Best Practices

If you’re hanging with Richard it won’t be long before you’ll be laughing.

He always finds something funny in everything. But when the conversation is about people, their money and giving, you’ll find a deeply caring counselor who helps donors fulfill their passions and interests. Richard believes that successful major-gift fundraising is not fundamentally about securing revenue for good causes. Instead it is about helping donors express who they are through their giving. The Connections blog will provide practical information on how to do this successfully. Richard has more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience, and is founding partner of the Veritus Group.

Dane Grams is the director of membership for Human Rights Campaign. He has held senior positions at Amnesty International, Greenpeace USA and Care2. Reach him at dane.grams@hrc.org. 

Nell Edgington is president of Social Velocity.

Pamela Barden is an independent fundraising consultant focused on direct response. You can read more of her fundraising columns here.

Looking for Jeff? You'll find him either on the lake, laughing with good friends, or helping nonprofits develop to their full potential.

Jeff believes that successful fundraising is built on a bedrock of relevant, consistent messaging; sound practices; the nurturing of relationships; and impeccable stewardship. And that organizations that adhere to those standards serve as beacons to others that aspire to them. The Bedrocks & Beacons blog will provide strategic information to help nonprofits be both.

Jeff has more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience and is a member of the NonProfit PRO Editorial Advisory Board.

So, I'm a fundraiser having a mid-life crisis.  And that's perfectly fine with me. 

I am taking time to look around, lift my head and find REAL people who really want to change the world.  And people smart enough to do it.  Join me in this fun journey. I have no idea where we will end up - and that is the beauty of it. I'm nonprofit passionate, a hopeful world changer, and always ready to share what I know, learn what I don't, admit when I can't, and ask the hard questions.

While you're looking around for other areas of inspiration, check out The Moth Project at themoth.org (the podcasts are AMAZING), TED talks (doesn't matter which ones - find topics that interest you) and Volunteer Voices (again - love the podcast) written by volunteers from the Peace Corps. Don't see the immediate connection to being a better fundraiser?  Just listen, you'll hear the message ...

Jeff Schreifels is the principal owner of Veritus Group — an agency that partners with nonprofits to create, build and manage mid-level fundraising, major gifts and planned giving programs. In his 32-plus year career, Jeff has worked with hundreds of nonprofits, helping to raise more than $400 million in revenue.

Willis Turner believes great writing has the power to change minds, save lives, and make people want to  dance and sing. Willis is the creative director at Huntsinger & Jeffer. He worked as a lead writer and creative director in the traditional advertising world for more than 15 years before making the switch to fundraising 20 years ago. In his work with nonprofit organizations and associations, he has written thousands of appeals, renewals and acquisition communications for every medium. He creates direct-response campaigns, and collateral communications materials that get attention, tell powerful stories and persuade people to take action or make a donation.

Angela Struebing is president of CDR Fundraising Group, a multichannel agency focused on helping nonprofits maximize their online, direct mail, telemarketing and DRTV fundraising results. As president, Angela is responsible for overall agency management and strategic planning for national nonprofit clients to include The Wounded Warrior Project, Shriners’ Hospitals for Children, MoMA and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Angela is a frequent speaker at industry events and is recognized for her strategic expertise. She has also served as Education co-chair for the Bridge Conference.

Steve MacLaughlin is the vice president of data and analytics at Blackbaud and best-selling author of “Data Driven Nonprofits.” Steve has spent 20-plus years driving innovation with a broad range of companies, government institutions and nonprofit organizations. He serves on the board of the Nonprofit Technology Network and is a frequent speaker at conferences and events. Steve earned both his undergraduate degree and a Master of Science degree in interactive media from Indiana University.

An agency-trained, award-winning, freelance fundraising copywriter and consultant with years of on-the-ground experience, George specializes in crafting direct mail appeals, online appeals and other communications that move donors to give. He serves major nonprofits with projects ranging from specialized appeals for mid-level and high-dollar donors, to integrated, multichannel campaigns, to appeals for acquisition, reactivation and cultivation.

Adam Weinger is president of Double the Donation, an organization that helps nonprofit organizations and schools increase fundraising from corporate matching gift and employee volunteer grant programs.

Erica Waasdorp is one of the leading experts on monthly giving. She is the president of A Direct Solution, a company serving nonprofit organizations with fundraising and direct marketing needs, with a focus on monthly giving and appeals. She authored "Monthly Giving: The Sleeping Giant" and "Monthly Giving Made Easy." She regularly blogs and presents on fundraising, appeals and monthly giving — in person and through webinars. She is happy to answer any questions you may have about this great way of improving retention rates for your donors.

Erica has over 30 years of experience in nonprofits and direct response. She helped the nonprofits she works with raise millions of dollars through monthly giving programs. She is also very actively supports organizations with annual fund planning and execution, ranging from copywriting, creative, lists, print and mail execution.

When she’s not working or writing, Erica can be found on the golf course (she’s a straight shooter) or quietly reading a book. And if there’s an event with a live band, she and her husband, Patrick, can be found on the dance floor. She also loves watching British drama on PBS. Erica and Patrick have two step sons and a cat, Mientje.

Pamela Grow is the publisher of The Grow Report, the author of Simple Development Systems and the founder of Simple Development Systems: The Membership Program and Basics & More fundraising fundamentals e-courses. She has been helping small nonprofits raise dramatically more money for over 15 years, and was named one of the 50 Most Influential Fundraisers by Civil Society magazine, and one of the 40 Most Effective Fundraising Consultants by The Michael Chatman Giving Show.

Mike Snusz brings 20 years of digital fundraising experience to his role as director of nonprofit customer experience at Tatango. Today, Mike closely partners with Tatango's nonprofit customer to maximize the impact text marketing can have to further their mission.

Prior to Tatango, Mike spent 15 years at Blackbaud, leading a team of digital consultants focused on increasing nonprofit fundraising. Mike started his nonprofit career managing the Ride For Roswell in 2003. 

An internationally recognized philanthropy and fundraising thought leader, Larry C. Johnson trains the staff and volunteers of worthy causes to achieve real impact through the creation of reliable, growing revenue streams. He emphasizes principles before methods as the key to long-lasting success. He stresses the simple, the practical and the joyful.

Larry is the founder of The Eight Principles, the premier brand for educational products and services in relational fundraising and philanthropy. The Eight Principles provides digital education, live workshops and structured coaching to nonprofit organizations.

Author of the award-winning book, "The Eight Principles of Sustainable Fundraising," AFP named Larry Outstanding Development Executive in 2010. The Wall Street Business Network ranks him in the Top 15 Fundraising Consultants in the USA. Larry is a graduate of Yale University. Larry speaks widely and serves on numerous nonprofit and corporate boards, including The Philanthropy Council of The Carter Center, the philanthropy of the 39th President of the U.S.

Kevin Schulman is founder and managing partner at DonorVoice.

Duke Haddad, Ed.D., CFRE, is currently associate director of development, director of capital campaigns and director of corporate development for The Salvation Army Indiana Division in Indianapolis. He also serves as president of Duke Haddad and Associates LLC and is a freelance instructor for Nonprofit Web Advisor.

He has been a contributing author to NonProfit PRO since 2008.

He received his doctorate degree from West Virginia University with an emphasis on education administration plus a dissertation on donor characteristics. He received a master’s degree from Marshall University with an emphasis on public administration plus a thesis on annual fund analysis. He secured a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) with an emphasis on marketing/management. He has done post graduate work at the University of Louisville.       

Duke has received the Fundraising Executive of the Year Award, from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Indiana Chapter. He also was given the Outstanding West Virginian Award, Kentucky Colonel Award and Sagamore of the Wabash Award from the governors of West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana, respectively, for his many career contributions in the field of philanthropy. He has maintained a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation for three decades.

Philip King is founder of The Donation Funnel Project, an experiment in online and mobile fundraising. He is a regular contributor to NonProfit PRO.

Sarah Durham is president of Big Duck, a New York City-based branding, marketing and fundraising firm for nonprofits. She serves on the boards of the National Brain Tumor Society and the New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Pete Carter is principal/senior vice president of CCAH in Arlington, Va., an award-winning direct marketing firm specializing in nonprofit fundraising. He can be reached at pcarter@ccah.com

Chris Litster is CEO of Dianthus Commerce, an AI-first e-commerce company that buys, builds and boosts direct-to-consumer brands in the pet, outdoor/active life, home and beauty categories.

Vice President, Strategy & Development
Eleventy Marketing Group

Angie is ridiculously passionate about EVERYTHING she’s involved in — including the future and success of our nonprofit industry.
 
Angie is a senior exec with 25 years of experience in direct and relationship marketing. She is a C-suite consultant with experience over the years at both nonprofits and agencies. She currently leads strategy and development for marketing intelligence agency Eleventy Marketing Group. Previously she has worked at the innovative startup DonorVoice and as general manager of Merkle’s Nonprofit Group, as well as serving as that firm’s CRM officer charged with driving change within the industry. She also spent more 14 years leading the marketing, fundraising and CRM areas for two nationwide charities, The Arthritis Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Angie is a thought leader in the industry and is frequent speaker at events, and author of articles and whitepapers on the nonprofit industry. She also has received recognition for innovation and influence over the years.

As a founding principal of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, Mark focuses on empowering nonprofits to accomplish more for the communities and constituencies they serve by dramatically increasing their financial resources. He is a leading national expert in funding nonprofit organizations and community initiatives through large fundraising campaigns.

Mark has managed and consulted on fundraising campaigns for a broad array of nonprofits, including schools, community colleges, museums, hospitals, women’s and children’s services, workforce development organizations, associations, arts and culture organizations, Boy Scouts councils, historic theaters, human service organizations, community foundations, YMCAs, animal shelters, hospices, social service nonprofits, community centers, chambers of commerce, and economic development corporations.

Larry believes in the power of relationships and the power of philanthropy to create a better place and transform lives.

Larry is the founder of The Eight Principles. His mission is to give nonprofits and philanthropists alike the opportunity to achieve their shared visions. With more than 25 years of experience in charitable fundraising and philanthropy, Larry knows that financial sustainability and scalability is possible for any nonprofit organization or charitable cause and is dependent on neither size nor resources but instead with the commitment to create a shared vision.

Larry is the author of the award-wining book, "The Eight Principles of Sustainable Fundraising." He is the Association of Fundraising Professionals' 2010 Outstanding Development Executive and has ranked in the Top 15 Fundraising Consultants in the United States by the Wall Street Business Network.

Larry is the creator of the revolutionary online fundraising training platform, The Oracle League.

Reach Larry on social media at:

Twitter: Larry_C_Johnson
LinkedIn: larryjohnsonmegrace
Facebook: TheEightPrinciples

Wayne Elsey is the founder and CEO of Elsey Enterprises. Among his various independent brands, he is also the founder and CEO of Funds2Orgs, a social enterprise that helps nonprofits, schools, churches, civic groups, individuals and others raise funds, while helping to support micro-enterprise (small business) opportunities in developing nations and the environment.

You can learn more about Wayne and obtain free resources, including his books on his blog, Not Your Father’s Charity.

Grant Hensel is the founder of Nonprofit Megaphone, an agency focused exclusively on acquiring and managing the Google Ad Grant for nonprofits. His team takes pride in their 100 percent success rate helping nonprofits receive the grant and in helping dozens of organizations use the funds to make a difference.

Inez Sieben is the chief strategy officer of VIP Community Services, a nonprofit founded in 1974 on the belief that people can become self-sufficient and transform their communities into safe, thriving neighborhoods. The organization works to successfully house individuals and families, treat addiction, and provide physical and mental wellness. VIP Community Services is a Federally Qualified Health Center and Certified Community Behavioral Health Center. For more information, visit www.vipservices.org.

Dr. Gleb Tsipursky is a thought leader in future-proofing, decision making and cognitive bias risk management in the future of work for nonprofit executives. He serves as the CEO of the boutique consultancy Disaster Avoidance Experts, which specializes in helping forward-looking nonprofit leaders avoid dangerous threats and missed opportunities.

As an author, he has written “The Blindspots Between Us: How to Overcome Unconscious Cognitive Bias and Build Better Relationships,” "Resilience: Adapt and Plan for the New Abnormal of the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic" and Returning to the Office and Leading Hybrid and Remote Teams: A Manual on Benchmarking to Best Practices for Competitive Advantage.”  

His expertise comes from more than 20 years of consulting, coaching, speaking and training on future-proofing, strategic decision-making and planning, and cognitive bias risk management. His clients include innovative startups, major nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies. His expertise also stems from his research background as a behavioral scientist, studying decision-making and risk management strategy over a 15-year span in academia. After getting a Ph.D at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he was appointed as a professor at The Ohio State University, publishing dozens of peer-reviewed articles in academic journals.

As vice president of Orr Group, CJ Orr is responsible for a portfolio of work that includes operations, business development and partner relationship management.

On the operations side, CJ is responsible for setting and driving achievement of Orr Group’s financial targets and overseeing office real estate and management. Additionally, CJ leads and supports the efforts of Orr Group’s sales and marketing team to identify and cultivate new business opportunities and build relationships with nonprofit partners, ensuring that the services offered are best aligned with our partners’ needs.

CJ has a broad background in fundraising and development, strategic planning, campaigns, and event management. He has led strategic initiatives and fundraising for several large galas and campaigns. As a project and relationship manager, he executes on the development of strategies and tactics to ensure highly memorable events and campaigns that meet or exceed fundraising targets.

Eric Burger is the director of marketing for BetterGood, an organization that creates exciting products, including VolunteerHub, that help organizations touch lives and make an impact within their communities. Eric has worked in the business-to-business software industry for eight years and has more than 12 years of experience in digital marketing.

With a background in technology program management and strategy, Sima Parekh supports organizations through transformation, execution and growth. She is the director of operations strategy and programs at IHG Hotels and Resorts and also serves as the executive director at 48in48. 48in48 is a nonprofit organization that hosts hackathon-style events that create free websites for small nonprofits. Over the past six years, she has held various roles at 48in48 prior to taking over as executive director. In the past year, she pivoted the organization from hosting onsite events to 100% virtual events. Her skills in strategy and execution have allowed her to help 48in48 continue to, not only, survive but excel during the pandemic.   

Mark founded Cathexis Partners in 2008 to help nonprofit organizations get the most from their existing technology tools, implement new technology to address gaps and find the best overall approach to using technology to support their missions. He previously served as director of IT consulting at a fundraising event production company focused on nonprofits.

Mark also serves on the editorial advisory board for NonProfit PRO, where he contributes monthly to his blog, “Nonprofit Tech Matters.”

Paul D’Alessandro, J.D., CFRE, is a vice president at Innovest Portfolio Solutions. He is also the founder of High Impact Nonprofit Advisors (HNA), and D’Alessandro Inc. (DAI), which is a fundraising and strategic management consulting company. With more than 30 years of experience in the philanthropic sector, he’s the author of “The Future of Fundraising: How Philanthropy’s Future is Here with Donors Dictating the Terms.” 

He has worked with hundreds of nonprofits to raise more than $1 billion dollars for his clients in the U.S. and abroad. In addition, as a nonprofit and business expert — who is also a practicing attorney — Paul has worked with high-level global philanthropists, vetting and negotiating their strategic gifts to charitable causes. Paul understands that today’s environment requires innovation and fresh thinking, which is why he launched HNA to train and coach leaders who want to make a difference in the world.

Kristy Morris is a creative professional in corporate and nonprofit social media advertising and brand strategy. As the chief marketing officer at Funds2Orgs and Elsey Enterprises, she works with a suite of global fundraising brands and manages national campaigns for her clients. She hosts a monthly webinar with Funds2Orgs, teaching nonprofits how to make an impact with their social media strategy. Kristy is a passionate individual that loves nothing more than to help others make an impact in their market and the world.

Kristy also contributes monthly to her NonProfit PRO blog, “Marketing IRL.”

Tim Sarrantonio oversees Neon One’s ecosystem of software, consultant, and institutional partners that can address any nonprofit need. Neon One provides best in class products with NeonCRM, Rallybound, CiviCore, Arts People, and an ecosystem ensures that over 27 product integrations and over 90 consultants are working to solve problems specific to nonprofits.

Otis Fulton, Ph.D., spent most of his career in the education industry, working at the psychometric research and development firm MetaMetrics Inc., Pearson Education and others. Since 2013, he has focused on the nonprofit sector, applying psychology to fundraising and donor behavior at Turnkey. He is the co-author of the 2017 book, ”Dollar Dash: The Behavioral Economics of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising,” and the 2023 book, "Social Fundraising: Mining the New Peer-to-Peer Landscape,"  and is a frequent speaker at national nonprofit conferences. With Katrina VanHuss, he co-authors a blog at NonProfit PRO, “Peeling the Onion,” on the intersection of psychology and philanthropy.

Otis is a much sought-after copywriter for nonprofit fundraising messages. He has written campaigns for UNICEF, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, March of Dimes, Susan G. Komen, the USO and dozens of other organizations. He has a Ph.D. in social psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia, where he also played on UVA’s first ACC champion basketball team.

Amanda Baldwin boasts over a decade of expertise in philanthropy and nonprofit development. Currently, she's a senior customer success manager at GoodUnited, a marketing automation platform that helps nonprofits find their supporters where they are — on social media.

Previously, Amanda held significant roles at Blackbaud, the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity specializing in corporate strategy, relationship-building and fundraising.

Craig Grella is a content marketer at Salsa Labs, a software for growth-focused nonprofits that combines CRM and engagement software with embedded best practices, machine learning, and education and support. In his role, he serves thousands of nonprofits and advocacy organizations across the U.S.

Craig focuses on digital strategy, using email marketing, online advertising campaigns, SMS campaigns, CRM management, reporting/analytics for KPIs and more. He’s also the founder of Think Big Campaigns, a full-service consulting firm that specializes in political consulting, digital organizing and issue advocacy.

Alan Tyson serves as the CEO of DATABASICS, an enterprise-grade time and expense management solutions provider recognized by leading global organizations for its deep expertise, next-gen technology and customer-focused platform, including such nonprofits, associations and philanthropies as Mortgage Bankers Association, National Governors Association, National Forest Foundation, the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, The Trust for Public Land, ATSSA, Pathfinder International, National Quality Forum, PRA Health Sciences and American Academy of Physician Assistants. Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or follow on Twitter @DATABASICSinc.

Tracy Vanderneck is president of Phil-Com, a training and consulting company where she works with nonprofits across the U.S. on fundraising, board development and strategic planning. Tracy has more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, business development and sales. She holds a Master of Science in management with a concentration in nonprofit leadership, a graduate certificate in teaching and learning, and a DEI in the Workplace certificate. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), an Association of Fundraising Professionals Master Trainer, and holds a BoardSource certificate in nonprofit board consulting. Additionally, she designs and delivers online fundraising training classes and serves as a Network for Good Personal Fundraising Coach.

Candice Pascoal is an international spokesperson on innovation and technology, and a best-selling author.

Jeff Middlesworth is the chief product officer at Boardable, a board management software company serving nonprofits around the world. Jeff brings more than 20 years of SaaS, product management and executive leadership experience to the organization.

Outside of his work with Boardable, he is executive director of RunOne, a nonprofit focused on helping churches deliver digital experiences through apps that draw people to move in their spiritual journey. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and four daughters. In his spare time, Jeff coaches basketball and golfs whenever he can.

Rod Arnold is the founder of Leading Good. As the former chief operating officer of charity: water, Rod helped lead the young organization through a period of tremendous growth. Now he helps other nonprofits grow by applying principles and strategies that are proven to work.

Dave Martin is the vice president of marketing for CharityEngine. He is a digital marketing expert with a unique combination of nonprofit and for-profit experience. Earlier in his career, Dave worked in global telecommunications marketing, product management and product development both in the United States and Europe. Dave has a Bachelor of Arts from the University at Buffalo, an Master of International Affairs from Columbia University, and an Master of Arts from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Leuven, Belgium.

Celeste Frye, AICP, is co-founder and CEO of Public Works Partners LLC, a certified Women's Business Enterprise, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Small Business Enterprise planning and consulting firm, specializing in multi-stakeholder initiatives and building strong connections across the nonprofit, government and private sectors.

Laurence is author of "The Nonprofit Fundraising Solution," the first book on fundraising ever published by the American Management Association. He is chairman of LAPA Fundraising serving nonprofits throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Michael Landis has been programming on computers since he was 9 years old. (He wanted to read “Choose Your Own Adventure” stories without having to flip through the books.) Since then he’s written utilities for old Macintoshes and began programming for the web in 1997. After a long stint in the financial services industry, he lived in his Subaru Outback for a couple of years before returning to programming as the senior front-end engineer for boodleAI.

Pete Kimbis is managing director of PKC, a boutique social good consulting firm based in North Bethesda, Maryland, that delivers technical and grant proposal writing, opportunity and solicitation analysis, legislative research, budgets, program analysis and evaluation, small business development, and acquisition support. Pete works with entrepreneurs and businesses based around innovative and inclusive missions that protect or improve lives or the environment.

Concord Leadership Group founder Marc A. Pitman, CSP, helps leaders lead their teams with more effectiveness and less stress. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching of executives, conducting high-engagement trainings or growing leaders through his ICF-accredited coach certification program, his clients grow in stability and effectiveness.

He is the author of "The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be" He’s also the author of "Ask Without Fear!"— which has been translated into Dutch, Polish, Spanish and Mandarin. A FranklinCovey-certified coach and Exactly What To Say Certified Guide, Marc’s expertise and enthusiasm engages audiences around the world both in person and with online presentations. 

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 '80s tunes loud enough to embarrass his family!

Andrea Espinola Wilson co-leads BDO’s Nonprofit and Education practice and advises organizations on a range of issues, including compliance matters, cost allowability and recovery issues, cost accounting, procurement, and internal control and operational assessments. With 20 years of experience, Andrea works alongside industry, advisory, assurance and tax professional to provide clients with customized and data-backed solutions for organizations’ unique needs and missions.

Rachel Cyrulnik is founder and principal at RAISE Nonprofit Advisors, where she helps nonprofits achieve measurable and strategic growth.

Kymberlie Quong-Charles is a co-executive director at Youth Rise Texas, a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas, that is dedicated to creating the conditions for youth of color to rise from systems of oppression, heal from past traumas of parental incarceration and deportation, and become leaders in their communities that affect positive change. Quong-Charles has more than two decades of experience working in community organizing, social justice and youth empowerment.

Ronald Pruitt is the president and founder of 4aGoodCause, an easy-to-use and effective online fundraising platform for small nonprofits. Ronald has more than 24 years of experience helping nonprofit organizations build websites and raise millions of dollars online for good causes. This extensive experience has made Ronald an expert in user-friendly online fundraising and understanding what drives donors to give online.

Jeff Eiden is the principal product manager at Twilio.org, the social impact arm of Twilio. A well-versed leader in product, software engineering and social impact, Jeff combines his skill set to fuel his passion for using technology to solve meaningful problems.

Erin Crotty serves as the vice president of customer success at boodleAI, a company that specializes in enriched analytics for sales, marketing and fundraising teams. Over her 25-year career in fundraising, Erin has served in almost every advancement role — from annual giving to major gifts to advancement services and consulting — and helped organizations raise more than $100 million. Erin lives in Northern Virginia with her blended family of five.

Katrina VanHuss has helped national nonprofits raise funds and friends since 1989 when she founded Turnkey. Her client’s successes and her dedication to research have made her a sought-after speaker, presenting at national conferences for Blackbaud, Peer to Peer Professional Forum, Nonprofit PRO, The Need Help Foundation and her clients’ national meetings. The firm’s work is underpinned by the study and application of behavioral economics and social psychology. Turnkey provides project engagements, coaching, counsel and staffing to nonprofits seeking to improve revenue or create new revenue. Her work extends into organizational alignment efforts and executive coaching.

Katrina regularly shares her wit and business experiences on her and Otis Fulton's NonProfit PRO blog “Peeling the Onion.”  She and Otis are also co-authors of the books, "Dollar Dash: The Behavioral Economics of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising" and "Social Fundraising: Mining the New Peer-to-Peer Landscape." When not writing or researching, Katrina likes to make things — furniture from reclaimed wood, new gardens, food with no recipe. Katrina’s favorite Saturday is spent cleaning out the garage, mowing the grass, making something new, all while listening to loud music by now-deceased black women, throwing in a few sets on the weight bench off and on, then collapsing on the couch with her husband Otis to gang-watch new Netflix series whilst drinking sauvignon blanc.

Katrina grew up on a Virginia beef cattle and tobacco farm with her three brothers. She is accordingly skilled in hand to hand combat and witty repartee — skills gained at the expense of her brothers. Katrina’s claim to fame is having made it to the “American Gladiator” Richmond competition as a finalist in her late 20s, progressing in the competition until a strangely large blonde woman knocked her off a pedestal with an oversized pain-inducing Q-tip. Katrina’s mantra for life is “Be nice. Do good. Embrace embarrassment.” Clearly she’s got No. 3 down.

Brent Johnson is the chief information security officer at Bluefin.

Sarah Sebastian is the director of corporate communications at OneCause. She’s a marketer and brand geek at heart with eight years of experience in the nonprofit tech space. Outside of work, Sarah can be found reading, hiking, kayaking, volunteering for Florida Access Network, or getting lost in the woods while photographing birds.

As director of strategy, Brandon Emerson co-leads Orr Group’s strategy practice area. In his role, Brandon collaborates with clients to build actionable strategies that optimize their fundraising and organizational function.

Experienced in both organizational and departmental strategic planning, he is passionate about how maintaining a well-defined strategy will enable focus and growth. He takes pride in actively listening to stakeholder feedback to offer solutions that improve client organizational capabilities and offerings. He brings five years of experience in fundraising, strategy, events management and systems development.

Additionally, Brandon is responsible for facilitating consistently high-quality strategic thought and methodology execution across the firm to ensure that each client receives top-quality services that meet their unique needs.

Before joining Orr Group, Brandon was a member of the development team at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Stephanie Minor is the founder and CEO of Success for Nonprofits, where she strengthens and advances nonprofit organizations through capacity building and technical assistance. Stephanie is an award-winning veteran fundraising professional, nonprofit executive and strategic development coach whose proven fundraising strategies have won big grants and gifts for important and impactful nonprofit causes.

She was awarded the 2023 “Outstanding Fundraising Professional” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Desert Communities Chapter. As a seasoned, spirited, and optimistic executive consultant, Stephanie guides nonprofits on how to create and execute winning strategies through the power of strategic campaigns and effective storytelling.

Maureen “Mo” Rhodes is senior vice president of customer success at Center and has spent more than 15 years in the financial services industry. She is deeply passionate about crafting and delivering world-class client experiences through thoughtful processes. Prior to Center, she served as vice president for SAP Concur, where she led consultation and project management across North America’s smallest and largest customers. Mo holds a Bachelor of Science in information systems and finance from the University of Florida, Warrington College of Business.

Malaika Cheney-Coker is the founder and principal of Ignited Word, a consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits increase their impact through creativity. She delights in the kaleidoscope of ideas that is creativity as well as the analytic thinking and research that partner with those ideas for effective social change. With experience in both the U.S. and international nonprofit arena, she works across a range of subject matter areas, including evaluation and organizational learning, thought leadership, coalition building, and organizational creativity.

Jennifer Bielat serves as executive vice president of client strategy at Pursuant. With more than two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jennifer brings intimate knowledge and understanding of nonprofit management. In her role, she develops strategic solutions to help organizations navigate the opportunities and challenges facing today’s nonprofit organizations. Jennifer’s expertise lies in integrated marketing and communications strategy, comprehensive direct response strategy and execution, digital marketing and fundraising, and nonprofit leadership.

Before joining Pursuant, Jennifer was senior vice president of integrated marketing for Easterseals, where she led the organization in a brand renaissance with the goal of bringing greater clarity and relevance to the nearly 100-year-old brand. Under her leadership, the direct response channels — digital and mail — raised more than $32 million annually for the organization and served as a critical pipeline for other development areas, including planned giving and major gift development.

Chris Foster is the vice president of business development at Modern Postcard. 

If you like craft fairs, baseball games, art openings, vocal and guitar, and political conversation, you’ll like to hang out with Claire Axelrad. Claire, J.D., CFRE, will inspire you through her philosophy of philanthropy, not fundraising. After a 30-year development career that earned her the AFP “Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year” award, Claire left the trenches to begin her coaching/teaching practice, Clairification. Claire is also a featured expert and chief fundraising coach for Bloomerang, She’ll be your guide, so you can be your donor’s guide on their philanthropic journey. A member of the California State Bar and graduate of Princeton University, Claire currently resides in San Francisco.

Rebecca “Becca” Segovia is a seasoned fundraising executive with a strong vision and passion to help nonprofits reach more donors and raise more dollars to further their mission. With over two decades of leadership experience spanning the disciplines of marketing, fundraising, and technology, Becca provides guidance across client services, marketing and sales to help nonprofit organizations achieve breakthrough results. She has a special affinity for omni-channel and relationship-based fundraising strategies aimed at increasing donor lifetime value and nonprofit health.

Casey Williams is an attorney with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, working solely with nonprofits on employment, governance, and business matters. Based in the San Francisco office, her practice is focused on helping mission-driven organizations achieve their goals while staying compliant and working through complex disputes.

Joe Frye is the account group director for nonprofit and cause at Town Hall Agency. He has spent more than a decade helping organizations make an impact and connect their missions with individuals. He has led award-winning projects and campaigns for organizations including PBS, Partners of the Americas, the Identity Theft Resource Center, Showtime Networks, Duke University, UNESCO and many others. 

Joe's experience at the intersection of technology, data and creativity provide a unique perspective that allows organizations to create impactful digital ecosystems, increase donations, grow membership, improve member retention and increase overall revenue.

Allison Quigney is a principal at Public Works Partners, a WBE/DBE/SBE certified planning and consulting firm specializing in multi-stakeholder initiatives and building strong connections across the nonprofit, government and private sectors.

Rachel Michele is Arjuna Solutions’ chief technology officer and head of operations. She delivers a unique blend of technical, managerial and executive experience in support of product development, artificial intelligence, process automation, data visualization, infrastructure, strategic planning, forecasting and company operations. Prior to joining Arjuna Solutions, Rachel led a forensic data analytics team as a manager at PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Her team was deployed in response to some of the largest cyber breaches, financial crimes and regulatory investigations in U.S. history. 

She has served as a guest lecturer at universities and professional organizations throughout the U.S. and has served on the data quality board for a national nonprofit. She has a bachelor's degree in decision science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland. Rachel enjoys traveling and exploring the world with her husband and two boys.

Adam O’Brien is the director of product and growth marketing at GoodUnited, a messaging automation platform for social media fundraising. With almost 15 years of combined enterprise B2B and nonprofit marketing experience, Adam brings his unique viewpoints on marketing and fundraising strategies through GoodUnited’s Nonprofit Growth Lab series.

Tim Badolato is the CEO of eCardWidget, an innovative platform for digital employee recognition, donor acknowledgement, business marketing and nonprofit marketing. He has a passion for using technology to drive positive outcomes for mission-driven businesses and nonprofits.

Elliot B. Karp is a lead consultant at RAISE Nonprofit Advisors. Elliot has extensive experience in all aspects of fundraising and financial resource development as well as many other facets of executive leadership.

Elizabeth Abel is a senior vice president at CCS Fundraising and expert in philanthropy. In her role at CCS, she has led capital campaigns and development initiatives that have collectively raised half a billion dollars for education, health care, arts and culture, and advocacy organizations. 

Elizabeth provides counsel on strategic planning, major gifts fundraising and board engagement. She is an Instructor at the University of Pennsylvania where she teaches “Fundraising and Philanthropy: The Donor Journey” to graduate students in the Nonprofit Leadership Program. Elizabeth has been recognized by BELLA Magazine as a “Woman of Influence in Philanthropy.” 

You can find Elizabeth offering her fundraising expertise at industry conferences, on nonprofit podcasts and on social media platforms, including LinkedIn and Instagram. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter, and she is an avid hiker, traveler and tea drinker.

Mike Burns is partner at BWB Solutions. 

Meghan King serves as a director in the customer strategy group at Merkle. With more than 35 years of experience, Meghan’s expertise in direct mail, email and telemarketing is punctuated by an ability to translate ideas into actionable plans using data analytics, constituent insights and market-driven insights. 

Having held leadership roles in agency, corporate and nonprofit environments, Meghan has experience with integrated marketing plan development, learning agendas, test and learn plans, direct response fundraising, membership appeals and acquisition, audience segmentation and selection, content marketing, program management, and campaign analytics.

Karen Kendrick is the senior director of learning at Veritus Group. She has a master’s degree in education and counseling and more than 28 years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising — both in the education market and for social service agencies.

Karen has served as program director and executive director of a nonprofit, giving her both programmatic and administrative experience. She has created strong comprehensive fundraising programs from the ground up and served as a director of development and major gift officer.

Kerri Lee is a copy supervisor with 20 years of experience in fundraising and marketing. From the nonprofit side to agency life, she successfully filled roles in development, special events and account management before letting her creative drive take over and using this vast background to create engaging and emotional copy for national nonprofits and brands with Merkle.

Amanda L. Cole is the editor-in-chief of NonProfit PRO. She was formerly editor-in-chief of special projects for NonProfit PRO's sister publication, Promo Marketing. Contact her at acole@napco.com.

Dan Reed, CFRE, is the senior account director of digital fundraising for Media Cause. Since joining Media Cause in 2018, Dan has enjoyed the opportunity of working with a wide variety of nonprofits that are striving to make the world a better place. He’s been inspired on a daily basis by helping passionate clients achieve their fundraising goals.

In 2021, Dan earned his Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. Dan also holds his master's degree in strategic fundraising and philanthropy. Prior to Media Cause, Dan held positions at Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network, the Smithsonian Institution, and World Food Program USA.

Rachel Kribbs has more than a decade of experience working in the nonprofit sector. As director of new business at FORM, she uses her background to understand the needs and concerns of mission-driven organizations. Combined with her skills in communications, fundraising and program management, Rachel is uniquely adept at identifying ways in which FORM can help nonprofits increase revenue, reach more patrons and amplify their missions.

She holds degrees from the Catholic University of America and Cleveland Institute of Music, and, in 2018, the Cleveland 20/30 Club awarded her the Northeast Ohio Mover & Shaker Award. She is a former member of the NTEN Accessibility Committee, an active volunteer with LakewoodAlive and board president for Documentary Songwriters. She lives in northeast Ohio with her husband and two children. 

Stef Arck-Baynes is the founder and CEO of Achieving Good Communications, a mission-driven communications consultancy that empowers nonprofits and socially responsible for-profits to tell their story and raise awareness of, and funds for, their work. Prior to founding Achieving Good in 2023, Stef worked as an in-house communications staffer for over a decade at nonprofits, including Brooklyn Public Library and Philabundance, the Philadelphia region’s Feeding America affiliate. When she’s not working, she’s with her 6-year-old daughter and husband at playspaces and playgrounds around Philadelphia. And petting all of the dogs, including her own.

As a social good executive, Bethany Baron has over 20 years of experience driving and navigating nonprofit partnerships and delivering consistent donor growth to support broad organizational initiatives. Prior to joining RAISE Nonprofit Advisors, Bethany led the fundraising efforts for The Honorable Tina Brozman Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research and built and led the corporate giving program at NYU Langone Health. She also has a love of teaching and was an adjunct professor at Fordham Graduate School of Social Service and Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.

Bethany resides in the Berkshires and, in her free time, Bethany’s favorite activity is hiking with her family and their fun-loving dog, Jolene.

Jamie Bearse is an award-winning nonprofit CEO and executive. Over the past 21 years, he’s helped lead and advance cancer causes through strategic planning, fundraising, retention and recruitment, and team and culture building. Currently, he’s the CEO and founder of Build a Better Nonprofit and lives outside of Boston with his family.

With more than 17 years of IT experience, Jeremy Smillie acts as vice president of development, security and operations for Exact Payments and is an expert in managing strict industry standards, such as SOC, PIPEDA, CCPA, NIST, SANS, CIS and more. 

Early on in his payments career, Jeremy worked with the first company in Canada to roll out EMV payments at gas pumps and integrated payments for in-store sales. He also worked closely with merchants to help them become PCI-DSS certified shortly after the introduction of the standards. As a former entrepreneur of a successful software development company, Jeremy applies a proactive, ITIL-based approach to ensure IT always meets the needs of business.