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Keynote & Featured Speakers Keynote Speakers
Meg George, co-founder and president of boutique consultancy George Philanthropy Group, is a philanthropy advisor and strategist. Working with both institutional nonprofit organizations and philanthropists around the country, Meg and her team focus on maximizing charitable investments to generate outcomes. She implements best practices for high-impact major giving that are meaningful, deliberate, and relationship-centric. Institutions call upon the firm to lead them through the preparation and execution of significant campaigns and plan for long-term sustainability. Families and philanthropists rely on Meg's expertise to build private foundations, and help align philanthropic investments with well-considered, outcome-driven causes. Meg's Sessions: Transformational Philanthropy in Education: America's Giving Trends & Strategies for Solicitation Success; and Making the Ask: What's First? |
Dr. Monica Manns Dr. Monica Manns has worked in both the nonprofit and public sectors in a variety of capacities. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Berea College in Kentucky. She has a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Kentucky; a master’s degree in education from Virginia Tech; a doctorate in educational policy, planning and leadership, with a concentration in special education administration, from the College of William & Mary; and a certificate in educational administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is married with two children, one of whom attends Henrico County Public Schools in Henrico, Virginia. Dr. Monica Manns is Chief Equity, Diversity and Opportunity Officer for Henrico County Public Schools. Dr. Monica's Session: Equity - the Words and the Work? Featured Speakers
Dr. Jeffrey Geihs began his career in 1995 within the Clark County School District (CCSD). During his tenure he served as an English teacher, department coordinator, dean of students, assistant principal, Chief of Staff to a Region Superintendent, Chief Operations Officer at The Public Education Foundation, a principal at two different comprehensive high school campuses, and as an Associate Superintendent over the Turnaround Zone and turnaround process. In each position, Dr. Geihs led efforts that increased achievement gains, closed achievement gaps, increased attendance and graduation rates, decreased disciplinary infractions, and increased enrollment in honors and Advanced Placement coursework. During Dr. Geihs’ service as an Associate Superintendent, he supported 25 schools, oversaw a $130,000,000.00 budget, and approximately 30,000 at-risk students - 92% of who were eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch. The Zone placed 41 schools on Continuous Improvement Plans. Of these 41 schools, 36 improved significantly and never entered Turnaround. In all, 29 PreK-12 schools entered the Zone for treatment, while 16 schools exited Turnaround Status because they improved significantly. Dr. Geihs was charged with instituting District Performance Agreements with the 12 CCSD schools on the 2018 Nevada State Underperforming List. By 2019, all improved significantly and were removed from the list.
Judi Steele is Founder and CEO of the Leadership Institute of Nevada. She has served local, national, and international education and business communities as an educator, business owner, consultant, and executive coach. She is an Education Innovator and Entrepreneur and was a Co-Founder and CEO of the Public Education Foundation. Before beginning her career with the Clark County School District (CCSD), Judi taught elementary and middle school in Providence, Rhode Island, where she began her graduate studies at Brown University. She completed her Master of Education degree in secondary and adult education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With vision, passion and boundless energy, Judi has lived by the Talmudic philosophy: “If not now, when? If not me, who?” Meet Judy on the Pre-Conference Bus Trip!
Ramona Esparza joined The Leadership Institute of Nevada in 2021 and currently serves as a President. Prior to joining The Leadership Institute, she worked as a Public Service Intern with a state mental health agency, Children’s Behavioral Services (CBS) for the State of Nevada. She taught preschool students with emotional and behavioral challenges in a treatment program. She was a servant leader in the Clark County School District for more than 27 years in various roles as an English and ELL teacher, project facilitator, and administrator serving students and families and the greater Las Vegas community. She is a self-published author of an educational children’s book, Joaquin’s Cajon. Meet Ramona on the Pre-Conference Bus Trip!
Dr. Brian Myli, Senior Vice President of Institute Portfolio, has three decades of experience in public education. Originally from Iowa, Brian came to the Clark County School District (CCSD) in Las Vegas in 1994. He spent ten years serving students as a High School Counselor and Counselor Department Chair. In 2004, Brian joined the CCSD Guidance and Counseling Department as a College Counselor Specialist and was later appointed Coordinator of College Readiness Programs and Initiatives. Brian joined The Public Education Foundation in 2010 to participate in the Executive Leadership Residency. From 2012 to 2021, he served as Vice President of Leadership and Innovation to coordinate all leadership programming for the Leadership Institute of Nevada, an initiative of The Public Education Foundation. In 2021, Brian retired from the Clark County School District after 30 years of service. He was named Senior Vice President of Institute Portfolio by the Leadership Institute of Nevada to continue work in leadership programming across the state and region. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University, a master’s degree in educational counseling psychology from the University of Denver, a Nevada administrative endorsement in educational leadership, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in educational leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Meet Dr. Brian on the Pre-Conference Bus Trip!
Kiersten Hill is the Director of Nonprofit Solutions at Firespring and has almost 2 decades of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. She has raised over $20 Million for Nebraska nonprofit organizations and worked to better train and equip nonprofit leaders and Boards of Directors.
She is a rising thought leader on LinkedIn and frequently speaks to nonprofit groups and other organizations about marketing, fundraising, board development and organizational change. This year alone, Kiersten has presented in-person and virtually for more than 50 webinars and 8 nonprofit conferences. Kiersten’s energetic and authentic presentation style keeps nonprofits coming back for more. Kiersten, her husband Chad and their teenage son Cooper live in Seward, Nebraska, with two large dogs and one tiny cat. She has passions for leadership, networking, fundraising and nonprofit organizations. Kiersten's Session: Marketing Trends Nonprofits Need to Know
Angie Adams Angie Adams currently serves as the President & CEO of PENCIL (Public Education Needs Community Involvement & Leadership) Foundation, the premier nonprofit linking community resources to Nashville public schools. She has been in this role for seven years and has grown the board from a disengaged group of 25 members to a highly engaged and invested group of almost 60. Having worked for 10 years in two organizations where 60+ board members were the norm, she understood the power of having a large board work on behalf of the organization’s mission. Angie's Session: Deliver the Best Results of Your Career Through a Big-Board Strategy
Jodi Gillette is the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and the Educational Foundation at Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg, VA, and prior to this position, served as the served as the Executive Director of the Lynchburg City Schools Education Foundation for 12 ½ years. Jodi is a Certified Education Foundation Leader and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Education Foundations and is the chair of the Program Committee. Jodi's Session: Innovation & Classroom Grants: From Pilots to Sustainable Programs |
Tyren Frazier is the Executive Director of the Chesterfield Education Foundation in Chesterfield, VA. Tyren currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Education Foundations and is the chair of the Sponsorship Committee. Tyren's Session: Innovation & Classroom Grants: From Pilots to Sustainable Programs
As a founding Principal of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, Mark is recognized as one of the leading national experts in funding nonprofit organizations and community initiatives through fundraising campaigns. Mark has directed and provided oversight for more than 100 feasibility studies and fundraising campaigns for organizations nationwide, raising hundreds of millions of dollars for a wide variety of nonprofits, foundations, public/private partnerships, and community development organizations. He has personally conducted dozens of high-profile six, seven, and eight-figure funding requests and is a frequent speaker on various fundraising topics nationwide. Mark graduated from Emory University with a B.S. in Political Science, and University of Georgia, School of Law (JD). Mark's Session: Fundraising in Times of Economic Uncertainty
Gail Rothman joined the Decatur Education Foundation as its first executive director in 2009, and has led the foundation through a period of significant growth and expansion for more than a decade. She is a champion of educational equity and believes strongly that education foundations have a significant role to play in tackling the tough challenges facing youth, including mental health, racial equity, and food insecurity. Gail has more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit arena/industry, including program development, strategic partnerships, and resource development. She loves to coach and support executive directors and nonprofit boards who want to grow/expand their impact. In her free time, Gail loves to travel the world with her high school teacher husband and spend time with their three grown kids and two dogs. Gail's Sessions: Leadership Succession Planning
Robin launched the Callahan Collaborative in 2022. For more than 25 years, she has been in nonprofit leadership, serving in a variety of staff and volunteer roles which have provided her with unique insights, empathy for the challenges faced by other nonprofit leaders, and a wide array of tools and resources to help nonprofits and their leaders to thrive. Robin served as the ED of the Issaquah Schools Foundation (WA) for 16 years. Beginning as a member of an all-volunteer board in 1998, Robin worked collaboratively with her staff, board, and district to create a culture of philanthropy in which the entire community values and invests in public education. Robin served as the ED of NSFA (now NAEF) from ’16-’19 and most recently as VP of Phil. for Greater Tacoma Community Foundation where she led a team focused on increasing philanthropic impact through planned giving and worked with nonprofits to establish or grow their endowments. Robin's Sessions: Leadership Succession Planning
Randall is the CEO/Founder of Hallett Philanthropy and has a passion for helping organizations seek funding to meet their mission---and he believes giving is good for one’s emotional and physical well-being. As a consultant, Randall has worked with universities, healthcare systems, hospitals, medical centers, community non-profits here in the US and across the globe. Before consulting, Randall was the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and MedCenter Senior Executive at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Prior to working with the MedCenter, Randall spent 15 years in fundraising leadership positions with Secondary Educational institutions, all in the chief development officer role. In those capacities, he oversaw multiple $20M+ campaigns, all fundraising efforts, alumni offices, admissions, marketing, and other external relations. Randall holds a BS, MBA, JD, and Ed.D. Randall's Session: Can’t Live With Them, Can’t Live Without Them
Brandon serves as Principal Consultant at Hallett Philanthropy, proudly serving the people and missions of non-profit organizations. He brings more than a decade of hands-on experience in fundraising, leadership and team building. He is driven by helping clients meet goals, forge relationships, and fuel the good work of non-profits and their missions. Brandon is grateful to be able to combine his talents with a passion for helping others. Not only securing gifts but creating and maintaining those relationships with donors, unlocking previously unrealized habits of giving. Prior to being recruited to Hallett Philanthropy, Brandon worked with non-profit clients across the United States at Blackbaud, an industry leader in non-profit fundraising. His specialization in feasibility studies and capital campaign fundraising were honed while serving as senior campaign manager at a national fundraising and development firm. There, he raised more than $60 million through campaigns under his management. In Brandon’s own community, he is a proud volunteer as a court appointed special advocate for children at CASA for Douglas County. Brandon's Session: Can’t Live With Them, Can’t Live Without Them
Amy thrives in building organizations to fulfill their full potential by focusing on who the organization serves. She is an accomplished nonprofit and marketing professional with 20+ years’ experience in organization development, program development, marketing/PR, fundraising, and event planning. For the last 7 years, she has served as the Executive Director of the Cabarrus County Education Foundation increasing opportunities for CCS students. Amy's Session: Connecting with Businesses in 2023
Troy Selberg is a charismatic, knowledgeable CxO Consultant and Business Coach with over three decades of experience in high-visibility, fast-paced environments. Selberg has twenty+ years of experience in the team building world of NASCAR motorsports where he was a crew chief for twelve years. A Six Sigma master black belt, Selberg’s practicum, coupled with his ability to connect with people, enables him to bring “out of the box” perspectives and creative ideas to solving problems and address clients’ needs. Troy is the current Board President for CCEF. Troy's Session: Connecting with Businesses in 2023
For more than a decade, Trish O’Shaughnessy has worked to develop and expand program partnerships for the Peoria Public Schools Foundation. Utilizing her experience in public relations and communication, coupled with her passion for Public education, Trish has been instrumental in the sustainability of innovative Foundation programs and the expansion of community collaborations in support of the students. Trish and her husband have two college-age children and actively work to support their community. Trish's Session: Expanding Horizons: Career Exploration Program Partnerships with Your District
Passionate about Public education, Cindy Morris has used her role as the President and Executive Director of the PPS Foundation to implement strategic growth with the scope of the foundation’s work and mission. Growing the Foundation from a “one-woman” shop to a team of 12 and expanding the financial impact via effective marketing techniques and successful development strategies, Cindy has created a new trajectory for the foundation’s next decade and beyond. Cindy is often sought out and highly regarded by other educational foundation directors in the state of Illinois, consulting on best practices for education foundation management and growth. A life-long Peorian, Cindy and her husband John have two adult children and are active community volunteers. Cindy's Session: Expanding Horizons: Career Exploration Program Partnerships with Your District
Blair Ellis earned her bachelor's degree from Washington and Lee University in Virginia, and her law degree from University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. She has ten years of experience as an attorney. Blair has been involved with the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation since 2016. During that time, she served in various role on the board before becoming the Foundation's first executive director in 2017. In 2018, Blair was certified as an Education Foundation Leader by the National School Foundation Association. She has presented at state and national conferences regarding school foundations, specifically the strong relationship she has built between the Foundation and school district. When not working for the Foundation, she serves as the Vice Chairman of the Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority, Vice President for Bartlesville Rotary Club, and as a board member for the Bartlesville Splash Club. Blair's Session: The Power of Relationships: Building Strong Connections WITH Your District to Maximize Your Foundation's Impact
Karrie brings 20 years of experience in marketing, brand management, advertising, and sales to her role as Chief Marketing Officer at OneCause. As one of the early-stage executives, she played a key role in building and leading the nationwide sales team, event consulting, client success & overall marketing. Karrie previously held management positions at Ford Motor Company and Dominion Enterprises before joining OneCause (then BidPal) in 2009. Karrie has an MBA from DePaul University and a BS degree from Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Karrie's Session: Generational Giving 101: Tips to Market Your Events to All Ages
Cara Jean O’Neal currently serves as a high school Assistant Principal. Prior to joining a school leadership team in January 2022, she served for 2.5 years as an Educational Specialist within the Department of Professional Learning and Leadership and The Office of Equity, Diversity and Opportunity in Henrico County Schools. In this role, she provided division wide professional development and consultation on educational equity, culturally responsive practices, trauma awareness, restorative practices, and relationship building with students and families. Prior to working in Equity, Diversity and Opportunity, Cara Jean served as a School Psychologist for 18 years, providing support to students in the public school, alternative school and correctional settings. Cara Jean piloted the first school based mental health services model in HCPS on the Campus of Virginia Randolph, and in 2015 was recognized as the district’s Christie Award recipient for outstanding service to exceptional education students and families. She is an alumna of Randolph Macon College, and the graduate School of Education at both The College of William and Mary (School Psychology) and VCU (Educational Leadership). Cara's Session: Equity - the Words and the Work?
Nicole Smith Nicole
Smith serves as the Executive Director of the Howard-Suamico Education
Foundation located in Green Bay. Prior to her time leading the Education
Foundation, Smith spent three years in the third grade classroom and
seven years as a Gifted and Talented specialist. The Howard-Suamico
Education Foundation was established in 1992 and ran as an all-volunteer
board, until Smith joined as Executive Director five years ago. 
Robin Rowland, Executive Director of Early Learning Programs, started with HEF in August 2019 after holding positions at UVA and several private childcare centers in the greater Richmond area. Robin is a passionate leader that enjoys improving systems that support early childhood education as a way to improve student outcomes PreK-3rd. Robin obtained her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree from Liberty University in Teaching and Learning. Her time at the foundation has been focused on creating systems and programs that bring revenue into the foundation, are sustainable for the district and serve the mission of improving schools. Over the past 3 years, Robin has increased the foundations revenue by $11 million dollars and served hundreds of students in quality programs. Robin's Session: Building Revenue Through Program Initiatives
Shanon Hays Stroer has worn many nonprofit and educational hats throughout her career. She has taught 6th grade ELA, Western Civ, US History Since 1877, and has designed educational programming for historic house museums. After moving to Charleston, SC in 2013, she worked for several nonprofits in a marketing and development capacity. Shanon made the move to Charityproud in 2021, where she now helps many nonprofits from all over the US leverage their donor data and maximize their fundraising ROI. Shanon holds a BA in Political Science from UGA, an MA in History from Clemson University, a Museum Management Certificate from the University of SC, and an MA in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art & Design. Shanon's Session: Data Basics: The Care and Feeding of Your Donor Data
Sara Bender In addition to directing the CEFL Program, Sara D. Bender is leading the charge on researching The Hidden Economy of Public Schooling as a Ph.D. candidate at Ball State University’s Teachers College-Department of Educational Studies. She has previously presented on practical application topics for education foundation leaders at NSFA/NAEF conferences. She has also presented her research at national/international academic conferences hosted by the American Educational Studies Association (AESA), the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE); she was recently invited to present at the prestigious American Educational Research Association (AERA). She also has experience as a foundation executive director. Joining Bender are several members of the 2022 Cohort of CEFLs. This group represents foundations of diverse size and scope from locations all across the country. **The actual participants can be clarified at a later date. Sara's Session: Marketing Strategies to Connect Communities and Classrooms .png) Ralph Hayes Ralph is ED of Dorchester Two Educational Foundation in Summerville, SC. Leading the Foundation for one of the lowest funded districts in SC, his role is vital to providing innovative resources. His foundation has implemented grants for $160k+ in hydroponic gardens over the past two years to serve students with special needs. Ralph serves NAEF as a national board member.
Josh Mahlik is the Partnership Development Director of Fork Farms in Green Bay, WI. Prior to joining FF, Josh managed lab, facility identification, and water filtration product lines for Brady Corp. He is passionate about food issues and educating youth on sustainability. He spent time in India where he developed a cook stove powered by solar. Josh has a young son and loves to adventure outdoors. Josh's Session: Reaching Special Needs Students (& Motivate New Donors) Through STEAM
Molly Servais is a senior consultant for Match Nonprofit Consulting. She has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising and leadership. She has worked for national non-profit organizations including the Arthritis Foundation, Junior Achievement and the YMCA. Molly’s vast experience includes developing annual giving programs, special events, grant writing, corporate and foundation relations, board development and governance and volunteer management. In addition to professional non-profit management and fundraising experience, Molly has also served on numerous non- profit boards. She recently served as Chair of the Morris Educational Foundation for three years. Molly earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University. Molly's Session: Setting Up Your Education Foundation for Fundraising Success
Michel Hudson, CFRE, has more than 30 years experience guiding nonprofits and associations, in the roles of staff, volunteer, board member, and consultant. She is currently getting her CEFL certification. Her company, 501(c)onsulting - established in 2001, focuses on board retreats and strategic planning, and she has also worked with many education foundations through event support and serving as an Interim Executive Director. Self-professed as addicted to volunteering, she has served as a member of the board and executive team of a number of organizations, including the Pflugerville Education Foundation. She was honored with the 2003 APRA Distinguished Service Award, awards from Pflugerville ISD as the 2015-16 Volunteer of the Year and 2016-17 Business Partner of the Year, and was the 2022 AFP-Greater Austin Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year. Michel has been a frequent speaker at regional and international conferences for CASE, AHP, AFP, APRA, and TEFN, among others.
Makayla Buchanan is the Executive Director of the Clay Education Foundation with a mission to provide all students with opportunities to be successful and compete in a global and 21st-century workforce. Prior to joining the Foundation, Makayla has worked as the Deputy Director in Florida and Georgia and Social Media Coordinator for HBW Resources. Makayla also worked as the Vice President of State Affairs at Wexford Strategies focusing on technology, veterans’ affairs and energy policy, entrepreneurial policy at JAX Bridges, educational policy research and data analysis at the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, at Marco Rubio’s Northeast FL legislative office, and consulted on campaigns on the local, state, and federal levels. Mrs. Buchanan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Florida and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Liberty University. Makayla's Session: Navigating the Relationships Between District Officials, the School Board, and Your LEF in Today's Changing Political Climate Janice Kershaw Janice Kershaw is President and CEO of the Brevard Schools Foundation in a Florida school district with 70,000 students, a role she has had for 12 years. She previously served as a school board member for 10 years in the same district and is immediate past membership chair of the Consortium. Janice's Session: Navigating the Relationships Between District Officials, the School Board, and Your LEF in Today's Changing Political Climate
Jessica started her career as a teacher in the Bronx, was a top-performing recruiter for Teach For America, founded an award-winning nonprofit, and directed strategic planning and performance management efforts for public schools in our nation’s capital. A host and facilitator by nature, when not doing the most good, Jessica can be found training her dogs Ricki and Shorty to dance so they can keep up with her toddler who has all the moves. Jessica is a proud resident of Las Vegas, Nevada. Jessica's Session: Strategic Planning to Drive Fundraising Success
Katie started her career as a tax accountant working with some of the largest real estate developers in the nation’s capital. Katie’s enthusiasm for well-written prose led her to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing, teach college English, and later administer a large federal grant that empowered youth to complete their GED. Before launching Give Better Group, Katie served as COO of DC Ed Fund, where she combined her creative side with her tactical financial approach. Katie spearheaded the adoption and implementation of a new donor management system, launched a new accounting system to better manage the spending of nearly $20 million, and was still able to flex her creative muscles writing successful proposals and designing collateral that resonated with the organization's closest partners. Always a doer, when not doing the most good, Katie can be found on a run with her husband in Rock Creek Park or practicing handstand presses in her living room. Katie's Session: Strategic Planning to Drive Fundraising Success |
Mark Bergethon
Robin Rowland
