Jeff is Managing Principal of eAdvancement Consulting and is a sought-after speaker for conferences, webinars, and symposiums due to his informative and engaging sessions. His extensive experience in providing fundraising counsel leads organizations to maximize their philanthropic potential through: 

• Development of Comprehensive Fundraising Plans
• One-on-one strategic advisement for Presidents, CEOs, Executive Directors, and Chief Fundraising Officers 
• Major Gifts Counsel and Training
• Capital Campaign Counsel
• Feasibility Studies
• Development Audits/Program Reviews
• Serving as an interim Chief Fundraising Officer or Executive Director 
• Annual Fund Counsel
• Board Relations/Communications/Engagement 
• Strategic Planning 
• Development of Fundraising Policies and Procedures
• Alumni and Member Engagement

Prior to joining eAdvancement Consulting, Jeff was a fundraising practitioner for more than 30 years in the education, arts and cultural, and healthcare sectors. Jeff served as vice president of foundation and alumni relations at a SUNY community college where under his leadership, the college’s foundation increased its assets by more than 200 percent. Jeff’s career in leading small development shops includes securing first-time gifts of more than $1 million for three organizations and the successful development and completion of multiple capital campaigns and major gift initiatives. 

Jeff’s first book, "Annual Fundraising Plans Made Simple: A Road Map for Community Colleges and Small Development Shops,” was released in the fall of 2016 by CASE Publishing. It has been sold in more than 30 countries and has become a solid resource for fundraising professionals across the globe. His follow up 2nd Edition was just released (CASE 2024) offering new material including easy-to-use templates. 

Jeff believes in supporting and providing leadership to organizations that educate and train fundraising professionals on best practices. Jeff currently serves on the Exam Committee for CFRE International and has been a contributing author for the annual giving module in the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ “Fundamentals of Fundraising Course” Participants Manual, which is distributed worldwide to students enrolled in the program. 

Jeff was honored as 2012’s Western New York Fundraising Executive of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and has served as an adjunct faculty member in Canisius University’s Fundamentals of Fundraising program. A graduate of the Executive Leadership Institute at the Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University, Jeff was one of four people nationally selected to serve as a facilitator at the Executive Leadership Institute in 2000.

Jeff is involved in numerous community organizations and activities. He currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors at The Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies and is the Past President of Musicalfare Theatre and Past President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Western New York Chapter. His long history of community service includes serving as a Director on the boards of: The Taste of Buffalo, Meals on Wheels, Crisis Services of WNY, the Erie County Youth Board, the FBI Citizen’s Academy, and Mental Health Advocates of Western New York. 

Jeff resides in Williamsville, New York with his wife Maryalice. He’s always excited to talk about philanthropy, rescue dogs, the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees, the Flintstones, and the magical island of Aruba.

Dr. Brian Bedford (he/him/his) builds end-to-end organizational strategies that affect diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the workplace. As a DEIB leader with global experience and 25 years of multi-sector experience, Brian gets results by understanding people, being a collaborative and effective leader, cultivating passionate and informed allies, designing unique strategic plans to fit each organization, and executing on clear and measurable outcomes. Brian is well-known for his dynamic interactive and personable style and his ability to leverage his comprehensive business acumen in complex and ambiguous work environments to achieve desired results. Beyond his work as an organizational DEIB strategist and certified executive coach, Brian is also a sought-after thought leader, keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and panelist. Brian holds a BA, MBA, JD, and EdD.

Dr. Walter G. Bumphus is President and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges. From 2007 to January 1, 2011, Dr. Bumphus served as a professor in the Community College Leadership Program and as chair of the Department of Educational Administration at the University of Texas at Austin. He also held the A. M. Aikin Regents Endowed Chair in Junior and Community College Education Leadership. He previously served as president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) from 2001 to 2007. LCTCS later conferred upon him the title of President Emeritus of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. From November 2000 to September 2001, he was chancellor of Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC). Prior to joining BRCC, Dr. Bumphus worked in the corporate world serving as President of the Higher Education Division of Voyager Expanded Learning. Six years prior, he served as president of Brookhaven College in Dallas County Community College District.

Dr. Bumphus holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Murray State University, and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the Community College Leadership Program at The University of Texas at Austin. In 1992, Dr. Bumphus was recognized as a distinguished graduate from both Murray State University and The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Bumphus holds the distinction of being one of the few leaders in the field of education to receive the ACCT Marie Y. Martin CEO of the Year Award, to chair the AACC Board of Directors, and to receive the AACC Leadership Award.

Dr. Sandra Kurtinitis is an esteemed educator and leader in the field of higher education. Her notable leadership as the President of CCBC transformed it into one of Maryland’s largest and most respected community colleges. As an advocate for affordable education, inclusive learning environments and the promise of community colleges, Dr. Kurtinitis’ unwavering commitment to student success continues to elevate the standards of higher education.

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 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.

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 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.

Lindsey Bogner, currently serving as the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at Barton Community College, bringing a fresh perspective to her role. She has an 18-year background in philanthropy and marketing in different industries. Her unconventional journey, starting as a Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR) in the Kansas Army National Guard and progressing through healthcare to education, has distinctly shaped her approach to institutional advancement. Along with a Masters in Management and Leadership and a Bachelors in Technology Systems, specializing in Communication Systems, she also holds a variety of certifications in leadership, nonprofit accounting, and emergency preparedness.

Lindsey shares her life with her husband, Mark, and their children, Zoey and Otto. Beyond her professional commitments, she actively volunteers for organizations focused on economic development and empowerment, conservation and safe hunting, and community engagement and pride.

Walter Collins, Senior Consultant, Gonser Gerber, joins us with more than 20 years of fundraising experience in a variety of senior leadership roles.  Most recently, Walter served as Vice President of Advancement for San Francisco Theological Seminary. Prior to his time at the Seminary, Walter served as the Vice President for Advancement, Alumni Relations and Asset Management at Pacific Union College, Executive Director of the California Symphony Orchestra, President and CEO of United Way in California, and Executive Director of the Redlands Symphony.

Charley Daly is the Alumni Manager at Diablo Valley College.

Holly M. Davis is the Director of CASE@Campus, writing customized advancement curriculum on fundraising, philanthropy, relational engagement, and cultural competencies for CASE members globally. Previously, 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 founding and 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, Austin and Seattle, and served as the Executive Director of the leadership development 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 School at Yale University.

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 the Hidden Gem, a podcast dedicated to empowering community college presidents, leaders, and marcomm professionals with the knowledge and insights they need to harness the full potential of strategic marketing and communication within their institutions.

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 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 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 vice versa. 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.  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, where she earned her master’s and bachelor’s degree.  In addition, she earned a second bachelor’s 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.

Paul has over 25 years of experience in clinical diagnostic imaging. He joined Fort Jesse Imaging & Gale Keeran Center for Women in September 2021, currently overseeing CT, MRI and X-ray aspects of radiology services provided within the facility. In the time since he has become a strong leader, having led the charge with the introduction of new equipment, process workflows and safety initiatives.

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.

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.

Mandy leads a cross-functional team as the Associate Dean of Marketing and Communications at Arizona Western College. As seasoned higher ed professional, with over 20 years of experience ranging from student affairs, to enrollment services, to marketing and communications, Mandy found collegiate marketing to be a natural fit. Mandy is known for her innovation and leadership, and her skill for injecting humor whenever possible. The highlight of her career has been leading AWC’s recent institutional rebrand alongside her talented team.

Mandy holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Northern Colorado specializing in higher education and student affairs leadership. 

When she’s not busy at work, she can likely be found cheering for her sons on the baseball field, coloring or playing dolls with her daughter, creating in her bullet journal, or enjoying long walks through Target.

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 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.

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 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.

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 is the Director of Grants Development at Hagerstown Community College.

With over 20 years development & non-profit experience, Julie specializes in fundraising, capital campaigns, annual giving, marketing strategies, advancement services and community engagement. For the last 7 years, she has served as the Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Richland Community College and Executive Director of the Richland Community College Foundation. Additionally, since 2014, she has served as Adjunct Faculty at North Park University, teaching courses in Capital Campaigns, Annual Giving, Nonprofit Management & Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations. Over her professional career, Julie has had the opportunity to work in all areas of the non-profit sector including social service, healthcare and higher education. Julie received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University and her Masters in Nonprofit Administration (MNA) from North Park University. She earned her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2009 and holds certificates in Nonprofit Management, Board Governance & Organizational Development.

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.

Erin brings more than 20 years of experience in advancement and executive leadership positions, including about 10 years in higher education in both public and private settings. She began her advancement career in Alumni & Constituent Relations at University of California, Riverside, and worked with the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Parents and Emeriti Associations. Erin transitioned to California Baptist University where she served as Assistant Vice President for University Advancement, working closely with deans and administrators to build mission-centered annual and major giving programs and supporting the Advancement team. 

For the next 10 years, Erin work in the nonprofit sector. She served as President & CEO of Children’s Fund, where she guided the redesign of operations, fundraising, program delivery, and branding while doubling annual income and receiving record gift amounts. Erin later served as Executive Director of the Riverside University Health System Foundation, where she led teams responsible for fundraising, marketing and communications, and governmental relations for Riverside County’s public safety net healthcare system. There they worked to reposition perception of the institution, significantly grew annual and major giving, and mobilized more money for equipment and program support than previously seen in the history of the Foundation. 

Prior to joining Gonser Gerber, Erin ran her own consulting practice and worked with clients in affordable housing, human services, education, and healthcare.

Tyson has been managing successful advancement strategies for over 20 years, having served in a variety of leadership and management roles with Advancement Offices and Foundations. He has experience leading and managing all direct reporting areas of advancement: annual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, alumni relations, and database management. He has shaped policy in areas as diverse as board governance, endowment management, scholarship management, financial aid, stewardship, comprehensive budgeting, marketing, branding, and athletics.

Tyson holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education with a specialization in Human Resource Management. Notably, his dissertation research focused on leveraging databases to analyze the relationship between a student’s engagement and future alumni giving. This positions him as one of the few researchers in the country with expertise in this specific area.  His research findings provide valuable insights for optimizing annual giving and major gift strategies.

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 before 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.), serves on the AGB Council of Foundation Leaders and previously served on the College and University Foundations Committee for Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE, Washington, DC).

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 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 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 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.

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 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 is the Senior Director of College Advancement at Hagerstown Community College.

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.

Gretchen Wood is Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Monroe Community College (MCC) and Executive Director of the 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 in support of the College led by a volunteer board of 59 business and community leaders. Gretchen 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 the Immediate Past-Chair of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Mid-Atlantic District Cabinet and services on the CASE Community College Advisory Committee.  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 the Association of Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley Chapter 2023 Outstanding Fundraising Professional.