![Conference for Community College Grant Professionals 2024 Header](/sites/default/files/styles/header_default/public/media/image/HQ_25CCCGP_1920x490_Web.jpg?h=3cae1faa&itok=_I8fSd2L)
Speakers
![Mitch Andrews](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Mitch_Andrews.jpg?h=e5652a11&itok=GjCiLYwC)
Mitch Andrews
Mitch Andrews returned to East Texas 22 years ago. He has served his alma mater TJC and the Tyler Junior College Foundation for more than two decades.
Mitch is currently Vice President of Institutional Advancement and CAO for TJC. He also serves as ED for the Tyler Junior College Foundation, which has reached $100 million in assets. Over the last decade, assets have grown 142%, and the Foundation is considered the largest support organization for a Texas community college and one of the top three nationally.
In support of community college advancement, Mitch has previously chaired the national conference hosted by the CASE Center for Community College Advancement. He has also served on the planning committee and as a presenter for the first CASE national virtual conference, which focused on alumni relations for community colleges. He currently serves as President for the Texas Association of Community College Foundations (TACCF) and chaired their 2022 and 2023 conferences.
Mitch graduated from TJC with an Associate in Arts, the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and University of Texas at Tyler with a Masters in Public Administration. While at Ole Miss, he received two national public speaking awards.
![David Bass 2](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/David_Bass.jpg?h=8b397450&itok=-J8RDOBI)
David Bass
David Bass serves as AGB’s executive director for philanthropic governance, providing thought leadership on board governance and leadership best practices that relate to philanthropy in higher education. He oversees the development of programs and resources supporting institutionally related foundation boards, institutional governing boards, and other senior staff and volunteer leaders of colleges and universities. Bass previously served as AGB’s director of foundation programs and research, authoring the AGB Board of Directors’ Statement on Institution-Foundation Partnerships, Illustrative Memorandum of Understanding between a Public Institution or System and an Affiliated Foundation, and Effective Foundation Boards.
Bass also worked for 12 years at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) where he served as senior director of research, as director of CASE’s National Center for Institutionally Related Foundations and director of government relations.
Bass taught as an adjunct faculty member at Northern Virginia Community College, Georgetown University, and the University of Virginia.
Bass holds an MBA and certificate in nonprofit management from Johns Hopkins University and an MA and doctoral coursework from the University of Virginia. He received a BA from the College of William and Mary.
![Jim Blair](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Jim_Blair.jpg?h=956fe7c6&itok=RtcrsdPy)
Jim Blair
Since May 2020, I have been leading the college's fundraising and development efforts, including public-private partnerships, licensing, bequests, annual events, and other creative initiatives. I have also been building and strengthening the relationships with our alumni, who are an invaluable resource and inspiration for our current and future students. In addition, I serve as an Associate Professor and a Faculty Advisor at DVC, teaching business and real estate law, and mentoring student veterans.
![Leslie Bluestone](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Leslie_Bluestone.jpg?h=1a2aaddb&itok=5AJV14z3)
Leslie Bluestone
Leslie is the Associate Vice President of Philanthropic Development at Community College of Philadelphia where she oversees the major gifts and corporate and foundation relations programs, in addition to leading the fundraising for the Foundation’s annual Black & Gold Gala, which has tripled since she took over in 2020.
Leslie has 25 years of experience in all areas of fundraising in multiple settings in Greater Philadelphia. She has worked for community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, healthcare institutions, and performing arts organizations. She discovered the personal rewards of fundraising for community colleges through her work as Senior Director of Development at Montgomery County Community College in Pennsylvania. There, she spearheaded several committees of the college’s Futures Rising Campaign, exceeding the goals for both the committees and the overall campaign.
Leslie holds a bachelor’s degree from Barnard College in French and English Literature and a master’s degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Michigan.
In her free time, Leslie enjoys tennis, birding and biking.
![Charley Daly](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Charley_Daly.jpg?h=d259a3b5&itok=npLetmGn)
Charley Daly
Charley Daly is the Alumni Manager at Diablo Valley College.
![Holly Davis](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/MDavis-Holly.jpg?h=97c19d09&itok=rm94H-tC)
Holly Davis
Holly M. Davis is the Director of CASE@Campus, the bespoke educational advancement training program delivered to campuses throughout the world on behalf of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). In that role, Holly writes customized advancement curriculum on fundraising, philanthropy, relational engagement, and cultural competencies.
Prior to joining the CASE team, Holly served as the Vice President of External Relations for the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, shaping the public policy agenda, overseeing membership, strategic partnerships, media relations, as well as facilitating the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute. As a CAE, Holly has a broad background in both association and nonprofit work. She oversaw the PAC and political affairs for trade associations representing home builders in two of the fastest growing cities in the country, Austin and Seattle, and served as the Executive Director of the nonprofits: Center for Women and Democracy, Indiana Leadership Forum, and Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series.
Recognized for her ability to bring about catalytic organizational change, Holly made the Indianapolis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list in 2009, was recognized by Governor Mitch Daniels as a Distinguished Hoosier in 2010, and was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Eric Holcomb in 2023. She earned her BA in Political Science and History from Indiana University-Bloomington and is a 2007 alumnae of the Campaign
![Maya Demishkevich](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Demishkevich-Maya.png?h=21699720&itok=iUXQVQ8o)
Maya Demishkevich
Maya Demishkevich is a marketing and communication leader with over 15 years of experience in higher education, ranging from leading marketing and retention initiatives and teaching undergraduate and doctoral-level courses to developing programs. She is also a host of a community college-focused podcast, the Hidden Gem.
![Chris Downing](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Chris_Downing.jpg?h=4efeae32&itok=lRt0BNT9)
Chris Downing
Dr. Chris Downing is the Executive Director for the Heartland Community College Foundation. He has been with Heartland Community College for over 17 years, leading the fundraising and scholarship programs. Chris focused his doctoral research on community college foundations, specifically on the motivations of why people choose to serve on Foundation Boards. An avid and engaging storyteller, he enjoys entertaining audiences while also educating them on the power and value of community colleges. Chris is married to his wife Susie and has two children, son Connor and daughter Hayden.
![Melissa Fasig](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Melissa_Fasig.jpg?h=37516563&itok=FYs1w1Gc)
Melissa Fasig
Melissa Fasig has been with Heartland Community College for nearly fourteen years, serving as Director of Development the last ten. Prior to that she has work in fundraising for other non-profit organizations and worked as a marketing professional as well. She has a Bachelors degree in Marketing and a Masters in Organizational Leadership. Melissa’s work at Heartland is to secure support for scholarships and key College programs, all leading to increased student access and success.
Gena Glover
Gena Glover is the Associate Director, Community Engagement who works at Heartland Community College. For the last four years, she has worked on bridging the College to the community and the community to the College. Developing a culture of service among the College staff, students and alumni has been a major focus of Gena’s work. While her role is multi-faceted, relationship building is her primary focus.
Gena is passionate about her role at Heartland because it allows her to maintain contact with her former non-profit colleagues and draw on her 20+ years in the social service field.
Gena was recognized as a 2017 American Business Women’s Top Ten. The Top Ten is the highest honor awarded annually. A Top Ten is applauded for her career accomplishments, community involvement, and her contribution to the American Business Women’s Association. In addition, Gena was recognized as an Outstanding Alumni from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, by the Administration of Justice Department, where she earned her masters and bachelors degree. In addition, she earned a second bachelors degree in Paralegal Studies from SIU-C and a Fundraising Certification from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.
In her spare time, Gena enjoys running, she has completed 12 half marathons and is a St. Jude Runner, hiking, kickboxing and traveling.
![Jeff Grandy](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Jeff_Grandy.jpg?h=0e08d853&itok=klOM_zpf)
Jeff Grandy
Meet Jeff Grandy, the vibrant force behind Catapult Fundraising, bringing over a decade of non-profit leadership with a smile. Jeff's expertise in planned giving goes beyond the boardroom, and he's not just about data analysis and closing deals; he's your go-to guy for making planned giving fun and relatable. Whether it's establishing program infrastructures or securing appointments with planned giving donor prospects, Jeff's journey has left a joyful mark on organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities, Texas A&M University, and Easterseals, to name a few.
But wait, there's more to Jeff's story! As an Instructor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he's not your typical teacher—Jeff injects energy into Non-Profit Management and Fundraising Certificate programs, making learning about Donor Relations, Development Plans, and Gift Planning an engaging experience. As if that weren't enough, he takes on the role of a Fundraising Operations Mentor at the Center of Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leadership at Rice University, bringing his zest for growth and development to the next generation of fundraising professionals. Dive into the joyous world of planned giving with Jeff, who not only leads the Catapult team in the Greater Gulf Coast but also serves as the energetic President of AFP Texas Coastal Bend.
![Amy Greear](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Amy_Greear.jpg?h=09ee383c&itok=hW022QnS)
Amy Greear
Dr. Amy Greear has served as the Executive Director of the MECC Foundation and Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Mountain Empire Community College since 2018. She was first hired in a communications role with MECC in 2012. The MECC Foundation provides almost $1M in scholarships annually to students in far southwestern Virginia. Since joining the MECC Foundation, the organization's endowment has grown from $23M to $35M in five years. The daughter of four generations of coal miners, Dr. Greear is the first in her family to earn a college degree. She is committed to impacting the long-term economic viability of her community by assisting with efforts to increase the educational attainment rate of her College's service region. Prior to joining MECC, Dr. Greear worked in communications/public relations for the United Way and Kingsport City Schools in Kingsport, Tennessee. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Virginia's College at Wise, a Master's in Educational Technology from East Tennessee State University, and a Doctorate degree in Leadership and Learning from the University of Tennessee -- Chattanooga. Her dissertation work was focused on student emergency assistance funding and its impact on student retention and success. Dr. Greear is married to her husband Burke, a Virginia State Park Ranger, and has a 23-year daughter, Maggie, who is a labor and delivery nurse.
![Barbara Greenbauer](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Barbara_Greenbauer.jpg?h=de3c2d71&itok=mLy0F6uX)
Barbara Greenbauer
Barbara Greenbauer is the Director, Major Gifts at Tyler Junior College.
![Eric Johnson](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Eric_Johnson.jpg?h=e21c01fb&itok=ACA00Upe)
Eric Johnson
Eric started as Sandburg's Chief Advancement Officer in March 2022. His career spans from a successful stint in advancement and alumni engagement at Knox College, to association management and agricultural communications experience with the Illinois-Christian County Farm Bureau and Illinois Beef Association. He resides in rural Knox County, IL where he enjoys raising Angus cattle on a small farm with his parents. Eric welcomes the opportunity to connect with CASE professionals worldwide, Sandburg alumni, friends, and supporters to collaborate and partner in making a lasting impact on the lives of students and our college communities.
![Anne Johnson](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Anne_Johnson.jpg?h=e796fcc0&itok=t6nULAOD)
Anne Johnson
Anne Johnson is a seasoned executive with over 12 years of dedicated service at Howard Community College (HCC), Anne has played pivotal roles in advancing the institution's mission through collaborative efforts and donor engagement initiatives.
In her current capacity as Executive Director at HCC, Anne Johnson leads the institution with a focus on fostering collaboration and building sustainable partnerships to enhance the college's impact on its student community. Her tenure at HCC has been marked by her dedication to student success and empowerment. As the former Director of Resource Development, she spearheaded efforts to secure vital resources and funding opportunities to support various student-centered initiatives and projects. Her strategic approach to fundraising and partnership development has contributed significantly to HCC's ability to provide enhanced educational experiences and opportunities for its diverse student body.
![Mautra Jones](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Mautra_Jones.jpg?h=8320c886&itok=6grAh3B7)
Mautra Jones
Dr. Mautra Staley Jones advances and elevates each institution she touches. Dr. Jones has become one of the nation’s most sought-after thought leaders through her educational and community leadership.
On March 1, 2022, she became the 11th President of Oklahoma City Community College, the fourth-largest institution of higher education in Oklahoma. With her appointment, Dr. Jones made history, becoming the first woman and first person of color to serve as President of the College, serving over 18,000 students. Her appointment also made Oklahoma history as she is the first African American female to serve as president of any institution of higher education in the state that is not an HBCU (Historically Black College and University).
Beyond her professional life, she is an active and engaged community member, providing leadership to various corporate, civic, and charitable organizations. Dr. Jones serves as a board director for BancFirst and BancFirst Corporation, South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma Philharmonic Society, Oklahoma Watch, the Oklahoma City and County Historical Society and the Oklahoma City Industrial & Cultural Facilities Trust.
Furthermore, she is a Salt and Light Leadership (SALLT) Fellow, a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City (Class XXIX), a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., VEST, Rotary Club 29, Oklahoma County Bar Auxiliary and Visionary Women of Oklahoma (VOW). She is also a member of Young President’s Organization (YPO).
Numerous organizations have honored Dr. Jones for her service and leadership to our state and nation. Dr. Jones was named an Oklahoman of the Year by Oklahoma Magazine, Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEO for public companies by The Journal Record, received the 100 Women to Know Across North America Award, and was named Oklahoma’s Remarkable Woman by KFOR/Nexstar Media. The Oklahoma Hispanic Institute honored her with the Vision Engagement and Pursuit Award for her efforts in advancing the history, culture, education, economic and community stature of the Hispanic communities.
In addition, she was inducted into the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame in 2022 and has been named Woman of the Year by 405 Magazine, The Journal Record, Perry Publishing and Broadcasting, and With Love OKC. Dr. Jones was awarded the 2021 National Mother of the Year and 2021 Oklahoma Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc. She has also been honored as an Achiever Under 40 by The Journal Record, OKC Biz, and Oklahoma Magazine, among other noteworthy achievements.
Forbes Magazine recognized Dr. Jones as one of the ten top Black Higher Education CEOs to watch in 2023. Luxiere Magazine featured her as a woman of influence in 2023. Fortune Magazine, American Association of Community Colleges Journal, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, and Black Enterprise Magazine have also featured Dr. Jones and her achievements.
Dr. Jones holds a B.A. in Journalism from the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Oklahoma and was named a 2023 Distinguished Alumni. In addition, she holds an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix at San Diego and an Ed.D. from Vanderbilt University’s prestigious Peabody College of Education and Human Development. She is married to United States District Judge Bernard M. Jones II, and they are the proud parents of three children.
![Louisa Kopp](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Louisa_Kopp.jpg?h=7e07a4b5&itok=ky2VXX2a)
Louisa Kopp
Louisa is the Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at Community College of Philadelphia, leveraging over 18 years of experience in higher education. Beginning at CCP as Manager of Donor Relations in 2019, she now currently oversees alumni programs, annual giving, donor relations, development communications, and annual gala event planning.
Prior to her tenure at Community College of Philadelphia, Louisa held positions in alumni relations and development at Thomas Jefferson University, Drexel University, and Philadelphia University managing alumni events, volunteer programs and communications. She also served as the marketing and communications manager at Council for Relationships, a mental health services organization. Louisa's professional journey began in student affairs after earning her bachelor's degree in business from Drexel University.
Beyond her professional commitments, Louisa is passionate about creative pursuits including photography, event planning, and design. Actively engaged in her community, she serves as a board member for her local public school’s Parent Teacher Organization and volunteers for election campaigns and the arts and culture coalition.
Shawn Lamb
Shawn Lamb has worked in higher education for over 20 years, serving students and institutions to improve outcomes for traditional marginalized people. He is the associate director of Howard P.R.I.D.E., a black and brown male leadership program with over 220 students. Shawn works in collaboration with our other cohort and learning communities including Ambiciones, Parent Scholars, and Silas Craft Collegians Program.
![Andrea Lehmacher](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Andrea_Lehmacher.jpg?h=5bc57ada&itok=B9CpwZAI)
Andrea Lehmacher
Andrea Lehmacher, Ed.D., serves as the director of marketing for Oakton College (Des Plaines, IL), overseeing brand development and strategy, marketing operations, content marketing, social media, web and digital strategy, design and creative services, institutional advertising and publications, and enrollment marketing. Lehmacher has had the honor and privilege to serve in higher education for over 25 years, including leadership positions in admissions/enrollment and marketing strategy for Robert Morris University, University of St. Francis, Joliet Junior College, and Elgin Community College.
Lehmacher is a proud community college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications, a Master of Arts in Communications and Training from Governors State University, and a Doctor of Education in higher education and organizational change from Benedictine University. She holds an endorsement in strategic enrollment management from the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and is a current SEM Evaluator.
Lehmacher serves on the leadership committee for the National Council of Marketing and Public Relations, is a member of the CASE Center for Community College Advancement Advisory Committee, served on numerous dissertation committees, and as an adjunct faculty member teaching strategic enrollment management in the Doctor of Education program at National Louis University (Chicago, IL).
![Tara Mata](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Tara_Mata.png?h=931e86e8&itok=wenUXY8S)
Tara Mata
Tara Mata is the Advancement Services & Scholarship Coordinator at Richland Community College in Decatur, IL. Her experience includes over 5 years with Richland Community College, half of which was spent as the Accommodations Specialist, working with students with disabilities. Coupled with an additional 7 years of disability and social services experience, she embraced the role of accessibility in the Community College setting. She championed the formation of the Richland Community College Accessibility Plan and facilitated implementation. She created and presented various accessibility-related trainings and informational sessions for faculty and staff.
Transitioning to her role as Advancement Services & Scholarship Coordinator, she keeps accessibility best practices and universal design top of mind when working with students, donors, faculty, staff, and the public. By utilizing an accessibility-focused lens, she is able to remove barriers and create an inclusive environment for all. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge of accessibility best practices with Community College Advancement Services professionals to support donor engagement and fundraising efforts.
![Rebecca McDermott](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Rebecca_McDermott.jpg?h=1e740b78&itok=GmAhu9sj)
Rebecca McDermott
Rebecca McDermott is the Director of Grants Development at Hagerstown Community College.
![Loren McGinnis](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Loren_McGinnis.jpg?h=d56f2009&itok=naswg-br)
Loren McGinnis
Experienced professional with a passion for driving growth, engaging communities, and delivering exceptional results. MBA graduate with a strong background in marketing, event planning, and business administration. Skilled in creating and implementing successful marketing campaigns, executing memorable events, and fostering meaningful relationships with stakeholders. I am dedicated to continuous growth, thrive in collaborative environments, and excel at developing innovative solutions.
![Jessi Moon](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Jessi_Moon.png?h=eeff58f5&itok=y67gBbb7)
Jessi Moon
Jessi Moon joined the Oakton College Educational Foundation in August 2023 as Director of Major and Planned Giving and Associate Executive Director. She brings with her more than 15 years of nonprofit experience, with roles in community foundations and higher education, including DePaul University, University of Illinois Chicago, Evanston Community Foundation, and Chicago Foundation for Women. A through-line of her career has been launching successful comprehensive campaigns and crafting compelling fundraising copy. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from University of North Texas and a Master's in Nonprofit Management from DePaul University.
![Timothy Nurvala](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Timothy_Nurvala.jpg?h=7533e99a&itok=6Es_WSfl)
Timothy Nurvala
Tim Nurvala joined CCS in 2008 with 20 years of experience in nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and international technology. He has worked in education, healthcare, faith, environmental, and human services sectors. Before CCS, Tim ran a philanthropic foundation, managed fundraising and media campaigns, and coordinated special events. He was also President of the NVTC Foundation, which provides disadvantaged children with access to computers and technology after school. Tim worked in the U.S. Department of Education as a Special Assistant to Secretary Lamar Alexander, focusing on community involvement in school systems. He also served in the White House Office of Public Liaison during the President George H.W. Bush Administration, assisting with planning White House briefings, signing ceremonies, and official visits by foreign leaders. Tim holds a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Florida and a M.A., Ph.D. (ABD) from American University. He currently resides in Gladwyne, PA and Jensen Beach, FL, having lived in the Washington, DC region for over 20 years. He serves on the board of the Finlandia Foundation National and has previously served on the boards of the Commonwealth Public Broadcasting Corporation and Celebrate Fairfax, Inc., as well as the Computer Learning Center Partnership.
Betheny Reid
Betheny L. Reid has more than twenty-five years of experience as the CEO or on the Executive Team with corporations, non-profits, higher education institutions, public affairs, and marketing/communication companies. She has successfully directed and completed multi-million comprehensive campaigns for community colleges and universities; established several non-profit organizations that remain successful; implemented marketing and communication programs for global corporations; served as Chief of Staff for elected officials and advised numerous CEOs and Boards in non-profit and profit organizations.
Recognized as a pioneer in North American Community College Advancement, she was named “Institutionally-Related Foundations Executive of the Year” by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
She remains an active member of CASE serving in many ways including: Board of Directors, Chairing the International Committee, Inaugural chair of the Community College Advisory Council, member of the Board Finance Committee, Member Marketing Commission, Member Industry Advisory Council, Member Carnegie Corporation Africa Initiative and member Latino Americano Initiative.
Betheny L. Reid was named as CASE Laureate in its inaugural class. Recognized as a pioneer in North American Community College Advancement, she was named “Institutionally-Related Foundations Executive of the Year” by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
![Katherine Sawyer](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Katherine_Sawyer.jpg?h=622dc834&itok=EhjdFXCe)
Katherine Sawyer
Katherine Sawyer serves as the Chief Advancement Officer for Oakton College (Des Plaines, IL). Reporting to the president, Sawyer is responsible for the College’s marketing and communication functions and serves as the executive director of the Oakton College Educational Foundation, recipient of the Association of Governing Board’s 2024 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership. Sawyer came to Oakton in 2018 having previously served as the Executive Director of the Elgin Community College Foundation (Elgin, IL) and the Associate Executive Director of the Harper College Educational Foundation (Palatine, IL).
Sawyer’s 30 years of business experience prior to entering the higher education sector includes positions as regional vice president and director of development, marketing and operations functions for the American Cancer Society, Motorola, NEC, and others.
Sawyer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from West Virginia University and a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University. She is credentialed as a Certified Fund Raising Executive. She is a Board Director for the Association of Governing Boards (AGB, Washington, D.C.) and also serves on the AGB Council of Foundation Leaders and previously served on the National Committee for College and University Foundations with the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE, Washington, DC).
![David Schecter](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/David_Schecter_0.jpg?h=6e5b2763&itok=VHm84EKX)
David Schecter
Dr. David Schecter has been President of East Georgia State College (EGSC) since January, 2022. EGSC has roughly 1,800 students and is located in rural, southeast Georgia. Before coming to EGSC, Schecter served as Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, S.C.. Prior to serving at USC Upstate, Schecter served as Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs and then Vice Provost at California State University, Bakersfield. Before joining the administration at CSU Bakersfield, Schecter was chair of the Department of Political Science at California State University, Fresno where he was granted tenure as a full professor and earned the prestigious Provost’s Award for Faculty Service. He also previously taught at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. A Florida native, Schecter holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Florida and both a master’s degree in political science and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and history from Florida State University. He also holds an MBA from Fresno State.
![Harley Smith](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Harley_Smith.jpg?h=d5099359&itok=uGNoIk90)
Harley Smith
Harley Smith is the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at East Georgia State College located in Swainsboro, Georgia. In this role, she provides leadership and strategic focus to further the college’s development, alumni relations, marketing communications, and engagement. Smith also serves as the Executive Director of the EGSC Foundation. Smith’s professional career began in broadcast journalism as a news anchor and reporter for the CBS-affiliated television station in Savannah, Georgia. Smith holds a master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in nonprofit management and a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from Georgia Southern University. Smith stays active in her community by volunteering with the Rotary Club, Statesboro Service League, The Camilla Foundation, Evans Region College and Career Academy Board of Directors, Leadership Emanuel, Leadership Bulloch, and the Miss America Scholarship Organization.
![Tracey Storey](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Tracey_Storey.jpg?h=8a69266d&itok=wfzU_31_)
Tracey Storey
Tracey Storey is the associate vice president of nonprofit enterprise strategic planning at BWF. With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has the know-how to help clients make disciplined and bold choices for their organizations in order to reach their full potential.
Prior to her role at BWF, Tracey served in several leadership roles at Princeton University including chief of staff in the advancement office for over six years. In this role she helped design the quiet phase donor engagement strategy for Princeton’s capital campaign and led advancement’s enterprise risk management process. Throughout her time at Princeton, Tracey handled a variety of tasks, from managing a pool of fundraising prospects and launching a new donor stewardship program, to coordinating Princeton’s first engagement at the World Economic Forum meeting and managing the project recovery phase of a new CRM system.
Tracey earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Texas at Austin and her master’s degree from University of Pennsylvania.
![Jodi Sweeney](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Jodi_Sweeney.jpg?h=8b41afd3&itok=TyeyPb_j)
Jodi Sweeney
Jodi Sweeney is the President of The Sweeney Group, a nationally recognized consulting firm that works with all types of nonprofit organizations. Her expertise and experience include all aspects of nonprofit resource development. She lives in Madison, WI and has four children and two grandchildren. Jodi’s commitment to nonprofit organizations has spanned more than 20 years, including executive and leadership positions with the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools, the Capital Fund Raising Committee, and the Madison Community Foundation. She helped found the Junior League of Madison, WI., the Madison chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the National Association of School Foundations. She currently serves on the Advisory Board of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Honorary Committee of Susan G. Komen, Madison chapter.
Steven Wantz
Steve Wantz joined Carroll Community College in 2002 as Executive Director of Advancement and the College Foundation. Carroll Community College is Maryland’s youngest Community College. Steve was instrumental in shaping the vision and developing a comprehensive strategic fundraising plan. The Foundation at Carroll, under Steve’s leadership has grown from a base of $600,000 to its current asset base in excess of $27M.
Steve received an A.A. from Carroll Community College (a branch of Catonsville Community College at the time) and a B.S. from the University of Baltimore. Steve served on the Carroll Community College Foundation as a member of its Board of Directors prior to accepting the role of Executive Director.
Steve was a first-generation college attender in his family and so the mission and impact of the community college has always held a special place in his heart.
Before joining Carroll Community College, Steve held progressively responsible positions at a local community bank where he began as an intern. Steve increased his role and responsibilities before becoming Chief Operating Officer of the Bank and later the Acting President during the institution’s acquisition by a regional bank. Much of his success has always been attributed to the educational start afforded him at the community college.
![Amy Weinberg](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Amy_Weinberg_0.jpg?h=b41b0d67&itok=V_-Bo5WA)
Amy Weinberg
Amy is a former fundraiser, alumni engagement, and admissions professional with 10+ years of experience in the higher education and independent school sector. She is now an Account Executive with Gravyty - a leading technology provider in the world of digital engagement and fundraising solutions and has extensive experience working with educational institutions of all types and sizes.
![Kristen Westover](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Kristen_Westover.jpg?h=52661e67&itok=-alTfqoK)
Kristen Westover
Kristen Westover has served as the President at Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap since July 2017. She came to Mountain Empire from Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, Virginia where she served for 6 years as the Vice President for Academic and Student Development Services. Dr. Westover has also worked for the Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin, where she served as a Program Coordinator for the national initiatives leadership team. At the Dana Center, Dr. Westover was the Project Director for a joint initiative with the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching called the STATWAY™. Dr. Westover has also served at the Kansas Board of Regents, where she was the Director of Technical Programs and Curriculum, and as the Vice President of Academics at Colby Community College in Northwest Kansas. Prior to her service as a community college administrator, she was a member of the mathematics department at the same college. Dr. Westover also taught high school mathematics and coached for ten years at the middle school level.
Dr. Westover has worked on numerous curriculum and assessment projects at the college and state levels. In 2016 she was selected as an Inaugural Aspen Institute Presidential Fellow. She is also an alumnus of the LEAD Virginia class of 2013. Her dissertation research focused on developmental education and college readiness as determined by placement exams and the success of students placed into developmental education courses in community colleges.
Dr. Westover holds an A.S from Colby Community College, a B.S. in mathematics and a M.S. in instructional technology from Fort Hays State University, and an Ed.D. in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
![Ashley Whaley](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Ashley_Whaley.jpg?h=5093f14b&itok=KAw4lbIh)
Ashley Whaley
Ashley Whaley is the Senior Director of College Advancement at Hagerstown Community College.
![Bob Whittaker](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Bob_Whittaker.jpg?h=0d306aa3&itok=SfHM-1le)
Bob Whittaker
Bob has more than 10 years of experience as a higher education senior leader including his roles at SLCC, William James College, and as an Independent Education Consultant. A driving interest of his has been to reverse the unacceptably low post-educational-attainment rates endemic to rural communities across the country. The other has been to do so in a systemic way that is responsive to and in collaboration with employers in need of middle- and high-skilled talent. Bob's proudest accomplishments towards these ends have been leading the design and implementation of regional education-to-career pathways, the management of corresponding partnership networks, and securing the requisite funding from individual and institutional funders to advance this work.
Bob holds a BA from Franklin & Marshall College, a Master's degree from Utah State University, and an EdD from Northeastern University.
Keith Wilson
Keith Wilson is the Foundation Vice Chair at Mountain Empire Community College.
![Gretchen Wood](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/media/image/Gretchen_Wood.jpg?h=9336a316&itok=MJfhGpdm)
Gretchen Wood
Gretchen Wood, CFRE, is Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Monroe Community College (MCC) and Executive Director of the Monroe Community College Foundation in Rochester, New York. In addition to overseeing the College’s Community Relations, Institutional Research, Institutional Planning, Effectiveness and Accountability, and Institutional Compliance and Internal Audit departments, she facilitates a comprehensive fundraising program at the MCC Foundation in support of the College led by a volunteer board of 59 business and community leaders. Gretchen has worked in the fundraising field for more than 20 years and holds a Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from SUNY Brockport and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and English Education from Syracuse University.
Gretchen is Chair of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Mid-Atlantic District Cabinet and is a Past-President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley Chapter. She also serves on the American Association of Community College’s Commission on Public Relations, Advocacy and Advancement. She is a frequent presenter at conferences locally and nationally and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). Gretchen received a Rochester Business Journal Women of Excellence Award in 2019, was a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce 2023 ATHENA International Award Finalist and was named the Association of Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley Chapter 2023 Robert L. Payton Outstanding Fundraising Professional.