Kyla Alvarez | Associate Director of Operations, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP)

Kyla (she/her/hers) is the Associate Director of Operations at Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP). Kyla joins AAPIP from the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) and brings her years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and membership engagement experience. She is passionate about closing the nonprofit racial leadership gap and supporting communities of color that have been historically excluded.

Born in the Philippines, Kyla immigrated to the United States with her family in 2001, settling in South Central Pennsylvania. She studied at Robert Morris University School of Business. Kyla is a member of PA Eats and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Central PA Chapter. She is also a committee member for the Lancaster County Suicide Prevention Coalition with Mental Health America (MHA) Lancaster. In her free time, Kyla enjoys cooking Filipino food with her family, kayaking, and spending time with her two cats.

Signe C. Bell, MPA | Director of Nonprofit & Community Programs and Policy Scientist, Center for Community Research and Service in the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware

Signe (she/her) serves as Director of Nonprofit and Community Programs and Policy Scientist with the Center for Community Research and Service in the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware and has been working with nonprofits and community organizations for more than 20 years.  She is a BoardSource® Certified Governance Consultant and a Standards for Excellence® licensed consultant and directs the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate program at the University of Delaware.  She is also a Certified Workshop Leader for the Strategic Doing™ Institute.  Signe has a B.S. in Human Services and an M.P.A. with a specialization in Nonprofit & Community Leadership from the University of Delaware.  Prior to joining the staff of the Center for Community Research and Service in 2002, she worked in the area of Youth Development with several youth serving nonprofits. Signe enjoys working with nonprofit leaders and boards and helping them attain their professional and organizational goals, as well as working with Public Policy and Nonprofit Leadership Program students as they plan and prepare for a career in Public Policy and/or Nonprofit Leadership.

Olivia Benson | Chief Operating Officer, The Forbes Funds (TFF) & Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership (GPNP)

Olivia is a civic technology, public policy, advocacy, and a public affairs professional with a proven track record of business development, securing financial support for organizations, and spearheading community engagement for government, private, and nonprofit sectors.

She likes to say that her personal motto is, “Always Learning.”

Today, Olivia serves as the COO of The Forbes Funds (TFF). At TFF, Olivia leads the implementation of the organization’s social impact goals – including program alignment to the Social Determinants of Health and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the development of humanity centered training for community-based partners. She also manages the organization’s largest funding portfolio, the Catalytic Community Cohorts (C3), designed to develop best practices for the nonprofit sector through collaboration, identifying community-wide assets, and tracking key metrics.

Olivia is active in the Pennsylvania nonprofit community, currently serving as a board member of Spotlight PA, the Mid Atlantic Mothers Milk Bank, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania Women United’s, Diversity Leadership Team, and The Boys and Girls Club of Western PA – Aliquippa Clubhouse Advisory Board Member.

Olivia holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, Point Park University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Olivia and her husband Andrew have two children Henry and Celia and a dog, Bruce Wayne (“The Bark Knight”).

Jamee Boone | President, Eddee Boone Consulting LLC.

• Over 30 years of experience with top executives, senior management, leaders/supervisors, and staff across multiple sectors – for profit, nonprofit, faith-based, government, retail, healthcare, academia, and more.
• Unapologetically committed to shifting the most challenging areas of the levers of change — moving individuals and organizations attitudes, behaviors, hearts and minds towards a more equitable and inclusive environment where everyone has access to opportunity, a seat at the table, and a voice to contribute to their personal, professional and the organization’s success.
• Coaches and consults various industries on creating a diversity, equitable, inclusive “team” cultures by executing diversity, equity and inclusion content, interactive activities, strategic planning, action planning, and engagement through various strategies designed to focus individuals and organizations on their own, authentic journey towards DE&I and then spanning out across all aspects of operations.
• Designs, develops, and delivers programming meeting individuals and organizations where they are, inspiring, equipping and empowering them to achieve maximum organizational performance, deepen employee inclusivity, belonging, engagement and increased employee retention tapping into discretionary efforts.
• Works with individuals and emerging leaders through internships and mentoring to foster a continuum of listening, learning, and growing to establish healthy, thriving work environments.
• Facilitates “courageous” conversation at various levels (entry-level/line staff, managers/first-timers, C-Suite executives and board members).
• Certified in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certification (Cornell University)
• Senior Certified Professional (SCP) from the Society of Human Resource Management
• Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration (Cumberland County College), Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management (Wilmington University) and a Masters of Science degree in Administration of Human Services (Wilmington University).
• Self-employed, full-time consultant can be contacted at 609-868-7010, jamee@eddeebc.com.
• To learn more about Jamee or Eddee Boone Consulting LLC, visit eddeebc.com.

Gail S. Bower | President, Bower & Co. Consulting LLC

Nonprofit organizations hire Gail as their revenue strategist. She works with clients to become self- sufficient by uncovering and developing reliable sources of earned revenue. Her clients have doubled, tripled, and quadrupled revenue within a year. And that’s just the first year.
Trained as a futurist, Gail studies where society is headed and what trends may impact her clients’ businesses. Author of How to Jump-start Your Sponsorship Strategy in Tough Times and a frequent speaker, Gail has been interviewed about her work by Philadelphia Inquirer, the New York Times, the Wall St. Journal, Marketplace, Time magazine, U.S. News & World Report, and other media. To learn more, visit GailBower.com.

Jennifer L. Breese, D.Sc. | Assistant Professor of Information Science Technology, Penn State Greater Allegheny

Jennifer earned a doctorate degree in Information Systems and Communications from Robert Morris University. She has authored over forty research and conference publications relating to how technology changes social norms presenting in United States venues ranging from Harvard University to community colleges and internationally in Portugal most recently.

Jennifer, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native, worked in several technology-related positions for twenty years, including nine at FedEx both in Pittsburgh and Boston, Massachusetts prior to entering academia.

She has also spent fourteen years in the collegiate education environment as both an adjunct and full-time professor. She is currently an Assistant Professor and program head teaching Cybersecurity and Information Sciences and Technology for Penn State University in McKeesport, PA.

Kevin Burrell | Strategic Initiatives Project Manager, Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO)

Early in the spring of 1997 in La Guaira Venezuela as librarian for Semester at Sea, I saw a family of unhoused people for the first time.  Their clothes were tidy and their belongings were arranged neatly under the bridge as they prepared a meal.  Two things happened to me—I never forgot the weariness in the adult’s faces and my passion for social justice began.  Upon returning from the voyage I focused the remainder of my master’s degree coursework towards a specialization in non-profit agency management and graduated in 2000 with a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.  I immediately came to Harrisburg Pennsylvania from Pittsburgh to begin a career as a proud civil servant within the Commonwealth of PA.

Work that improves individual’s lives and their communities has resonated consistently with me from the beginning of my career until now.  The department most engaged in facilitating better lives across a wide spectrum of individuals was the Department of Human Services.  I initially managed the Human Service Development Fund there which provided resources to “knit-together” County-based social services across Pennsylvania.  Communication skills taught first by my mother and later honed while a project officer for the Pennsylvania Developmental Disability Council and training lead at the Office of Developmental Programs, helped me learn to value diverse people and their stories.  My work with people with disabilities taught me that no one can tell your story like you can; nor should they.  When I became a manager for the Adult Community Autism Program, a holistic program of supports and services for individuals living with Autism spectrum disorders, I learned to listen and value stories expressed sometimes in ways I would not choose.   But it is not easy for an individual, a service provider or a governmental entity to be held accountable.  To me, only when one starts with accountability can systems be changed to create good.

I have grown to love the life I have built in Harrisburg.  Important to me here are my leadership of the Anti-racism Committee at my church Market Square Presbyterian, my work to dismantle structural racism in Harrisburg with a group of like-minded advocates and clergy, and my role as a volunteer Commissioner for the Harrisburg Human Relations Commission.  When I am not otherwise engaged, I delight in time with friends and family eating great food, hiking the Appalachian Trail or baking.

Jacqui Catrabone, MA | Director of Nonprofit & Community Services, Strategy Solutions, Inc.

As Director, Nonprofit and Community Services, Jacqui is responsible for providing leadership, organization, project management and client coordination support for training, research, planning, facilitation, organizational and program development and evaluation projects for nonprofit and community/governmentclients. She is a certified trainer and consultant for the PA Standards for Excellence in Nonprofit Ethics and Accountability®.

With an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Social Work from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Jacqui brings a depth and breadth of project management and program development experience to SSI clients. Earlier in her career, Jacqui was a Research Manager at SSI where she was responsible for developing, implementing, analyzing and reporting primary and secondary research projects in all industry sectors and facilitating program development initiatives.

Her significant accomplishments include the facilitation of the Northwest PA Regional Economic Development “Roles and Players” Analysis for the Northwest Commission, that resulted in better working relationships between the county-level economic development & planning agencies and the commission. She was also instrumental in establishing the United Way’s Success by Six program in Erie County. Her work on the development of the program outcomes measurement and evaluation process for GECAC’s Even Start Program, which was recognized by the PA Department of Education as a best practice. Jacqui is a trained facilitator for the development of program logic and outcomes measurement models utilizing the United Way methodology.

Prior to returning to SSI, Jacqui held the position of Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant for the Northwest Regional Key in Pennsylvania. In that role, she facilitated training programs for early care and education providers in addition to coordinating services for children and families. Jacqui also held progressively responsible positions for the Achievement Center, first as Therapeutic Staff Support, team leader assistant, team leader and behavioral specialist consultant, where she was responsible for developing and overseeing the Summer Autism Program.

Jacqui has also been a Research Analyst with the Mercyhurst Civic Institute in Erie, where she provided the primary research management including data entry, analysis in SPSS or Excel, graphing results, report drafting, and preparing presentations, conducted secondary research via web and journal searches and compiled reports on topics relevant to local community organizations.

Becky Flaherty | Nonprofit Professional and Regional Vice President, West, Satell Institute  

Becky joined the team at the Satell Institute in March 2024, having served as the CEO of a Satell Institute Nonprofit Affiliate, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pittsburgh, for the three years prior, and a long history in nonprofits and fundraising before that. At SI, her focus is on growth in western PA and other markets west of Pittsburgh.

With a master’s degree in professional leadership from Carlow University, she believes in giving back to the community, serving on several nonprofit boards – including the national and local boards of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

Emily Francis | Director, Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership (GPNP)

Emily is the Director of the Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership, more commonly referred to as GPNP. She has spent almost a decade living and working in Western Pennsylvania at the intersection of educational, governmental, philanthropic, and nonprofit institutions in the social impact sector. Emily’s personal mission is creating spaces for funders, policymakers, community members, and nonprofit leaders to build supportive, trusting networks that empower individuals throughout the region and drive prosperity for all. She is passionate about utilizing collective impact frameworks to address complex issues and develop equitable, sustainable, and data-driven solutions that are most importantly, rooted in human realities. Emily earned her bachelor’s degrees in Intelligence Studies and Public Health from Mercyhurst University, and  her masters degree in International Development focusing on NGOs and Civil Society from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

Anne L. Gingerich, MSW | Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO)

With a firm belief in the abundance of resources available, Anne loves to don her visionary hat and consider what might be possible for PANO members, the nonprofit community and PANO in partnership with various organizations, companies and government entities.

Anne takes a systems approach to her work, engaging multiple individuals and groups to identify and implement collaborative solutions to community problems. At PANO, she “walks alongside” community benefit organizations, increasing their effectiveness, efficiency and financial stability through the planning, training, facilitation and referral services available at PANO.

Starting in her current position as PANO’s Executive Director in 2013, Anne brought her experience as director of Nonprofit Resource Network at Millersville University, as adjunct professor with Millersville University Masters of Social Work Program, and as Senior Development Officer at the Lancaster General Health Foundation, Community Service Director of the United Way of Lancaster County, and Emergency Social Services Manager of the American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley.

Anne earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at Millersville University and earned her Masters of Social Work at Marywood University.

The owner of a beautiful Victorian home in Lancaster County, Anne enjoys cooking, Rails-to-Trails biking, reading, and good coffee.

Roger Hesketh, MPA | Director of Community Revitalization and Policy Scientist, Center for Community Research and Service in the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware

Roger (he/him) is the Director of Community Revitalization and a Policy Scientist with the University of Delaware Center for Community Research & Service (CCRS) in the Biden School of Public Policy & Administration.  Roger manages the Blueprint Communities® Delaware community revitalization program; led the launch of CDI Mid-Atlantic, a nationally-recognized certificate program for professional community economic developers; and regularly leads and contributes to CCRS projects in the areas of community research, planning, and organizational and community strategic development. Additionally, he serves as an adjunct instructor for the UD Associate in Arts Program, teaching an undergraduate course in leadership. He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration, with a concentration in community development and nonprofit leadership, and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations, both from the University of Delaware.

Joe Kirkenir | Managing Partner, Grants & Fundraising, Spur & Sprout

Joe has made it his personal mission to raise as much funds and resources as possible for amazing causes. He overhauled development systems and expanded the capacity of impactful organizations, such as the YMCA of the Roses and Big Brothers Big Sisters of York & Adams Counties, and has worked with many grassroots organizations through his internships while obtaining a Master’s in Social Work from Millersville University. He is the 2025 President of the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, President of the Animal Advocates of South Central PA, Board Member of The Common Wheel, Community Engagement Chair of the Healthy York County Coalition, and Director of Sponsorships & Fundraising for Lancaster Pride.

Susan Loucks | Principal, Susan Loucks Consulting

Susan is the principal of Susan Loucks Consulting, working with organizations that are interested in creating as good a world on the inside of their organizations as they are striving to build on the outside.  She designs and facilitates processes for change, planning, skill building, and organizational improvement with particular attention to broad and effective participation and power dynamics within organizations. She has worked as an organizational development consultant for nonprofits independently, with the Human and Institutional Development Forum in Bangalore, India, and for 5.5 years with the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University.  In addition to her degrees Susan holds certifications in Appreciative Inquiry, Community Mediation, Grassroots Development and NGO Management, and the Art of Transformational Consulting (Social Transformation Project).

Kashonna Marrow | President & CEO, Simply Kashonna

Kashonna is an engaging speaker, an inspiring coach, a motivational author, and an insightful corporate trainer. Kashonna is the President & CEO of Simply Kashonna, a business built to promote BOLD, FEARLESS and COURAGEOUS living. She goes beyond surface issues to address the challenges that inhibit personal, professional and spiritual growth, leading her clients to embrace their evolution.

Kashonna has activated the purpose and call of many, helping them to discover, define and develop their authentic self. Both, in the corporate arena and in the non-profit world, strategic growth and development of people have always been the focal point of her service. Corporately, she has held positions in both Human Resources, as well as the Staffing industry. Additionally, Kashonna spent years in an executive pastoral role where crisis intervention and spiritual guidance were her primary responsibilities. Understanding that leadership training and development is essential to any corporation or organization’s growth, Kashonna launched SK Leading Forward, which is dedicated to enhancing employee engagement, performance, productivity and morale.

Through corporate relationships and interactive group/focus sessions, she has facilitated workshops in Customer Service, How to Handle Difficult People, Navigating Conflict, Emotional Intelligence, Developing Yourself and Others, Behavioral Based Interviewing, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, to name a few. In addition, she has facilitated and provided training for various personality assessments. Kashonna’s area of expertise is transformational leadership development and personal empowerment. In her efforts to create an innovative space for career professionals and entrepreneurs, she is the owner of SK Collaboration Space in York, PA.

Kashonna is also the author of 7 Days to Simply Shift: A Daily Guide to Transforming Your Mindset Personally, Professionally and Spiritually. Kashonna has been a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and Association for Talent Development. She has deepened her knowledge by obtaining a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University, becoming a National Licensed Consultant through the Standards for Excellence Institute, and completing PANO’s Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultant Training Program. She also serves as a member of her community the Commission for Women, Women’s Giving Circle, and as a Rotarian. No matter the venue, Kashonna will impact you with her professional agility, contagious energy, vibrant smile, and engaging delivery.

Roth Preap | Executive Director, York Art Association

Roth was hired in January 2023 as the first Executive Director of the York Art Association. In this new role for the organization that has been fully volunteer-run since its founding in 1905, Roth will help carry out a recently-developed 5-year growth plan. In his day-to-day at York Art Association, he is responsible for the operation of the organization, including personnel, finances, fundraising, membership, programming, public relations, and facility oversight.

He brings a breadth of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and programming to the position. He served as a grants program officer of the York County Community Foundation, where he developed a community grant reading program, trained a team of 70 volunteers, and assisted nonprofits in applying for funds. As Director of Operations for the York Youth Symphony Orchestra, he significantly increased funding and concert attendance, developed exciting new programming, and helped establish a new endowment for the Youth Symphony.

Ashley Lynn Priore | Founder, President, & CEO, Queens Gambit

Ashley is an American chess player & coach, entrepreneur, and strategist. She currently serves as the Founder, President, and CEO of Queens Gambit, a national nonprofit using chess as one of the influential tactics in building the next generation of leaders, and as the Founder & CEO of Queenside Ventures, a consulting firm leading a tactical revolution where the chessboard becomes a canvas for expansive thinking, unlocking new possibilities in every piece, move, and decision.

Ashley is a sought-after advisor for building intergenerational leadership teams, and she’s also the visionary behind chess-infused strategic development. Ashley rose to fame as a young chess phenom. Her pioneering work promoting chess as a framework for self-discovery and finding innovative ways to contribute to society has earned her national recognition with prominent features in publications like Elite Daily, Katie Couric Media, Forbes, and Fox Sports.

Ashley began playing competitive chess at the age of four. By the time she was eight, she was already teaching others and quickly realized the inaccessibility of chess. When she was 14, she founded Queens Gambit to ensure youth had access to the powers of chess. Ever since, she has been steadily building relationships with national influencers across media, sports, politics, nonprofits, and corporations.

Beyond her accomplishments in consulting and nonprofit leadership, Ashley has held positions as a Board Director for various organizations. She currently serves as the Board Chair for City of Bridges High School, Secretary for Center for Hearing & Deaf Services, and Director for Life’sWork of Western PA. In 2023, Governor Shapiro appointed Ashley to serve on the historic Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Gen Engagement. She is also the host of queen me!, a podcast connecting people to the minds of influential people who, in their own unique ways, said, “Queen me!” and leave their mark on the world.

Ashley has received numerous awards for her leadership, including Pittsburgh Business Times’ 30 under 30. In 2021, Ashley was featured alongside powerhouses Hoda Kotb, Tyra Banks, and Bobbi Brown in The Epic Mentor Guide: Insider Advice for Girls Eyeing the Workforce from 180 Boss Women Who Know. She is an in-demand speaker and currently writing a Children’s Book and autobiography. In 2022, Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh.

Aaron Prioetti | Founder, Today’s Innovator

Through his work as founder of the company Today’s Innovator, Aaron is on a mission to unlock the potential of people to make the world a better place. Aaron is the author of “Today’s Innovator” and a recognized innovation expert with nearly two decades of experience driving change in fast-paced, complex organizations. He is a sought-after strategist, facilitator, coach, and speaker. Aaron frequently speaks on topics related to artificial intelligence, systems change, innovation, and disruption. With a background that includes roles as Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Customer Advocate at Transamerica, a multinational financial services company, Aaron brings a wealth of real-world expertise to his work. He also serves on several nonprofit boards, including YMCA Camp Cory, the United Way of Chester County, Penn State Great Valley, and the 4^th Trimester MOMMIE.

Veronica Anne Rae | Founder, Veronica Ann Rae Consulting

Veronica is a self-proclaimed granola girl, a community-centered resource mobilizer, and a believer in mutual aid. She’s worked in community spaces, nonprofits, grassroots movements, and gardens* for over ten years and is the founder of Veronica Anne Rae Consulting, a community-centered resource mobilizing consultancy. Her life’s work is to mobilize resources into the hands of those who are fostering community growth.With wide range, Veronica has executed and led campaigns ranging from $5,000 to $10 million for national non-profits, community spaces, grassroots movements, individuals, and more. Using her personal ethos of equity, her holistic and unique education, and her lived experience, Veronica’s goal is to help build and foster strong community bonds, helping to create the world we know we deserve in the process.

*A garden, either personal or communal, is a living representation of collaboration, giving, and growth. I have learned endlessly from my garden and from other gardeners, like Ross Gay. The inherent sharing in a garden has shown me how to thrive humbly and with gratitude in community.

Stephen Shope | Senior Program Relationships Manager, PA Treasury

Steve has been leading business, economic, and community development initiatives for more than three decades. He founded his consulting firm, Utopia, in 1994. He has helped hundreds of clients achieve scalable, sustainable growth. Steve has instructed entrepreneurial workshops in the U.S. and developed cottage industry incubation programs in the Caribbean.

Since 1998, Steve has served three excepted-service appointments with the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. In federal service he is an expert in developing and managing large-scale government operations. During one of his appointments, he managed a geographically dispersed workforce of more than 3,000 employees. During his most recent appointment, Steve served at a level GS-13, where he was part of a nine-member team that developed the infrastructure for the decennial census in nine states. This consisted of opening thirty-six local federal offices, recruiting 1.2 million applicants, hiring, training, and deploying more than 80,000 employees.

Steve also managed the Department of Commerce’s Community Partnership & Engagement Program while serving as the media spokesperson and congressional liaison for the U.S. Census Bureau in a nine-state region.

Steve joined the Pennsylvania Treasury in early 2023. He utilizes his economic development and community-building expertise to create awareness for consumer programs through relationships with local stakeholders and elected officials throughout the commonwealth.

Rosalind Spigel, MSOD, ACC | Principal, Spigel Consulting
 Rosalind is an organization development practitioner. Working collaboratively with clients, she designs and facilitates various change management services such as strategic planning and implementation, vision/mission/values statements, DEI training and initiatives, board development, professional development, and coaching. In addition, Spigel Consulting offers a variety of targeted capacity building workshops.

Rosalind has a Master of Science in Organization Development (MSOD) from American University, Coach training from the Gestalt International Study Center, and certification from the International Coach Federation. She is a Standards of Excellence© consultant, a consultant with the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations, the Nonprofit Center at La Salle University, and the Hub. She is a former Coach and Practicum Advisor to the American University MSOD program. She has worked with government agencies and the nonprofit organizations with missions that span direct services, poverty, transportation accessibility, education, reentry, and healthcare. A lifelong learner, additional training includes the Social Transformation Project Art of Transformational Consulting, Dare to Lead, and Power + Systems. DEI training includes National Coalition Building Institute Leadership for Diversity, Race Forward, Equity in the Center, and Training for Change. Rosalind is a certified facilitator for When Cultures Meet and Future Search. She has co-facilitated Open Forums on Race, a series of Intersectional Feminism conversations, and taught DEI classes for Jefferson University. She has written a series on gender bias and published articles, the most recent as a co-author, Dissecting Meaning, Scope, and Roles of Social Justice and Social Action. Rosalind is the recipient of the Hal Kellner Award for contributions to issues of diversity and social justice.  She a Commissioner of the Haverford Township Human Relations Commission. For more information, SpigelConsulting.com.

Kerri Strauss | Founder, Kerri Strauss Consulting

Kerri is the founder of Kerri Strauss Consulting, a consulting firm that enables individuals and organizations to truly make a difference through impactful leadership. Prior to founding Kerri Strauss Consulting, Kerri was the Executive Director of United Way of Bradford County in Towanda Pennsylvania for ten years and has extensive experience in community impact as well as corporate engagement, health and human services and strategic planning. Part of the first graduating class of M.S.W.’s from Kutztown University, and the President of National Honor Society, Kerri exemplifies positive impact and continually strives to provide leadership, passion and integrity in all aspects of life. Most recently, Kerri served as the Interim President and CEO of United Way of Greater Union County in Elizabeth New Jersey. Kerri is a proud member of UW Next and is a part of Class #14 Interim Executives Academy with a focus on studying transformational leadership.

Debra Thompson, BS, MBA | Founder & President, Strategy Solutions, Inc.

As President of Strategy Solutions, Deb provides strategic and development planning, research and project management, including fundraising planning. She is a certified trainer, consultant and peer reviewer for both the PA and National Standards for Excellence:® An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector. With a degree in marketing and an MBA, throughout her career, she has worked with over 400 nonprofit organizations supporting strategic transformation and helping clients achieve remarkable outcomes.

Michele Walls, CFRE | Principal Consultant, MW Strategies, LLC

With nearly two decades of fundraising, communications, and management experience in museums, performing arts organizations, and higher education, Michele is a multifaceted specialist for nonprofits. She is an expert in development and advancement functions, including major/planned/annual giving, grant writing, membership, campaigns, events, board governance, operations, and corporate and foundation relations. She has led fundraising, marketing, communications, membership, public engagement, and group sales departments to success, and adeptly navigated the challenges of leadership transitions, turn-around circumstances, and crisis management.

Through MW Strategies, Michele’s work supports small and mid-sized ($500M to $5MM annual budget) local, regional, and international arts, education, health, and humanities organizations. She enjoys digging into the details of programming and finance and working with staff and leadership to craft actionable ideas and engaging stories that advance relationships and yield new successes in philanthropy and marketability.

A native of New York City, Philadelphia has been Michele’s beloved adopted hometown since 1999. She is a board member of CutureWorks Greater Philadelphia, a management commons for arts, heritage, and creative communities that helps artists flourish. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Delaware, a Master of Science in Arts Administration from Drexel University, and is a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP), Scrum Master Certified (SMC), and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Greg Wilson, CAP, CFRE, MS | Founder + Lead Consultant, Stick Figure Fundraising, LLC

In his nearly 25 years of frontline fundraising and managing frontline fundraisers, Greg Wilson has served in various leadership positions – such as Chief Development Officer and Director of Leadership Gifts & Planned Giving – but he’s also had jobs where he’s had to process his own gifts and maintain the organization’s database. Greg has been involved in multiple capacities across a growing number of capital, comprehensive, and endowment campaigns. He’s led or been instrumental in planning and providing infrastructure for campaigns ranging from $3M to $100M+.

Greg is a certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) from the American College of Financial Services, and has earned a MS in nonprofit management from Eastern University and a BA in history from Lebanon Valley College.

You’ve probably also seen Greg in various Planned Giving Marketing YouTube videos focused on practical planned giving fundraising advice or heard him speak in person across the country.

Greg founded Stick Figure Fundraising in 2020 to help you and your nonprofit find success in fundraising. We bring effective and efficient fundraising programs to your non-profit, without stepping between you and your donors. We know each nonprofit we serve requires a unique approach and strategy. Our true strength is that we’ve assembled a team of consultants with extensive careers in non-profit development – they’ve all sat in your seat. Consider us your partners!