We’re extremely grateful for the generosity and expertise of our 2024 presenters, moderators and panelists. We’ll have nearly 40 in all, so keep checking for our additions.
🍎 = Returning SEAGC Faculty Member!
🍏 = First-Time SEAGC Faculty Member!
Bob Burdenski 🍎
Bob Burdenski is an internationally-recognized annual and regular giving programs consultant for schools, colleges, and universities. He is a prolific writer and published author, often appearing in CURRENTS Magazine, the member magazine of the Council for the Advancement and the Support of Education (CASE). Bob is the author of three CASE books: Innovations in Annual Giving: Ten Departures That Worked, which presents ten U.S. case histories of advanced annual giving strategies; More Innovations in Annual Giving, Ten Global Departures That Worked, which features case histories from institutions around the world; and a new CASE book, Online Innovations in Annual and Regular Giving, Ten Dozen Departures That Worked. In 2013, Innovations in Annual Giving was published by Fudan University in Shanghai, becoming the first CASE book translated into Chinese.
Bob is a recipient of the CASE Crystal Apple Award for Lifetime Teaching Excellence as ranked by his audiences. He has educated (and entertained) at presentations throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, including numerous CASE Europe Annual and Regular Giving Conferences and Masterclasses. He presented CASE’s first-ever annual giving training programs in India, Japan, Ireland, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia, and he is also a frequent contributor to CASE’s Online Speaker Series on the subject of annual and regular giving. In 2019, Bob was named a CASE Laureate for his volunteer service to the profession.
Since 2002, Bob has served as the moderator of FundList, the fundraising e-mail discussion listserv with nearly 4,000 development professional subscribers.
Jackson Alexander 🍏
Jackson Alexander is Associate Director, Office of Alumni Relations at Georgia Southern University. As a relative newbie to advancement and alumni engagement, Jackson and his team of other advancement newbies have worked to enhance alumni engagement for Georgia Southern University. Through his roles in both higher education and non-profit management, Jackson brings experience in volunteer engagement, economic and leadership development, and community-centered programming. His role at Georgia Southern emcompasses managing the DC alumni network and Armstrong State University affinity group, co-managing the Atlanta alumni network and LGBTQ affinity group, and working closely with the 40-Under-40 program. Jackson understands the power of research, evaluation, and collaboration and believes in sharing with colleagues from across the country. During his career, he’s presented at 19 academic conferences, been published in 3 research journals, and secured more than $600,000 in grant funding. Jackson received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources with a major in Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science degree in Agricultural and Extension Education and a Master of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning, both from the University of Arkansas. Currently he is pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education from Georgia Southern University.
James Barnard 🍎
James Barnard serves as managing vice president with the engagement and donor experience division at BWF, leading annual giving and digital fundraising initiatives. In this role, he helps organizations build community and maximize their fundraising potential by optimizing their digital strategy and philanthropic marketing.
Wes Brown 🍏
Wes Brown is a Major Gifts Officer at the University of South Carolina Aiken.
Elizabeth Chapman 🍏
Elizabeth Chapman is Managing Senior Director, Donor Experience Academy at Emory University.
Cheryl Ciucevich 🍏
Cheryl Ciucevich is the Vice President for Advancement at Augusta Tech. Cheryl Ciucevich has worked across all areas of advancement, including major giving and annual giving, alumni relations, and public relations. She spent 16 years at Kennesaw State University where she served simultaneously as the Director of Development and the Director of Public Relations for the College of the Arts. Prior to its consolidation with Georgia Southern University, she was the Senior Director of Alumni Development at Armstrong State University in Savannah, where she continued to create new endowments and to expand the annual giving donor base. As a major gift officer at Georgia Southern for three years, she was one of the top fundraisers. As Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Augusta Technical College since 2023, she has created new Advancement Office and is leading the way for record-breaking fundraising initiatives. Ciucevich holds an undergraduate degree in International Relations from Wesleyan College and a master’s degree in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University. She also completed a Certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida.
Carolyn Clayton 🍏
Carolyn Clayton is Director of Annual Giving at Radford University. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Carolyn believes deeply in the transformative power of education. During her career, Carolyn has led successful annual giving and admissions teams that have helped increase alumni donors, faculty, and staff giving rates and grown recruitment and retention efforts. A hopeful optimist, Carolyn is dedicated to making a positive impact through innovative storytelling, which, she believes, serves as the foundation for education and inspiration in this era of philanthropy. A proven leader, Carolyn excels as a catalytic coach who nurtures and expands the capacity of her teams. Outside work, she is a devoted wife and mom to a super special 12-year-old daughter and a rescue hound named Banjo. A lover of the outdoors, her family loves to hike and explore the beautiful Blue Ridge!
Rachel Cleary 🍏
Rachel Cleary is Director of Education Sales with GetThru. Rachel has spent the last five years at GetThru providing strategic support and texting guidance to GetThru’s higher ed, independent school, and nonprofit fundraising partners. Along the way, she accidentally learned more than one would ever want to know about texting compliance—knowledge she’s excited to share at SEAGC. Rachel’s background is in higher ed fundraising, and she’s led annual giving programs at The New School and the Cal Alumni Association, UC Berkeley.
Zach Corbin 🍏
Zach Corbin is a managing director of client services with BWF where his focus is maximizing the value clients get from their engagements. In this role, he leverages his 10+ years in digital fundraising and engagement to identify and implement strategies that deepen the relationship between organizations and their supporters.
Jennie Culotta 🍏
Jennie Culotta is Director of Annual Giving at the University of Maryland. Jennie Culotta has over a dozen years of experience in marketing and development, the last six at the University of Maryland where she’s currently the Director of Annual Giving, overseeing a small but talented team of four to develop and execute thoughtful and thorough multi-channel marketing plans. Jennie is ever curious, a lifelong learner and stays on top of current trends, technologies, and best practices in the digital space. She excels at analyzing direct-response results, translating data trends into actionable tactics that drive strategic decision-making. Prior to Maryland, Jennie spent a number of years fundraising and designing direct response materials and digital communications for varying constituents through her work with visual and performing arts, non-profit, and e-commerce organizations. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College and an MA in Arts Management from George Mason University.
Michael Ellis 🍏
Michael Ellis is Assistant Athletic Director, Annual Fund at the Georgia Southern Athletics Foundation.
Emily Etzkorn 🍎
After spending over a decade in the higher education fundraising space, Emily Etzkorn joined VanillaSoft as a Fundraising Evangelist, bringing with her a background in annual giving, engagement centers, and phonathons. In her role at VanillaSoft, Emily works closely with fundraising clients and promotes VanillaSoft within the fundraising world.
Letitia Evans 🍏
Letitia Evans is the Director of Annual Giving at Elizabeth City State University, with extensive experience in fundraising and an affinity for technology. She previously served as an Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Interim Director of Alumni Relations, and Development Officer at the same university. Letitia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications- Media Production from the University of Dayton, Ohio. She began her career as a Regional Development Officer at her alma mater and has since worked with the Girl Scout Council of the Colonial Coast and the Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation. She is a CFRE Candidate and finds philanthropy highly rewarding. Currently, Letitia is pursuing her Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development at Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. Beyond her professional role, Letitia chairs the ECSU Staff Senate, is a board member of NC Habitat for Humanity in Elizabeth City, and is a member-at-large in the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In her free time, Letitia enjoys taking in a great action movie and spending time with family and friends.
Diana Forbus 🍏
Diana Forbus is Annual Giving Manager at the University of Maryland. Diana Forbus has worked in fundraising for more than a dozen years. Throughout her career, she’s done a little bit of everything — events, appeals, donor relations and stewardship, grants, and front-line fundraising. Her current role as an Annual Giving Manager at the University of Maryland allows her to focus on university-wide annual giving fundraising, using a multi-channel approach to boost dollars and donors across campus. She currently leads UMD’s Giving Day efforts across campus which raised a total of over $4.2M in 2024. Diana started her nonprofit career in the arts and carries that creative mindset in her current work in higher education. She loves creative brainstorming and sharing those “off-the-wall” ideas, a skill she has honed over the last few years teaching IDEA 101, a Design Thinking-inspired course for first-year, first-semester students in the Carillon Communities at UMD. Diana holds an M.F.A. in Arts Administration/Theatre Management from the University of Alabama/Alabama Shakespeare Festival and a dual B.A. in Drama and Communications (with an emphasis in Public Relations) from the University of Hartford.
Kanisha Fowler 🍏
Kanisha Fowler is Director of Annual Giving Gardner-Webb University. Kanisha began her career in 2019 as the Assistant Director of Annual Giving and has superseded fundraising goals leading to her current position. Over 5 years, Kanisha has implemented unique strategies within the department targeting donor retention, student engaged fundraising, mailers, and annual day of giving. Three years ago, she developed and launched the University’s first-ever loyalty society, which stewards consecutive donors, and has seen annual growth, thanks to the overall success of her team. The Annual Giving shop has become robust and progressing due to the support of donors and alumni engagement. It is Kanisha’s priority to create and maintain a culture of philanthropy for current and future students to have access to a campus she once called home. Gardner-Webb University has been a huge part of Kanisha’s journey. As a 2015 graduate, Kanisha can confirm that she is “caught in the Webb” and works to empower current students to thrive, academically and personally.
Gloria Goosby 🍎
Gloria Goosby is a Mid-Level Giving Officer with the Obama Foundation.
Cameron J. Hall, CFRE 🍎
Cameron is an accomplished executive with progressive experience defining and driving strategies to inform donor acquisition and retention. He excels in building better programs from the ground up by using data analytics to improve strategies, processes, and procedures. He is adept at cultivating partnerships and building lasting relationships across departments, ensuring the optimal conditions in which to empower staff, enhance outcomes, and support ongoing growth. Cameron currently serves as Executive Director of Annual Giving and Lead Generation at the University of South Carolina, overseeing Annual Giving Programs and Services, Digital Annual Giving Programs and Strategies, and Donor Experience. He provides senior-level leadership and strategy to the annual giving department and is defining and building the lead generation program in preparation for a system-wide capital campaign. He also serves as a senior leadership team member for the Division of Development. He previously served as Senior Director of Annual Giving at the Texas Tech University System, where he increased revenue from annual gifts by more than $1 million (USD), developed a digital marketing program, and developed an email marketing strategy that surpassed direct mail marketing in revenue by more than $120 thousand. He also led the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve annual giving, prospect research, and planned giving. Before his role at TTUS, he served as the Director of Annual Giving at Augustana College, where he was instrumental in reversing a five-year trend of declining alumni donor participation; increasing first-time donor acquisition; implementing policies, collaborative practices, and reports to increase major giving, donor engagement, and alumni engagement; and developing and managing donor societies aimed at increasing multi-year donor retention.
Lauren Herbstritt 🍏
With 20 years of transformative experience in fundraising, Lauren Herbstritt is a visionary leader in not-for-profits and higher education. A proud alumna of Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Lauren excels in annual giving, digital fundraising, and digital marketing. Her expertise extends to volunteer management, board relations, giving days, employee campaigns, special events, crowdfunding, student and young alumni philanthropy, and philanthropic commerce. Lauren’s strategic focus has consistently driven successful initiatives that inspire donor engagement and foster community support. When she’s not pioneering new philanthropic ventures at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, you can find her enjoying the tranquility of the mountains with her family, immersed in a good book, cheering on the Vols, or tending to her garden.🍊
Kristy Herrington 🍏
Kristy Herrington is the Director of Annual Giving at the University of North Florida (UNF). Kristy kicked off her fundraising career as a phonathon caller at her alma mater, Flagler College, and has since worked in annual giving at Flagler College and University of South Florida prior to her position at UNF. Kristy has managed and executed ten Giving Days to date, experiencing growth each year. Most recently, UNF experienced a record-setting Giving Day, with over 4,300 donors and $2.3 raised with a 131% increase in dollars raised, 27% increase in donors, 25% increase in first-time donors, 33% increase in repeat donors and 25% increase in student donors compared to Giving Day 2023. Kristy manages an Assistant Director of Annual Giving and an Assistant Director of Student Philanthropy & Engagement in the UNF Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Public Relations from Flagler College, a Master’s of Science in Marketing from the University of South Florida and is a doctoral candidate with research focused on undergraduate student philanthropy at the University of North Florida.
Sharon Horinka 🍎
Sharon Horinka is the Associate Director of Annual Giving and Donor Experience at UNC Charlotte. In her current role, Sharon plays a pivotal role in shaping the university’s fundraising landscape. Her strategic insight and over 15 years of experience in Annual Giving allow her to spearhead innovative initiatives that nurture a culture of philanthropy and elevate donor engagement. With a keen focus on data-driven insights, Sharon oversees the dynamic operation of both the UNC Charlotte Student Philanthropy Center and the Donor Experience Officer (DXO) program. Sharon’s influence extends to the forefront of technological advancement, where she guides the university’s robust texting strategy. Her efforts not only drive substantial financial contributions but also foster a sense of pride and participation among Charlotte’s vibrant donor community. Sharon’s journey at Charlotte has been one of continuous growth and dedication. From her earliest role as a Student Supervisor in the university’s then “Call Center,” to working as the Assistant Director of Gift Processing, her unwavering commitment has been the driving force behind transformative change. As a proud 49er Alumna (Class of 2011), and record-holder for the highest grossing student fundraiser of all time at Charlotte, Sharon bleeds green and gold! Her contributions continue to inspire and pave the way for a thriving culture of philanthropy at the university and beyond.
Natalie Huie 🍏
Natalie Huie is Assistant Director of Annual Giving at UNC Charlotte. Natalie is a proud alumna of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, bringing over 12 years of dedicated experience in higher education. With a passion for driving initiatives that create meaningful impacts, Natalie excels in leading complex projects in fundraising, event planning, and volunteer management. Her academic foundation from UNC Charlotte has deeply influenced her commitment to enhancing the student experience through strategic and purposeful action. In her current role, Natalie manages the university’s crowdfunding program and the Giving Tuesday campaign. She also assists with Niner Nation Gives, the university’s major giving day, where she leads Faculty and Staff Giving, coordinates key events, and oversees the Ambassadors program. Natalie’s focus on collaboration and outcomes ensures that every initiative she leads contributes to the broader mission of the University and makes a lasting difference in the lives of students.
Mandy Intravaia 🍏
Mandy Intravaia is Director, Annual Giving Campaigns at the University of Florida.
Jean Lipsky 🍏
Jean Lipsky is the Assistant Director of Student Philanthropy and Engagement at the University of North Florida. Jean got her start in fundraising as the Coordinator for Annual Giving at UNF in August 2021. During this time, Jean managed the student call center, which morphed into the Engagement Center under her leadership. Jean has been a part of facilitating three Giving Days to date, experiencing growth in the student donor population every year. Most recently, Jean started a new student giving society at UNF called Ozzie’s Ambassadors with a current membership of over 320 students. Jean holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UNF, and is currently in her master’s program studying Higher Education Administration with a focus on student affairs.
Shayna Long 🍎
Shayna Long is the Director of Annual Giving at University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Walker McBee Smith 🍏
Walker McBee Smith is Assistant Director of Annual Giving at the University of South Carolina Upstate.
Cade McGlynn 🍏
Cade McGlynn is Director of Development, Annual Fund at the Georgia Southern Athletics Foundation.
Felicity Meu 🍎
Felicity spent 9 years with Stanford’s Office of Development. As Stanford’s inaugural Director of Next Generation Giving she worked closely with individual donors and volunteers but also helped craft the University’s vision for engaging its next great generation of philanthropists. Leaning into the needs of young donors, Felicity spent time consulting for Stanford’s Effective Philanthropy Lab, working on a project dedicated to taking a deep dive into better understanding the needs of millennial donors. Currently she serves as Director of Partner Success for GiveCampus where she continues to work against her goal of helping more people be more generous more strategically.
Krystal Oliveira Springgate, CFRE 🍏
Krystal Oliveira Springgate is the Executive Director of Health Systems at Tulane University. Krystal joined Tulane University in May 2023 where she is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of philanthropic strategies and campaigns that support the priorities and vision of Tulane’s health systems including its network of hospitals and clinics. Formerly with the LSU Health Foundation, Krystal was the Chief Development Officer where she oversaw teams focused on fundraising efforts, stewardship, events, marketing and communications, advancement services and prospect research. She launched the institution’s first grateful patient giving program, implemented a donor recognition program, and drove a steady funding increase. Prior to the LSU Health Foundation, Krystal was the Assistant Dean for Development with The Citadel Foundation, where she closed $8.4M in gifts, led external funding of all academic schools during The Citadel’s Capital Campaign, and was a founding member of Charleston STEM Fest. Prior to The Citadel Foundation, Krystal has 15 years of nonprofit experience including Boys & Girls Club, United Way, Higher Education and Healthcare. Krystal received her bachelor’s degree from Clemson University. She lives in New Orleans, LA with her husband and their three children. When not at work she and her husband are usually at a soccer field cheering on our children or watching a soccer match with our favorite teams being the USWNT and Bayern Munich.
Justin Parks 🍏
Justin Parks is Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Elon University. This is Justin’s second role in the world of Annual Giving after spending seven years in Student Affairs to begin his professional career. His current role oversees all operations, logistics, and mass communications within the office of Annual Giving at Elon University in direct support of all major annual campaigns. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport Management from Roanoke College and a Master of Arts Degree in Higher Education Administration from Louisiana State University.
Cheyenne Pinkston 🍏
Cheyenne Pinkston is Senior Coordinator of Annual Giving at Elon University. Cheyenne’s first role in philanthropy was as a student caller at her alma mater in Boston, MA. From there, it has fueled her passion for annual giving and the world of philanthropy. Cheyenne serves as Senior Coordinator of Annual Giving at Elon University. Her primary focus is managing the Student Outreach Program. She also focuses on retention and stewardship through multi-channel communications and appeals. Cheyenne is also currently working on her MBA from Elon University.
Megan Poole 🍏
Megan Poole is Director of Direct Marketing, University Annual Giving at the University of Virginia. With over 12 years of experience in education and fundraising, Megan has led annual giving and direct marketing programs at the University of Virginia and the University of Florida. Her other experience includes work as a college writing instructor and a high school English teacher.
Michael Richmond 🍏
Michael Richmond is the Director of Annual Giving Health Systems at Tulane University. With over 25 years of experience in higher education advancement, Michael is a seasoned development professional specializing in annual giving programs. In his current role, he leads and oversees annual giving efforts for Tulane University Health Systems in a newly created, patient-focused advancement space. Michael has a proven track record of success in building and renovating annual programs to meet institutional needs. He has held leadership roles at the LSU Health Foundation, Denison University, the University of Maryland Global Campus, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Foundation, and an executive leadership tenure at the University of the Pacific. Michael has led teams to achieve the highest donor and dollar results within a fiscal year at each institution, as well as critical metrics in first-time donor acquisition, donor retention, and engaged alumni participation. His success is driven by data-informed decisions, strategic partnerships, and his ability to add, remove, and repurpose annual giving channels, programs, initiatives, and relationships.
Logan Smart 🍏
Logan Smart is Executive Director of Annual Giving and Donor Experience at Centre College.
Laura Southern 🍏
Laura currently serves as a Senior Director for Development at Kennesaw State University for the Division of University Advancement. She is responsible for major gift fundraising for The Coles College of Business, The Graduate College, Global Education and Continuing and Professional Education. Laura has a BFA from Brenau University (2006) and an MBA from Kennesaw State (2022). She began her career as an interior designer and moved to event design/management before joining higher education in 2014. She started at KSU as the Donor Relations Event Manager for the Division of Advancement. In 2018, she moved into her first frontline fundraiser role as one of the first Associate Directors for Leadership Annual Giving in the Department of Alumni and Constituent Engagement. In this role, she developed and implemented the LAG program at KSU. In 2021, she became the first Associate Director on the major gift team. In 2022, she moved into her current role as a Senior Director of Development. She lives in White, GA with her husband, Matt and two children, Juliet (7) and Gabriel (3).
Shelia-Marie Stacy 🍎
Shelia-Marie Stacy is Senior Director, The Annual Fund at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Shelia-Marie is in her 8th year of working with higher education annual giving programs. Currently working on a multi-campus annual giving program rebuild at Embry-Riddle, she has prior experience at Flagler College, University of TN Chattanooga, and Ball State University. Shelia-Marie has program rebuilding experience from two institutions, as well as launching giving day programs at UTC and Embry-Riddle’s first, upcoming giving day in Spring 2025. Join Shelia-Marie and her co-presenter to learn more about her successes and failures at rebuilding annual giving programs.
Colin Waite
Raphael Walters 🍎
With over eleven years of philanthropic experience, Raphael D. Walters, M. Ed. is Senior Director, Development & Alumni Relations
at the University of Miami. He manages a robust team of digital fundraising officers that focus on seamlessly blending digital-first communications efforts with innovative fundraising workflows to engage and grow the next generation of alumni donors. Prior to his role at the U, Raphael was the Executive Director of The Greater Davie-Cooper City Chamber of Commerce and Davie-Cooper City Educational Foundation. In his role, Raphael was responsible for the oversight and management of all aspects of Chamber business and activities as it aligns with the mission statement. Raphael served as the visible leader, communicator, facilitator, and community planner. He also developed, implemented, and assessed chamber programs, projects, and events for 350+ local businesses. Raphael also served in various roles at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Joining the shark family as the Assistant Director of Annual Giving raising over 2 million in philanthropic dollars, soon after as Associate Director of Alumni Relations managing several ambassador groups totaling over 200 members and most recently, Director of Alumni Relations and Major Gifts Officer overseeing the experience and cultivation of over 193,000 alumni across nine regional campuses while exceeding alumni engagement goals. Raphael earned both his bachelor’s degree (B.A Communications) and master’s degree (M. Ed. Higher Education Leadership) from Valdosta State University and is currently pursuing his doctorate (Ed. D. Organizational Leadership) at Nova Southeastern University. Just recently he was nominated amongst several other community leaders as Man/Woman of the Year for Fort Lauderdale with the LLS organization. In his spare time, he spends a lot of time with his fiancé Sameena, daughter Nia and fur son, Jack.
Harold Williams 🍎
Harold Williams began his career in higher education as an Admissions Counselor for his alma mater Old Dominion University 10 years ago. Since then, his career track includes alum relations and, most recently, as ODU’s Director of Annual Giving. As the Director of Annual Giving, he established digital giving and the current annual gift data collection while leading fundraising events and campaigns. In addition, his experiences have allowed him to lead the University’s strategic planning efforts as part of the brand and marketing committee and the University’s AP Faculty Senate Planning Committee. Outside of the University, he is an active volunteer of the ODU Alumni Association, leading the silent auction efforts of the United Negro College Fund’s Mayor’s Ball, volunteering with the local YMCA, and advising student organizations. Harold holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from ODU and is currently working on his Ph.D. at Hampton University.