Speakers
MEET OUR KEYNOTE!
KISHSHANA PALMER
CEO of Kishshana & Co
Keynote Session: Take Your Cape Off Superhero
Kishshana Palmer is an international speaker, trainer, and coach with a 20+ year background in fundraising, marketing, and talent management who helps leaders create high-performing teams. She’s a supernova on any stage and platforms due to her charismatic and candid delivery. It doesn’t matter if she’s speaking about philanthropy, living your most authentic life, or diversity, the energy she brings to the stage is always entertaining and edifying.
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 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.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
SUSAN BARTELS
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lehigh Valley
Session: Thriving Outside Your Comfort Zone! Fundraising for CEOs
Susan oversees BBBSLV’s fund development and program expansion strategies across two Counties. She has led the agency to serve a record number of children in one-to-one mentoring matches and, in response to COVID-19, expanded site-based mentoring programs to include virtual programming. BBBSLV has earned top recognition from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America for achieving and maintaining the Gold Standard: serving more children with quality while growing revenue.
Susan formerly served as Program Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County, where her team achieved unprecedented growth in the number of matches served, and she helped ther agency to win six national Quality Awards.
Susan holds a BA in social work from Eastern Mennonite College and a MSW from Temple University. She has served as a Big Sister for 30 years and is currently matched to a 9th grader.
OWNER/ACCOUNTANT
ALLE BECHTEL
Calculating Destiny LLC
Session: Perspectives on Ethics in Fundraising Panel
Alle founded Calculating Destiny after leaving her position as the financial controller of an international holdings company in 2014. Motivated to empower small business owners and take down bad guys, Alle has built a thriving firm that allows her to balance work with caring for her two special needs children.
Calculating Destiny’s slogan, “Accounting, Redefined” stretches through the financial, strategic marketing, and forensic accounting services offered, focusing on giving their clients the tools to achieve their dreams. With core values of honesty, integrity, and accountability, Calculating Destiny offers strategic solutions to improve business processes and empower leaders to perform with confidence.
Alle holds bachelor’s degrees in financial accounting and strategic marketing and recently obtained her Certified Fraud Examiner credentials.
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
NAIMAH BILAL
Children's Literacy Initiative
Session: COVID-19 Fundraising Resources/ Self Care Panel
Naimah Bilal is Chief Development of the Children's Literacy Initiative, a national education organization serving 100,000+ Black and Latinx students and 5,500 educators. In her role, Naimah provides strategic vision, and direction to expand philanthropic investments and oversees branding and strategic communications efforts to maximize engagement in service of CLI’s mission.
Naimah is a co-host of Urban Consulate Cincinnati, a monthly parlor for urban exchange and dialogue centering discourse around equity and dismantling systems of racism and oppression. She is also an executive producer of the PBS series Urban Consulate Presents: Black Future City and Liberation Story, a collaboration between Urban Consulate and PBS affiliate CET.
Naimah and is a member of the Rooted Collaborative, the largest global network of women fundraisers of color. She and her partner live with their two children live in Cincinnati, OH.
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
AMY BRYANT
Thomas Jefferson University/ Jefferson Health
Session: Leading with Justice: Innovations in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Development
Amy G. Bryant joined the Office of Institutional Advancement in 2015. Previously, she held similar positions with Temple University, Fox Chase Cancer Center and the University of Illinois Foundation. She earned a Master of Library Science from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Southern University.
VICE DEAN FOR DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS
MELISA CALVERT
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
Session: 5 Trends with the Power to Change Major Gift Fundraising
Melissa Calvert has served as vice dean for development and alumni relations at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education since 2016. She provides leadership and oversight for the fundraising and alumni efforts of the school and serves as the institution's chief fundraising officer. She is responsible for planning and executing the school’s current comprehensive campaign, "Extraordinary Impact," which has a goal to $75 million, the largest in the school’s history.
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NONPROFIT SOLUTIONS
HENRI CANCIO-FITZGERALD
PNC Institutional Asset Management®
Session: Nonprofit Enterprise Management: Recovery and the Path Forward
Henri is the managing director of nonprofit solutions for PNC Institutional Asset Management®. In this role, he helps direct the overall strategy in providing solutions for nonprofit clients. He oversees a team that works with clients to create programs to provide Planned Giving solutions including investment management, administration, and education programs to meet their needs. He also leads PNC’s Endowment & Foundation National Practice Group which produces thought leadership and assists nonprofit clients in addressing their distinct investment, operational, distribution, and capital preservation challenges.
Henri has many years of experience in the financial services industry serving the nonprofit sector, most recently as the director of philanthropic planning at Wells Fargo Bank, where he managed the planned giving offering and headed up the Wells Fargo donor-advised fund. He has also worked as a senior trust and fiduciary specialist and senior planned giving advisor at Wells Fargo Bank. Prior to entering the financial services industry, he taught business law as an adjunct instructor at Forsyth Technical Community College.
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT- DEVELOPMENT
MARK CHILUTTI
Magee Rehab Hospital Foundation - Jefferson Health
Session: Preparing for the Ask- Tips to Get You Ready for a Successful Donor Encounter
Mark Chilutti has raised over $30 million to improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities during his 20+ year career at Magee Rehab Hospital in Philadelphia. His specialties are major and planned giving, and finding creative ways to help donors make an impact at this small, 83 bed hospital.
He became a CFRE in 2006 and has recertified every 3 years since then. Mark is a distinguished public speaker, and a frequent presenter for his AFP Chapter, AFP ICON, and global webinars on donor stewardship. He became an Eagle Scout at the age of 14 and is still a top volunteer on all levels with the Boy Scouts of America. He is also a former wheelchair tennis player.
PRODUCER
JAMES COPES
Tolsma Productions
Session: What have we learned? Lessons from 12 months of virtual event video, sponsored by Tolsma
James joined the Tolsma Productions team in 2012 after having worked as an EMT, sous chef, bouncer, and photographer. The one unifying theme to all of these varied experiences? There are fascinating stories begging to be told everywhere one looks. James takes great pleasure in helping clients advance their missions, and is always happy to share what he’s learned along the way. James manages day-to-day operations and directs and produces both short-form documentary-style video content and virtual events. James lives in North Philadelphia with his husband and their two dogs, Stubbs and Pepper (both of whom can often be found serving as assistant editors in our South Philadelphia offices) An avid amateur cyclist and photographer, James holds a B.S. from Saint Joseph’s University.
VICE PRESIDENT, CHARITABLE FOUNDATION PROGRAM MANAGER
ERINN CORBETT-WRIGHT
TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank
Session: Cultivating Relationships with Corporate Funders
Erinn Corbett-Wright is a native Philadelphian who uses philanthropy and civic engagement to remove barriers to access for low to moderate income communities from Maine to Florida. As the Vice President, Charitable Foundation Program Manager at TD Bank, Corbett-Wright manages a national portfolio and serves as US lead for impact evaluation under the TD Ready Commitment. Erinn manages philanthropic relationships to support early learning for children; financial literacy and income stability for adults; and affordable housing for everyone. Outside of work, Erinn serves as a Commissioner on the Philadelphia Commission for Women, and as a board member with Compass Pro Bono Philadelphia, Social Venture Partners Philadelphia, and the Steppingstone Scholars Program. She lends her time to organizations and causes that support a high-functioning nonprofit sector and solutions to alleviate intergenerational poverty throughout the region.
PRINCIPAL
STEPHANIE CORY
Stephanie Cory Consulting
Session: Taking the Fear out of Budgeting
Stephanie Cory has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector since 2003 in a variety of roles from program manager to development director to executive director. She currently splits her time as a consultant and adjunct faculty for Villanova University. Stephanie earned her designation as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) from the American College of Financial Services. She has been a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) since 2008. Stephanie is also a Certified Governance Consultant through BoardSource and Licensed Standards for Excellence Consultant. A dedicated member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), she has served on its global board of directors, earned the designation of AFP Master Trainer, and currently serves as president of the AFP Brandywine Chapter. She earned a BS in Accounting from the University of Southern California.
PRINCIPAL & FOUNDER
MONIQUE CURRY-MIMS
Civic Capital Consulting
Session: Elevating PHLanthropy
Monique has over 15 years of business and leadership experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. As Principal of Civic Capital Consulting, an international social impact consulting firm, Monique delivers innovative strategies that help organizations meet their mission and goals, education services that empower solutions and equity, and funding to help communities working on the ground be part of the change they need.
To further change impact, Monique serves as a steering committee member of Philadelphia Black Giving Circle, and a Trustee and the Allocations Chair of Union Benevolent Association. Additionally, Monique serves as Founder and Convener of PHLanthropy Week and Co-Host of Beyond Philanthropy.
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
MICHAEL DEGENHART
The Pennsylvania State University
Session: Blended Gifts - The Future of Gift Planning
Michael Degenhart is currently serving as the Assistant Vice President of the Office of Gift Planning at The Pennsylvania State University, where he is responsible for the development and implementation of university-wide planned giving efforts for Penn State’s 24 campuses. Widely considered a leader in the field of higher education gift planning, Michael has the unique ability to articulate very technical gift planning techniques in simple, understandable terms for donors. At Penn State, Michael and his office are tasked with an overall combined gift planning goal of $100 million annually. He is a key member of the senior management team that directed Penn State’s recently completed $2 billion comprehensive campaign.
Preceding this position, Michael served as the Assistant Vice President at Syracuse University and spent seven years in the Office of Trust, Estates & Gift Planning at Cornell University. Michael has been a Consulting Vice President for Grenzebach Glier and Associates (GG+A) since 2010. GG+A is the leading international consultant to non‐profit institutions and organizations of all sizes and the foremost authority on fundraising best practices.
MARKET MANAGING DIRECTOR
DAVID DEL GROSSO
PNC Institutional Asset Management®
David is a market director and investment advisor with PNC Institutional Asset Management®. As a market director, David leads a team of experienced client service and sales professionals. His team is responsible for providing innovative and effective asset management solutions to both prospects and clients, including sales, implementation, and ongoing client service. David also serves as an investment advisor coordinating the delivery of investment solutions for defined benefit plans and various charitable organizations, endowments, and foundations. He maintains strong relationships with clients by providing thought leadership, education, and insights, managing portfolios in accordance with the client’s investment objectives, providing recommendations for asset allocations based upon the client’s needs, and supporting the development of new business relationships.
David joined the firm in 2014, coming from JPMorgan Private Bank in New York City. He began his industry career in 2007 at JPMorgan, where he constructed multi-asset class investment portfolios for ultra-high net worth clients.
David graduated with a Bachelor of Science in finance from Salisbury University. He also serves as a Bridges Committee Member for the United Way of the Capital Region and as an Investment Committee Member for Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
BILL DEWAN
Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity
Session: Next Level Fundraising Appeal Letters
Bill Dewan is a front-line, freelance nonprofit writer and fundraiser. A Lancaster County Community Foundation Baldwin Leader, Bill previously held leadership positions at Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity, Opera Lancaster and the Nielsen TV Ratings. He is an Academy Park Knight, Millersville Marauder (BA) and a Villanova Wildcat (MBA). Bill’s spare time is devoted to family life and performing improv comedy. He has studied improv at Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC and has performed all over the country. He is a founder, the Board President and comedy coach at Lancaster Improv Players.
DIRECTOR
JULIA DIGNAM
CCS Fundraising
Session: Doubling Down on Digital: How to optimize the digital experience in the post-pandemic world, sponsored by CCS
Julia Dignam, Associate Director, provides fundraising counsel and philanthropic advice to the nonprofit sector and social impact space. With a passion for global engagement, Julia has experience with nonprofits across multiple sectors located around the world. In addition to her work with clients, Julia serves in a leadership role on CCS’s Philadelphia team as a lead officer of its Market Presence initiative. Julia is also highly involved with Elevate, the firm’s thought leadership platform, as well as the firm’s DEI initiatives.
Prior to her time at CCS, Julia served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps as a case manager for an emergency homeless shelter in Philadelphia. Julia earned her BS from Georgetown University in Global Health.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
AMY FIORE
Sobel Bixel: Consulting for Nonprofits
Session: Board Member Archetypes: what they are, how to work with them
Amy Fiore began consulting after serving as an executive director at an arts and social service agency for children in hospitals and care facilities. Prior to that, Amy was the Managing Director and Director of Development for TADA! Youth Theater for nearly a decade and served in leadership roles at several esteemed Manhattan-based cultural institutions. Amy has been an adjunct professor on nonprofit management at New York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies and has been a guest lecturer at NYU, Baruch College, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Americans for the Arts, among others. Amy typically serves as a Client Lead and project manager specializing in board and staff training/retreats, strategic planning, fundraising plans and implementation, project management, and interim leadership. She has recruited, trained, and managed staff; devised and managed institutional budgets of $2M+; recruited, onboarded, and trained boards and committees; and conceptualized, wrote copy, and designed countless marketing and donor appeals. Amy also serves as the Director of Development for The Story Pirates.
FOUNDING PARTNER
NOEL FLEMING
Fleming Petenko Law
Session: Top Policies and Best Practices for Effective Nonprofits
Noel Fleming focuses his practice on assisting nonprofits in the areas of corporate law, governance, tax, fiduciary duties, fundraising, and related matters. He often acts as outside general counsel to nonprofits including publicly supported charities, private foundations, trade associations, educational institutions, and health care facilities. He advises nonprofits on many issues affecting nonprofits including corporate formation and qualification for tax-exempt status, tax law compliance, mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances, charitable contribution issues, and unrelated business income tax questions. He is an adjunct professor and writes and speaks frequently on legal matters related to the operation of nonprofits.
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, VIBRANT PLANET RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
AMANDA FOSTER
TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank
Session: Cultivating Relationships with Corporate Funders
Amanda Batten Foster is a native New Yorker passionate about the environment and social and environmental equity. In her role as the Vibrant Planet Relationship Manager for TD's Office of Community and Charitable Giving, Amanda brings to life TD's Ready Commitment Vibrant Planet driver of change through her work with municipalities and non-profits at the local level from Maine to Florida. Her work focuses on cleaning and greening our cities to create equitable access to urban green spaces for all, as well as philanthropic efforts to assist in and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Before joining TD, Amanda worked in the non-profit sector in marketing and communications with the Rainforest Alliance.
Amanda has an M.A. in Environmental Conservation Education from NYU, a certificate in Corporate Citizenship Management from Boston College and is currently working toward obtaining her M.B. A. from SUNY Empire State College. She is the treasurer for the associate board of New York Sun Works, and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City.
INVESTMENT MARKET DIRECTOR
JEREMY GAJKOWSKI
PNC Institutional Asset Management
Session: Nonprofit Enterprise Management: Recovery and the Path Forward
Jeremy is an investment market director for PNC Institutional Asset Management® (PNC IAM) responsible for ensuring the consistent execution of PNC IAM’s investment experience, portfolio activities and risk management across markets. He collaborates with investment advisors, market directors and PNC IAM senior leaders to ensure a consistent high quality client experience with a special focus on PNC’s OCIO (Outsourced Chief Investment Officer) solutions.
Prior to joining PNC, Jeremy served as vice president and portfolio manager at Hirtle, Callaghan & Co. During his tenure there he managed large and complex client investment portfolios and relationships. He was also responsible for presenting and effectively communicating investment strategies and solutions directly to sophisticated institutional boards, investment committees and administration as well as to ultra-high net worth private investors. Prior to that, Jeremy was with Valley Forge Asset Management as an account executive and Nuveen Investments as a trader.
Jeremy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from The Pennsylvania State University. Jeremy also holds the Certified Financial PlannerTM designation. He also trains and competes internationally as a member of Team USA on the Men’s Masters U.S. National Field Hockey Team.
MANAGING PARTNER
RUSSELL GARTZ
On the MARC Consulting LLC
Session: Leadership 2022- Re-Focus, Repair and Re-energize staff into a better team
Russell Gartz, is a servant leader focused on culture, team dynamics, and storytelling to drive bottom-line results and achieve strategic goals. He believes organizational health is paramount as compared to a team’s smarts and IQ. Russell is an executive coach who considers himself a leadership Sherpa for motivated individuals. Russell’s success in 25 plus years of non-profit, education and business experience is a mature, results-oriented professional coach seeking to improve leaders' abilities to lead, enhance their team's performance and improve their own opportunities. Russell has experience in all aspects of fund raising and has been part of teams that have raised millions of dollars for the variety of organizations. Russell has had success in fundraising and leadership development due to the teams he has been a part of as a contributing member and a servant leader. Russell continues to develop leaders as an operational consultant and an executive coach certified in the Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching Method. Individual team members must maintain their health and their approach to make their team and organization healthier. A healthier organization will out do a smarter organization any time and leadership helps make that happen.
VICE PRESIDENT, SENIOR MANAGER STRATEGY & SOCIAL IMPACT
DOMINIQUE GOSS
TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank
Session: Cultivating Relationships with Corporate Funders
Dominique is a compassionate and progressive philanthropic leader in the Atlanta metro area. Her passion and commitment to equity and underserved communities of human diversity is demonstrated in her portfolio of work. She is responsible for aligning TD's corporate giving to its broader strategic priorities in partnership with Portfolio Managers and Senior Regional Giving Managers. Dom is a native Philadelphian who dedicates her time with organizations impacting economic inequality & the racial wealth gap, financial stability, youth empowerment, and arts & culture. She also currently serves as board member and chair of the Brandywine Health Foundation's Equity committee. She's a board member of Mural Arts Philadelphia and serves as Vice President for She Can Win. Lastly, she's a 2019-2020 Connecting Leaders Fellow with the Association for Black Foundation Executives (ABFE). She has received honors from Generocity, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Social Innovation's Journal.
SENIOR CONSULTANT & DIRECTOR, CONSULTING OPERATIONS
KELLY GRATTAN
Schultz & Williams
Session:
-Not So #Basic: How to be a Dynamic Manager
-Next Level Onboarding: A Two-Part Series for Engaging New Board Members, sponsored Schultz + Williams
Kelly Grattan has more than 20 years of development experience with a variety of nonprofits, including the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Susquehanna University, Gesu School, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. In her work at these organizations, she oversaw the operational aspects of the development function before moving into major gifts and chief development officer roles.
Since joining the Schultz & Williams consulting team in 2016, Kelly has worked with many social justice and community service organizations, cultural institutions, and independent schools.
Kelly earned her PhD in administration and leadership in the nonprofit and public sectors; MBA in leadership; and BS in business administration, marketing and information systems. She holds a certificate in nonprofit management from The NonprofitCenter at La Salle University’s School of Business and a Blackbaud certification in Raiser’s Edge. She is currently serving on the Boardof Directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals-GreaterPhiladelphia Chapter (AFP-GPC) as Co-Vice President of External Affairs and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). Kelly is currently pursuing her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) certification through The American College of Financial Services.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER/ EDITOR
JOHN EVIN GROOME
Tolsma
Session: What have we learned? Lessons from 12 months of virtual event video, sponsored by Tolsma
John brings his passion for storytelling as both a camera operator and an editor to his work at Tolsma Productions. From experience on-set to post-production, his wide range of skills have made him adept at producing and editing pre-recorded virtual event segments. John graduated from Kutztown University with a B.S. in Electronic Media and a minor in Philosophy. Additionally, he works for the University of Pennsylvania radio station WXPN's video production team. John also performs regularly in several Philadelphia-based bands and brings his musical expertise to his work as an editor.
FOUNDING MEMBER
ROBBE HEALEY
Aurora Philanthropic Consulting
Session:
-Perspectives on Ethics in Fundraising Panel
-Fundraising Ethics: Special Considerations When Your Donors are Older Adults sponsored by Aurora Philanthropic
Robbe Healey has practiced philanthropic fundraising & non-profit management for more than 40 years. 150+ organizations have benefitted from her fundraising, strategic planning, board development and training services. She earned a BS in Education from Northeastern University and an MBA from Villanova University where she is a member of the adjunct graduate MPA faculty. Healey, an AFP Master Teacher, is an international speaker and presenter. She Chaired the Board of Directors of AFP Global 2009-10 and is the Immediate Past Chair of the AFP Global Ethics Committee. She is the Chapter/AFP Philadelphia 2001 Fundraising Executive of the Year. AFP Global awarded her the 2013 Barbara Marion Award and is a 2021 AFP Global Distinguished Fellow.
DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
ELIZABETH HEFNER
Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission
Session: Not So #Basic: How to be a Dynamic Manager
Elizabeth Hefner has more than a decade of fundraising experience with a variety of non-profits in the health and human services sector. Through her work, she has the opportunity to motivate philanthropic support for vulnerable people, engage communities in conversations for change, and share the stories of those she helps serve with dignity.
Currently, Elizabeth serves as the Director of Advancement at Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission. Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission. In the past three years she increased the fundraising program from a $1.6Million to $3.5MIllion program, launched the Mission's first major gift program, increased grant funding relationships by 200%, and has served on the Mission’s strategic planning leadership team.
Since becoming a member of AFP-GPC in 2013, and began serving on the AFP-GPC Board in January 2020. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Program Committee and also serves on the AFP-GPC Marketing Committee, and AFP-GPC CFRE Refresher Course Committee. Elizabeth became a CFRE in November 2020 an accomplishment made possible by the 2019 M. Jane Williams Professional Development Award from AFP-GPC and Shultz & Williams.
PRINCIPAL
JOHN HICKS
DLBJICKS LLC
Session: How to Turbocharge Your Grantseeking
John Hicks, CFRE is Principal and Founder of DLBHICKS LLC, a consulting practice that helps nonprofits build and strengthen grantseeking programs. John is a member of the faculty of Columbia University's MS in Nonprofit Management program and serves as an instructor for Candid where, since 1997, he has trained more than 5,000 individuals in grant writing. John has been awarded "Stellar Speaker" status by The Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of AFP International and past president AFP’s New York City Chapter. In 2021 John was named the recipient of the Ralph E. Chamberlain Award which honors lifetime service to AFP New York City and the fundraising profession.
VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT & SPECIAL PROJECTS
VALERIE JOHNSON
Pathways to Housing PA
Session: Does your organization truly embrace authenticity, or is it just lip service?
Valerie Johnson, MBA, CFRE, joined Pathways to Housing PA as director of institutional advancement in 2018. She co-hosts a podcast, Beyond Philanthropy, alongside Monique Curry-Mims. Valerie also worked as a fundraiser for Council for Relationships, Valley Youth House, and the American Association for Cancer Research. Valerie serves on the Association of Fundraising Professionals board of directors as vice president of education and professional development, and has been a featured speaker for PANO, NTEN, the Lancaster County Community Foundation, AFP GPC, and AFP Brandywine, and contributes to Generocity.
PRINCIPAL
VALERIE JONES
Valerie M. Jones Associates
Session: Emergent Asking-Get the Resources You Need Now
Valerie M. Jones, CFRE, has addressed audiences from Baltimore to Beijing, including many AFP conferences. She has raised more than $175 million for nonprofits, both as a staff fundraiser and, since 1998, through her consulting firm, Valerie M. Jones Associates. Jones has taught thousands of board and staff fundraisers to ask comfortably, authentically, and successfully. Amazon named her book, Nonprofit Hero, Five Easy Steps to Successful Board Fundraising, (Rowman & Littlefield) one of its Top Ten Hot New Releases for Nonprofits and it made Book Authority’s List of the Best Fundraising Books of All Time. Jones’s appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank’s 2021 season finale secured a $500,000 investment for her husband’s dinosaur business.
PRESIDENT
MARGARET KING
InfoRich Group, Inc
Session: A Thought Leader’s Perspective to Managing Transitions
Marge King has 25+ years’ experience in fundraising and has been part of two international nonprofits’ executive management team. She is adept at finding and using information in a strategic way to help her clients raise money. In addition to successfully writing multi-million-dollar proposals, she has broad experience with benchmarking, strategic fundraising initiatives, and teaching adult learners.
She has served on several nonprofit boards. Marge teaches business and fundraising courses at graduate and undergraduate levels at two Philadelphia-area colleges. She is a member APRA-PA, AIIP where she is a past-president, and AFP where she is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter’s board. She earned an MBA from St. Joseph’s University.
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
JACLYN KRAMER
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
Session: Prospect Research on a Budget
Jaclyn Kramer is the Development Director at Volunteer Lawyers for Justice.
Jaclyn has worked in development for 11 years. Prior to joining VLJ, she was a Development Manager at Covenant House International, where she was responsible for raising high-level gifts. Jaclyn has also worked for Human Rights First, New York Institute of Technology, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the West Point Association of Graduates. Her fundraising expertise includes relationship-building, research, event planning, stewardship, and graphic design.
Jaclyn is a member of Covenant House New Jersey’s Young Professional Board. Every year she leads a team at Sleep Out, a fundraising event benefiting CHNJ. Jaclyn is also a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement.
Jaclyn graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with concentrations in Public and Community Service and Black Studies.
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
NATALIE KRAUSER
AIChE
Session: Stewardship: It Boosts Corporate Giving, Too!
Natalie R. Krauser is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) responsible for increasing individual philanthropy through management of the annual, major and named endowment fund campaigns. Natalie manages a team of three, whose roles span development, communications, and data integrity. Natalie is adept at board development, and in collaboration with volunteer leadership, leading a refresh of the board to ensure diversity of thought and experience, while enhancing overall giving.
Before joining AIChE, she focused her activities on raising six and seven-figure gifts from corporate donors in support of IEEE educational initiatives. Natalie also provided strategic counsel and relationship management in support of the IEEE Foundation’s first-ever comprehensive campaign.
Prior to joining the nonprofit industry, she was responsible for account development for a global travel company. This included sales and marketing for both retail and consumer channels in North America.
Natalie is a Board Member for the New Jersey Chapter of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, one of only eight AFP Master Trainers in New Jersey, and former President of Greater New York Mensa. She received a BS, Marketing and BA, Performing Arts from Alfred University. She is currently pursuing an MS, Nonprofit Leadership & Management from Northeastern University.
Natalie is a member of the Vestry of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, in Scotch Plains, NJ and was volunteer campaign chair, successfully endowing her sorority’s AKO Womens’ Leadership Awards at Alfred University, Alfred, NY. Natalie lives in Westfield, NJ where she raises two daughters, Madelyn and Erin, with their cat Snowball.
SENIOR CONSULTANT & DIRECTOR, ELEVATENP
THERESA LEINKER
Schultz & Williams
Session: Next Level Onboarding: A Two-Part Series for Engaging New Board Members, sponsored by Schultz + Williams
Theresa Leinker brings nearly two decades of experience in the nonprofit industry. She spent ten years at Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation, the fundraising arm for the nation’s largest pediatric rehabilitation hospital, where she served in leadership roles in development, strategic planning, communications and cause-related marketing.
Theresa joined the S&W team in 2013. In her work for the firm, she specializes in providing expert development strategies, conducts campaign planning studies, and provides support for clients through S&W StaffSolutions™. Recent client work includes Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Hepatitis B Foundation & Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Mercy Career & Technical High School, Children’s Hospital Foundation, Girard College, Council for Relationships, World Affairs Council, Lancaster Farmland Trust, Willistown Conservation Trust, and the Public Interest Law Center. Theresa also oversees S&W’s ElevateNP Institute for Non-Profit Excellence, a comprehensive training and board development program for non-profit staff and leadership.
Theresa holds a bachelor’s degree in English and economics from Muhlenberg College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Villanova University. She serves as adjunct faculty in the Social Enterprise Practicum in the MBA program at Villanova. Her passion is helping nonprofits grow through the intersection of development and marketing disciplines.
DIRECTOR, ADVANCEMENT SERVICES
TAYLOR LESCALLETTE
Thomas Jefferson University/ Jefferson Health
Session: Leading with Justice: Innovations in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Development
Taylor Lescallette is Director, Advancement Services at Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health where she oversees talent management and personnel matters for the advancement team, among other areas and projects. She has a decade of experience in the development field in areas including prospect management and research, data reporting and analytics, gift administration, and annual giving.
Prior to joining Jefferson in February 2019, Taylor held positions at the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. She earned a Bachelor of Science in foreign service from Georgetown University, majoring in international history.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CASEY MAY
CCS Fundraising
Session: The Case for Collaboration: Incorporating Meaningful Partnerships Into Your Case for Support, sponsored by CCS
Casey is an Executive Director at CCS with a background in nonprofit leadership and development strategy. She has worked with local, national, and international organizations spanning the healthcare, environment, and higher education sectors. In addition to her work with clients, Casey serves in a leadership role on CCS’s Philadelphia team as a Lead Officer of its Culture & Convenings initiative. Casey also serves as a Co-Chair of the University of Pennsylvania’s Nonprofit Leadership Alumni Association Board.
Casey received her B.A. in Psychology from Miami University, an M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/ PRESIDENT, NEW VENTURES & ENTERPRISES
KYRA MCGRATH
WHYY
Session: Perspectives on Ethics in Fundraising Panel
Kyra McGrath serves as Executive Vice President/President, New Ventures and Enterprises for WHYY, Inc, which provides the community with informative and entertaining in-depth programming on multiple platforms: radio, television, and online at whyy.org, billypenn.com, and freshairarchive.org, as well as through live events.
As Executive Vice President and President, New Ventures and Enterprises, she is primarily responsible for ensuring that WHYY is maximizing the use of its content, technology and real estate assets to enhance audiences for WHYY and to produce new sources of revenue. She also serves as Assistant Secretary of the Board of Directors. Prior to her current role, she served as Chief Operating Officer, and also as Vice President for Strategic Projects and General Counsel.
Ms. McGrath currently serves on the board of PRX, a national distributor of on air and online digital audio content, and the Station Resource Group, a national organization of public radio stations. She is also Chair of the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army’s Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center, and is a former Chair of the Philadelphia Division of the Salvation Army. Ms. McGrath is a past President of the Forum of Executive Women, a network of the region’s top 400 women executives.
The Pittsburgh, PA native received her B.A. from Penn State and her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
PRINCIPAL
ELIZABETH MCLEAN
Knowsaic
Session: A Thought Leader’s Perspective to Managing Transitions
Elizabeth F. McLean is principal knowledge and information strategist at Knowsaic, based in the Washington, DC area. She earned an MS in Library and Information Science from The Catholic University of America and is a Certified Knowledge Specialist in Knowledge Transfer.
Inspired to optimize knowledge flow, Liz is an early adopter of web collaboration and digital content solutions. Liz creates frameworks for knowledge sharing, retention, and organization that save time and money. She is also facilitators of virtual communities of practice, interest, or learning.
Liz has worked with international development, humanitarian, libraries, and arts-focused nonprofits.
Knowsaic is pronounced 'no-zay-ik' and is a blended word for knowledge mosaic.
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
ERIN MORTON
Thomas Jefferson University/ Jefferson Health
Session: Leading with Justice: Innovations in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Development
Erin A. Morton is currently the senior director of development and strategic partnerships for the Philadelphia Collaborative for Health Equity (P-CHE). P-CHE is the comprehensive community engagement initiative of the President’s Office at Thomas Jefferson University/Jefferson Health to close the life expectancy gap between Philadelphia’s most and least affluent communities. Erin Morton joined the Office of Institutional Advancement in 2016. Prior to joining the staff, she held a range of positions in corporate and foundation relations fundraising for science and healthcare organizations including Fox Chase Cancer Center and the American Association for Cancer Research. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh.
MANAGING PARTNER & CEO
TIM OLEARY
Next Generation Fundraising, Inc.
Session: Building Your Annual Plan: Strategy Drives the Tactics, sponsored by NextGen
Tim Oleary is CEO and co-owner of Next Generation Fundraising, a boutique consulting and marketing agency that helps nonprofits build relationships with supporters and raise money for their mission.
Tim and NextGen are catalysts for change, helping nonprofits shape innovative strategies, develop impactful creative and campaigns, and properly analyze results. Clients include environmental advocates, animal shelters, veterans’ organizations, human welfare groups, colleges and universities, public broadcasting stations, arts and cultural institutions, and more.
Tim is a U.S. Navy veteran and he holds a B.S. in Communication Studies from the University of Maryland and a graduate certificate in Strategic Marketing from Cornell University.
VICE PRESIDENT OF IDEAS & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
DORIS PARENT
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Session: Not So #Basic: How to be a Dynamic Manager
Doris is the Vice President of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Strategies (IDEAS) and strategic Partnerships at the Philadelphia Orchestra. In her role, she establishes and implements ways to create a more inclusive and diverse culture at the Orchestra. Guided by the Philadelphia Orchestra values, Doris cultivates and deepens relationships with government funding agencies and industry partners.
Doris joined the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2011 as Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, In 2017, Doris began a new role at the Orchestra as Senior Managing Director of Institutional Development, in which she led all facets of a multi-year fundraising and engagement strategy. In addition, Doris served as the lead fundraising professional for the Orchestra's Education and Community Engagement department, to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors in support of its education and community-based programs.
Doris came to the Orchestra after almost a decade at Gallaudet University in Washington DC. Doris held the position of Associate Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, and also served as their Interim Director of Development.
Doris serves on several nonprofit boards. She assumed the role of President for the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Greater Philadelphia, serving over 400 members, in 2021. She also serves on the board of Piffaro, the Renaissance Band, and the Maven Leadership Collective. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in psychology and family studies from the University of Maryland and her master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix.
DEVELOPMENT & OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
SOPHIA PEAKE
Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project
Session: Does your organization truly embrace authenticity, or is it just lip service?
Sophia Peake is the Development & Operations Coordinator with the Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project. In this role, she focuses on increasing YSRP’s revenue, providing crucial support to the operations of the organization, and assists in telling YSRP’s story. Prior to joining the team, she was a fundraiser for Pathways to Housing PA, where she honed her skills in donor acquisition strategies.
Sophia has a background in the nonprofit sector, working for numerous grassroots campaigns and organizations in the Philadelphia region. She is a passionate advocate for equity in the social justice, education, and public policy sectors. Sophia is a Philadelphia native and a Temple University Alum. She currently serves as an Impact100 Founders Fellow, and is a member of the Philadelphia Black Giving Circle, where she aids in the grantmaking process.
INTERNATIONAL LEGACY & FUNDRAISING CONSULTANT
LIGIA PEÑA
Globetrotting Fundraiser
Session: Embrace the Power of your Legacy Pipeline
Ligia Peña, CFRE is President of GlobetrottingFundraiser where she specializes in helping nonprofits with their fundraising and legacy strategy. She's also a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Kent, researching national legacy marketing campaigns as a tool to change society’s behaviour towards gifts in wills. As an AFP Master Trainer, she’s trained countless fundraisers around the globe. She's a sought-after and seasoned international presenter who enjoys sharing her knowledge and empowering nonprofits professionals to think about legacies differently by daring to be creative and innovative.
FOUNDING PARTNER
KAYCI PENTENKO
Fleming Petenko Law
Session: Top Policies and Best Practices for Effective Nonprofits
Kayci Petenko focuses her practice on advising a variety of nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations. Prior to forming Fleming Petenko Law, Kayci worked for another boutique law firm providing legal advice and services to nonprofit organizations. She also worked at an accounting firm, where she provided clients with a wide range of tax consulting services. Kayci also has significant law firm experience representing clients in corporate, financial, real estate, and litigation matters. She has advised clients on compliance issues, fundraising, corporate governance matters, and contract drafting and negotiation. Kayci speaks frequently on legal matters related to the operation of nonprofit organizations and is an adjunct professor.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
CHRIS POLITO
CCS Fundraising
Session: Doubling Down on Digital: How to optimize the digital experience in the post-pandemic world, sponsored by CCS
Chris Polito, Senior Vice President, brings 15 years of experience designing, implementing, and managing key philanthropic initiatives for nonprofit organizations in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic regions, and Canada.
Since joining CCS in 2006, Chris has conducted feasibility and planning studies and development assessments; guided Annual Appeals; and assisted his clients in augmenting fundraising strategies to elevate long-term giving, donor recognition and stewardship for leadership and major gifts. Capital and endowment campaigns Chris has orchestrated have raised more than $400 million.
Chris serves as the President of AFP NJ, Southern Chapter. In 2020, Chris was recognized as a top 40 Under 40 Leader by The Philadelphia Business Journal.
HOST & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PULSE
MAIKEN SCOTT
WHYY
Session: COVID-19 Fundraising Resources/ Self Care Panel
Maiken Scott is the host and executive producer of WHYY’s The Pulse - a national health and science radio show and podcast that explores the people and places at the heart of health and science. Since its launch in December 2013, The Pulse has crafted a unique, “ground-level” approach to telling compelling stories and breaking down complicated issues. The show airs on more than 75 public radio stations across the country and has a strong podcast following. The team currently includes two producers, three reporters and a fellow.
Before working on The Pulse, Maiken was a behavioral health reporter for WHYY, and produced a mental health radio program called "Voices in the Family."
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ANISHA SINHA
CCS Fundraising
Session: The Case for Collaboration: Incorporating Meaningful Partnerships Into Your Case for Support, sponsored by CCS
Anisha is an Executive Director at CCS with over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience. Through her work, she has transformed organizations and developed diverse partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and stakeholder engagements benefiting the community at large. Anisha began her career while serving as an AmeriCorps member at LIFT-Philadelphia, a national anti-poverty organization. This experience had a profound impact on her interest in public sector work and continues to influence her fundraising strategies.
Anisha earned her MPA from the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. She also holds a dual BA from the University of Michigan in Psychology and English Language & Literature.
DIRECTOR OF GIFT PLANNING
JUDITH SPIEGEL
The Pennsylvania State University
Session: Blended Gifts - The Future of Gift Planning
Judith Spiegel is currently serving as Director of Gift Planning at the Pennsylvania State University. She is responsible for collaborating with development officers at 17 of the University’s units and campuses, including Penn State Health and Dickinson Law, to identify, cultivate and document planned gifts. Judith is also responsible for leading the Office of Gift Planning’s marketing efforts.
Preceding this position, Judith served as Sr. Director of Gift Planning for Geisinger Health Foundation where she managed the gift planning program. She also has an extensive background in commercial banking including serving as Vice President and Commercial Banking Relationship Manager for M&T Bank.
Judith holds a BS from the Pennsylvania State University and MBA from the University of Hartford.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
ANDREA THOMPSON
Afro Latin Jazz Alliance
Session: Funding for Special Projects: How to Fund the Fantastical and Innovative
Andrea Thompson brings over 20 years of experience to her position of Director of Development at the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance. A graduate of Howard University, Andrea has traveled the world as a trainer, consultant, and non-profit professional, having lived and worked in Ghana, Japan, and China. She’s worked with The Smithsonian Institution, The Washington Performing Arts Society, WPFW (89.3fm), and the Parallel Film Collective, to name a few. She brings to her position relationship building, communication skills, and organizational logistics. Andrea has been a critical factor in the drastic transformation of the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance’s contributed income and diversification of funding streams.
SENIOR ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT GIFT PLANNING
DAVID TOLL, JD
Drexel University
Session: You Don’t Have to Be a Planned Giving Expert to Talk about Planned Giving, Planned Giving for the Rest of Us, sponsored by Planned Giving Council of Greater Philadelphia
David Toll, JD, currently serves as the Senior Associate Vice President of the Office of Gift Planning at Drexel University where he is responsible for the development and implementation of university-wide planned giving efforts. In addition, he is a Senior Consultant with Major & Planed Giving Development, LLC that advises nonprofits and nonprofit leaders on fundraising and planned giving. David brings more than 20 years of professional experience in development and fundraising. David has presented at conferences around the country and has consulted with many groups in developing gift planning programs and structuring complex planned gifts. David is a past president of the Planned Giving Council of Greater Philadelphia. Before pursuing a career in higher education advancement, David spent several years practicing law at White and Williams, Patterson and Weir and Fox Rothschild with an emphasis on real estate, business, tax, and estate planning.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MARIETTA ULACIA
Afro Latin Jazz Alliance
Session: Funding for Special Projects: How to Fund the Fantastical and Innovative
Marietta Ulacia is an arts administrator who spent the past thirty years in executive leadership roles in both Washington, DC and New York City. Ms. Ulacia is currently the Executive Director of the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance. In the past she has worked with several cultural nonprofits including Dance Theater Workshop (NY Live Arts), the Museum for African Art, and Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, among others. Prior to New York she was Executive Director of the Latin American Folk Institute in Washington, DC and worked in partnership with numerous cultural organizations such as the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center of the University of Maryland, the Washington Performing Arts Society, the Washington Ballet, and the Smithsonian Institution. She is a graduate of the prestigious Amadeo Roldán Music Conservatory in Havana, Cuba. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s Degree from American University in Washington, DC.
PRINCIPAL
LISA VERGAS
Lisa Verges, Fundraising Consultant
Session: Thriving Outside Your Comfort Zone! Fundraising for CEOs
Lisa Verges is an independent fundraising consultant serving health care, youth development, legal aid, and other charitable organizations. Her pandemic project was creating a yearlong online course, “Annual Giving in One Hour A Week,” available at lisaverges.com. Lisa’s practice centers around guiding management and volunteer leadership in processes that identify strategic action plans to achieve their resource development goals. Her knowledge of major, capital, and planned giving has grown out of her work in annual giving and special events. A volunteer trainer and mentor, Lisa is also active with the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Philadelphia Chapter. Lisa is in her second year of working with a family foundation that raises funds for Alzheimer’s disease care, research, and education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from University of Virginia.
DIRECTOR, MARKETING & MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES
LIZ VIBBER
Catalyst Center for Nonprofit Management/Bee, Bergvall & Co. Certified Public Accountants
Session: Perspectives on Ethics in Fundraising Panel
Elizabeth Vibber, MS is a Director of the Catalyst Center for Nonprofit Management, as well as Marketing Director for Bee, Bergvall & Co., Certified Public Accountants. She has over 30 years’ experience providing strategic consultation to both the public and private sectors. Projects Liz has worked on include the development of business and strategic plans, governance consulting, mergers and collaborations, needs assessments, survey design as well as executive searches.
She has earned a Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Kutztown University. Liz has served on a number of Boards of Directors, and has held the positions of board chair, vice chair, as well as chair of strategic planning and governance committees.
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
APRIL WALKER, MSW
Session: COVID-19 Fundraising Resources/ Self Care Panel
April Walker is nonprofit executive leader whose 10-year career in philanthropy includes fundraising, consulting, and grantmaking positions. She has held roles at the American Heart Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, CCS Fundraising, VNA Foundation, and Iris Krieg & Associates. She currently serves as Chief Development Officer for a workforce development nonprofit in Cleveland, OH.
April earned a master’s degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago and a BA in Sociology from the George Washington University. Her social service background informs her commitment to advancing philanthropy rooted in racial equity and social justice. April is a member of AFP Greater Cleveland Chapter and serves on the boards of Progressive Arts Alliance and the Akron Community Foundation’s Gay Community Endowment Fund.
VICE PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR, EAST REGION
CHRISTINA "TINA" YOON
Campbell & Company
Session: 5 Trends with the Power to Change Major Gift Fundraising
As Vice President and Director, East Region for Campbell & Company, Tina uses her broad experience when advising her clients, bringing a fresh perspective to each engagement. She has experience as an independent consultant and MIT fundraiser. Originally educated as a scientist, she worked as a researcher at Pfizer for several years before fully realizing her passion for working with mission-driven nonprofits. She is a founder of the Council of Korean Americans, a national nonprofit dedicated to raising the voice of the Korean American community and is a seasoned speaker and workshop facilitator. Tina serves on the IDEA Committee of AFP Global and the firm’s DEIA Council. She holds a B.S. from Yale and a Ph.D. from MIT.
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
JOHN ZABINSKI
Wills Eye Hospital
Session: 5 Trends with the Power to Change Major Gift Fundraising
John is a Development/Advancement Professional with extensive experience and proven track record in Higher Education, Health Care and Independent Schools. He has had the ability to develop meaningful relationships which resulted in securing multiple documented gifts of $1MM+. He provides management oversight and guidance with emphasis on best practices; business plan development with defined goals and staff empowerment with accountability; change agent who can move organizations to new and maintained levels of success.