Artificial Intelligence in Advancement Advisory Council Announces New Cohort

The Artificial Intelligence in Advancement Advisory Council, a first-of-its-kind organization committed to open discussion and evaluation about where artificial intelligence can and should have an impact on advancement, announced its second cohort, adding 11 new members to the AAAC.

This new cohort builds on incredible momentum that the AAAC generated in 2019, which included prominent press articles and issuing the advancement industry's first benchmark study on the adoption rate, uses and opinions of AI in the industry: "The 2019 State of AI in Advancement Report." With new members of the AAAC, the group will expand its research efforts, inform best practices and use cases, and guide nonprofit organizations as they use AI to transform efficiencies in advancement efforts.

The AAAC’s new cohort includes Colleen Zakrewsky, SVP of business development and external relations for FINCA International, where she focuses on alleviating poverty through sustainable solutions that help people build assets, create jobs and raise standards of living.

“At FINCA International, we have the privilege of empowering millions of low-income people across five continents with the tools they need to step out of poverty and build their own equity. This doesn't happen without funding. I’ve seen how AI changes what’s possible in fundraising, and I’m proud to join my esteemed colleagues on the AAAC as we find ways to bring this transformative technology to all nonprofit organizations,” Zakrewsky said.

The AAAC’s new members are:

• Chris Biehn, former VP of institutional advancement at Ithaca College
• Eric Gentry, executive director of NKU Foundation and VP of University Advancement at Northern Kentucky University
• Phil Komarny, VP of innovation at Salesforce
• Sylvia Galen, AVP of advancement analytics at The George Washington University
• Jennifer Norris, CDO at Appalachian Mountain Club
• Lil O’Rourke, president at the University of Rhode Island Foundation and Alumni Engagement
• Dr. Jason Penry, AVP for special projects at Texas A&M
• Tracy Rolston, associate vice chancellor for advancement services at Pepperdine
• Steve Sokany, VP for institutional advancement and executive director of the Kent State University Foundation
• Deb Taft, CEO at Lindauer
• Colleen Zakrewsky, SVP of business development and external relations at FINCA International

“AI is transforming behaviors, processes, and outcomes across all industries. We’re so proud that our council continues to lead the sector of social good in evaluating the fair, ethical and efficient applications of AI in advancement,” Adam Martel, AAAC member and CEO of Gravyty, said. “I’m excited to welcome this new cohort of uniquely qualified and diverse advancement professionals to the AAAC as we continue our work to change the world.”

In the coming months, the AAAC will reveal the "2020 State of AI in Advancement Report" and host its annual in-person meeting in New Orleans.

To keep updated on the AAAC's progress, please follow the council's page.

Editor's Note: This press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of NonProfit PRO and its staff.