is the Vice Chair of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project.

Nicolas Miller

Fundraise Up - Head of Special Projects

Nic Miller is a marketing professional dedicated to using his strengths in writing and design to grow the good in the world. Through his work at Fundraise Up, he's able to support nonprofits in advancing their missions by making it easy for their donors to give well. In his personal life, he's driven by a passion to make education more accessible and better individualized for learners.

Benjamin Miller, MS

DonorTrends, a Division of EveryAction - CAO of DonorTrends

Benjamin Miller is an entrepreneur drawing upon degrees in mathematics and systems engineering to advance applied data science in the non-profit sector. Ben Miller is the Chief Analytic Officer at DonorTrends, and has helped raise billions of dollars from tens of millions of donors for thousands of organizations over his career. Ben serves on the Research Council for the AFP and is the Vice Chair of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project.

Jenny Mitchell, CFRE, CEC

Chavender - Chavender

Chavender’s vision is to help more people do more good. Jenny Mitchell (CFRE, DMA), works closely with not-for-profit leaders to change the world - one mission at a time. Chavender assists clients, across Canada and the U.S., to achieve their fundraising goals through personalized fundraising coaching. Before completing her CFRE, Jenny trained as a classical musician and earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts. She brings her creative approach to the world of not-for-profits.

Ben Mohler

Benjamin Mohler is principal consultant and chief executive of GivingThree LLC. Prior positions include leadership roles for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Eastern Kentucky University, UNC Charlotte, Cedarville University, and the University of Texas at Austin. He is a CFRE, ACFRE, and earned a master’s degree in philanthropy and development from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. He currently serves as a board member for United Way of Kentucky and the ACFRE Certification Board.

Jennifer Moore, CFRE

Crisis Center of Tampa Bay - VP of Development

Growing up in a low-income family, Jennifer was the first in her family to graduate from college. Receiving her Bachelors in Economics led to a greater comfort in discussing financials with donors. She has spent her career in the fundraising sector working with both university and community nonprofits. One of her proudest accomplishments was obtaining her CFRE in 2016. Today Jennifer serves as the Vice President of Development for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

Rachel Muir, CFRE

Consultant, speaker & trainer - Keynotes, custom training & retreats

Rachel has worked every side of the Rubik’s cube that is the nonprofit sector. When she was 26 she launched Girlstart, a non-profit empowering girls in math, science, engineering and technology in the living room of her apartment with $500 and a credit card. Several years later she had raised over 10 million and was featured on Oprah, CNN, and the Today show. Today Rachel delivers online workshops to transform people into confident, successful fundraisers.

Christian Murphy, CFRE

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta - Chief Development Officer, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

Christian Murphy harnesses more than a decade of fundraising experience to support women and girls in our community through the power of dynamic relationships. She is the past president for the AFP, Greater Atlanta as well as a volunteer for the Junior League of Atlanta and Twelve Days of Christmas, Atlanta Chapter. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman and her MPA from Georgia State University.

Sarah Nathan, PhD

Middletown Community Foundation - Executive Director

Sarah K. Nathan, Ph.D. is an exuberant philanthropy professional, educator, and avid volunteer. In January 2021 she began her appointment as Executive Director of Northfield Shares, the community foundation serving Northfield, Minnesota. Previously, Dr. Nathan served five years as the Associate Director of The Fund Raising School at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, where she continues as an adjunct faculty member.

Hillary Nather-Detisch, CFRE, MPA

Joslyn Art Museum - Director of Develoment

Hillary Nather Detisch has over twenty-one years’ experience professionally fundraising and grant making in the Omaha community. She currently oversees the Development and Philanthropy team at Joslyn Art Museum, where she has worked for 8 years. Her focus the past fifteen years has been primarily on Major Gifts/Donors and Capital Campaigns. She is an adjunct faculty at the University of Nebraska at Omaha – teaching undergraduate, graduate and executive courses in fundraising.

Emily Newberry

OneCause - VP of National Accounts

As Vice President of National Accounts at OneCause, Emily works with national nonprofits to understand challenges and opportunities and collaborates with nonprofit leaders on ways to engage donors and use technology to meet fundraising and stewardship goals. Prior to joining OneCause, Emily was the Director of Development at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, responsible for managing several fundraising events, monitoring grant spending and care at two multi-disciplinary health clinics and procuring grant funding.

Wayne Olson

Intermountain Healthcare - Gift Planning Officer

Wayne is the Gift Planning Officer for Intermountain Healthcare (Utah). Prior, Wayne was president of Wayne Olson Consulting LLC where he advised corporations and charities on fundraising, sales, customer service and building stronger relationships with constituents. He is an expert on planned giving and donor relations. He is an attorney with 20+ years’ of working with donors on tens of millions of dollars in donations and helped countless nonprofits build fundraising and planned giving programs.

Irshad Osman, CFRE, MSc

University of Toronto - Senior Development Officer

Osman (MSc, CFRE) is an Imam by training and a fundraiser by profession. He has worked and studied on three continents. Osman works as a Senior Development Officer at the University of Toronto. Passionate about inclusive philanthropy. Supporter of international, and educational causes. Speaker and advocate for social justice, true inclusion, anti-hate, anti-racism, etc. He has participated in the Fellowship in Inclusion & Philanthropy, Interfaith Innovation Fellowship project, and KAICIID International Inter-religious Fellowship.

Jennifer Oyer, CFRE, MA

Community Impact Advisors - Principal & Chief Joy Officer

As Principal and Chief Joy Officer of Community Impact Advisors with 20 years of fund development, organizational, and strategic management experience in the social services, healthcare, and higher education sectors, Jennifer Oyer, CFRE partners with Non-Profit Organizations to transform their communities through innovation and collaboration. She most recently served as Chief Development Officer at The Salvation Army – Hawaiian and Pacific Islands and led six Advisory Boards to embark in their first $75 Million Campaign.

Kishshana Palmer, CFRE

Kishshana Palmer is an international speaker, trainer, and coach with a 20+ year background in fundraising, marketing, and talent management who helps leaders create high performing teams. She’s a supernova on any stage and platforms due to her charismatic and candid delivery. It doesn’t matter if she’s speaking about philanthropy, living your most authentic life, or diversity, the energy she brings to the stage is always entertaining and edifying.

Holly Parrish, CFRE, MPA

JCA - Consultant

Holly Parrish, a CFRE since 2004 based in Florida, has managed annual, major and planned giving fundraising programs for dozens of diverse organizations over 20+ years (Healthcare, Social Services, Arts, Education). Holly joined JCA in 2020 after 8 years as an independent fundraising consultant. Additionally, Holly serves on the training faculty for the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy at Rollins College. Holly currently serves as President of the Greater Polk AFP Chapter.

Autumn Parrott, CFRE

Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum (Cranbrook Education - Senior Director of Development

Autumn Parrott has almost twenty years of successful higher education and art museum leadership experience and is currently the Senior Director of Development for Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Before joining Cranbrook, Autumn served in various roles in development at organizations including Watkins College of Art and Design, Frist Art Museum, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She earned her CFRE in 2008.

Ligia Pena, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer

GlobetrottingFundraiser - International Legacy Consultant

Ligia Peña, CFRE is President of GlobetrottingFundraiser, specializing in helping charities develop & implement their fundraising and legacy strategy. She's also a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Kent, researching national legacy marketing campaigns. As an AFP Master Trainer, she’s trained countless fundraisers around the globe. She's a sought-after and seasoned international presenter who enjoys sharing her knowledge and empowering nonprofits professionals to think about legacies differently by daring to be creative and innovative.

Gail Perry, CFRE, MBA, AFP Master Trainer

Gail Perry Group - Consultant, Speaker, Author and Coach

Gail Perry is a nonprofit missionary and philanthropy expert. She founded Gail Perry Group, a consultancy that helps nonprofits achieve transformational fundraising goals. An internationally recognized presenter and facilitator, Gail keynotes fundraising conferences in the US and abroad. Gail is author of “Fired Up Fundraising: Turn Your Board’s Passion into Action,” (AFP/Wiley), recognized as “the gold standard guide to building successful boards.” She was recently named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Philanthropy for 2020.

Anthony Petchel, MBA, CTP

360 Philanthropy - Philanthropy Coach

Anthony Petchel (He/Him) is the principle of 360Philanthropy, a consulting firm working with nonprofits and donors to create impact through equitable philanthropy. Anthony brings over twenty-five years of leadership experience in team development, fundraising, and communications strategies, along with public policy advocacy. Before transitioning to fundraising, Anthony spent over 16 years in commercial banking and finance. Anthony holds an MBA and degrees in Psychology and Sociology and has over 20 years of nonprofit board service.

Marc Pitman

The Concord Leadership Group LLC - CEO

Concord Leadership Group founder Marc A. Pitman, CSP® helps leaders lead their teams with more effectiveness and less stress. His latest book is The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be. He’s also the author of Ask Without Fear!® – which has been translated into Dutch, Polish, Spanish, and Mandarin. Marc’s expertise and enthusiasm engages audiences around the world both in person and with online presentations.

Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, CFRE, Ed.D., CNP, GPC, SHRM-CP

Edgehill Neighborhood Partnership - Executive Director

Dr. Quintanilla Plattsmier has eleven years of experience in the nonprofit sector, has worked with 50+ organizations, and raised over $4 million. She is Executive Director of Edgehill Neighborhood Partnership and runs AQP Consulting. She was the youngest recipient of AFP's Outstanding Young Professional in 2018 and recently completed AFP's Women's Impact Initiative Leadership Development Program. She currently chairs AFP LEAD Host Committee and serves on AFP’s Emerging Leaders Task Force and Women’s Impact Committee.

Jeff Porter

Handbid - CEO and Founder

Jeff is a change agent and visionary, driving his industry and customers to adapt to new technologies and disruptive innovations. For example, he started building smartphone apps in 2008 when he co-founded MobilePeople USA. Since MobilePeople, he has witnessed how mobile technology has disrupted various industries, including local search, music, banking, retail, and fundraising. Through his experience in charity fundraising, Jeff insisted that a smartphone app would drive higher donor engagement; so he founded Handbid.

Alex Quinn

Manju Ramachandran

Fundraising Consultant - Director of Development

Fueled by samosa’s, Manju Ramachandran has given her time, treasure, and talent to empower the South Asian community for 20 years. She volunteers with TiE, Maitri, and 1947 Partition Archive, and has raised $9MM to support programs at India Community Center, Second Harvest Food Bank, and All Stars Helping Kids.

Aneesh Raman

The LinkedIn Opportunity Institute - Founding Director

Aneesh is a Senior Director for External Comms, focused on building more integrated storytelling across our teams. Previously, he was a Senior Economic Advisor for Governor Newsom after spending five years in the tech industry, including as Head of Economic impact at Facebook. From 2009-2013, he held multiple positions in the Obama Administration, including as a domestic policy speechwriter to President Obama and as a speechwriter to the Treasury Secretary during a historic financial crisis.

Ana Luisa Ramirez

Gestión Filantrópica SC - Consultora

Ana Luisa has served the non-profit sector for 21 years, she´s CEO of Gestión FIlantrópica, a mexican consulting firm, and has held various positions including the Director of fundraising at Ministry of Culture of the state, and the children´s museum. She´s an active member of AFP, served on the International Board, Co-founder of the AFP México Foundation, Past-President of her local chapter, and a master trainer,. Ana Luisa loves teaching at the Jesuit University ITESO

Meghan Rehbein, CFRE, MA, EdD

Rutgers University - Associate Dean Strategic Initiatives

Meghan Rehbein is the Associate Dean Strategic Initiatives for Douglass College, the women’s college at Rutgers University. She has two decades experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. Prior to joining Douglass, she was VP for advancement at Georgian Court University, and held leadership roles at the Monmouth County SPCA, Seabrook, and Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County. She recently completed a doctorate in organizational leadership at Stockton University studying women nonprofit CEOs.

Johna Rodgers

Ann Rosenfield, CFRE, MBA, AFP Master Trainer

Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto - Development Director

Director of Development for Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto, Ann worked with leadership to quadruple unrestricted gifts during the coronavirus crisis. Board member of Rainbow Railroad, a LGBTQI+ refugee charity. Speaker on philanthropy across Canada and internationally including a master class for the International Fundraising Conference in Amsterdam and several courses in San Francisco. Fundraising expert interviewed by the CBC, Toronto Star, Macleans, Associated Press and other media.

Bernard Ross, MA

The Management Centre - Director

Bernard is director of =mc management consultancy. He has written or co-written eight award winning books on fundraising and strategy. Breakthrough Thinking won best non-profit book in the USA. Global Fundraising was the first fundraising book to be published in China by Shanghai University Press. He wrote The Strategy Workout published by Financial Times/Pearson. He has created strategy for many charities and INGOs including UNICEF, UNHCR, Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund, and more.

Jeannie Sager, MA

Women's Philanthropy Institute - Director

Jeannie Sager is director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. WPI believes that gender matters in philanthropy, and that solving the world’s complex problems requires perspective, leadership and generosity from women and men. WPI focuses on conducting, curating and disseminating rigorous research that grows women’s philanthropy. Jeannie is a seasoned nonprofit executive with over 25 years of experience in health care, higher education, and independent school leadership.

Adrian Sargeant, MBA, PhD

Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy - Co-Director

Adrian Sargeant is Professor of Fundraising and Co-Director of the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy. He was formerly the first Hartsook Chair in Fundraising at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Adrian is a prolific author and educator. He designed the UK’s system of professional education for fundraisers and has just completed the redevelopment of the European qualification framework for the European Fundraising Association.

Tim Sarrantonio, MA

Neon One, LLC - Director of Corporate Brand

Tim Sarrantonio is a team member at Neon One and has more than 10 years of experience working for and volunteering with nonprofits. He has presented at international conferences and is a TEDx speaker on technology and philanthropy, as well as being named NonprofitPRO's Technology Professional of the Year in 2020. Tim is a proud Executive Team member of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project for AFP. He volunteers heavily in his community around Niskayuna, NY.

Rupert Schutz

Boys and Girls Club of America - Director, Digital Performance

Rupert leads the digital performance program at Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national headquarters in Atlanta, GA. He helps drive digital donor strategy as the organization’s administrator for both Salesforce Marketing Cloud and their digital donation platform, Fundraise Up. Rupert brings 15 years of experience in digital marketing and a passion for helping nonprofits close the technology gap.

Kirsten Searer

Kirsten Searer advocates for equity and access for all children through public education. She joined the Public Education Foundation because she believes strongly in the need for our community to unite to meet the critical needs of our public schools. Kirsten served on the cabinet for three superintendents at the Clark County School District, the nation’s fifth-largest district. She is a former executive and spokesperson for several local and national political and non-profit organizations.

Rebecca Segovia

Pursuant - Executive Vice President

With two decades of leadership experience spanning the disciplines of marketing, fundraising, people, and technology, Becca is a seasoned executive with a passion for insight driven fundraising aimed at increasing donor LTV and nonprofit health. Becca has a special affinity for silos busting and creating cultures that empower growth.

Genevieve Shaker, PhD

Lilly Family School of Philanthropy - Associate Professor

Genevieve G. Shaker, Ph.D., is associate professor of philanthropic studies in the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She was an advancement officer for 20 years, most recently as associate dean for development and external affairs for the IU School of Liberal Arts. Professor Shaker researches fundraising and fundraisers, particularly within higher education. She was AFP's “Emerging Scholar” in 2015 and coauthored Fundraising Principles for Faculty and Academic Leaders (Palgrave, 2021).

Taylor Shanklin

Barlele - CEO & Founder

Taylor Shanklin is an accomplished and energetic marketing leader with a solid history of achievement in leading teams, corporate marketing, product marketing, and growth strategy. She leads with agile marketing processes and a scrappy roll-up-your-sleeves attitude. Her Clifton Strengths Finder test results say she's a futurist. Her areas of expertise include strategic growth planning, branding, podcasting, video marketing, collaboration with product teams, and building creative, curious, and happy marketing teams.

Alissa Silverman

Salesforce - Nonprofit Industry Advisor

Alissa joined Salesforce in July 2020 as a Nonprofit Industry Advisor. She brings 20+ years of experience as a nonprofit leader. Her career has focused on expanding access to opportunity for young people in Atlanta, nationally, and globally. She has served as a regional director for UNICEF USA, a fundraising coach for local executives at Teach For America, and Chief of Growth Strategy and Development for Bottom Line, a national college advising organization.

Shiree Skinner, MBA, Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultant

Beacon House - Director of Development

Being a Black fundraiser when most of my donors are white.

Angie Sledge

Knoxville Habitat for Humanity - Chief Development Officer

Angie Sledge began her development career while still in college, and was fortunate to pair her career with her vocation: advocating for the needs of children and families. She earned a BS in Human Services Management from UT Chattanooga, and has over 20 years development experience. Since 2014, she’s served as the Chief Development Officer for Knoxville Habitat for Humanity.

Jermaine Smith

Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities - Vice President of Institutional Advancement

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Jermaine L. Smith serves as vice president, major gifts for City Year and is a passionate fund development expert specializing in major gifts and donor engagement. Before joining City Year, Jermaine was the Chief Development Officer for Louisiana at the American Red Cross. Jermaine serves on the boards of Friends of the New Orleans Public Library, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals New Orleans.

Jeffrey Sobel, BA

JSC Impact - Founder and President

As founder and president of JSC LCC, Jeff leads the parent company and strategic partner to Sobel Bixel: Consulting for Nonprofits, Oxygen Benefits Consulting and JSC Impact. Through JSC Impact, Jeff combines his philanthropic and private investment experience to counsel nonprofits and social enterprises looking to sustain and expand their missions through impact investment.

Jamaal Solomon

Crypto J Means Inc. - Founder/Executive Director

Jamaal is the Founder/Executive Director of Crypto J Means Inc. Jamaal is a passionate speaker who loves creating financial literacy programs for all ages. He has appeared on the Google stage twice in New York City and created a highly respected entrepreneurship workshop series for his local fraternity chapter. Jamaal also created cryptocurrency themed workshops called “Crypto J,” which incorporates teaching adults, children, and small business owners about blockchain technology, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.

Scott Staub

Michele Stauff, CFRE

Million Dollar Round Table Foundation - Executive Director

Michele L. Stauff, CFRE, has more than 25 years of service to the non-profit community, beginning with direct service work before transitioning to executive leadership roles. Prior to joining the MDRT Foundation, her work experience includes Howard Brown Health Center, Between Friends (formerly known as Friends of Battered Women and their Children), and Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.

Dennis Stefanacci

A.J. Steinberg, CFRE

Queen Bee Fundraising - president

Nonprofit event planning expert and engagement strategist A.J. Steinberg, CFRE has created outstanding fundraising events since 1999 with her Los Angeles-based production company. She has produced over 100 events and raised millions of dollars for her nonprofit clients. In addition to helping organizations craft engaging and profitable events, A.J. leads workshops and is a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Melissa Bank Stepno

Blackbaud - Director, Professional Services, Customer Success Services

Melissa is Director of Analytics & Business Consulting for Blackbaud, President of Apra, and an instructor for Rice University’s Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership. Her thought leadership includes using data and analytics to drive fundraising growth and the impact of high net worth philanthropy. She previously held board roles with NEDRA, AFP’s Northern New England Chapter, and Brandeis University’s Alumni Association.

Jo Sullivan

Houston SPCA.

Jo Sullivan is a dynamic, results-driven Executive Director with a passion for leading processes to increase fundraising and grow community impact for leading nonprofit organizations. She maintains a proven track record of managing complex programs and projects while ensuring high-quality execution. Jo currently leverages her talents to lead all aspects of development for the Houston SPCA. Jo's previous professional accomplishments include notable contributions to ASPIRE to Win, Nick's Place, among other respected organizations.

Deb Taft

Lindauer - CEO

Deb Taft is CEO of Lindauer, a premier executive search and talent firm serving the nonprofit profession. An innovative leader, Deb has held prior executive role in the education, health/academic medicine, and voluntary sectors. Her expertise includes governance, leadership strategy, management and talent recruitment, development and retention. A respected speaker known for her inclusion and equity work, Deb serves on the Board of The Giving Institute and the Editorial Board of Giving USA.

Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger, CFRE

Deniz H. Tasdemiroglu Conger, MPA, CFRE, is a nonprofit and fund development executive and social entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience leading organizations through program expansion, revenue growth, and transformational capital and comprehensive campaigns. She believes in the transformative power of inclusive, community-centered philanthropy and has successfully led development programs and teams for national and regional nonprofits in arts and culture, healthcare, housing and human services, education, and social justice organizations.

Claire Taylor Hansen

Big Duck - Creative Director

Claire Taylor Hansen leads the creative team of designers and writers at Big Duck. Claire has been designing for nonprofits since graduating from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in 2007. She jumped into the nonprofit community designing materials for The Public Theater and Shakespeare in the Park, and later at Brooklyn Botanic Garden where she participated in a capital campaign and a rebrand effort.

Nhu Te

Fundraise Up - Senior Content Manager

Nhu is Senior Content Manager at Fundraise Up focusing on helping nonprofits create more impact through personalized donor relations, digital fundraising, and thoughtful use of technology. She is energized by a mission she truly believes in — a passion that goes hand in hand with a commitment to building a content strategy that elevates the brand, resonates with its key audience, and drives revenue generation through strategic decision-making, compelling storytelling, and a personalized multichannel approach.

Sarah Tedesco

DonorSearch - Executive Vice President

Sarah serves as the Executive Vice President at DonorSearch and helps direct operations, client success, and marketing. For the past 15 years, Sarah has enjoyed working with nonprofits of all shapes and sizes while assisting them to achieve their fundraising success. Sarah truly enjoys working on strategic plans, product development ideas, and collaborating with DonorSearch clients and partners. In addition, speaking at conferences and engaging with others in the industry is something Sarah regularly does.

Katja Thomakos, CFRE

Cranbrook Institute of Science (Cranbrook Educational Commun - Director of Development

Katja is the Director of Development at Cranbrook Institute of Science. Previously, she was Executive Director of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts Foundation and Assistant Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the College for Creative Studies. She holds a BA in Theatre and Anthropology from Michigan State University and an MA in Arts Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Katja is a former board member for the NW Louisiana Chapter.

Lucy Thomas

VanillaSoft - Business Development Representative

Lucy Thomas was the Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Saint Mary’s College, managing a team of 25 callers, and reducing software costs by 85% while increasing donations – all during the 2020 pandemic. Currently Lucy is a Business Development Representative with VanillaSoft.

Hannah Thomas

Big Duck - Director of Learning and Innovation

As director of learning and innovation at Big Duck, Hannah loves being a partner to nonprofits as they navigate change, drawing on her curiosity and collaborative spirit to generate strong outcomes. Some partners she’s proud to have worked with include the Ms. Foundation for Women, the Apollo Theater, and Community Change. At Big Duck, she’s led the development of its DEI and antiracist plan and research into the racism and inequity embedded in fundraising communications.

Ashley Thompson

Blackbaud Institute - Managing Director

Ashley Thompson is the managing director for the Blackbaud Institute, where she is responsible for driving Blackbaud’s extensive research, thought leadership, and best practice content. Through this role, Ashley builds thoughtful strategies and solutions for the philanthropic sector utilizing the most comprehensive data set in the social good community. She also manages internal and external relationships for the Institute, including the convening of the Blackbaud Institute Advisory Board.

Derik Timmerman, CFRE, PhD

Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions - Founder

Derik Timmerman, PhD, CFRE is the Founder of Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions, a nationwide consulting firm helping nonprofits maximize their world-changing impact. Prior to founding Sparrow, Derik was a management consultant at McKinsey & Company and a US Army Intelligence Officer with two combat deployments to Iraq. Derik earned his Bachelor's from the US Military Academy at West Point, a Masters from Liberty University, a PhD in Philosophy from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

David Tinker, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer, Distinguished Fellow of AFP Designation

Achieva - Vice President of Advancement

Dave Tinker, MPA, MISST, CFRE, FAFP has more than 30 years of fundraising and nonprofit management experience. He is Vice President of Advancement at Achieva where he oversees all of the fundraising and communications efforts, an associate consultant with GoalBusters Consulting, and an adjunct professor of informatics at Muskingum University’s Master of Information Strategy, Systems and Technology program. Dave currently serves on the Grant Professionals Association’s Ethics Committee and is a certified AFP Master Trainer.

Steven Titlebaum, CFRE

Howard University Medical Alumni Association - Executive Director

Steven Titlebaum, CFRE, Executive Director of Howard University Medical Alumni Association, has over 25+ years of fundraising and nonprofit experience. He worked at Gallaudet University, creating an alumni class giving competition and taught a fundraising class in ASL. Previously, he worked at Capital Caring Health where he managed corporate giving and created a unique Corporate Advisory Group. Steven has a Master’s degree in Human Services Administration, Spertus College; he became a CFRE in 2007.

Emily Tolliver

Best Friends Animal Society - Social Communities and Content Manager

Emily Tolliver (she/her/hers) is an experienced social media manager at Best Friends Animal Society with a passion for helping homeless pets through various digital platforms and channels.

Abby Trahan, MPA

Abby Trahan (she/her), MPA is now a Development Officer at the University of Houston in Leadership Annual Giving. Prior to this role, she was the Annual Giving Coordinator at the Houston Food Bank. While with the Food Bank she pursued impact fundraising by growing and retaining a monthly giving program of 4,800 constituents.

Julie Upham, CFRE

Conservation International - Vice President, Individual Giving

Julie Naranjo Upham, CFRE is the VP, Individual Giving at Conservation International. She oversees more than $40M in revenue through the annual, midlevel, major, and planned giving teams. She has also lead CI's Special Events program and their global Business Councils. In addition to her time at CI, she lead the National MS Society's Major and Planned giving teams and has an MPA in Nonprofit Management. She is a mom of three and avid triathlete.

Rebecca Vachon, CFRE

Rebecca Vachon, CFRE fell into fundraising almost a decade ago and has been figuring out her career plan as she goes since then. Over the years she has learned from mentors, peers, and her own mistakes and triumphs. Rebecca serves as the VP of Communications for the Greater Cincinnati AFP Chapter and as a member of the Emerging Leaders Task Force, and soon she will be starting a new role with the ASPCA as th

Kelly Velasquez-Hague

OneCause - VP, Marketing

Kelly Velasquez-Hague has more than 20 years of fundraising, nonprofit management, and marketing experience. Prior to starting her career in fundraising technology, Kelly worked in the nonprofit sector as a Development Director and Event Coordinator. Kelly is passionate about empowering great missions and helping nonprofits reach new donors and raise more funds for their cause.

Josie Velles

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation - Senior Director of Development Services

Josie Velles serves as Senior Director of Development Services at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation where she develops and oversees processes for donor services, including the online donor portal. Before joining the Community Foundation in 2005, Josie worked in development at the Milwaukee Public Museum and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Josie earned a BA at the University of Iowa and a certificate in nonprofit management from Iowa State University.

Jeff Vogel

DonorPerfect

Jeff Vogel leads DonorPerfect’s Marketing and Business Development team with 20 years of experience in digital marketing, branding, sales enablement, and product marketing. Jeff volunteers and supports organizations that work in the areas of food security, health equity, environment, and civil rights. Jeff earned an MBA in Marketing and Strategic Management from Villanova School of Business.

Erica Waasdorp, AFP Master Trainer

A Direct Solution - President

Erica Waasdorp is President of A Direct Solution, located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She works with non-profit clients all over the country as well as internationally, helping them with their appeals and monthly giving. She is a former US Ambassador for the International Fundraising Congress. Erica, an AFP Master Trainer, published two books on monthly giving - Monthly Giving. The Sleeping Giant, 2012 and Monthly Giving Made Easy, a How-To Guide, May 2021.

Andre Wade

Mary-Frances Wain

Mary-Frances Wain is Chief Engagement Officer at Prosperity Now where she leads philanthropy, community engagement, marketing and communications. Mary-Frances joined the Prosperity Now executive team in August 2020, capping a twenty-five year career dedicated to expanding and ensuring opportunities for every person to achieve their full potential, with a demonstrated track record in leading communications and philanthropic initiatives to foster lasting change.

Jarrett Way

Mighty Citizen - Content & Digital Marketing Manager

While attending journalism school at the University of North Texas, Jarrett found himself at the intersection of communications and advocacy. His post-graduation endeavors took him to Memphis, Tennessee, where he spent four years diving into the world of content marketing and digital strategy. Grind City could only keep a Texan away for so long before Jarrett moved to Austin to tell the story of Mighty Citizen.

Stacey Wedding, Certified Governance Consultant, BoardSource

The Stacey Wedding Group - Chief Strategist

Fondly referred to as the fairy godmother of nonprofits, Stacey Wedding has spent 20 years devoted to elevating nonprofits, seemingly by magic. After a long tenure at the Nevada Community Foundation, she established Professionals in Philanthropy in 2006 with a mission to build nonprofit capacity to change our communities, countries, and world. A college graduate and BoardSource Certified Governance Consultant, Stacey’s contagious energy fills the room whether speaking at international conferences, keynote engagements, or retreats.

Lynne Wester

Donor Relations Guru LLC - Founder and Principal

Lynne believes that donor relations is the key to unlocking fundraising success. She partners with nonprofits on a variety of initiatives from developing sound strategy and vision to utilizing technology and creating meaningful donor engagement. Lynne received her B.A. from the University of South Carolina, a Masters in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy from BayPath University, and a DUCKtorate from the Disney Institute.

Bernadette White, PhD

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley - Corporate Philanthropy Officer

I completed my PhD in Sociology from Syracuse University in May 2019. My research focused on philanthropy and volunteerism in the Indian American community here in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have been living in the Bay Area since 2011 and call it home. In addition to teaching at SJSU, I also works full time at Second Harvest of Silicon Valley as a Corporate Philanthropy Officer.

Pamala Wiepking, PhD

Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy - Visiting Stead Family Chair in International Philanthropy

Dr. Pamala Wiepking is the inaugural Visiting Stead Family Chair in International Philanthropy at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the inaugural Professor of Societal Significance of Charity Lotteries at the Center for Philanthropic Studies at VU Amsterdam. She studies cross-national and interdisciplinary explanations of philanthropy and generosity behavior. She is the 2017 UMD SPP Do Good Institute-ARNOVA Award for Global Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership recipient for her leadership in international philanthropy research.

Jules Wilkins, CFRE

Montessori Center of Minnesota / JulesWrites.com - Chief Advancement Officer

An expert on donor communications and volunteer relationships, Jules provides the analysis and tools you need to draw on the strength of your community, and inspire others to join you in your work. She is the Chief Advancement Officer at the Montessori Center of Minnesota, and writes and consults at JulesWrites.com. Jules is a Certified Fundraising Executive, and serves on the board of directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Minnesota Chapter.

Karla Williams

Lea Williams, MA, PhD

PMA Consulting, LLC - Consultant

Dr. Lea Williams is an Organizational Scientist who joined PMA Consulting in 2020. Before that, Lea dedicated her time to two main areas: earning her Ph.D. in Organizational Science and serving 15+ nonprofits through pro-bono consulting engagements. Given her strong research background, she is skilled at gathering input and synthesizing it to help nonprofit leaders develop innovative solutions. Her specialties include meeting effectiveness (subject of her dissertation), leadership/board development, data analysis and strategic planning.

Tycely Williams

Bipartisan Policy Center - Chief Development Officer

Williams is a Certified Fundraising Executive, and in her more than 20-year career she has inspired individuals and institutions to invest more than $100 million dollars in charitable causes. Williams leads the Association of Fundraising Professionals global Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Committee; chairs the governing boards of Monument Academy Public Charter School, the Nonprofit Alliance Foundation, and Rising Media Stars; and teaches Fundraising and Leadership at The Pennsylvania State University.

Daison Wingard

UNICEF USA - Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Revenue

Daison Wingard is the director of digital revenue and marketing at UNICEF, where he leads the digital fundraising and engagement operations. He describes himself as a nerdy data guy who is always on the lookout for new ideas to test. Since joining UNICEF, he has worked on MarTech adoption projects, such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud onboarding and Fundraise Up platform adoption, that transformed digital engagement and fundraising user journey.

Amy Wolfe, CFRE, MPPA

Mujeres Poderosas - Partner

Amy Wolfe, MPPA, CFRE, is a partner in Mujeres Poderosas, a collaboration of hard-working, determined and passionate women sharing their collective wisdom for the betterment of non-profit organizations. She has nearly twenty years of non-profit development experience. Amy serves on the boards of directors for Protected Harvest, Ag Innovations and the Modesto Rotary Club. She, her husband and their daughter enjoy country life in California.

Karrie Wozniak

OneCause - CMO

Karrie has spent more than a decade bringing innovative technology and fundraising strategies to the nonprofit industry. As one of the first executives at OneCause, Karrie combines her 20 years of experience in marketing with her passion for helping nonprofits expand their reach, leading industry research, marketing strategy, and fundraising consulting initiatives. She is also an active speaker on donor and fundraising trends, and has been featured on Forbes.com, Philanthropy Journal, and Nonprofit Hub.

Aliguma Young, MBA

The Super Fundraiser, Inc. - CEO

Aliguma Young, MBA is CEO of The Super Fundraiser, Inc., a consulting firm, and Aliguma Speaks, Inc. which provides Diversity and Leadership consulting. Aliguma has raised over $150,000,000 for organizations including leading the capital campaign for the construction of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA.

Jill Zimmerman

Greater Chicago Food Depository - Chief Philanthropy Officer

Jill Zimmerman joined the Greater Chicago Food Depository in June 2012. Ms. Zimmerman is an experienced fundraiser across human services, arts, education and cultural organizations. She leads the Food Depository’s fundraising and special events teams responsible for securing continued support from individual donors, corporations and foundations. Ms. Zimmerman oversees approximately $70 million in philanthropy.

Tammy Zonker, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer

Fundraising Transformed - Major Gift Strategist, Trainer & Keynote Speaker

Recognized as one of American’s Top 20 Fundraising Experts, Tammy is an inspiring international speaker and trainer in the discipline of transformational philanthropy. She has led, trained, and coached nonpro?t social service organizations, private schools, colleges and universities, and healthcare organizations to raise more than a half-billion dollars, including a single gift of $27.1M Tammy is a masterful storyteller, major gifts strategist, and fundraising expert.

Joey Zumaya

LinkedIn - Head of Nonprofit Enterprise Sales & Strategy, North America

Joey Zumaya is a business and community leader with a passion for empowering underserved communities. At LinkedIn, Joey leads social impact teams and initiatives that include nonprofit engagement, community development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Joey serves on several boards, most notably the National Board of The Salvation Army. Over the course of his career, he has received various awards for his business accomplishments and philanthropic impact.

Armando Zumaya, MA, 35 years of experience

Armando Zumaya Training and Consulting - Jefe

Armando Zumaya has been a fundraiser for 35 years. He is nationally known for his speaking on Major GIfts prospecting, the Latinx experience in nonprofits, the power of prospect research and True Diversity in nonprofits. He is the founder of Somos El Poder the first Latinx fundraising institute in the US. He is widely published and speaks internationally.