Francesco Ambrogetti is leading the Supporter Engagement strategy of UNICEF international with the target of mobilizing 100 million people to give their voice, time and money to support children.
Before this role he has led the Innovative finance for the Capital Fund of the UN and Marketing and Fundraising Director for UNICEF Italy. Francesco has 25 years of fundraising experience with major nonprofit organizations including UNICEF, UNAIDS, UNHCR, MSF, WWF and the Red Cross. His experience extends worldwide and includes raising billions of dollars in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. He launched the campaign “Schools for Africa” for UNICEF that raised over $200 million.
Francesco is a Professor of Fundraising at Bologna University and a frequent speaker at international fundraising congresses. He is the author of Emotionraising: How to astonish, disturb, seduce and convince the brain to support good causes, published in 2016 by Civil Society Press and Hooked on a feeling. How passion and devotion for good causes becomes memories and identities (2021, Hillborn).
Francesco leads the sessions Emotionraising: How to astonish, disturb, seduce and convince the brain to support good causes and Hooked On a Feeling: Transforming Emotions into Memorable Donor Experiences.
Brie Backus began her wellness career in the fitness industry, teaching Pilates and healthy movement patterns to an array of clientele for several years. In 2017 she had a pivotal turning point that led her to health coaching, through a self-healing journey of her own. After reaching out to her doctor with digestive distress and being given a prescription for Prilosec as the remedy, she became curious and driven to find some real answers. Rather than using medication as a band aid to mask symptoms, she wanted to get to the root cause of her discomfort. She thus began a deep dive of all things health, wellness, and nutrition.
She obtained a plant-based nutrition certification through eCornell, and a Health Coaching certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Brie was able to heal her symptoms through dietary changes, and strongly believes not only that food is medicine, but that we know our bodies better than anyone, and must be our own advocates.
She is also a Co-Active trained coach and leads individuals and groups through processes that empower them to improve and transform their lives, by taking control of their own health and well-being.
Brie lives in Seattle with her husband, their son, and sweet fluffy fur baby.
Brie leads the session, 'Caring For Yourself Above All Else'.
Chris Baiocchi has worked in the nonprofit space for 25 years as a communicator, fundraiser, and leader. He’s led annual giving campaigns, planned special events, written grants, and helped fundraisers and nonprofit professionals find joy, innovation, and passion in their work.
Chris is the founder and CEO of Resolute Philanthropy – a consulting firm that provides nonprofit leaders with the tools and resources they need to thrive – because a kinder, safer, healthier world needs engaged and effective nonprofits. Resolute helps nonprofits build confidence and clarity in their fundraising through training, coaching, and strategic support.
After all, your mission shouldn’t be at risk because of bad fundraising.
Chris has worked alongside organizations such as Casa Youth Shelter, Gig Harbor Waterfront Alliance, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, Pomona College, RevHub, South County Outreach, St. Joseph Hospital, Tacoma Community House, and Washington Golf Foundation.
He has led board training sessions with Team Kids, The Zoo Society, Town & Country Manor, Mercy House Living Center, and Seed Consulting Group and has served as a presenter and instructor for Charitable Ventures, OneOC, The Nonprofit Partnership, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Edwards Lifescience.
Chris holds a master’s in organizational leadership from Brandman University and a bachelor’s in English/journalism from Chapman University. Additionally, Chris is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive and has completed the USC Nonprofit Resilient Leaders and Capacity Building Program. Chris is a certified Quadrant 3 Leadership Coach from the Concord Leadership Group. He serves on the board of the South Sound Planned Giving Council and the Association of Fundraising Professionals South Sound Chapter.
Chris is married and lives in Tacoma, Washington. His child is a student at the University of Puget Sound. Chris is an active reader, an occasional cook, and loves bow ties, icebreakers, and heated arguments about the best sci-fi franchise.
Christopher leads the training Building Your Fundraising Board.
Barber is a 20-year fundraising veteran who specializes in individual major gifts and campaign planning. She is the Founder and Principal Strategist Barber & Associates, a boutique fundraising consulting firm. Under her leadership, Barber & Associates has worked with a myriad of clients structuring campaigns ranging from $500K to $80M.
Prior to starting the firm, Barber was the first Central Major Gifts Officer at the Smithsonian Institution, and a member of the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s (NMAAHC) fundraising team that surpassed its private philanthropic goal of $250M. In 2017, her work at NMAAHC was featured in The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
At NMAAHC, Barber secured $42M in leadership ($1M+) and major ($100K) gift support, highlighted by the closure of 22 individual one million-dollar gifts, 90% contributed by first-time donors to the Smithsonian. She built and maintained a portfolio of high-profile celebrities, including LaTanya and Samuel L. Jackson, Magic and Cookie Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant, among many other national philanthropists. Leading into NMAAHC’s Grand Opening in 2016, she led the efforts to host a $1M per plate fundraiser at the home of Pauletta and Denzel Washington and a mid-level fundraising event that generated $5M from $25K donors.
Prior to the Smithsonian, Barber spent 10 years working as a frontline fundraiser in intercollegiate college athletics. She served as the director of major gifts for Michigan State University Athletics, the assistant director of development at Miami University in Ohio and Management Associate at Arizona State University.
Barber earned a Juris Doctorate (Intellectual Property) from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science (Political Science) from Howard University.
Anna leads the session The Development Process.
Bill Bartolini, Ph.D., ACFRE, is a well known mentor, coach, educator, and counselor to those who raise philanthropic support. He is an Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE) – AFP’s certification signifying an advanced level of leadership and management expertise – and AFP has certified him as a Master Fundraising Teacher. He has served on the board of AFP and the AFP Foundation.
Most recently, Bill was Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Principal Giving at Ohio State University. Previously, Bill worked at The George Washington University, as well as serving as Chief Development Officer for the national nonprofit Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (now Learning Ally).
Bill received his undergraduate degree from Ball State University, his masters degree from Indiana University, and his Ph.D. from Kent State University, where his dissertation was Prospective Donors’ Cognitive and Emotive Processing of Charitable Requests – or “What do People Think and Feel when You Ask them for Money.”
Bill leads the session The Psychology of Giving.
Ms. Booth is the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer for Endowment Partners, LLC. In her role, Diane brings over thirteen years of professional option trading experience and investment strategy expertise to nonprofit financial management. She works closely with her clients to build multi- dimensionally diversified portfolios with mitigated risk and works closely with clients' donors to bring expert strategy to major gift structure. Diane manages all active investment management strategies for Endowment Partners client’s portfolios. When she is not crunching statistical analysis, evaluating option strategies, and watching every single tick of the market, you can find her on the golf course trying to beat her personal best, five-under-par (67), or captaining her family’s boat in Newport Beach, California.
Diane is a graduate of Indiana University where she studied at the Kelly School of Business, as well as the Jacobs School of Music as a Dean’s Scholar. A former professional ballerina, Miss Booth has performed with the Pennsylvania Ballet, Ballet West, Indiana University Ballet Theater, Ballet Pacifica, and Donn Arden’s Jubilee. She trained with the School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theater, The Rock School, Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, State Street Ballet, and Ballet Pacifica. Diane is a recipient of the Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight Award.
Ms. Booth's love for philanthropy began in elementary school when she joined the National Charity League mother-daughter service organization in her hometown, Newport Beach, California. This work continued through college as a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta beta chapter, and after college with the Junior League of Boca Raton, Florida.
Diane leads the session Looking Past the Annual Fund.
Christi is the owner of Authentic Leadership Coaching based in Spartanburg, where she provides in-person and Zoom life coaching for professional and personal development for both individuals and teams. She also facilitates leadership workshops for teams, groups and organizations. Christi has worked as a pastor, a leadership education director and a business consultant. She draws on her work experience and her degrees in science, engineering, and divinity in order to serve all needs of her clients.
Outside of work, Christi enjoys spending time with family and friends and is happy doing anything outside & active, especially tennis & hiking. She also enjoys meeting new people, learning new things and volunteering in leadership capacities throughout her community. She claims she gets embarrassingly excited about organizing, logistics and calendaring. Christi also spends a lot of time loving on (and corralling) her two kids, two dogs, two cats and one husband. For more info, check out linkedin.com/in/christi-o-brown or email almsleader@gmail.com.
Christi leads the session Atomic Habits for Nonprofit Leaders
William Bryant, Jr. is the Scout Executive/CEO Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. He is the immediate past Revenue and Membership Growth Coach for the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America. William is a Subject Matter Expert in Fund Development. William has served as a Field Director, ScoutReach Director, Finance Director and Senior Development Director. In his over 15 years of experience, William has raised more than $300 million through annual giving, in-kind donations, special events and endowment.
William served as the Chair of National Philanthropy Day Luncheon in 2018 for the AFP Chapter in Dallas, TX and National Co-Chair, 2018 African American Development Officers Network National Conference.
William is a graduate of LEAD Atlanta, a leadership program of selected executives from across the state of Georgia. William is very engaged with the National Urban League, where he served as President of the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals and is a very active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Currently, William serves on the Advisory Board of Directors for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Mobile Chapter of the 100 Black Men of America.
William leads the session Revenue Generation, Using Special Events to Cultivate Potential New Donors.
Clay is a thirty-year fundraising veteran and is the Founder and Principal of TCB Fundraising, a nonprofit fundraising and communications consultancy focused on building individual giving at all levels. He has held leadership roles in a variety of nonprofits across the country and has been a senior consultant with major national firms. He has held the Certified Fund Raising Executive certification since 2010, is an AFP Master Trainer and completed the Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology, With Distinction, from the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy. A frequent trainer, speaker, author, and coach, he has presented thought leadership at major national conferences (AFP Icon, Apra Prospect Development, NTEN Nonprofit Technology Conference) and at association chapters and nonprofit centers. He teaches the fundraising courses for the Nonprofit Management and Fundraising Certificate programs at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for which he was recognized with the Faculty Excellence award. Clay serves on the Boards of Golden Rainbow, Las Vegas and Nevada SPCA; he is the former president of the AFP Las Vegas chapter. He makes his home in Las Vegas, Nevada where he is owned by two Labrador Retrievers.
Clay leads the session Uncharted Waters: A Fundraising Plan that Gets Results in Changing Times
Kirsten is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago. She has a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship from the University of Louisville and studies how organizations impact the world around them. Prior to returning to school, Kirsten was a nonprofit coach specializing in leadership development and fundraising. In that capacity, she worked with health care organizations, social service providers, and national and local ministries.
She is the author of 8 Simple Steps to Fundraising Success and a contributing author to The Essential Fundraising Handbook for Small Nonprofits and Navigating Work and Life Boundaries: Insights for Distributed Knowledge Professionals. Kirsten is the founder of The Nonprofit Academy.
Kirsten leads the sessions Creating Excitement Through Your Case Statement and Mission Drift.
Named as a top thought leader and one to follow by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, Julia Campbell is a nonprofit digital consultant on a mission to make the digital world a better place. Host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast, she’s written two books for nonprofits on social media and storytelling, and her online courses, webinars, and talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and raise more money online. You can learn more about Julia at www.jcsocialmarketing.com/blog.
Julia leads the session How to Drive Donations with Social Media Storytelling and How to Create a Long-Term Social Media Strategy in A Short-Term World.
Christal M. Cherry is a nationally recognized nonprofit executive and professionally trained fundraiser. With over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, she has supported higher education institutions, human services organizations, and faith-based missions. Now as CEO of The Board Pro, a consulting firm designed to transform leaders through board service, she customizes training and support for the unique needs of each client.
Christal earned a MA in Counseling from Hampton University, a BA in Liberal Arts from Hofstra University, and multiple professional development certifications.
She currently serves on the board of the Greater Atlanta chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Villages of Carver YMCA. She is on faculty at CANDID where she teaches courses in fundraising and board development. She also enjoys a membership in the African American Development Officers Network, Toastmasters, and F3, Fabulous Female Fundraisers which she founded.
Christal leads the sessions Don't Touch My Hair: Using Board Service to Achieve Gender Parity and Racial Equity at Nonprofits, Adapting Your Development Plan to the New Normal, and Strategies for Diverse Board Recruitment.
Eric is the Director of Business Development at Andar. It's Eric's privilege and life's work to serve nonprofit organizations with their technology needs. Eric's background in social work and career in direct service and strategic planning has set him up for understanding your organization's priorities and needs from a nonprofit technology perspective.
Eric co-leads How to Choose the Right CRM for Your Nonprofit.
For over two decades, Kia Croom has built a distinguished career in nonprofit fundraising and digital marketing. Her passion for nonprofits began while volunteering at H.O.P.E. Through Divine Intervention, Inc. (HTDI, Inc.), a homeless services agency in Atlanta. Concurrently, she worked as a local news writer and reporter and pursued a bachelor's degree in journalism. Initially dreaming of becoming a broadcast news anchor, Kia shifted her focus to fundraising after successfully writing her first grant proposal for the shelter.
After 22 years in the industry, Kia founded Kia Croom Fundraising & Philanthropy, a comprehensive fundraising firm dedicated to working exclusively with organizations and institutions addressing structural inequities affecting Black and Brown communities. In 2020, she founded Fundraising in Black® after reflecting on the philanthropic discrimination she had experienced during her 20+ years working with Black-led social change organizations.
Kia holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts from Clark Atlanta University, and as a proud HBCU alumnus, she also earned a master of science in Public Administration from Kennesaw State University. A dedicated lifelong learner, Kia has obtained certificates in Fund Development from the University of Richmond, Corporate Social Responsibility from Pepperdine University, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University.
Kenjie Davis is a dedicated Associations Management Professional with over 10 years of experience helping organizations construct successful membership programs. He doubled the membership of the National Society of Black Engineers from 15,000 to over 30,000 annual members in 7 years! He stabilized the member operations of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) by guiding the organization through a concurrent migration to a new Association Management Software (AMS) and the membership department through the movement of its headquarters office across the country. His unique background exclusively positions him to effectively serve organizations in the non-profit space.Trained as an engineer and fueled by service, he employs amazing creativity, a superb technical acumen and outstanding analytical abilities to membership development. His website is: https://www.theamsguy.com/.
Kenjie leads the session Showing Love: The Mindset for Member Satisfaction.
Mallory is a sales manager at Andar. She is a passionate and experienced fundraising professional with roots in direct social service work. She takes a strategic and holistic approach to the use of your nonprofit CRM - all with the goal of helping people in your organization and the broader community.
Mallory co-leads the session How to Choose the Right CRM for Your Nonprofit Organization.
Dr. Shawn Spann Edwards, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is a diversity, equity and inclusion, human resources and management professional and professor. She is the CEO and Principal Consultant of Solutions by Shawn Edwards, LLC, a consulting practice focused on providing diversity, equity, inclusion and culture alignment strategies, and human resources services to its clients.
Shawn has aligned her academic achievement with her passion ensuring that she continues to provide the most up to date best practice strategies for clients. She earned her Doctor of Business Administration from Temple University. Her research interests include nonprofit management and governance, organizational diversity, equity and inclusion, human resource management, strategy development, organizational development, and culture alignment.
Shawn is a mentor, volunteer, and speaks on a range of topics to include DEI, HR and culture development. Dr. Edwards is also the Chief Inclusive Excellence Officer at The Citadel and adjunct faculty at the College of Charleston.
Dr. Edwards is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and long-term member of Christian Praise & Worship Center, located in the Accabee section of North Charleston. Originally from Jersey City, NJ, Shawn resides in Charleston, SC. with her husband Derrick J. Edwards, together they have five children and two grandchildren.
Dr. Edwards leads the sessions SOPs = Sustainability and Nonprofits Need HR Too!
Amy Eisenstein, ACFRE is an author, speaker, and trainer. Her published books include: Major Gift Fundraising for Small Shops, Raising More with Less, and 50 A$ks in 50 Weeks. She became an AFP certified Master Trainer in 2009. Amy recently completed her service as the president of the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals – New Jersey Chapter. She became a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) in 2004 and received her advanced certification, ACFRE, in 2013. Check out her blog and video posts at www.amyeisenstein.com for free fundraising tips and best practices.
Amy leads the sessions 3 Secrets to Raising Major Gifts You Can’t Survive Without and 3 Keys to a Successful Capital Campaign in Today’s Hyper-Busy World .
Dennis Fischman helps your nonprofit win loyal friends and get the support you need. Communications is the "easy button" for nonprofit fundraising. When people know your organization, like what you do, and trust what you say, it’s easy for you to ask them for time or money...and for them to say yes. Find out more about how to cultivate donors for your nonprofit. Check out Dennis' Communicate! blog and The No-Nonsense Nonprofit Guide to Social Media.
Dennis leads the session Discovering the Stories that Drive Donations and Delight Your Donors with Better Communications.
Valida Foster is the Senior Director for Institutional Advancement and Public Relations at Sherman College of Chiropractic.She previously served as a relationship manager for leadership giving at the United Way of Greenville County and as campaign director at the United Way of the Piedmont, serving Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union Counties.
Active as a volunteer herself, she has been involved with many social and civic organizations, including the City of Spartanburg’s Mayor Disability Board, the Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity Committee, Uptown Sertoma of Spartanburg, the Board of Directors of Spartanburg Habitat for Humanity, the UNCF Upstate's Leadership Council, and the Greenville Drive’s Diversity Committee.
She continues her service with the United Way of the Piedmont’s Young Leaders, Women Giving for Spartanburg, the MLK Dreams in Action Scholarship Board, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Upstate Chapter, the Greenville Chamber’s PULSE Young Professionals, the Urban League Upstate Network, and the Spartanburg Chamber’s Young Professionals.
Committed to lifelong learning, she's participated in the Spartanburg Chamber’s Leadership Spartanburg program in 2013 and is a 2013 graduate of the Dale Carnegie Leadership Development Success course; she is a 2017 graduate of the Clemson Leadership Lab; a 2018 graduate of the Spartanburg County Foundation’s Grassroots Leadership Development Institute; a 2019 participant in Furman University's Women's Leadership Institute; and the United Way of Piedmont's Non Profit Fellows. She is also a member of the Epsilon Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Incorporated.
Valida leads the NPA session called Teaching Volunteers to Raise Money.
Fee Freeman is a bold and creative storyteller and communications strategist with a decade of experience in nonprofits, policy, and political communication. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Fee Freeman Consulting LLC, where she offers tailored staff training and custom storytelling services to help nonprofits tell ethical and engaging stories that raise money, build community, and inspire people to action.
Fee has secured media coverage for nonprofits in top outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN, and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars from individuals through online fundraising campaigns. For the last five years, she has managed communications, advocacy, and digital fundraising for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Atlanta and served as the Communications Chair of Georgia’s Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies (CRSA).
Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, Fee first came to the U.S. in 2007 when she was selected as a Georgia Rotary Student Program scholarship recipient, and spent a year studying at Georgia Southern University. She went on to earn a BA in Journalism with a Minor in Human Rights from the University of Roehampton in London and a MA in Political Communication from the University of Leeds. Fee was honored to be included in the Green Party of England and Wales ’30 under 30’ Class of 2012, the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network - Atlanta Chapter ’30 under 30’ Class of 2018, and the Georgia Center for Nonprofits High Potential Diverse Leaders Class of 2017.
She is one of the newest faculty members at Nonprofit University at the Georgia Center for Nonprofits where she teaches her highly rated Certificate of Digital Fundraising.
Fee leads the NPA session called Ethical Storytelling.
Anita Gallagher is Director of InnovaSocial, a social impact consultancy specializing in strategic planning and marketing for nonprofits. A respected trainer and mentor, she regularly speaks and coordinates workshops at nonprofit conferences in Mexico and abroad and is a passionate advocate for individual giving.
Her expertise in crowdfunding stems from first-hand experience of helping hundreds of Latinx-serving nonprofits throughout the US and Latin America to run successful campaigns in her role as training lead for HIPGive, Hispanics in Philanthropy’s bilingual crowdfunding platform. She is also the representative of #undiaparadar, or GivingTuesday in Mexico, and was recently nominated to form part of the GivingTuesday international board.
Anita leads the session Head, Heart, or Who? Crowdfund Your Way to Greater Giving
Based in Baltimore, Ashley Gatewood is passionate about the nonprofit sector and membership associations, having spent the bulk of her career in these areas. She loves talking about the CFRE certification and how it can help elevate fundraising professionals’ careers. She believes bringing a higher degree of professionalism and ethical accountability to fundraising will help nonprofits become more sustainable and better serve their missions.
Previously, she was the events and marketing manager at the Fundraising Institute of New Zealand, where she helped bring world-class fundraising programming to the country.
Ashley co-leads the session Everything You Need to Know to Become a CFRE
Caliopy Glaros is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Philanthropy Without Borders, a firm with expertise in ethical storytelling, donor engagement, and strategic planning. Her work is informed by experience as a front-line fundraiser, intercultural trainer, and former recipient of nonprofit services. She has worked in nearly 40 countries around the world and has delivered workshops on ethical storytelling to small volunteer-run organizations as well as large multi-national charities. Her goal is to deepen the critical consciousness around ethical storytelling and to provide actionable recommendations that are applicable to organizations of any size, budget, and mission. Caliopy has an academic background in Anthropology and Adult Learning, and is a certified trainer in Intercultural Communication.
Caliopy leads the session From Exploitation to Empathy.
Rabbi Elazar Green, CFRE, is the Director of Chabad of Lancaster. With a passion for strengthening Jewish communities, Rabbi Green has been helping small nonprofits achieve significant fundraising milestones through his program Grow Gelt Solutions since 2016. A Certified Fund-Raising Executive, Rabbi Green brings experience and a hands-on approach to supporting organizations with practical strategies grounded in real-world scenarios. He is a speaker, educator, and podcast host of the Grow Gelt Podcast, dedicated to empowering others to succeed in their missions.
He leads the session Stupid Easy Donor Newsletters.
Trista Harris is a philanthropic futurist and nationally known as a passionate advocate for leaders in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. Trista’s work has been covered by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Forbes, CNN, the New York Times, and numerous social sector blogs. She is also the co-author of the book “How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar” and the author of “FutureGood”. She is a President of FutureGood, a consultancy focused on helping visionaries build a better future.
Trista leads the session Becoming a Future Focused Fundraiser.
As a seasoned professional with 14 years of experience in nonprofit technology consulting and database management, Jessica has had her fair share of experience with nonprofit software. Before joining Bloomerang, she worked as the Database Administrator for David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, and as a Nonprofit Technology Consultant at JCA, Inc. She’s had experience working with nonprofits both big and small: from hospital foundations to universities, to museums and hunger relief organizations. And if that’s not enough, Jessica was also a Geist Half Marathon Board Member in 2017 to help raise money for Hamilton County and Lawrence Township schools.
At Bloomerang, Jessica is dedicated to serving the technology needs of the nonprofit sector by directing how our nonprofit software can become more intuitive and relationship-focused. In her free time she enjoys volunteering and giving back to her community, spending time with her growing family, and advocating for nonprofits and missions that are near and dear to her heart.
Jessica leads the session Crafting Powerful Donor Engagement Surveys.
As Publisher and Executive Director for Nonprofit Hub, and a Professional Certified Marketer, Randy shares his passions of marketing and education with nonprofits to help them implement marketing and organizational leadership principles so they can grow their organizations. Randy lends his marketing and organizational leadership expertise to a number of nonprofits in his community. Outside the office, Randy works with high school and college students and mentors young professionals to develop their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
Randy leads the session Why Nonprofits Should Make Money, Not Just Raise It.
Josh Hirsch has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2006 with a focus on educational philanthropy for both public charter and independent private schools. 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 past Communications Chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Palm Beach County chapter. Josh is also a member of the AFPeeps; the social media vanguard for the AFP International Conference on Fundraising and other AFP initiatives. Josh previously served as the Marketing Chair for the AFP Florida Caucus’ 2014 Planet Philanthropy conference and was the Director of Social Media for TEDxBocaRaton 2015. He has spoken nationally on social media, and has had numerous articles published in professional journals. Josh has a Certificate in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy from Bay Path College. He received a Master of Science in Family, Youth and Community Sciences from the University of Florida and received a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Florida. He is a graduate of NonProfits First's Sustainability and Social Enterprise Institute.
Josh leads the sessions Top Social Media Tips, Tactics, and Apps and A Deep Dive into Facebook Frames, Facebook Live, and Facebook Insights.
Denise Jacobs is a Speaker + Author + Creativity Evangelist who speaks at web conferences and consults with companies and individuals worldwide. As the Founder + Chief Creativity Evangelist of The Creative Dose, and author of Banish Your Inner Critic, she teaches techniques to make the creative process more fluid, methods for making work environments more conducive to creative productivity, and practices for sparking innovation.
Working in Web Design & Development since 1997, she is an industry veteran and regarded expert on many things web. She is also the author of The CSS Detective Guide and co-author of the Smashing Book #3 1/3 and Interact with Web Standards. Denise is also the Chief Unicorn of Rawk The Web and the Head Instigator of The Creativity (R)Evolution.
Denise leads the NPA session Banish Your Inner Critic.
Lori L. Jacobwith is a nationally-recognized master storyteller and fundraising culture change expert. She has delivered more than 10,000 coaching and training sessions that have helped nonprofit organizations raise $300 million dollars from individual donors. Lori’s proven strategies & tools teach staff and board members to share their stories powerfully and effectively to cause donors to give more.
Lori holds a BA from the University of Minnesota in speech-communications and Political Science and has additional training from Indiana University’s Fund Raising School. Lori is a longtime member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Twin Cities Chapter in Minneapolis, MN.
Lori leads the sessions Storytelling for Raising More Money and Advanced Storytelling.
Kristal Johnson is president and CEO of FundJoy LLC. Under her direction, FundJoy LLC has helped organizations find the sustainable funding they need to establish their brand and build on service offerings. Because of first-hand experience, she is a sought-after speaker and has presented at national, state and regional events and conferences. Kristal has authored many peer-reviewed publications related to fundraising and grant writing. She is a Women Empowering Change Professional Award winner and the author of the book Grant Guide. Kristal is a long-standing member of the Grant Professionals Association, Nonprofit Technology Network, and serves as a peer reviewer for the United Way of Greater Houston Community Building Grants program.
Kristal leads the session The Needs Assessment: Connecting Your Data and Nonprofit Story.
Described as "thoughtful, inspiring, and provocative," Simone said she really liked "provocative." Through four decades of full-time consulting, she specialized in fundraising, governance, management, and strategic planning.
"Philanthropy is my life's work," she said. "I've written 3 books and contributed to multiple others. I present all over the world and teach in the Masters Program in Philanthropy and Development at Saint Mary's University of MN.
She blogged weekly as Simone Uncensored and tweeted @spjoyaux. As a volunteer, Simone regularly served on boards and founded two organizations.
Simone led the session called How to Fire Lousy Board Members.
Antionette Kerr is a nonprofit leader, syndicated journalist and lover of poetry. After a decade of serving as an executive director, her passion for storytelling led her back into the world of journalism, consulting, training and publishing. She continues to serve as a board member, communications consultant for multiple nonprofit agencies, and CEO of Bold & Bright Media. Antionette is also the co-author of Modern Media Relations for Nonprofits.
Antionette leads the sessions How to Develop Your Nonprofit's Brand When You Don't Have Any Time, and Fresh IDEAS for Diversifying Your Donor Base.
Andrea Kihlstedt has been thinking up new ways to approach knotty problems in fundraising for more than 30 years. In fact, she pioneered the concept that people have different asking styles featured on the cover page of the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
She’s written four books on fundraising. She’s counseled and coached dozens of nonprofit organizations. She’s been on the faculty of The Fundraising School and the Gestalt International Study Center. She’s thoughtful, unconventional, irreverent and fun.
Andrea leads the sessions:
The Asking Conversation and
3 Keys to a Successful Capital Campaign in Today’s Hyper-Busy World.
Charrosé King earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Parsons School of Design, a master’s degree in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University, and a certificate in marketing strategy from Cornell University. She has worked in the Philadelphia public school district with AmeriCorps; developed digital communications for ACDI/VOCA, an international development organization; and managed social media for the American Psychiatric Association.
Ms. King is currently the Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist for the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs at Howard University. Ms. King has done communications consulting for Microsoft UK and pro bono work for Girls Inc., DC, Bright Beginnings, and Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services. She delivers presentations on cultural competency in communications, which she’s delivered at the 2017 Nonprofit Technology Conference and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
She leads the session: Cultural Competency: Understanding Context in Communications
Jamie Kitz is known for her consistency and credibility, her focus on customer success, and for using her unique skillset to share with others the power of giving. With a Horticulture and Ag-business Master’s Degree from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Jamie has worked for some of the top seed and vegetable breeding companies in the Industry. Combining her passion for agriculture with her interest in social responsibility, she has recently been inspired to help companies make a positive impact by creating corporate giving and employee engagement programs.
Jamie is honored to serve on the Society of American Florists (SAF) Grower Council and Board of Directors, The PMA Floral Council, actively participates in Congressional Action Days in Washington D.C, and serves on the Seed Your Future Advisory Committee.
She recently has taken on the role of Director of Business Development and Philanthropy for Center for Growing Talent, nonprofit sector for the Produce Marketing Association.
Jamie is a California native, and prioritizes contributing to her communities and enjoying the open spaces where she lives.
She leads the session: Partnering with For-Profit Companies
With 25+ years in the brand marketing, Sharyn Konyak has spent her life telling other people’s stories. She is the Chief Storyteller at Story Powered Brands, where she helps startup founders struggling to stand out in the market, tap into their why and craft a potent, authentic story that compels others to join them on their journey. By aligning mission, market and message, she crafts stories to build genuine and meaningful relationships with forever fans. She builds story powered brands. Because stories matter.
She is also host of the podcast, Built From the Dream Up: Founders’ Stories. A show highlighting the stories of Founders for Founders, exploring the entrepreneurial journey and digging deep on the 5 M’s driving every startup - market, money, mindset, messaging and mentorship.
Sharyn is also co-Founder, with her husband, of Boomerang Aero Ventures , a consulting firm creating opportunities for startups, fostering sustainable growth and driving positive change in the aviation industry.
When she's not teaching others how to tell their story, she's making up her own as a fledgling author of three Young Adult novels. She loves music, sailing, yoga, bourbon and her two daughters, though not in that order.
Sharyn leads the training StoryCrafted Careers: How Powerful Narratives Can Rewrite Your Future.
Cherian Koshy is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP), & AFP Master Trainer. He is the founder of the Nonprofit Operating System. He has raised over $100M for various nonprofits, holds advanced certifications in Behavioral Economics, and was a former successful debating coach. He is a sought-after trainer and speaker, and his thought leadership has been featured in several publications. He can be reached at http://www.cheriankoshy.com.
Cherian leads the sessions:
Unlocking Innovation in Nonprofit Organizations,
How to Create a Fundraising Budget,
Achieving Predictable Success, and
Future-Proofing Philanthropy: Leveraging AI for Advanced Gift Planning.
As a grants professional, Judith Kunst works with a broad range of public and private grant funders to raise funds for and strategize with nonprofits and schools in Indiana and across the U.S. Her efforts have resulted in $5.5 million awarded dollars since 2018 from many private and corporate foundations as well as state and federal government agencies.
As a creative writer, Judith has published poems and essays in The Atlantic, Poetry, and other journals and anthologies. She holds an MFA in Poetry from Sarah Lawrence College and is the author of The Way Through (Mayapple Press) and The Burning Word: A Christian Encounter with Jewish Midrash (Paraclete Press).
As a teacher, annual fund director, magazine editor, painter, wife, friend, and mother, Judith has always sought to locate her life in the Top Right Quadrant, where authority and vulnerability grow in equal measure, where money meets mission, and where real answers emerge. She is the owner of TRQ Solutions, LLC.
Samantha began her fundraising career in 1991. She has worked in all aspects of fundraising including legacy giving, capital campaigns, direct mail and special events.
Currently Samantha is a major gifts officer in Ottawa. Samantha has also worked for the Ottawa Humane Society, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation and the Easter Seals Society.
Samantha has a passion for connecting donors to the needs of the community. Personally Samantha has witnessed the results from the Gryphon Report and feels strongly about sharing this incredible tool with all fundraising professionals.
Sam leads the session on Imposter Syndrome.
A passionate nonprofit professional, Amy Lazoff, CFRE has spent the past 20 years in the trenches helping to cultivate and secure philanthropic gifts to positively impact causes she cares about.
A Fort Wayne, Indiana native, she holds a BA in Political Science and a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University, and has spoken at local, regional, and national conferences during her career.
She currently serves Director of Philanthropy & Community Relations for Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, and her current volunteer service includes serving as Vice Chair of AZA’s (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Advancement Committee, and a member of the AZA Government Affairs Committee, AZA Annual Conference Program Committee, Parkview Hospital Community Health Improvement Committee, and sits on the Board of Directors for her kids’ swim team.
Amy leads the sessions Paddles Up! Moving Your Donors from Bidding to Giving and Plan the Work, Work the Plan!.
Diane H. Leonard, GPC, RST is a Grant Professional Certified (GPC), Approved Trainer of the Grant Professionals Association, and a Registered Scrum Trainer.
Diane began her career as a Program Officer for a state-wide grantmaking organization and she continues to serve as a reviewer for a variety of grantmaking organizations. Since 2006, when she formed DH Leonard Consulting, Diane and her team have secured more than $98 million dollars in competitive grant awards and Diane has personally trained more than 69,978 nonprofit professionals.
When not working with her team, Diane can be found in the 1000 Islands, out for a run, or drinking a strong cup of coffee.
Diane leads the sessions:
Tips & Tricks from the Foundation Side of Grant Seeking,
Using the Power of Storytelling in Your Grant Applications,
Setting Up Your Grant Calendar to Succeed as Part of Your Fundraising Plan,
Taking the Stress Out of Federal Grants,
Dena Liston is Chief Development Officer for Boys & Girls Club of Collier County. In this role, Dena is responsible for the development, coordination and leadership of fundraising campaigns, special events, capital fundraising, endowment campaigns, marketing & PR, and planned giving.
Dena came to Boys & Girls Club of Collier County with thirteen years of front-line fundraising experience in a broad range of social causes. Currently, Dena is a CFRE Ambassador.
Dena leads the sessions: Everything You Need to Know to Become a CFREand How to Ask for What You Want: Getting Over the Fear of the Ask.
With more than 23 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Chamlee has served in organizations of all sizes and stages of growth. Her nonprofit experience includes twelve years as CEO of Hope Center for Children, where she facilitated a merger of two existing organizations. In addition, Chamlee serves as the Owner & Principal Consultant of Heightened Development, a coaching and consulting firm that focuses on helping leaders manage change in a data informed way while achieving strong buy in from multiple stakeholders. Chamlee is adept in solving complex problems, improving organizational sustainability, and achieving buy in from multiple audiences to achieve a common goal.
Chamlee leads the session Helping Others Embrace Needed Change While Making Sure it Sticks
Jen Love is a storyteller. And not in a poetic sense. In a fumbling, arm-waving, half-sentence-speaking, let's-get-to-the-heart-and-the-feelings sense. Write drunk, edit sober...even if you’re only drunk on emotions. Inhaling an attitude of gratitude and exhaling #donorlove, Jen is a partner at Agents of Good, a collective of donor champions.
Jen leads the session #DonorLove and Inspiration to Your Case for Support.
Mrs. MacDonald is the Co-Founder and Chief Compliance Officer for Endowment Partners, LLC. As the founder of Endowment Partners LLC, she is committed to the mission of supporting nonprofit organizations on the journey to financial sustainability in order to expand the capacity for service impact. In her role, Becky is responsible for overseeing the ongoing management of the firm, client relationships, investment management.
Becky is committed to her community where she serves on a number of nonprofit boards in Las Vegas. She is an active member of the development and advisory committees and serves as the treasurer for Nevada Women's Philanthropy. She is a passionate advocate of financial literacy and sees education as a key driver to financial sustainability.
Prior to founding Endowment Partners LLC, Mrs. MacDonald had a distinguished wealth management career in several senior leadership roles. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President for The Private Bank where she was a Wealth Advisor and primary relationship manager for ultra-high net worth families. She worked closely with families to develop their philanthropic legacy and prepare the next generation for significant wealth transfers. Prior to that Becky launched the Wealth Management office for Bank of the West in Las Vegas. As the Las Vegas Market Leader, she built a team of dedicated wealth specialists to serve the needs of the Bank's high net worth clients. Over the last 20 years, Becky has held leadership roles in both rural and metropolitan markets leading large client facing teams and has worked closely with business owners, government entities, nonprofits, and foundations, and has overseen family wealth transitions and next-generation philanthropy planning.
Becky lives in Las Vegas, NV with her husband Mike, two children Mason and Ashten, and their fluffy dog Macaroni.
Becky leads the sessions Looking Past the Annual Fund.
Kimberley has been described as: provocative, bold, inspiring, edgy and a truthteller. Kimberley won’t hold back – she believes when we name a problem, we can tackle that problem – especially when it comes to fundraising. An award-winning fundraiser, Certified Fundraising Executive and AFP International Master Trainer. She works as a coach to help people advance a culture of philanthropy and create transformative results for their organizations. A sought after facilitator, speaker and trainer Kimberley has been in the fundraising trenches since 2001.
As a thought leader in the sector Kimberley has had many articles and blogs published internationally, spoken internationally, was a driving force in the early days of SOFII.org. Kimberley has also served as Editor for Hilborn Canada’s eNEWS, was a member of the Advisory Panel for the Rogare Think Tank at Plymouth University and an executive member of the Planned Giving Council of Simcoe County.
You can find her at www.kimberleymackenzie.ca, chat with her on twitter @kimberleycanada or drop her an email k@kimberleymackenzie.ca
Kimberley leads the session Practical Planned Giving
Tony Martignetti is the evangelist for Planned Giving. He’s been launching successful, scalable Planned Giving programs since 1997. Now he hosts Planned Giving Accelerator. It’s at PlannedGivingAccelerator.com.
He’s an attorney, but he don’t talk like one. He’ll use plain language – and weave in his stand-up comedy – to make Planned Giving accessible and understandable.
Recent webinar attendees have raved, including, “Really like your clarity in explaining,” “Very relevant and I learned a lot,” “I feel more empowered to advocate for Planned Giving,” “Just removed the fear factor,” “Love your energy and enthusiasm,” “Engaging personality,” and “You look nothing like your picture.”
Tony leads the session Start Your Planned Giving in 2021
Over the past 15 years Melissa Merriam has helped Nonprofits succeed, first in sales and business development, and now, as Senior Director of Consulting and Training with OneCause. She leads a high performing team of 35 Consultants and Managers to provide world class service and support to thousands of clients. Melissa is a creative problem solver and strategist and spends much of her time researching, connecting with customers and coaching her team to be the foremost experts in Nonprofit and event fundraising.
Melissa leads the session Top Strategies for Auction Event Survival.
Chris Morata is the VP of Product Development at Qgiv, Inc, an online fundraising platform designed to help nonprofits recruit, retain, and delight their donors. In his 6+ years at Qgiv, Chris has done extensive research on how different parts of the online donation process affect donors and their behaviors both during and after they make a gift. When he's not working on the Qgiv platform, Chris loves traveling the world with his wife, Lauren, or heading up his hometown's local coding group.
Chris leads the session Designing Your Donation Processes to Retain More Donors
Chany Ockert, CFRE, combines deep fundraising expertise with an engaging presentation that allows the attendees to “always walk away richer because of her shared information.” Nationally, she specializes in adapting the fundraising best practices and lessons across various sub-sectors of nonprofits. She hosts the weekly 5-minute podcast, Reflections on Generosity. She has presented for all sizes of nonprofits from all-volunteer organizations to NonprofitPRO and Meta's Social Impact Partnerships. As a consequence of working with missions ranging from human services to conservation to arts and culture to animals, she brings the best fund development ideas to each presentation. Attendees walk away with actionable ideas to improve their fund development practices and grow generosity among donors.
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.
Kishshana is CEO of Kishshana & Co., an organizational development firm focused on helping everyday leaders live well and lead well. Her firm’s work centers on equity and social justice and practical solutions for today’s organizations. She is the founder of The Rooted Collaborative — a global community focused on the growth and development of women leaders of color in the social sector. She’s the host of the podcast “Let’s Take This Offline”, an adjunct professor at Baruch College, a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a BoardSource Certified Governance Trainer (CGT), A Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, a Q3LC Certified Coach and an AFP Master Trainer. When an organization wants to grow, find and retain people on their team, raise money, and more she is the fairy godmother they have on speed dial. Her work isn’t limited to organizations, she also coaches high performing leaders.
Kishshana is a NYC girl and mother of one wonderful teenage daughter. Kishshana is the epitome of your classic 90’s Queens homegirl and quintessential corner office executive. She is your daily dose of Claire Huxtable with a side of Blanche Devereaux.
Kishshana leads The Power of Networking.
Jessica Payne is the founder and owner of Mockingbird Analytics, a community and non-profit research and evaluation company, which she comes to with a decade of research and evaluation project management experience in government, community, and academic settings. She is also the co-founder of Mockingbird Incubator a nonprofit that provides incubation services to new and emerging nonprofits.
Prior to founding Mockingbird, Jessica was the Research and Evaluation Manager for CASA of Los Angeles, where she managed large scale data system conversion projects with more than 500+ users, as well as all original research and strategic planning. Previously with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), Jessica worked with a wide range of constituents, stakeholders, and agencies to create effective program evaluation strategies. Working with the GRYD Office Jessica designed and managed the Summer Night Lights program evaluation for multiple years in addition to participating in the development of the Intervention Crisis Response and Intervention Family Case Management research components. Prior to that Jessica worked on multiple National Institute of Justice and National Institute of Health Studies on the California Juvenile Justice system and Gang Social Identity studies with the USC Center for Research on Crime and Social Control.
She holds a Masters in Urban Planning with an emphasis on Social and Community Development from the University of Southern California’s Price School of Policy, Planning, and Development. She also holds certificates in Trauma-Informed Early Childhood Development and Ethical Leadership.
Jessica leads the session Beyond Surveys: Collecting Data from Marginalized Groups.
Anna Peña has over 10 years experience in Office Administration, including HR and Payroll. Inspired by their work, Anna left her position at a well-known home health agency when Chabad at ASU was seeking an office administrator who would take their organization to the next level. As a seasoned office manager, she is now helping other nonprofits systematize their organizations in order reach their maximum level of productivity.
Along with Chana Tiechtel, Anna leads the session Making Your First Hire.
Richard Perry is driven by a passion for donor stewardship and care and has a 35-year record of delivering outstanding results for clients and non-profit organizations.
Currently this passion is expressed through The Veritus Group, founded in 2005 by Richard and business partner Jeff Schreifels. Their work, of helping non-profit organizations develop highly effective major donor programs, is recognized by scores of leading non-profits and fundraising thought leaders in the United States, Canada and Europe. The combined annual major gift income of the agencies they serve recently totaled in excess of $500 million.
Richard is particularly valued for providing clients with innovative and effective approaches to reverse the loss of major gift revenue which (for many non-profits) can exceed 50% a year for a single organization, equating to millions of dollars lost from good donors every year.
Their blog, Passionate Giving (at www.veritusgroup.com) shares practical and helpful advice on starting and maintaining a successful major gift program, no matter what size organization you have. It has won recognition in recent years for its outstanding contribution to online fundraising resources.
Previously Richard co-founded The Domain Group, a leading direct marketing agency serving major non-profits in the United States, Canada and Europe. From its Seattle base it expanded to offices in Colorado, Atlanta, London and Paris. The agency was sold in 2005.
Richard leads the session Successfully Packaging Program Into Donor Offers with Jeff Schreifels.
Former CNN Associate Producer turned Biz Reinvention Expert, Professional Speaker, and Zoom Strategist, Marquesa Pettway, CSP helps experts and organizations leverage the Zoom platform at the highest level.
Her expertise creates highly engaging, unique virtual events, smart productive meetings, and multiple zoom-based income streams.
As a Zoom Administrator, she holds hundreds of the coveted Zoom VIP Licenses.
She can be found online at www.ZoomLikeABoss.com.
Marquesa leads the session Zoom Like a Boss and Leave the Boring Zoom Meeting Club
Sheleia Phillips, MPH, CHES
Sheleia Phillips, MPH, CHES, is the Founder and Principal Consultant at SMP NonprofitConsulting. A servant leader, Sheleia has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for nearly ten years. Sheleia holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville. She has advanced training in public health, program development, and public policy. Her expertise spans collaborating and leading various maternal and child health, mental health, recidivism prevention, and education projects. Sheleia is also a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant reviewer. Sheleia is an active Grant Professionals Association (GPA) board member. She is committed to serving the greater public good by practicing the highest ethical and professional standards by following GPA's Code of Ethics.
Sheleia has partnered with and been featured in various industry platforms and publications, including:
● Forbes
● Grant Professionals Association
● Network for Good
● Voyage Magazine (St. Louis)
● Certified Fundraising Executive Digest
● Instrumentl
● Neon One
A Bank of America Emerging Leaders alum, Sheleia believes that nonprofits are essential to creating the change we all want to see. She has a deep passion for people and helping community organizations succeed with excellence and integrity. Her clients believe she motivates others with her can-do attitude, enthusiasm, and cheerful personality. She genuinely enjoys her work and brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to organizations and individuals interested in growing their capacity.
Emily is a life and leadership coach at ejpitman.com. With 30 years of experience leading and serving in business, civic, and faith organizations, Emily works with individuals who are on a path of self-discovery, who are feeling stuck, and who are facing a transition.
Emily’s toolkit includes strategic thinking, a clear communication style, compassion, intuition, a sense of humor, and a pair of knitting needles.
Emily is an outgoing introverted creative who brings deep wells of hope and love to her work. Emily is mom to three young adults who have been her greatest teachers and has been married to her best friend for 28 years.
Emily loves words, fabric, fiber, reading, and walking in the woods.
Emily leads the session De-Construction Zone: Getting and Giving Feedback that Makes you (Even) Better.
Called by others as the "Johnny Appleseed of fundraising", Marc A. Pitman loves spreading the joy of asking for money to people who never expected to believe it! Marc is the author of "Ask Without Fear!" and founder of FundraisingCoach.com and director of The Nonprofit Academy.
Marc's expertise and enthusiasm engages audiences around the world and has caught the attention of media organizations as diverse as Al Jazeera, SUCCESS Magazine, and Fox News. Marc’s experience also includes pastoring a Vineyard church, managing a gubernatorial campaign, and teaching internet marketing and fundraising at colleges and universities. On Twitter, he is @marcapitman. He is the husband to his best friend and the father of three amazing kids. And if you drive by him on the road, he’ll be singing 80’s tunes loud enough to embarrass his family! Sign up for his free fundraising tips, the Ask Without Fear! email newsletter, at http://fundraisingcoach.com/subscribe/.
As well as directing NPA, Marc's also created the sessions Which Leadership Style is Best for Your Nonprofit Fundraising?, and
Robert “Bob” Poole offers nearly 40 years of experience in higher education fund development, with expertise in corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, major gifts, and alumni giving. He is also skilled in the creation of effective marketing and public relations programs.
In his role as a Senior Philanthropic Advisor at Saad&Shaw, Poole applies his expertise to working with colleges and universities, with an emphasis on historically black colleges and universities, and small colleges.
Poole served for 14 years in institutional advancement at Meharry Medical College, most recently in the role of senior vice president. There, he partnered with the board of trustees and president toward successful completion of the historic $125 million Campaign for Meharry, and later he and his team helped secure more than $90 million in private philanthropy.
A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., Poole earned his degree in economics at Fisk University. He has served on a number of volunteer and community boards, including CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education), and local American Heart Association, United Way, and Chambers of Commerce boards.
Bob leads the session Small Budget, Big Impact.
David Pride is a professional speaker and social media marketing consultant whose work has taken him across the country and around the world. David's memorable hairstyle makes him stand out in a crowd, but it's his big smile and uniquely entertaining and passionate approach that have inspired audiences as far away as Iqaluit, Nunavut - a town in the arctic circle.
David started his company, Social Impressions, in 2013 and has designed and implemented strategies for a global roster of clients in 26 countries. During his time as a social media marketing consultant, David has had the pleasure of serving notable clients such as the Founder of the Kennedy Center Honors, and winner of 15 Emmy's, George Stevens Jr, Desmund Tutu Fellow, and International Food Scarcity Expert, Nuradin Osman, multiple Congressional Candidates, One Foreign Presidential Campaign, and even served as Social Media Advisor for the Free Britney Crypto Movement.
When not on stage, David enjoys hunting for bonsai along the Maine Coast, wrestling with his dogs, and laughing with his wife of 16 years, Erin.
David leads the session Social Media Marketing.
Sandy Rees is the founder of Get Fully Funded where leaders of small nonprofits can learn how to solve the problem of creating consistent funding. Through proven, donor-based fundraising, Sandy shows people how to fully fund their operating budget so they can make the difference they want to make in the world. She started her career in nonprofit work in 1998 at Knox Area Rescue Ministries, then spent 5 years at Second Harvest Food Bank. During her time at Second Harvest, the organization nearly tripled its budget, based largely on her efforts in fundraising. Sandy is an accomplished presenter and an AFP Master Trainer, and hosts her own multi-day workshop called the Inspired Fundraising Retreat. You can find her fundraising tips each week at www.GetFullyFunded.com/blog or www.GetFullyFundedTV.com. When she’s not raising money, Sandy gardens, quilts, and cares for a menagerie of animals on a small farm in Loudon, TN.
Sandy leads How to Find the Donors of Your Dreams
Allison Rickels, CFRE is executive director and CEO of the FarmHouse Foundation, serving as the first and only woman CEO of a men's fraternity educational foundation. She began this role in June 2007.
In the Foundation's 50-year history, Allison is only the second person to fill the position on a full-time basis. She has led the efforts to grow the Foundation’s assets from $2 million, when she started on staff, to over $21 million today. Last fiscal year, the FarmHouse Foundation raised over $6.25 million.
FFE, formerly the North-American Interfraternity Conference Foundation, has honored Allison and her staff with 10 NICF Award of Distinctions under her leadership, and she is often a presenter at NICF conferences.
In November 2014, Allison and the Foundation Staff was honored with the “Excellence in Fundraising” Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Mid-America Chapter at the National Philanthropy Day Celebration. Allison is a member of the AFP MidAmerica Chapter, serving on their board of directors for six years, is a ten-year faculty member of her AFP Chapter’s Fundraising 101 Seminar and each semester presents to students at Rockhurst University, teaching about stewardship and annual giving.
Allison leads the session on Maximizing Your Team's Talents and Strengths for Fundraising Success
Having worked in the social sector for over 20 years, I love figuring out to get an organization to a place of sustainability. There are lots of moving parts and my specialities are working on program and organizational effectiveness.
When I am not consulting or speaking at a conference or hosting a workshop, I may be practicing yoga, working on a mosaic creation or doing something related to affordable housing in central Texas.
Feel free to check out my website: www.thenonprofitworkbook.com.
Eric François Rolfson is President of the Rolfson Group, Inc. Eric spent more than 30 years raising money for nonprofit institutions and held leadership positions in $10 million, $35 million and $150 million comprehensive fundraising campaigns at Thomas College, Colby College, and the University of Maine. He founded the Rolfson Group to help organizations make a difference in the world by effectively identifying and engaging like-minded constituents in their futures.
Prior to his career in fundraising, Eric taught English, French and American Studies at the secondary and college levels, both in the United States and abroad. Additionally, Eric was co-founder and President of Toast Technologies Inc., a Massachusetts-based information technology company with expertise in network infrastructure consulting.
An avid musician, Rolfson travels regularly with old-time country music bands representing the United States on musical and cultural exchanges, primarily in developing countries. Trips over the past dozen years include tours in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Algeria, Cuba, Benin, Niger, Mauritania, Israel, Jordan, Poland, Mongolia and Ukraine. In his spare time, Eric runs a family maple syrup operation and maintains trails on his land in rural Maine.
Eric leads the session: Top 10 Lessons Learned from 30 Years on the Campaign Trail.
Amanda Rose is the Founder and CEO of Timecounts, a volunteer management solution for nonprofits, festivals, and community leaders. Rose has form in this space: she is the brains behind Twestival, a global grassroots movement that uses Twitter to highlight causes. Since its inception in 2008, Twestival volunteers have raised over $1.84 million for 300+ nonprofits in more than 250 cities worldwide.
The merging of entrepreneurialism, coordination of large-scale events, and mobilizing people comes naturally to Rose: earlier in her career, she worked for creative agencies and founded the film and event locations company Space2. She accommodated an impressive client roster, working on events involving prime ministers, UK royalty, major films, television, photoshoots, London Fashion Week, BRIT Awards parties, leadership conferences, and seminars – you name it, Rose has organized it.
Subsequently, Rose has consulted on and offered counsel to a number of high-profile campaigns and brands including Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day, Oceana, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, and Red Nose Day.
Social media is part of Rose’s DNA: having written her MA dissertation about Twitter and spoken about digital activism at high-profile events, she is a pro. Harnessing the power of online to do much-needed good in the world was the next logical step.
Laura A. Roser is the founder and CEO of Paragon Road, the leading authority in Meaning Legacy planning (passing on non-financial assets, such as values, wisdom and beliefs). She is the editor in chief of Legacy Arts magazine and has interviewed many top CEOs, high net worth individuals, spiritual leaders, philosophers, financial professionals, family experts, celebrities, philanthropists, and innovators in her quest to uncover how to craft a more meaningful life experience. Her writing has been featured in ThinkAdvisor, Iris.xyz, and Kiplinger. Laura lives and works in Solana Beach, California, Salt Lake City, Utah and occasionally from hotels, boats, planes, and apartments around the world.
To read Laura’s recent book, Your Meaning Legacy: How to Cultivate & Pass On Non-Financial Assets, go to www.yourmeaninglegacy.com
Laura leads the session Legacy Development for Nonprofits.
Robbie Samuels is an event design consultant and executive Zoom producer recognized as an expert in digital event design by JDC Events. His event clients include national and statewide advocacy organizations, including Feeding America and California WIC Association. He is also an author, speaker, and business growth strategy coach recognized as a networking expert by Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Lifehacker, and Inc.
His books “Croissants vs. Bagels: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking at Conferences” and “Small List, Big Results: Launch a Successful Offer No Matter the Size of Your Email List” have collectively received 400 Amazon reviews and reached #1 in eleven paid categories. He is a TEDx speaker, a Harvard Business Review contributor, and has been featured in numerous leading business publications and business books.
Since 2016, he has hosted the On the Schmooze podcast and since 2020, #NoMoreBadZoom Virtual Happy Hours. He leads the session Technique, Not Tech.
Stuart (Stu) Saunders has been the vision behind YLCC since it began in 1992. Growing up he attended summer camp from the age of 6. In fact, he hasn’t missed a summer of camp in over 40 years. For the last 25 years Stu has put his heart and soul into building a world-class summer camp and leadership development program that is now Youth Leadership Camps Canada.
Since 1991 he has also travelled North America and Europe speaking to middle schools, high schools, international schools, colleges, universities and many corporations. He has worked with over 2 million young people worldwide and was recently named among the top 30 leadership facilitators in the world.
He has grown YLCC beyond a summer camp. He took over the Ontario Student Leadership Conference (OSLC) in 1999 and grew it from 600 delegates to more that 2300. He started the only ever national student leadership magazine called “The Canadian Spirit”, launched YLCC Media a division that has created 2 powerful documentaries and also started the Canadian Youth Speakers Bureau (CYSB). Each year YLCC works with close to 200,000 youth across Canada and around the world.
As one of Canada’s most sought-after educational leadership consultants and speakers, Stu is a mentor to our staff and campers, and proud father of three amazing children.
Stu leads the session Hiring and Retaining the Next Generation.
Jeff Schreifels has over 27 years’ experience in non-profit fundraising. The first 8 years of his career Jeff worked on the non-profit side working for two organizations as Development Director.
In 1996, Jeff joined the Domain Group based in Seattle. There, Jeff as Senior Strategist, led a team that executed strategic plans and direct-response marketing for clients such as, Feeding America, Arthritis Foundation, American Cancer Society and the Salvation Army; among many others. Jeff and his team helped raise over $200 million for their clients over 12 years.
In 2009, Jeff joined Richard Perry, one of the former owners of Domain Group, to become Senior Partner of Veritus Group. Veritus Group is a major gift consulting agency that has taken the discipline of direct-response and applied it to major gifts. This is a unique approach to major gift fundraising. Veritus helps non-profits all over the United States and the U.K. by helping create, develop and manage mid and major gift programs. As senior partner, Jeff is responsible for client strategy, sales and marketing.
Jeff is also the co-author (with Richard Perry) of a popular fundraising blog focused on major gifts called “Passionate Giving.” They also recently co-authored a book called It’s Not JUST About the Money.
Jeff is the proud father of two adult children who are the joy of his life. Jeff is passionate about life, spirituality, philanthropy, relationships, and the city of Philadelphia!
Jeff leads the session leads the session Successfully Packaging Program Into Donor Offers with Richard Perry.
Steven has 22 years of fundraising experience and has helped hundreds of nonprofits raise more money. He is co-founder and Creative Director of The Better Fundraising Co. He’s created and tracked the results for hundreds of donor newsletters and is a recognized expert in helping organizations raise money with donor-centered newsletters. Steven is the co-host of the Fundraising Is Beautiful podcast, and a past winner of the Direct Mail Package Of the Year award from Fundraising Success magazine. Steven is married and has 3 kids.
Steven leads the session How to Raise Money and Retain Your Donors with Your Nonprofit's Newsletter and How To Create A Fundraising “Offer”.
Jessica Sharp is passionate about empowering underserved and minority communities, diverse representation, and brain education. Jessica is the Founder and Chief Educator of Sharp Brain Consulting which works with youth and adults and organizations who serve them. Additionally, she is a Capacity Building Specialist for the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. She has prior work experience at Meals on Wheels, Greenville Health System and the YMCA of Greenville.
Jessica is dedicated to advancing the rights of our community’s underserved people. After earning a marketing degree from the University of South Carolina, she pursued her passion through Teach for America—an organization that places recent graduates in classrooms in underserved communities. She also has a Master of Public Affairs degree from the University of Missouri.
Jessica is currently a student at William James College where she is obtaining a Doctorate in Leadership Psychology. In her free time, Jessica enjoys reading, listening to podcasts and spending time with friends and family. Jessica is active on Instagram and Twitter at @sharpjes
Jessica leads the sessions What Nonprofits Needs to Know about the Brain and Managing Stress and Uncertainty during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Steven Shattuck is Chief Engagement Officer at Bloomerang. In addition to leading the sales and marketing teams, he curates our blog, administers Bloomerang's weekly educational webinar series and hosts Bloomerang TV, a weekly video podcast that interviews fundraisers and consultants in the nonprofit sector.
Steven got his start in the nonprofit sector producing fundraising videos and other digital content for organizations like Butler University, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, the Domestic Violence Network, the Adoption Support Center, the American Heart Association and CICOA. In 2015, he co-founded Launch Cause, a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping emerging nonprofit organizations enhance the impact of their work through collaborative office space, shared services, educational programming and networking with other nonprofit professionals. As a HubSpot Certified inbound marketer, Steven is a contributor to NTEN, Nonprofit Hub, Ragan, Social Media Today, Search Engine Journal, The Build Network, Technorati, Content Marketing Institute, Conductor and Business2Community. He is a frequent conference speaker and webinar presenter.
Steven leads the session An Introduction to Donor Data Segmentation.
Mel Shaw and Pearl Shaw are a husband-and-wife team with over 50 years of combined experience serving diverse organizations across the country. In 2004, they created Saad&Shaw, bringing together Shaw & Company, founded by Melvin Shaw (1995) and Phrased Write, founded by Pearl Shaw (2001). They draw on Mel Shaw’s extensive experience working with nonprofits, colleges, universities, grassroots organizations, celebrities, corporate leaders, and members of the media in all our work. His tried and tested techniques form the backbone of the Saad&Shaw approach to fundraising, community engagement, and successful business operations. These are leveraged by Pearl Shaw’s writing and analytic skills, allowing us to provide our clients with more than concepts, more than talk. They document all of our suggestions so clients can reference them for future use.
Their offices were first located in Oakland California, and in 2010 were relocated to Memphis, Tennessee. They continuously refine our services so that they can best meet the needs of new and returning clients. Their experience has allowed them to develop a professional specialization that focuses on helping nonprofits build their fundraising capacity and infrastructure while preparing for and conducting campaigns that represent a significant increase from prior campaigns, if any.
They lead the session Major Gifts: Within Reach But Outside Your Comfort Zone and Creating Your Case for Support.
Workforce thought leader Cara Silletto, MBA, works with organizations of all sizes to reduce unnecessary employee turnover by bridging generational gaps and making managers more effective in their roles. As a Millennial herself, she knows first-hand what it is like to have a heightened sense of entitlement, very little employee loyalty and a dependency upon her smart phone. However, unlike many Millennials, Cara has figured out exactly how these attributes were cultivated during her formative years, and she now shares that story with leaders across the country, including teams at Toyota, UPS, Cintas and Humana.
Cara learned early in her career, from her Baby Boomer and GenX mentors, what “professionalism” meant to them, and absorbed critical information about management expectations during her first 12 years in the business world. She then went on to earn her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the top-ranked University of Louisville Entrepreneurship program, lived overseas teaching German executives about business practices in the U.S., and then started her consulting firm, Crescendo Strategies, in 2012.
Today, she’s a highly-sought-after national speaker having conducted more than 100 engagements in 2016. Workforce Magazine in Chicago named Cara a “Game Changer” for her innovative approach to solving generational issues in the workplace and Recruiter.com listed her in their 2016 “Top 10 Company Culture Experts to Watch,” list. She is also the co-author of the book, What’s Next in HR.
Cara leads the session Leading The New Workforce: Retaining Talent as Employee Expectations Evolve.
Jeff Stanger has served CFRE International in several roles since 2012. He is currently the Education Resources Director. Stanger served on the faculty of The Fund Raising School at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University from 2009-2019. He is a frequent speaker and workshop facilitator on a variety of fundraising topics including social media, annual campaigns, marketing, crisis communications, and grant writing. He is also an author and has contributed chapters to Achieving Excellence in Fundraising Volumes III and IV.
Prior to joining CFRE International, Stanger served as Development Director for The Salvation Army of Indiana for six years.
Jeff leads the sessions When "It" Hits the Fan: Your Role in Crisis Communications.
As a writer and teacher by trade, Kristin Steele partners with nonprofits to increase their impact and fundraising by strategically improving how they tell their story at events. Kristin helped start the consulting firm Swaim Strategies in 2004 and co-authored the book “Planning a Successful Major Donor Event.” As a passionate nonprofit advocate, she speaks nationally to help organizations generate change in their communities through their events.
Kristin leads the sessions Alternatives to Your Canceled Fundraising Event and The Future of Fundraising Events.
With over 20 years’ experience as a nonprofit event planner and engagement strategist, A.J. Steinberg has produced over 100 successful events and raised millions of dollars for organizations with her Los Angeles-based production company. In 2015 A.J. launched Queen Bee Fundraising to share the art of nonprofit event planning and engagement strategies with organizations worldwide. She is a recognized topic expert and trainer, and presents on subjects such as nonprofit event planning, event sponsorships, committee and volunteer leadership, generational giving, and guest engagement.
A.J. leads the session "Nonprofit Sponsorships - Yes, You Can!"
Kent helps nonprofit organizations get the resources they need: money and people. He is a published author, popular speaker and successful fundraising consultant whose purpose in life is to Equip, Inspire and Encourage. Stroman’s book, Asking About Asking, is dramatically transforming the fundraising results of countless charities. His 10 Step Staircase provides a proven method used to engage staff and volunteers in Conversational Fundraising™. Kent’s expertise in fundraising, board governance, strategic planning and leadership development comes from 36 years of serving numerous philanthropic organizations. He is a BoardSource-trained governance consultant, Sarkeys Foundation-approved retreat facilitator, and has earned AFP’s Master Teacher designation. Kent has earned numerous awards and is a frequent speaker and presenter to regional and national audiences. http://www.stromanconsulting.com/
Kent leads the session Leverage Your Campaign with Conversational Fundraising™ with Kent Stroman.
Kristin Sukraw is chief storytelling officer at StoryFind, an award-winning storyteller, licensed professional counselor, and national speaker. She is author of the ground-breaking book StoryFind: the Handbook for Finding and Telling Your Nonprofit’s Most Impactful Stories and a companion workbook coming in the Spring of 2025.
Kristin’s client roster includes World Vision, International Rescue Committee, and Rise Against Hunger. She has pioneered work in trauma-informed storytelling and spends most of her time teaching and training best practices for mission-driven organizations. Her favorite thing is to help organizations find and tell their best stories in a way that helps them accomplish their goals.
When not on the road interviewing or speaking, Kristin lives in the great state of Nebraska with her husband, young daughter and black fluffy cat, Lily.
Kristin leads the session Your Trauma-Informed Storytelling Guide.
Samantha Swaim has more than 20 years of event planning and fundraising expertise. She founded Swaim Strategies, a fundraising event consultancy, in 2004, working internationally with nonprofit organizations to produce impactful events that move missions forward. Samantha is the co-author of “Planning a Successful Major Donor Event” and the founder of the annual Elevate fundraising event conference. She travels internationally to teach nonprofit professionals the tools they need to elevate their impact through events.
Samantha leads the sessions Alternatives to Your Canceled Fundraising Event and The Future of Fundraising Events.
Samantha Swaim has more than 20 years of event planning and fundraising expertise. She founded Swaim Strategies, a fundraising event consultancy, in 2004, working internationally with nonprofit organizations to produce impactful events that move missions forward. Samantha is the co-author of “Planning a Successful Major Donor Event” and the founder of the annual Elevate fundraising event conference. She travels internationally to teach nonprofit professionals the tools they need to elevate their impact through events.
Samantha leads the sessions Alternatives to Your Canceled Fundraising Event and The Future of Fundraising Events.
Chana Tiechtel co-founded the Chabad Jewish student center at ASU 15 years ago. She spends 80% of her time doing what only she can do. Her skill set lies in training new hires to work independently. She consults non profits on identifying what their needs are so that they can hire and train new team members effectively.
Along with Anna Peña, she leads the NPA session Making Your First Hire.
Erin Peshoff is the founder of Vivia Studios, a consulting practice rooted in the belief that strong missions need strong systems. With over 25 years of experience across nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy, CRM implementation, and operational design, Erin helps mission-driven leaders move from overwhelm to clarity and from big vision to sustainable execution.
Known as both a “fundraising Swiss Army knife” and a systems whisperer, Erin brings a rare blend of analytical rigor and human-centered insight to every engagement. She has raised over $100 million through campaigns, built multimillion-dollar pipelines, and led teams through complex transitions with calm clarity and strategic care.
At Vivia Studios, Erin offers strategic consulting, workflow optimization, CRM and tech stack audits, and custom intensives that help nonprofit teams streamline operations, enhance donor engagement, and scale with purpose. Her approach is grounded in positive psychology and designed to restore rhythm, reduce friction, and build lasting capacity for both people and systems.
Whether she is facilitating a seven-figure campaign or designing a better donor journey, Erin helps changemakers reconnect with their purpose, align their operations, and lead with intention. When she is not mapping workflows or guiding transformational strategy, you will likely find her at a live music show or soaking in the rhythm of island life; proof that progress and joy can go hand in hand.
Erin leads the sessions:
Data. Curiosity. Creativity. Building the Bridge, Taking the Plunge: Data Analysis Deep Dive, and The Art and Science of Targeting.
Andrea Vahl is a Social Media Speaker and Consultant who is passionate about helping organizations understand and leverage the power of social media to actually grow their business. Andrea is the co-author of Facebook Marketing All-in-One for Dummies and her newest book is Facebook Ads Made Simple.
She has appeared on top lists on Entrepreneur.com, Inc.com, and other influential sites. She is the founder of Facebook Advertising Secrets an online learning program with over 700 students. Andrea Vahl’s proven ability to make social media marketing easy to understand and implement has directly impacted the bottom line of thousands of companies through her training and one-on-one consulting. She is also a stand up comedienne.
Learn more about Andrea’s books, courses, and resources, on her website, www.AndreaVahl.com.
Andrea leads the session called Facebook Advertising Secrets for Nonprofits.
Frank Velásquez Jr. is the Executive Director at JobPath, Inc. Inspired to “dare greatly,” Frank Velásquez Jr. leads and collaborates with passion, authenticity and an open mind. A racial equity and social justice advocate, he connects to the stories that make each of us who we are and the stories that inextricably connect us to each other. A natural storyteller, he loves the task of bringing greater local, statewide, and national awareness to JobPath’s work through enhanced messaging. Additionally, he strives to never talk in the third person and to never have a long-winded biography.
Frank leads the session called Engaging Granters through Storytelling and Statistics.
Kelly Velasquez-Hague brings over 20 years of fundraising, nonprofit management, and marketing experience to her role as the VP of Content Marketing for OneCause. Prior to starting her career in nonprofit fundraising technology, Kelly worked in the nonprofit sector as a Development Director and Event Coordinator. She's an active speaker and thought leader, sharing insights on donor trends and fundraising best practices at nonprofit industry conferences and webinars. Kelly is passionate about empowering great missions and helping nonprofits reach new donors and raise more funds for their causes.
Kelly leads the session called Top Strategies for Auction Event Survival.
Abbie J. von Schlegell, CFRE, FAFP has been in development for over 40 years. Before starting her own consulting firm in 2007, she served as a consultant with several national firms including Marts & Lundy and Brakeley Briscoe. She held key senior development positions at Stanford University and The University of Chicago.
Areas of expertise and extensive experience includes major gifts, women’s philanthropy and governance, which encompasses board development, leadership and training. She speaks, consults and teaches workshops on these subjects.
Currently, Abbie is a Certified Governance Trainer for BoardSource, in Washington, D.C. In 1990, Abbie was the recipient of the President’s Award from the NSFRE of Chicago and in 2018 was named a Distinguished Fellow by Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is the editor of Women as Donors, Women as Philanthropists, published in 1993 by Jossey-Bass.
Abbie leads the session called Get Your Board Engaged NOW!
Cindy Wagman has proven you can serve yourself and others well - without settling. After over 20 years of fundraising and 9 years of consulting, Cindy now helps nonprofit consultants shake off the “shoulds”, drop the scarcity hangover from the nonprofit sector, and find abundance in entrepreneurship.
She is also the founder of The Fractional Fundraising Movement that connects small nonprofits and the Fractional Fundraisers that serve them.
Cindy has presented online and around the world on stages for AFP, Fundraising Everywhere, Strategic Arts Management, We Are For Good, and more. She is the former host of the top-rated The Small Nonprofit podcast, and best-selling author of Raise It! The Reluctant Fundraiser’s Guide to Raising Money Without Selling Your Soul. Cindy is currently the co-host of the Confessions with Jess and Cindy podcast for nonprofit serving consultants.
Cindy is leads the session Fractional Executives.
Susan Walterhouse was an educator for 20 years both in public, private and charter environments before moving into the non-profit sector. She and her husband, Roger, have worked together for many years in pastoral ministry and outreach before both landing at Feed the Hungry, Inc. (https://feedthehungry.org/) They have two grown daughters that also work in Non-profits/Fundraising and just added their first son-in-law to the mix in August of 2018. After learning about the Challenge and Invitation Matrix, Susan says her family dynamics were revolutionized as they began to implement strategies into their conversations and interactions. Coming from a place of understanding, rather than frustration, the whole family learned to embrace differences, "speak the language" of other family members, and then respond in a healthy manner. She has since taken those principles and applied them to classrooms, work-environments, and donor relationships with tremendous success.
Susan leads the session called Creating an Atmosphere for 'Yes'.
She obtained a plant-based nutrition certification through eCornell, and a Health Coaching certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Brie was able to heal her symptoms through dietary changes, and strongly believes not only that food is medicine, but that we know our bodies better than anyone, and must be our own advocates.
She is also a Co-Active trained coach and leads individuals and groups through processes that empower them to improve and transform their lives, by taking control of their own health and well-being.
Brie lives in Seattle with her husband, their son, and sweet fluffy fur baby.
Brie leads the session, 'Caring For Yourself Above All Else'.
Andrea Waltz is the co-founder of Courage Crafters, Inc. and co-author of the best-selling book, Go for No! Yes is the Destination, No is How You Get There.Through speaking and an online training and coaching course, Andrea teaches sellers in virtually every business and industry how to think and feel differently about failure, rejection and the word, no. Today, "Go for No" has become a well known methodology in the world of selling and is widely recognized as the singular best program of its kind. The book, Go for No! Reached #1 on Amazon’s “Selling” list in 2010 and has remained in the top 50 of ‘Sales’ books for the last 9 years.
Andrea leads the session on dealing with rejection called Go For No For Fundraising Success.
As the founder of The Weathers Group, a management consulting firm specializing in organization behavior and development, Charles is a nationally recognized speaker, writer and consultant. He is known for his ability to help groups navigate difficult conversations and he captivates audiences with contagious energy, insight and humor.
Weathers is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a Forbes Coaches Council member, an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow, a Riley Diversity Fellow (Furman University), a member of the Institute of Management Consultants, and a member of the National Speakers Association.
In his mission to positively impact lives, Weathers has made headlines by lending his voice to disruptive companies in the nonprofit, government and private sectors. Charles has logged more than 16,000 facilitation hours over the last 16 years developing solutions for clients ranging from grassroots community organizations to billion-dollar enterprises. His work has touched the lives of leading executives at TD Bank, BASF Corporation, Goodwill Industries International, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and countless foundations and organizations across the globe.
Charles enjoys volunteering and is an active board member with numerous organizations. A trusted advisor and coach, he and his family reside in Columbia, South Carolina. You can follow Charles on social media channels at @CharlesWeathers and learn more by visiting www.charlescweathers.com.
Charles leads the session The Strategic Advantage
Prior to starting the firm, Barber was the first Central Major Gifts Officer at the Smithsonian Institution, and a member of the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s (NMAAHC) fundraising team that surpassed its private philanthropic goal of $250M. In 2017, her work at NMAAHC was featured in The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
At NMAAHC, Barber secured $42M in leadership ($1M+) and major ($100K) gift support, highlighted by the closure of 22 individual one million-dollar gifts, 90% contributed by first-time donors to the Smithsonian. She built and maintained a portfolio of high-profile celebrities, including LaTanya and Samuel L. Jackson, Magic and Cookie Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant, among many other national philanthropists. Leading into NMAAHC’s Grand Opening in 2016, she led the efforts to host a $1M per plate fundraiser at the home of Pauletta and Denzel Washington and a mid-level fundraising event that generated $5M from $25K donors.
Prior to the Smithsonian, Barber spent 10 years working as a frontline fundraiser in intercollegiate college athletics. She served as the director of major gifts for Michigan State University Athletics, the assistant director of development at Miami University in Ohio and Management Associate at Arizona State University.
Barber earned a Juris Doctorate (Intellectual Property) from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science (Political Science) from Howard University.
Anna leads the session The Development Process.
As the “Idea Whisperer,” Tamsen helps people find, build, and tell the stories of their ideas using their Red Thread®, the universal (but unique!) tie between how we see the world and what we do in it.
Tamsen’s own Red Thread weaves through her 20 years as a brand and message strategist, though she says she learned the most about inspiring change as a Weight Watchers leader.
As a TEDx Executive Producer, Tamsen coached experts, iconoclasts, and pioneers from around the world to build their Red Threads into Ideas Worth Spreading—and more than 9 million YouTube views.
Today, she’s a globe-hopping keynote speaker on storytelling, branding, change management, and idea development, and a go-to consultant for enterprise companies like Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, and State Street Bank who want to their big ideas to have an even bigger impact.
Tamsen lives in Boston with her other half/chief ballroom dancing partner, and two amazing boys with big ideas all their own.
Tamsen leads the session How to Craft the Conversations that Build your Case with Donors (even on Zoom!).
Odeidra Williams is a marketing expert, economist, and business development strategist with WeOurs Consulting and Good Data, LLC. For over ten years, Odeidra and her team of consultants have created and implemented successful marketing, organizational, and financial-wellness plans for nonprofit organizations, small to mid-sized businesses, elected officials, and social advocacy agencies.
Ms. Williams is also a trained speaker/workshop facilitator, certified grant writer, engaging copywriter, and advanced level ghostwriter for numerous business and personal development books. She has as a bachelor's degree in business administration and advanced degrees in economics and city and regional planning.
Odeidra enjoys helping organizations grow by developing tailored and actionable plans to ensure their success.
Odeidra leads the session Writing Effective Direct Mail Appeals That Compel Donors to Give.
Recognized as one of America's Top 20 Fundraising Experts. Tammy is an inspiring international speaker on the topic of transformational philanthropy and an AFP Certified Master Trainer.
Over the past 20 years, she has trained, coached and led nonprofit teams to raise more than a half-billion dollars including a single gift of $27.1 million. Tammy moved to Detroit in 2008 determined to successfully raise money in the most challenging economy in the U.S., and has turned those experiences into strategies, tools, and processes for skyrocketing fundraising results in any economy.
When not speaking at conferences or fundraising, she's training her online membership community of Fundraising Transformers, or leading microlearnings, classes, masterclasses, training intensives, and private workshops and retreats.
Tammy leads the session Your Guide to Storytouring: A Powerful Way to Attract & Retain Supporters.
Armando Zumaya has been in fundraising for 34 years in a variety of roles that have given him a unique perspective on all aspects of development offices, fundraising culture, and Latinx in the US nonprofit world. He founded Somos El Poder because of his experiences of his long career in development, his success in teaching fundraising, and a deep pride in his Chicano heritage.
He is a noted expert on Latino Major Giving and all aspects of fundraising with the Latinx community. He lectures and writes about the Latinx experience raising five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts from Latinx in the US.
He has spent the bulk of his fundraising career as a Major Gifts, Leadership Gifts, and Annual Fund Officer on two $1+ billion dollar campaigns at Cornell University and the University of California, Berkeley. He began his career in 1985 as a canvasser for SANE/FREEZE in Los Angeles and Ithaca, NY, where he led door-to-door canvassers int he field for 5 years. He has served in the Vice President of Development, Director of Major Gifts and Chief Development Officer, Annual Fund and Leadership Gift roles.
Armando is a popular speaker and noted author, including being features in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, APRA Connections, the Grassroots Fundraising Journal, and other publications.
He lives in Northern California and is a proud alumnus of the University of California, Riverside and Theodore Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles.
Armando leads the session Cold Calling and Prospecting.
Before this role he has led the Innovative finance for the Capital Fund of the UN and Marketing and Fundraising Director for UNICEF Italy. Francesco has 25 years of fundraising experience with major nonprofit organizations including UNICEF, UNAIDS, UNHCR, MSF, WWF and the Red Cross. His experience extends worldwide and includes raising billions of dollars in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. He launched the campaign “Schools for Africa” for UNICEF that raised over $200 million.
Francesco is a Professor of Fundraising at Bologna University and a frequent speaker at international fundraising congresses. He is the author of Emotionraising: How to astonish, disturb, seduce and convince the brain to support good causes, published in 2016 by Civil Society Press and Hooked on a feeling. How passion and devotion for good causes becomes memories and identities (2021, Hillborn).
Francesco leads the sessions Emotionraising: How to astonish, disturb, seduce and convince the brain to support good causes and Hooked On a Feeling: Transforming Emotions into Memorable Donor Experiences.
