Matthew S. Helmer is committed to elevating the way donors experience mission-driven organizations. His philosophy is that every experience should be designed from a meaningful, well-articulated purpose—without it, the moment becomes something that just happens.

A higher education advancement professional with a background in experience design, fundraising, team development and constituent engagement, he currently serves as assistant vice president for university advancement at Colorado State University. In this role, he provides leadership to the Engagement team in creating strategy and tactical implementation of communications, donor relations and event experiences for CSU's community of donors, alumni, and friends.

Known for a love of novel ideas, Helmer led an innovative reorganization at CSU in 2010, consolidating responsibility for all alumni, donor and university events under the CSU Events umbrella. This organizational shift opened the door for a candid conversation about the power of purposeful events, leading to a more strategic approach to engagement and significantly contributing to more than five consecutive years of record-breaking fundraising results. CSU recently surpassed the $1 billion goal in its "State Your Purpose" campaign—nearly two years ahead of schedule in a campaign that has set new benchmarks for giving, including total number of donors, alumni participation rates and the largest single gift.

A frequent speaker for industry associations and a nonprofit consultant, he specializes in experience design, ideation and innovation, and crafting purpose-driven, metrics-based programs.

Correan Barker is a dynamic advancement leader with a career spanning a decade in higher education. Throughout his distinguished career, Correan has consistently demonstrated a passion for harnessing philanthropy to drive equitable access to education, the visual and performing arts, and social services.

As the Director of Strategic Engagement at The Evergreen State College, Correan sets the vision and strategies to fortify relationships with constituents. He spearheads high-profile, college-wide initiatives that integrate events and communications for Advancement, the Foundation and the Office of the President and Executive Vice President. Under his leadership, Correan oversees an Engagement Team responsible for delivering impactful alumni programs, annual giving, stewardship, philanthropic communications, and special events. Most recently, Correan successfully led the public launch of Evergreen’s inaugural comprehensive campaign, Forever Green, which concludes June 30, 2024. Currently, he is leading the final campaign community phase and preparations for closing engagement and celebrations through 2025.

A firm believer in centering humanity, authenticity, and creativity at the heart of an organization, Correan leverages systems thinking and data-driven processes that evaluate and enhance collaboration and organizational effectiveness. As a leader, speaker, and advocate, Correan aspires to leave an indelible mark on the advancement profession, inspiring positive change and shaping a future where access to education and cultural enrichment are truly universal.

Correan holds a Master of Public Administration from The Evergreen State College, a Bachelor of Music Performance from the University of Houston, and lives by the motto, “Success is inevitable!”

Lori is a development and community engagement leader with 15+ years of diverse experience in academia and nonprofit. She is recognized for planning premier special events and expertise in identification, engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of both large and small donors.

In her current role, Lori serves as senior director of principal gifts and campaign strategy, providing strategic, programmatic, and operational leadership to the Principal Gifts team while working with the University President, campaign co-chairs, and Foundation staff to provide leadership in formulating fundraising strategies to enhance communications, stewardship and donor relations, campaign events and promotions among all University constituents.

Most recently, Lori served as senior director of alumni engagement at Ball State University, providing strategy and direction for all signature alumni events, alumni awards and the alumni legacy scholarship program. She acted as the primary coordinator and Foundation liaison for the Ball State University Alumni Council. During her time at Ball State, Lori established the engagement initiatives Your Ball State: Proud and Loyal, Day of Beneficence and Alumni Winter College in addition to serving as the Foundation representative for Ball State’s Presidential Centennial Committee. 

Before joining Ball State, Lori served as director of donor relations and stewardship at both The Salvation Army Indiana Division and DePauw University. She began her tenure in higher education at her two-time alma mater, Bowling Green State University with the Alumni Association.

Brian J. Elizardi is an award-winning marketing director, brand storyteller and curator of craft experiences with over 15 years of experience in higher education orchestrating the start-up, growth, and optimization of diverse teams and enterprises responsible for generating complex marketing campaigns, creative engagement programs, and innovative brand identities and platforms.

As a seasoned marketing and events leader, he is reputable for elevating key brand pillars into top engagement-generating platforms, including the Crimson & Gold Trail that was recognized by CASE as a 2020 Circle of Excellence Grand Gold winner for innovative alumni relations and marketing program.

Brian currently serves as the Director of Alumni Engagement at the University of Denver, where he spends his days taking big ideas and bringing them to life—all through activating high performing teams, telling immersive stories of impact, and curating memorable experiences for constituents.

Angela Joens has gained extensive management, development and stewardship experience during her professional career.  Currently, she is the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Development Outreach for the University of California Davis and in this role supervises annual giving, donor relations, research and prospect management, proposal services, marketing and communications, and development recruitment. 

Prior to UC Davis, Joens was Vice President of Development Operations for the Mercy Medical Center Foundation in Des Moines, Iowa.  She also served as the Senior Director of Donor Relations for the Iowa State University Foundation and worked for RuffaloCODY a for-profit company that assists the non-profits with fundraising.  Her career began as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Joens is also a non-profit consultant, an executive coach, and speaks nationally on topics related to stewardship, development and leadership.  She has been featured in several industry publications including CASE Currents Magazine and the Chronicle of Philanthropy.  Joens earned her BA from the University of Iowa, her MPA from Iowa State University, and her Executive Coaching Certificate from UC Davis.  She is a proud volunteer for the Association of Donor Relations Professionals (ADRP) and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).