From the Experts
Our Speakers
Click next to the speaker name below to view their biography and the session that they are presenting.
SAMUEL ANDERSON
Enso Media Firm
Hailing from Lynchburg, VA, Sam transitioned from a decade-long career in mental health to pursue entrepreneurship. Leaving college midway, he balanced multiple ventures like Richmond Bubble Soccer and Cycle Laundry Services, while working fulltime as a project manager. Challenges, including financial struggles, fueled his creation of Enso Media Firm, bridging the gap for affordable startup marketing.
Driven by a passion for mentoring entrepreneurs, Sam established Mr Preneur, focusing on coaching and training. In 2023, he co-founded Legacy Vending, channeling profits to support non-profits, and initiated Warren Investment, leveraging real estate for wealth and honoring his father’s legacy. As CEO and Owner of Enso Media Firm, Sam’s journey epitomizes resilience, innovation, and a commitment to impactful entrepreneurship, and continually seeking new ventures that leave a lasting mark.
Session: WS 802, Maximizing Impact: Leveraging Social Media for Nonprofit Growth
KATELYN BAUGHAN
KB Digital
Katelyn Baughan is a dynamic force in nonprofit email marketing and the founder of KB Digital, an email marketing consultancy. With a passion for inspiring generosity, she has led transformative multi-million dollar campaigns for renowned organizations like National Geographic, Amnesty International, and The Trevor Project. Since launching her consultancy in 2018, Katelyn has been dedicated to helping nonprofits harness the power of email marketing to maximize fundraising success.
Session: WS 304 How to Raise More Using Email
JULIA BELL
UMFS
Julia is a positive, optimistic professional who believes in the power of relationships to drive meaningful change. As a Major Gifts Officer at UMFS, she specializes in strategic fundraising, donor cultivation, and engagement, while working to build lasting partnerships that support the organization’s mission. Known for her helpful nature and strategic mindset, Julia thrives on connecting people to causes that matter, always with an eye toward the bigger picture. Outside of work, Julia loves exploring Richmond, discovering new restaurants with her husband Malcolm, and spending quality time with family and friends. Whether she’s cooking a new recipe or enjoying a meal with loved ones, Julia finds joy in the connections that bring people together.
Session: WS 103, The Next Generation of Givers
JOSH BIRKHOLZ
BWF
Josh Birkholz is the CEO of BWF, the nonprofit service and technology company known for its innovations in elevating philanthropy around the world. Josh is a leader in big philanthropy and an architect of the business of fundraising. In his 25+ years in the charitable sector, Josh has led the establishment of data science in fundraising, developed high ROI operational infrastructure, guided fundraising through challenging economic conditions, and crafted authentic approaches to high net-worth giving.
He is the author of the books Fundraising Analytics (Wiley, 2008) and Benefactors (Wiley, 2022). Josh is also a contributor to the books A Kaleidoscope of Prospect Development and Return on Character. He is the former Chair of the Board of the Giving USA Foundation and an instructor at the Rice University Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership. He earned the Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence from CASE and the Apra Visionary Award for his innovation in applying data science to fundraising.
JADE RICHARDSON BOCK
Building Beloved Communities
With more than twenty years of experience in developing successful 501(c)3 organizations, Jade is a nationally recognized expert in supporting grief, with extensive experience in nonprofit management and human services. As the senior consultant for Building Beloved Communities, she combines deep organizational knowledge with practical expertise to help organizations thrive while supporting their staff’s well-being.
Session: WS 102, Beyond Bon Bons and Bubble Baths: Addressing Risks for Burnout
JAMES BURKE
TEOconsulting, LLC
Jim has worked with numerous leaders as a coach, advisor, and confidant. He is an expert in the use of assessment tools to develop high-performing leaders, teams, and organizations. Jim teaches and presents widely on a variety of topics including emotional intelligence, leadership development, and the psychology of change. He has consulted extensively within private, public, and nonprofit organizations and is sensitive to understanding the culture in which he works so as to facilitate positive transitions to new ways of doing business. Jim is a Co-Principal of the company and has a PhD in clinical psychology from Georgia State University.
Session: WS 702, Understanding and Applying Emotional Intelligence
ALISHA CHILDRESS
Freedom First Credit Union
Alisha serves as the Business Development Specialist at Freedom First Credit Union. With a rich professional background spanning emergency management, business continuity, nonprofit management, as well as business and community development, Alisha brings a wealth of experience to her role. As a former nonprofit executive, Alisha understands the challenges and the environment of the nonprofit sector.
She holds both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Nonprofit and Association Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus, where she also imparts her knowledge as an adjunct professor. As a servant leader, Alisha serves on several boards in the Greater Lynchburg area and is often seen sprinkling magic, confetti, and smiles. Known for her upbeat, passionate, and fierce personality, Alisha excels at making things happen and uplifting her community. Enthusiastically referred to as “Your Favorite Local Community and Financial Cheerleader,” Alisha consistently shows up and cheers for nonprofits and small businesses to ensure true partnerships and to see that our communities thrive.
Session: WS 403, Building an Inclusive Nonprofit and Its Impacts on Fundraising
MARGARET DODSON-CORDREY
Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia
Currently, Director of Annual Giving for the Girl Scouts, Margaret practices ethical fundraising in Richmond, VA, and she has more than eight years of experience in non-profits focused on empowering women and girls and creating community.
Her DEIRJ dedication makes her especially passionate about her work this year, knowing that advocating for and fundraising to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place is essential, now more than ever. She also loves knitting, her wife Kelsey, and their dogs Phoebe and Gracie.
MARY FANT DONNAN
Mary Fant Donnan became the first, full-time Executive Director of The Alleghany Foundation starting January 2011. She brings to this role a mix of experience in philanthropy, the nonprofit sector, state government and education. Prior to assuming this position, she was a program officer with the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in Winston-Salem, NC. In the early 1990s, she was Director of Development for the nonprofit N.C. Center for Public Policy Research.
JEFF GRANDY
Catapult Fundraising
Jeff Grandy is an accomplished fundraising professional with over 16 years of leadership in nonprofit development, specializing in major, campaign and planned giving. As a fundraising leader, Jeff has led transformative giving initiatives for respected institutions across the country. As Vice President at Catapult Fundraising, he oversees strategy development across the Greater Gulf Coast, guiding teams to elevate donor engagement and fundraising initiatives.
A dedicated mentor and educator, Jeff teaches in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Non-Profit Management and Fundraising Certificate programs and serves as a Fundraising Operations Mentor at Rice University’s Center for Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leadership. His contributions include past leadership as AFP Texas Coastal Bend Chapter President, where he championed community engagement and philanthropic excellence. Jeff’s approach to fundraising is both relational and strategic, helping organizations build sustainable, impactful programs that resonate with their communities.
MOLLY GUTIERREZ
Building Beloved Communities
With more than two decades of experience, including 11 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Molly combines government and nonprofit sector expertise to create efficient operational systems. Her background in HR operations and creative services helps organizations optimize their operations while maintaining professional standards. She is currently the operations manager for Building Beloved Communities.
ABBI LEINWAND HAGGERTY
Richmond Performing Arts Alliance
Abbi was named Executive Director of Richmond Performing Arts Alliance (RPAA) in 2019 after having previously served the organization in senior-level development roles. With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Abbi has expertise in organizational management, strategic planning, community engagement, fundraising, governance, and program design. In prior positions, she worked for VMFA, Museum of Science & Industry (Tampa, FL), Brightpoint Community College, and Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence. Abbi earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Virginia Tech and her master’s degree and PhD. in public policy and administration (with a concentration in nonprofit management) from VCU.
She is currently an adjunct assistant professor at University of Richmond in the Nonprofit Studies master’s degree program and received the Itzkowitz Family Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award in 2023. Abbi is a graduate of the Leadership Metro Richmond program (Class of 2022), Past President of the Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)-Central Virginia Chapter, Committee Chair of the Emerging Leaders Task Force for AFP Global, Board Member of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, and Board Secretary for her HOA.
Session: WS 501, Why Us? Discover Why YOUR Organization Deserves Community Support!
SABRINA WALKER HERNANDEZ
Supporting World Hope
Sabrina Walker Hernandez started her company, Supporting World Hope, from a hospital bed after being diagnosed with cancer. She is obsessed with building relationships, and helping mission-driven businesses and nonprofits increase their revenue. Having trained over 10,000 clients, Sabrina has a reputation for transformational leadership through staffing and mission alignment, funding systems, community partnership, and employee retention. From helping an organization go from $750K to $2.5M, completing a $12M comprehensive capital campaign, to establishing a $500K endowment in the 3rd poorest county in the United States. Sabrina is using her knowledge to help clients gain the success they deserve.
Keynote I: Building Bridges: Connecting for Good,
Keynote III: Fundraising Effectiveness Project, and
Workshop 401: How to Keep Your Board Engaged in Resource Development All Year
JOSH HIRSCH
Fundraise Up
Josh is the Education and Training Strategist at Fundraise Up. With over 15 years in the nonprofit sector, he specializes in digital communications and AI integration for nonprofits. Josh is a respected speaker and educator, contributing to the development of AI-focused curriculum at The Fund Raising School and presenting internationally on AI and fundraising. He holds a Master’s in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences and certifications in strategic fundraising.
MEGAN HUFFMAN
Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation
Megan is the Director of Community Outreach & SHARE Greater Lynchburg at the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation. She has served as Director of Development at Water Missions International in Charleston, SC and Sales Manager at CBS19 in Charlottesville. She graduated from Bridgewater College and Boston University’s Master of Nonprofit Public Relations program.
Megan has served with Camp Kum-Ba-Yah, Lynchburg Imagination Library, Meals on Wheels, Beacon of Hope, and Pierce Street Gateway. She launched the Lynchburg Free Pantry, Pierce Street Garden, and PTO Connect initiatives.
Workshop 803: Sharing the Good – Leveraging Technology and Collaboration to Democratize Philanthropy
ALAN HUTSON, JR.
Gateway Homes
For over 25 years, Alan Hutson has helped nonprofit leaders tap into their fundraising potential. He serves as Chief Administrative Officer of Gateway Homes, a mental health services agency offering life-changing outcomes to over 450 individuals annually. He is also a Senior Partner Consultant at =mc consulting where he is a member of the Decision Science team. Alan is the Director of Bow Tie Fundraising, a fundraising consultancy that focusses on empowering nonprofit CEOs and Development staff to “own” the revenue portion of their agency’s budget.
Throughout his career, Alan has helped staff and volunteers discover their path to being involved in fundraising. Alan’s work has resulted in nonprofit organizations raising over $250M (US-based clients).
Workshop 201: Making the Ask: Get Ready to Adopt a Whole New Approach to Major Donor Solicitation
NIKKIA JOHNSON
Legal Aid Justice Center
Nikkia is a nonprofit development and operations professional. As the current Senior Development and Communications Officer at Legal Aid Justice Center, she is responsible for managing a major gift portfolio as well as managing effective development communications that align with our community-centric values. For the past decade, her career has been centered on nonprofit management and development, relationship building, and empowering marginalized communities. Born and raised in NYC, Nikkia’s upbringing and experience in direct service and advocacy informs her commitment to advancing philanthropy rooted in equity and social justice.
Nikkia is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders and is involved in many community organizations and mentorship groups. She currently serves on the Board for the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives (VAFRE) and Dogtown Dance. Her biggest hobbies are dancing and traveling. Nikkia graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. in sociology and completed the AFP Central VA Inclusive Fundraising Fellowship in 2021.
Session: WS 703, Making Community-Centric Fundraising Work for You
VICTORIA A. JACKSON
The Spark Mill
Victoria is a nonprofit consultant specializing in strategic planning, community engagement, and equitable fundraising strategies. She partners with organizations across the region to build sustainable, mission-driven initiatives that prioritize inclusivity and impact. With nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit development, she has played a key role in planning large-scale fundraising events, strengthening donor relationships, and working with boards, volunteers, and committees to effectively support the mission of organizations.
An alumna of AFP Central Virginia’s Inclusive Fundraising Fellowship, Victoria is a champion for ethical and community-centered fundraising. She has presented on the Community-Centric Fundraising model, regularly facilitates retreats, and has upcoming workshops on topics such as fundraising fundamentals, equity in fundraising, and board engagement strategies.
Session: WS 603, Navigating DEI Shifts: How to Keep Fundraising Strategies Equitable and Impactful
RACHEL KIMBLE
As a consultant with The Curtis Group, Rachel partners with a diverse group of nonprofit clients, helping them formulate long-term strategy, set realistic objectives and ultimately achieve their goals. She brings experience from both higher education and independent school arenas. Rachel currently serves as co-chair of the Giving USA Editorial Review Board, which provides oversight to the editor and authors of the Giving USA: The Annual Report on Philanthropy.
JUSTINE W. KRANK
Gold Dust Grants Consulting
Justine is an Intersectional Professional with over 10 years of nonprofit experience, a B.A. from UC Berkeley, and 5 years of dedicated grant writing experience, bringing in about $13 million as Lead Writer. As a consultant, she leverages her experience with government grants and her legal studies background to help nonprofits submit clear and cohesive proposals with a compelling case for support. As the owner and lead grants consultant of Gold Dust Grants Consulting, her expertise is primarily in Housing, Transition-Age Youth services, and Mental Health.
Session: WS 404, So You Think You’re Ready to Pursue Government Grants
AARON LEE
Leaders Rising Network
As the CEO of Leaders Rising Network, Aaron’s passion is building thriving cultures in organizations. He has consulted and spoken with leaders in small businesses and Fortune 100 companies across construction, healthcare, and higher education. Aaron currently teaches a leadership course at the Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing, as well as a course on business creativity at Virginia Commonwealth University.
He is an ACC-certified coach, the author of The New Generation Leader and host of The New Generation Leader podcast. He is a graduate of the University of Richmond and holds a Master of Divinity. Aaron lives in Richmond, VA, with his wife and two daughters.
JOSH LEIDY
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Josh has built his career in higher education, dedicating the past three years to development and alumni relations. As the Director of Affinity Engagement and Philanthropy, he leads identity-based engagement and philanthropy initiatives focusing on women, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities. Josh and his colleagues work to redefine philanthropy by emphasizing the power of community and its transformational impact. Outside of work, he channels his energy into fitness, experimenting with New York Times recipes in the kitchen, and spending quality time with his partner, Hunter, and their two dogs, Sadie and Lenny.
Session: WS 103, The Next Generation of Givers
Session: WS 303, DREAM Big: Transforming Identity-Based Philanthropy with Appreciative Inquiry
LACHELLE M. LEWIS
Big Brothers Big Sisters Services
A Richmond native, Dr. Lewis is a consultant and workshop facilitator for small business owners and nonprofit organizations seeking to incorporate justice, diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility lens into their organizational structures, programs, and services. Dr. Lewis has over 15 years of experience working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector, including serving as Development Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters Services.
She holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Adler University, and is a graduate of both Leadership Metro Richmond Leadership Quest Class of 2023 and the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond’s Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Program Class of 2024. Dr. Lewis resides in Bumpass, VA, with her wife, Jamie; turtle, Wayne Tao; dog, Bear; and two cats, FrankE and Taco. When she is not working or volunteering, she enjoys cooking, listening to music or podcasts, and reading.
LAURA MACDONALD
Benefactor Group
Laura has worked professionally in fundraising and philanthropy for more than 40 years. When she joined a fundraising consulting firm in the early 1980s, she drew on skills learned in television production and corporate communications to tell the stories of hundreds of nonprofit clients. Her fundraising acumen was sharpened in the late 1990s when she served alongside a remarkable corps of dedicated professionals during The Ohio State University’s first billion-dollar fundraising campaign. Building on these experiences, she established Benefactor Group in 2000; a firm that has applied its founding principle of “serving those who serve the common good” by helping hundreds of organizations fuel their cause with powerful fundraising, people, and systems. As founder and principal of the firm, her counsel is sought by leaders in arts and culture, higher education, healthcare, human services, and other nonprofit causes.
Laura is a frequent speaker at local, regional, and national conferences (AFP, AAM, AMDA, Charitable Giving Coalition, etc.) and has addressed hundreds of nonprofit boards. Her articles related to advancement and philanthropy have appeared in Advancing Philanthropy, Nonprofit Quarterly, Forbes.com, and other professional publications; and she is consulted widely by publications such as The New York Times, Ms. Magazine, Penta Barron’s, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and was named her chapter’s “Fundraising Professional of the Year” in 2007. Laura is the author of The Endowment Handbook (Wiley, 2024). She has served the sector through involvement in the Association of Fundraising Professionals, American Alliance of Museums, The Generosity Commission, and especially her service on the boards of the Giving Institute and the Giving USA Foundation.
MARJORIE MAAS
Share Good
Marjorie Maas serves as CEO of the national nonprofit Share Good – a hub for communities democratizing philanthropy. Whether as a marketer, fund developer, or executive, she has helped both startup and established initiatives and organizations for 20 years. Roles have included founding executive director of SHARE Omaha, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s director of corporate social responsibility, development officer for College Possible Omaha and commission chair of ServeNebraska.
Workshop 803: Sharing the Good – Leveraging Technology and Collaboration to Democratize Philanthropy
WENDY MCGRADY
The Curtis Group
Wendy has more than 35 years of development and marketing experience. As executive vice president and chief operating officer at The Curtis Group, Wendy works with each of her clients to determine their unique needs and strategy. Her years of experience and expertise in relationship building make her a valuable partner to her clients and leader of The Curtis Group team. Wendy has served on numerous boards and been recognized with several professional achievement awards. She currently serves as the Chair of the Giving USA Foundation.
RACHEL MUIR, CFRE
Rachel Muir
Rachel is a recovering Executive Director and hopeless romantic who has worked every side of the Rubik’s cube that is the nonprofit sector. Her passion for fundraising is so intense she has been registered as an alternative energy source by the Department of Energy. When she was 26 years old, Rachel founded Girlstart, a non-profit dedicated to empowering girls in math, science, engineering and technology in the living room of her apartment with $500 and a credit card. Rachel is a walking-talking fundraising Wikipedia. She’d one day like to have Michelle Obama’s arms, Kristin Wiig’s sense of humor and the nerve to talk like Amy Schumer.
Workshop 101: Monthly Giving Magic,
AMY NISENSON
Nisenson Consulting
Amy’s consulting expertise includes strategic planning, board development/governance work, board and staff meeting facilitation, organizational development, Executive Search, and resource development. Her over 40 years as a senior philanthropy professional includes work on both sides of philanthropy- as a nonprofit executive and development professional and as a corporate and foundation grant maker. Amy brings her unique experiences in both asking and giving along with strategic thinking, sensible fiscal management, effective communication and facilitation to her consulting work. Amy is also a Certified Governance Trainer with Board Source and is trained in nonprofit Board education.
Along with her work as a consultant, Amy serves as the Executive Director of the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation, which is a private-independent foundation that grants more than $5-7 million annually to nonprofits in the Commonwealth of Virginia for capital projects. Prior to her current work, Amy served as Vice President and Community Affairs Manager for Wachovia Corporation from 2005-2008, covering the three-state Mid-Atlantic Region of Virginia—Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.
Amy combines her professional and personal experiences with best practices to help nonprofits make informed decisions and build internal processes to become stronger, more stable organizations.
Workshop 505: Maximizing Impact: Crafting Your Fundraising Plan & Measuring ROI, and
LINDSEY O-PRIES
O-Pries Consulting
Lindsey O-Pries is the founder and CEO of O-Pries Consulting, where she works with organizations through support in people operations, organizational development, and strategic frameworks. With nearly two decades of experience, Lindsey has worked with over 200 organizations, helping them navigate growth, change, and challenges.
Lindsey is known for her hands-on, collaborative approach and her ability to drive meaningful change. Through O-Pries Consulting, she has helps her clients reimagine how they hire, onboard, and support their teams, unlocking the potential for greater innovation, stronger collaboration, and higher retention rates.
Workshop 503: Building Diverse Teams: Proven Strategies for Success
LINDA PIERCE
TEOconsulting, LLC
Linda has worked in various sectors, including manufacturing, government, higher education, and not-for-profits. In these capacities, she has managed the financial capital of organizations and led strategic and operational planning and projects. Linda focuses on the people, processes, and dynamics of organizations to achieve results. She specializes in organizational transformation, focusing on building cultures that promote both operating efficiencies and the continual development of systems, people, and leadership. Linda has a Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the State University of New York in Albany. She is a Co-Principal of TEOconsulting.
Session: WS 702, Understanding and Applying Emotional Intelligence
MICHAEL PUMPHREY
Leaders Rising Network
Michael is an experienced leader, strategist, and organizational architect with a strong track record in driving growth and transformation within faith-based and community organizations. He excels in developing and executing strategic initiatives, operational optimization, and in leading teams to adapt to changing environments. With expertise in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, Michael coaches and consults with organizations to both enhance their leadership and implement sustainable strategies for long-term success.
KATIE RHODES
Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond
Katie believes in the power of relationships to create transformative change. Her career spans over a decade as an advancement and grant-writing professional with experience in nonprofit program development. Guided by her deep love for people and the connections that foster growth, she specializes in cultivating meaningful donor relationships, managing grants, and driving strategic initiatives.
Katie’s expertise includes grant management, equity-focused service, design and implementation of strategic process, and building partnerships that make a lasting community impact. At home, she treasures her role as a mom to her spirited four-year-old daughter, Aliyah. With her signature coffee (or two) in hand, Katie approaches every opportunity—whether at work or at home—with an open heart, embracing each chance to invest in the people and connections because they matter most.
MARY RIDDICK
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Mary Riddick is a Senior Development Director at the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences with over 15 years of advancement experience in nonprofit and higher education. Her career has focused on fostering philanthropic support, and she is passionate about empowering others to achieve their fundraising goals through authentic relationship building. Mary has a proven track record of exceeding fundraising targets and cultivating lasting donor relationships based on mutual respect and shared vision, all honed through experience in diverse institutional settings.
Mary’s passion lies in coaching frontline fundraisers and organizational leaders, equipping them with the tools and strategies for relationship-based fundraising. She believes fundraising is about building meaningful connections that inspire generosity, emphasizing the alignment of personal values with organizational priorities. Mary guides individuals through the intricacies of cultivation and stewardship, empowering them to confidently articulate their organization’s mission and inspire donors to become true partners. Beyond VCU, Mary is a sought-after speaker and facilitator, dedicated to fostering a culture of philanthropy and empowering individuals to make a difference.
Session: WS 302, Leveraging Coaching Skills to Strengthen Relationships
PEDRO RIVERA
PJR Consulting, LLC
Pedro J. Rivera, Esq. is the CEO and Principal of PJR Consulting LLC, a boutique firm specializing in fundraising strategies, board governance, and planned legacy programs. With a distinguished 30-year career spanning legal, development, fundraising, and wealth management, Pedro has successfully raised over $150 million for numerous non-profits and higher education institutions.
Pedro’s impact at George Mason University’s Advancement & Alumni Relations Office is particularly notable. He significantly enhanced Major Gifts programs and initiated planned giving initiatives, demonstrating his strategic vision and impact. His leadership was instrumental in the university’s ambitious $1 billion capital campaign.
During his tenure as Senior Director of Individual and Planned Giving at UnidosUS, Pedro played a crucial part in the company’s $50 million capital campaign. His initiative and ability to drive change were further demonstrated when he launched the organization’s Planned Giving program. His diverse expertise and commitment to excellence were also evident during his tenure as Vice President at Wachovia Wealth Management-Legal Specialty Group.
Pedro has also made significant contributions to the legal community. He served as President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania, delegate of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and board member of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. His leadership skills are further exemplified by his role as Region IV President of the Hispanic National Bar Association. In 2008, he served as PA delegate to Barack Obama’s presidential Democratic nomination.
Workshop 601: Building a Strong & Sustainable Planned Giving Program for Your Organization
NATALIE SPRING
Virginia Commonwealth University
Natalie Spring facilitates technological transformation in advancement. As Assistant Vice President, Advancement Solutions at Virginia Commonwealth University, she aligns people and technology, building consensus among stakeholders to achieve strategic goals. Natalie empowers teams to utilize technology effectively for maximum impact. She has contributed strategic leadership to multi-billion-dollar campaigns across public and private institutions. Natalie helps organizations evolve their relationship with data, transforming it into a valuable tool for fundraising
VIRGINIA THUMM
Virginia Fundraising Consultants
As Founder and President of Virginia Fundraising Consultants, Virginia has crafted and implemented plans for dozens of successful fundraising campaigns that have met or exceeded their goals. She has been responsible for raising hundreds of millions of dollars to enhance the mission of nonprofits through the identification and solicitation of new funding sources.
A longstanding member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Virginia currently serves on the AFP-Hampton Roads Chapter Board and as chair of the Ethics committee. In addition, she has served on the AFP International Ethics Chapter Support Subcommittee and on the Virginia Fundraising Institute Caucus.
Session: WS 502, Using the New AFP Code of Ethics to Deepen Your Relationships with Donors
ERIK TOMALIS
Avid AI
Erik has over two decades of professional fundraising experience, having successfully conducted more than 4,000 face-to-face donor solicitations, raising millions for various nonprofit organizations across sectors, including healthcare, education, human services, athletics, and youth-based initiatives. In his role at Avid AI, Erik spearheads revenue generation strategies, focusing on expanding the company’s market presence and enhancing client engagement. His extensive background in mid-level and major giving, capital campaign management, and business development and strategic sales leadership roles positions him to drive significant growth for Avid AI.
Overall, Erik is committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity in their communities. He believes that charitable giving is about personal connections, not transactions. Generosity is driven by our passions and relationships – and givers want to feel like they are part of a movement bigger than themselves.
Session: WS 605, Fear Factor – Turn AI Anxiety into Fundraising Growth
DOUG TROUT
DRiWaterstone Human Capital
With an emphasis on better talent, better culture, better results, Doug Trout leads DRiWaterstone Human Capital, an executive search, leadership and culture advisory firm that helps clients attract exceptional talent, build high-performance cultures, and deliver incredible impact. He has 25 years of experience leading organizations and partnering with with the nonprofit and social impact communities to include social impact organizations, foundations, and associations ranging from clean energy initiatives to higher education. He has led over 150 searches for DRiWaterstone Human Capital and oversees all functions of the company. Doug sits on the board of the Association of Fundraising Executives Washington, DC Chapter, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville, James Madison University Parents Council, and the James Madison University Center for Civic Engagement. He holds a B.A. from James Madison University and an M.P.A. from George Mason University.
Workshop 402: Are You Satisfied, Happy or Fulfilled as a Fundraiser?
JAMES WASILEWSKI
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
With 20 years of experience in higher education, James has served in various fundraising, constituent engagement, and student recruitment roles. He is currently the Executive Director of Leadership Annual Giving within VCU’s Development and Alumni Relations, leading focused fundraising efforts and also engaging in leadership and fundraising training initiatives.
James applies improv concepts and uses exercises to highlight discovery and engage participants in exploration and discussion.
Session: WS 801, Pivot and Adapt: Managing the Unexpected in Donor Meetings
LINDA D. WILKINSON
LDW Consulting
Linda has been working in the nonprofit and philanthropy sectors for 25 years. Her career includes lobbying for large health systems, fund development for vulnerable populations, and leading programmatic, systems, and legislative changes for some of the largest health organizations in the United States and internationally. For nearly eight years, she served as CEO of the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (VAFCC), where she supported more than 60 clinics serving 73,000 patients with their medical, dental, mental health, and pharmaceutical needs. While at the VAFCC, she grew the agency’s funding from $3.1M to almost $10M. Recognizing Linda’s integrity and ability to successfully manage public funds, Linda was chosen to help manage a $100M portfolio of COVID-relief funding for small businesses for the Office of the Governor for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
She is a proud alumna of Randolph-Macon College and serves on the RMC Alumni Society Board of Directors. She also studied at Virginia Commonwealth University and Johns Hopkins University, and she achieved a Masters Certificate from Michigan State University in Strategic Business and Leadership. In 2019, Linda completed a Certification in Board Education from BoardSource, and she is currently pursuing a certificate from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania – Removing Barriers to Change. Because of her extensive knowledge of healthcare systems, ethics in fundraising, and a passion for providing a voice for underserved, marginalized communities, Linda is a sought-after public speaker who brings compassion and humor to even the most serious of topics.
SHANNON WILLIAMS
Armstrong McGuire
Shannon joined Armstrong McGuire in 2008, bringing more than two decades of development experience to the team. Today, she serves as Managing Director helping a team of advisors create winning strategies for clients.
Prior to her work at Armstrong McGuire, Shannon worked with independent schools and human service organizations, including the YMCA of the Triangle, focusing on both annual and capital development. Throughout her career, Shannon has been a leader of successful capital campaigns ranging from $1 million to more than $100 million, and in annual campaigns ranging from $200,000 to more than $3.5 million. Shannon is a talented writer, strategist, and coach. She and her husband, Jeff, have two 20-something-year-old sons and are active community volunteers in Chapel Hill, NC.
Session: WS 602, The Evolution of a Development Leader
PAUL YEGHIAYAN
With more than 25 years of nonprofit management, fundraising, and consulting experience, Paul supports Benefactor clients in preparing for and operating campaigns. Along with previous experience as a senior consultant, Paul brings to clients the expertise and insights he has gained as a nonprofit leader: he was Vice President of Development for the American University of Armenia, affiliated with the University of California; President and CEO of The Foundation for the Public’s Health, the fundraising arm of the National Association of County and City Health Officials; and Associate Director of Philanthropy for Heifer International.
Paul is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, serving as immediate past president for the nation’s largest chapter in Washington, DC, along with serving on the Finance, Government Relations, and Nominating Committees of AFP Global. He is an AFP Master Trainer, a Certified Fund Raising Executive, a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving, a Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning, and he is currently earning the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation. Paul earned a graduate degree from Harvard University and an undergraduate degree from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA.
JONATHAN ZUR
Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities
Jonathan is President & CEO of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), an organization that works with schools, business, and communities to achieve success through inclusion. An experienced facilitator and consultant on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Jonathan was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to the Commonwealth Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, formed in the aftermath of the tragedy in Charlottesville in August 2017. In 2016, Jonathan was a speaker at the inaugural White House Summit on Diversity and Inclusion in Government. Jonathan is a graduate of the University of Richmond, and he received a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
Follow Us
