District III Conference Committee
Jennifer Brost
Melanie Jones
Melanie E. Jones is an experienced fund raising and marketing professional with extensive experience in developing and expanding advancement programs at institutions of higher learning. She is an energetic and transformative leader committed to advancing the community in which she lives and serves.
In January 2022, she assumed the role of Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation at Grambling State University (Grambling, LA). She also serves as Executive Director of the Grambling University Foundation, Inc. At Grambling, Melanie leads the University’s teams in strategic communication and marketing, alumni engagement, philanthropy, career services, university events and innovative initiatives.
Melanie has been an active volunteer and recognized community leader, serving on several boards to include Ruston-Lincoln Convention and Visitor Bureau, Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation, Piedmont Medical Center, Wells Fargo, Arts Council of York County, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and more. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Rotary International, and a host of other professional and civic organizations.
Prior to her role at GSU, she served as the Vice President for College Advancement at York Technical College in Rock Hill, SC and the Executive Director of the York Technical College Foundation, Inc. She has also held roles at Allen University (Columbia, SC), Saint Augustine's College (Raleigh, North Carolina), the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and the Hamilton County School District (Chattanooga, TN).
Melanie is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). She earned bachelor’s degree from Spelman College (Atlanta, Georgia) and a master’s degree from Tennessee Technological University (Cookeville, Tennessee).
John Smith
Jodi Stamey
Ellie Barker
Director | Alumni Relations & Annual Giving
William Peace University
Moderator
Colleen Bourdeau
Manager | Communications and Marketing | Harbert College of Business
Auburn University
Marketing & Communications Track
Lori Buckheister
Vice President | Advancement
Georgia Gwinnett College
Leadership & Talent Development Track
Marcus Burgess
Associate Vice President for Major and Planned Gifts
Claflin University
Coach's Corner
Julie Cheney
President/CEO
Florida State University
Alumni Relations Track
Dina Choate
Associate Director | Alumnae Affairs
Spelman College
Pre-Conference | Diversity & Inclusion
Veronica Cohen
Vice President for Institutional Advancement & External Affairs
Jackson State University
Philanthropy Track
Ramona D. Collins
Social Media and Digital Communications Manager
University of Arkansas
Registration Chair
Adam Compton
Director of Special Projects and Fundraising Initiatives
North Carolina State University
Awards/Literature Exchange
Roy Cordell
Senior Director for Creative Services
University of Arkansas
Moderator
Carla Craig
Assistant Director, College Alumni Relations
University of Central Florida
Arrangements & Meet-up Support
Andrew Dale
Executive Director, SMCC Foundation
Southwest Mississippi Community College
Leadership and Talent Development Track
Bernadine Douglas
Vice President for Alumni and College Relations
Berea College
Alumni Relations Track
Yvette Eastham
Chief Institutional Advancement Officer
Hopkinsville Community College
Independent Schools/Community College/Small Shops Track
Kristi Eaves-McLennan
Vice President of Marketing
Meredith College
Meet-up Experience
Erin Eigenbrot
Director of Development
University of South Carolina
Exhibitors & Sponsors
Erica Endicott
Senior Graphic Designer | Institute Communications
Georgia Institute of Technology
Conference Marketing Design
David Garraway
Director | TV Center
Mississippi State University
Audio Visual Production
LaDaniel Gatling
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Bennett College
Philanthropy Track
John Gyllin
Vice President | Resource & Economic Development
Seminole State College of Florida
Pre-Conference | Community College
Andi Holbrook
Director of Development
Brentwood Academy
Independent Schools/Community Colleges/Small Shops Track
Debbie Jordan
AVP | Advancement Information Services
James Madison University
Advancement Services Track
Ryan Kasyan
Marketing Communications Manager
The Citadel Foundation
Social Media
Billy Liggett
Director of Publications
Campbell University
Marketing & Communications Track
Joy Mahone
Regional Gift Officer
Virginia Commonwealth University
Food & Beverage
Katie Marquis
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
Virginia Tech
Awards/Literature Exchange
Vicky Medlock
Senior Director of Advancement Services
Rollins College
Advancement Services Track
Kenny Melvin
Senior Director of Development
Washington and Lee University
Exhibitors & Sponsors
Angela Mills
Director of Alumni Relations | College of Engineering
Virginia Tech
Meet-up Experience
Latasia Priest
Assistant Director of Annual Fund and Prospect Development | North Carolina Textile Foundation
North Carolina State University
Conference Logistics Co-Chair
Ashley Privott
Director, Advancement Community Learning
University of Virginia
Awards/Literature Exchange
Joaklin Raphael
Senior Development Officer
Florida International University
Volunteer Coordinator
Julie Ricciardi
Director of Development
Saint Mary's School
Exhibits & Sponsors
Amanda Trabue
Vice President for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement
Vanderbilt University
Special Events
Elizabeth Underwood
Senior Director of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving
University of North Carolina at Asheville
Pre-Conference | Newcomers Group
Keith Warburg
Pre-Conference | Emerging Trends
Frantz Williams
Leadership Annual Giving Officer
Florida International University
Concierge/Help Desk
Amanda Wood
Senior Director of Communications | FSU Foundation
Florida State University
Arrangements & Electronic Program