Speakers
Fifth Annual NSFA National Conference
Chicago: April 7-9, 2010
Funding & Support”
| Keynote Speakers | |
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Don Shalvey, Ed.D. Deputy Director Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Speaker Topic: "Foundations: Difference Maker’s In the Interest of Youth" Foundations, whether large or small, national or local, tightly focused or wide spread aims, are essential to advancing the dreams, hopes and ambitions of youth and educators. Foundations can inspire grantees to create, invent and bring to life, solutions that benefit schools and society. How does the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation advance the number of college ready graduates in this country? How does a foundation determine its focus and impact? These and other questions will be focus of Don Shalvey’s remarks as he illustrates the differences foundations make.
Bio: Don Shalvey leads grant making for states, districts and networks throughout the United States. Prior to joining the foundation, Don was the founder and CEO of Aspire Public Schools and has spent the past 40 years in public education where he is widely recognized as a leader in public school reform and the charter school movement. In 1992, Don served as the Superintendent of San Carlos School District, where he sponsored the first charter school in California. In 1998, Don and entrepreneur Reed Hastings, co-founded Californians for Public School Excellence, a grass-roots organization that led to the passage of the Charter Schools Act of 1998, which lifted the cap on the number of charter schools in the state. Don earned a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership/Administration from the University of Southern California, a Masters of Education in Counseling and Guidance from Gonzaga University and a B.A. from LaSalle College. |
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Bob Thacker Senior VP of Marketing/Advertising, OfficeMax
Speaker Topic: "A Day Made Better" Program
Bio: Bob Thacker joined OfficeMax in late 2005, bringing a strong background in marketing and brand development. Bob gave voice to this strategy with, “Don’t Make Ads, Make News!”, a directive that generated highly successful, highly efficient marketing campaigns.
Bob’s career prior to joining OfficeMax includes being President/CEO of BBDO Minneapolis, and as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Sears. In the retail industry, Bob is renowned as the man who brought Michael Graves to Target. As Vice President of Marketing for Target (1989-98) Bob was responsible for launching the Target brand in new markets and successfully achieved tremendous brand reception. Bob’s work with Michael Graves Design Group started the wave of new partnerships with other companies and properties which were marketed exclusively at Target, and brought Target to a new level of consumer loyalty and national recognition as one of the true passion brands in American retailing Bob’s awards include the American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal as Minnesota’s Man of the Year in 2001. He was twice selected by Advertising Age as one of the Top 100 marketers in the Nation. Bob has also been elected to the Retail Hall of Fame, and also selected by Advertising Age as one of 24 top media authorities in the industry. Bob has lectured extensively in the United States, Europe, Australia and Africa. Recently he was profiled in BusinessWeek and other business publications.
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| Pre-Conference Speakers | |
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Dave Sternberg Fudraising Professional Partner, Loring Sternberg & Associates
Speaker Topic: "Increasing Alumni and Donor Support for your K-12 Foundation"
Bio: Dave has been a fundraising professional since obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University in 1991. A member of the faculty at The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University’s Fund Raising School – where he teaches and conducts customized training programs both nationally and internationally.
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Suzanne Mineck Planned Giving Consultant, The Stelter Company
Speaker Topic: "Starting a Planned Giving Program for your Foundation"
In this session, planned giving consultant, Suzanne Mineck, will share the essential components you need to run and grow a successful gift planning program. Participants will discuss the following:
· Resources needed to set up a program
· Marketing best practices
· How to find and prioritize gift planning prospects
· Donor cultivation and stewardship strategies
· Setting realistic goals and managing expectations
Bio: Suzanne Mineck is a planned giving consultant for The Stelter Company, a leading source for gift planning marketing for the nonprofit community. With more than 15 years of experience in fundraising, she is a recognized expert on what it takes to run a successful development office. Suzanne shares with national audiences proven strategies on the subjects of planned giving, marketing and attracting major gifts. She facilitates planned giving seminars and works one-on-one consulting and providing strategic planning for organizations ranging widely in size, mission and sophistication.
Before joining The Stelter Company, Suzanne was the senior director of gift planning for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. At St. Jude, she managed the Major Gifts and Foundation departments, determining strategic direction and overseeing major prospect research, development and marketing. She has also held positions with the American Cancer Society, the University of Iowa, the University of Memphis and Hutchison School.
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Millie Christner & Laurie Cromwell Foundation Innovation, Founders and Principal Consultants
Speaker Topic: "Stuck? Moving Your Foundation from Simply Existing to Thriving All non-profits transition through stages that either propel them forward or pull them back. By utilizing researched-based best practices, higher education advancement techniques, and outcomes-based initiatives, you can help establish a perpetual partner organization that will benefit your district for years to come. This session will explore the key steps necessary to develop a successfull and sustainable education foundation:
Bios: Laurie Cromwell began working in the non-profit field in 1984. In 1999, Ms. Cromwell was elected as trustee of a local school district and served as President for three years. During this time, she was appointed President of a dormant education foundation and was an instrumental partner in its revitalization. Success was realized in less than six months. Ms. Cromwell’s experience as a lead administrator in a non-profit organization, current owner of a for-profit corporation, former trustee and Foundation President bring a unique prospective of philanthropic issues. Ms. Cromwell was elected Citizen of the Year in 2002 and serves as a founding board member for a local Chamber of Commerce. In 2008, Ms. Cromwell was appointed to by the City Council to serve on the Economic Development Corporation and currently serves a President. Dr. Milli Christner is a seasoned development professional with more than 15 years experience in nonprofit administration and K-12 philanthropy. Dr. Christner has served as the Executive Director of Fort Bend ISD, Round Rock ISD and Hays CISD Education Foundations and the Galveston Arts Center. She also gained university advancement experience serving as Associate Director of Corporate Relations for the Engineering Foundation at the University of Texas. She is currently acting as co-principal investigator for a research study that will benchmark the work, scope and impact of local education foundations. As an educator, administrator, development officer, and researcher, Dr. Christner brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in nonprofit governance, K12 philanthropy and school/community engagement.
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Alan C. Zacharias, ABD MBA CFRE & Salvatore F. Polizzotto Gonser Gerber Tinker Stuhr LLP, Consultant
Speaker Topic: "Board Building: Roles, Responsibilities, Recruitment and Training" This session will address elements vital to building and strengthening the role of the K-12 Foundation Board. Topics include: defining the responsibilities of Board members and leadership; governance and committee structure; recruiting, training and retaining superb Board talent; and the Board’s role in strategic planning, annual giving, campaigns, major and planned gifts, and building endowment. The interactive format will allow participants to discover practical applications from proven and new ideas. Bios: Alan C. Zacharias, MBA CFRE is a consultant with GGTS, and works with a variety of non-profit organizations to build strong boards, advancement programs, and enhance long-term financial success. Prior to joining GGTS, Alan spent almost 20 years in higher education advancement at the vice presidential level in California, Illinois, and Missouri. Alan completed his undergraduate degree at Murray State University, his MBA at Dominican University, and is a PhD. Candidate at the University of Missouri. Salvatore Polizzotto has been a Partner with GGTS since 1984. Sal has previously served as a teacher, chief development officer and Board member of several institutions. A frequent speaker and, through GGTS, a sponsor of the Association of Governing Boards. His work often involves education, training, and leadership development for Board of Trustees. Sal serves his alma mater as Chair of the Committee on Trustees and has served on the Board since 1991. |
| Conference Speakers | |
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Kenneth Arndt, PhD Superintendent, Community Unit School District #300
Speaker Topic: "Why a K-12 Foundation Has Helped My District" Learn from a practicing superintendent of a large and very diverse public school district located in the Chicago northwest suburbs why the D300 Foundation for Educational Excellence has proven to be an effective and highly respected organization. Gain practical advice on some of the lessons learned, successes and mistakes to avoid. Lastly discover how resources obtained by the D300 Foundation has enhanced, enriched and supplemented learning activities for thousands of students.
Bio: Kenneth M. Arndt began as the Community Unit School District 300 superintendent in April 2001 leading the District through the principles of collaboration and transformational leadership. Prior to District 300, Dr. Arndt was superintendent of School in Decatur, Illinois, from 1990 to 2001. During that time, the Decatur News Herald recognized him as a “Top Leader of Today and Tomorrow.” In 2005 he was recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as an administrator for, “Those Who Excel.” District 300 Schools currently has over 20,000 students within 28 schools. Dr. Arndt earned his PhD. In Administration from the University of Toledo. |
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Brett Pawlowski President, DeHavilland Associates
Speaker Topic" "Business/Education Partnerships 101: Essential Steps to Building Great Programs" This presentation will take participants step by step through the process of building a strong and sustainable partnership-driven education program. Topics include getting started: partnership principles; the asset inventory; program design; measurement and evaluation; and sustainability.
Bio: Brett Pawlowski, president of DeHavilland Associates, has helped dozens of clients create effective education outreach initiatives; he has also launched industry initiatives including the K-12 Partnership Report, Business/Education Partnership Forum, the Effective Education Partnerships Conference, and a collection of resources including white papers, guides, and survey reports on the subject of community/school partnerships. |
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Lynne Grasz President/CEO, Grasz Communications
Speaker Topic: "Principles of Successful Marketing" Practical advice to reach multiple audiences through effective public relations and marketing strategies in an evolving technological revolution. Will discuss trends, opportunities, use of case studies and time for Q&A. Bring your project and ideas for brainstorming.
Bio: National PR for International Quilt Study Center and Museum, generating over $1,000,000 worth of publicty and over a million impressions. National PR and bookings for Columbia Journalism Review. National PR and editorial coordination for 12-book children's series, University of Nebraska Press. |
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Randall Hallett Executive Director of Development, Nebraska Medical Center
Speaker Topic: "Key Legal and Organizational Decisions for Non-Profits" While relationships are the hallmark of success in fundraising, infrastructure and legalities are the underpinning of compliance and good practice. Over the past couple of years, the IRS and state agencies have made large changes to reporting requirements which has led to questions by executives and board members. In four (4) major areas, this presentation will address issues that will help foundation execs and board members be prepared for these challenges and staying out of trouble.
Bio: Professionally, Randall currently oversees the philanthropic endeavors of The Nebraska Medical Center, a $1 billion dollar, 5000 employee organization serving the health care needs of Omaha, Nebraska, the country and around the world; Previously, he spent 12 years in private secondary education fundraising overseeing all aspects of fundraising including capital campaigns of $40 million and $25 million respectively. Randall also has been a TV and radio announcer for men's and women's college basketball as well as being a former press box announcer for the Kansas City Chiefs. Educationally, Randall is completing his doctorate in educational leadership and public policy at the University of Saint Thomas studing public secondary fundraising. He received his juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He also has completed a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Randall is a graduate from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a bachelors in Business. He is accredited with his CFRE
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Darrell Slabaugh Board Chair, Texas School Foundation Association, Consultant
Speaker Topic: "Effective On-Line Management of Grant and Scholarship Programs" Darrell Slabaugh and Margaret will present an informative presentation on best practices for Teacher Grant and Scholarship Programs and demonstrate how On Line software can be used for applications, review and analysis.
Bio: Darrell Slabaugh is a trainer for the National School Foundation Certification Program; he has served as Executive Director of the McKinney Education Foundation and as Chief Development Officer/Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Colleges and Universities. Darrell has coordinated vendors and sponsors for the past two NSFA National Conferences. |
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Suzanne Mineck Planned Giving Consultant, The Stelter Company
Speaker Topic: "Put Possibilities Within Reach: The Impact of Planned Giving" In this session we will uncover why planned giving is becoming an even more critical revenue source for nonprofits and the current trends that are impacting the planned giving world today. We will discuss recent research results that may challenge nonprofits to rethink conventional planned giving practices and ultimately how to ensure your foundation is connecting with donors and moving them closer to leaving the ultimate gift.
Bio: See bio in pre-conference section |
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Margaret Harsch Program Director, McKinney Education Foundation
Speaker Topic: "Effective On-Line Management of Grant and Scholarship Programs" Darrell Slabaugh and Margaret will present an informative presentation on best practices for Teacher Grant and Scholarship Programs and demonstrate how On Line software can be used for applications, review and analysis.
Bio: Margaret is the Program Director of the McKinney Education Foundation, managing a scholarship program, a teacher grant program, a college advisor program – all using on-line management tools, and an ex-students association that needs to be using the same online tool.
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Traci Skalberg Executive Director, Grand Island Education Foundation
Speaker Topic: "Staff Campaigns and Developing a Culture of Giving" "If you have not tapped into your school district's staff as a major
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Mike Kierce Account Executive, Education Vertical Market
Speaker Topic: "Embracing Technology & Social Media in the Nonprofit World – 5 Easy Steps” An intimidating topic for some – we’ll break down how simple and effective these methods can be for YOU. Learning Outcomes - Participants will:
Bio: Mike works specifically with education-focused non-profit organizations across the U.S., helping them to evaluate fundraising goals and challenges and determining how technology will improve their respective operations. He has spoken to groups of all sizes both nationally and internationally and draws upon his experience in Sales, Marketing, and the Nonprofit sector. |
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Eric Hodgson University of Iowa Foundation
Speaker Topic: "Websites and Social Networking: Effective Fundraising Tools for your Foundation" During this session, attendees will learn about building a strong web foundation, First, we will discuss web planning, which includes building a web site with the resources available and structuring the site around visitor needs and actions. Next, we will cover ongoing site management, which covers selecting the right tools, understanding the shelf life of content, and implementing the best practices for content reuse. Finally, we will discuss push-to-web strategies to get people to the site, including email marketing and social media engagement.
Bio: Eric Hodgson has spent the last decade in education web development and strategy, currently with the University of Iowa Foundation. He has consulted on content management and web direction, built web sites, and implemented web applications for colleges and universities. Eric believes in building a web presence around audience needs and actions. |
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Millie Christner & Laurie Cromwell Foundation Innovation, Founders and Principal Consultants
Speaker Topic: "Grant Program: Building Credibility and Accountability" As much care and attention must go into the distribution funds as raising them. Donors need to know that their contributions actually have an impact on education and teachers and staff need to know that the process for distribution is fair and impartial. Building credibility for your organization requires a methodical approach to funding programs. This session will review the process for establishing funding priorities, implementing a grant program that specifically outlines the criteria for selection process, and sharing the impact and outcomes of the funded programs donors and staff.
Bios: See bios in pre-conference section
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Nike Whitcomb Nike B. Whitcomb Associates, Inc., President
Speaker Topic: "Are You Ready for A Capital Campaign? Pre-Planning Avoids Common Pitfalls"
This session will start by covering background information on philanthropy in the United States, especially giving for education. After that introduction, we’ll examine critical questions you should ask well in advance of a campaign. Questions to be considered include the numbers and types of donors and volunteers you have, the state of your strategic planning process; how and when to do a feasibility study, and other areas of concern. Ample time for questions and answers will be included.
Bio: Nike B. Whitcomb, CFRE, is the president at Whitcomb Associates, providing fundraising, management and marketing to the non-profit sector. She has 40 years of experience in management, marketing, public relations and fund raising and has raised more than $270 million in her career. She is co-author of Money Makers, a Guide to Special Events Fundraising, has authored numerous articles for Prentice Hall and others, and is at work on a book on capital campaign planning. |
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Linda Johnson, M.Ed, CFRE Director of Development, Jefferson County Public Education Foundation
Speaker Topic: "Working from Within - Successful Strategies for Utilizing Your Board of Directors" Topics covered will include:
Bio: Director of Development - Jefferson County Public Education Foundation, June 2001-Present. Serving as the first Director of Development for the Jefferson County Public Education Foundation (JCPEF) in 2001, the Foundation was created in 1983 as a 501 (c) (3), non-profit to support the Jefferson County Public Schools. Major gift fund raising, annual fund, planned giving and special projects campaigns. Last capital campaign was from 2004-2008 called Every 1 Reads. The project was a community – wide initiative that had an $8Million dollar goal which was reached in December 2008. Director of Foundation Relations/Special Projects- The University of Louisville Office of Development and Alumni Affairs - September 1995 - June 2001.
Major-gift fund raising, research, grant/proposal writing as well as cultivation and stewardship to individuals, businesses and private and corporate foundations.
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Judy Taylor
Executive Director, Decatur Public Schools Foundation
Speaker Topic: "Organizing a Successful Fundraising Event"
Your foundation can meet its fundraising, marketing, and alumni contact goals through one yearly Alumni Recognition Event. Learn the principals of successful event fundraising in this session; including committee recruitment, corporate sponsorship, and media recognition. This "signature event" is a unique opportunity to showcase both successful alumni and foundation projects in your community. Video from Decatur's "Celebrate! The Legacy of Learning" event will be featured, along with a take-home guide for your first event.
Bio:
Over the past six years, Judy Taylor has led the Decatur Public Schools Foundation in a successful effort to develop a variety of revenue streams, resulting in over $250,000 per year in programs and grants for the students and teachers of District 61, an average of $28 per student per year.
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Larry Goddard
Tyler ISD Foundation, Executive Director
Speaker Topic: "All the Secrets of Success for Education Foundations"
This fun and creative presentation will provide you with all you need to know about successful education foundations—no need to ask. Simple ‘best practices’ that are new and fresh from someone who has been in the fundraising and public relations role for almost 30 years. What should you do as a director? What should you never do as a staff member? A lively discussion with practical advice for adding sophistication to your education foundation’s plan of work and creating positive relations with the community, your District, and with your donors.
Bio: Larry Goddard has served as executive director of the Tyler ISD Foundation since April 2006. Mr. Goddard received his B.S. in marketing and literature and M.S. in management and counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce. He has previously been employed as community relations manager with Southwestern Bell Telephone and as vice president development/marketing and community relations for Texas A&M University-Commerce. In 2008, he was named East Texas Council of Government’s Citizen of the Year for a 17 county area of east Texas. Goddard served as 2009 chair of the Education Foundation Division for Texas State Public Relations Association (TSPRA), National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), National School Foundation Association (NSFA), Leadership Tyler (Class 20), Sister City of Tyler, Inc. president, City of Tyler Industrial Development Board, Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC), and was recently elected to the Association of Fundraising Executive (AFP) Global Development Committee. |
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Elaine Free, Ed.D.
Successful Ways, Inc, Education Foundation Consultant
Speaker Topic: "Essential Polices, Procedures and Best Practices for Your Foundation"
Is your foundation struggling with developing policies, or do your policies need updating? Learn why policies and procedures are important and gain ideas to share with your board to ensure compliance. Integrated in the discussion will be best practices that contribute to a foundation’s success.
Bio:
In more than a decade consulting with school districts and foundations, Dr. Free continues to guide districts as they create foundations and counsels foundation boards through policy and procedure development. She also facilitates their energies into developing five-year plans. In every instance she creates customized strategies and tactics proven to generate continual improvement in education.
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Bill Hoffman
President, Hillsborough Education Foundation
Speaker Topic: "Foundation Success Through Board & Community Involvement"
Staff members cannot do it alone!! The most effective education foundations are those who actively engage and involve leaders in their community. In this session you will learn practical strategies to implement immediately to get your board and volunteers energized and to build on your community involvement.
Bio:
Bill Hoffman is President of the Hillsborough Education Foundation, a non-profit organization providing support to the Hillsborough County Public Schools. The Education Foundation provides a variety of programs to the school district including Classroom, School & Technology Grants; Scholarships; Support for Technical & Career Education, and Teaching Tools for Hillsborough Schools, having invested over $69M in the district in its 20+ year history. He’s a long time resident of the Tampa Bay area, a product of the public school system, and a graduate of the University of South Florida. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations since 2002 and is currently the President of the Consortium. He also has served as a mentor for the Emerge Tampa Connect Segment of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce since 2003. He is a “Take Stock in Children” mentor for one of the Foundation’s scholarship recipients as well as his Big Brother.
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Wayne Padover, Ph.D. & Donna Elder, Ed.D
National University-Los Angeles
Speaker Topic: "Local Education Foundations and the Down-turn in the Nation's Economy"
This presentation will report the results of a recently completed national survey of local education foundations, including members of the National School Foundation Association. The study will compare the practices and procedures of local education foundations prior to the current economic difficulties and during the economic down-turn. Additionally, this session will discuss effective strategies for local education foundations to work with school and school district administration and school boards.
Bios: Wayne Padover, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at National University-Los Angeles. He is the President of the California Association of Professors of Educational Administration, a member of the Board of Directors of the National School Foundations Association and the California Consortium of Education Foundations. He has also served as a School District Superintendent in California for twenty years
Donna Elder, Ed.D. is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Teacher Education at National University-Los Angeles. She is the former Director of the UCLA Laboratory School Program and the Past President of the International Laboratory Schools Association. She has served as a School District Superintendent in California for fifteen years.
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Wallace Brown
WEB Enterprises, President
Speaker Topic: "Strategic Planning: Improving your Foundations Future"
Bio: Wallace Brown is President and strategic planning and mapping consultant with WEB Enterprises who works with school, college and hospital foundations, governmental, non-profit and for-profit organizations.
Before WEB Enterprises Wallace was a former owner and president of a chemical manufacturing and sales company. He serves on a number of boards and committees on a local, state and national level and is involved in fund development and represents a national group in Washington, D.C.
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Brooke Young
CFRE, Office of Grants and Supplemental Programs
Aurora East School District 131Speaker Topic: "Successful Grant Writing for the K-12 Foundation"
Whether you are seeking your first grant or striving to increase your success rate, this workshop will enhance your funding magnetism. Learn how to assess your “grant-readiness”, identify high-potential funders, develop projects that attract them, write proposals that win them over and manage relationships to secure long-term support.
Bio: Brooke Young has won more than $14M in government and private grants in her 11 years writing proposals and leading grants offices in K-12 and community college education. She currently leads grants development and management for Aurora East School District 131 for whom she has won more than $7M in five years. She has presented grant writing workshops for the American Association of Grant Professionals, the National Science Foundation and the Council for Resource Development.
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Jodi Bender Sweeney Partner, Foundation Excellence, LLC Speaker Topic: "How to Strengthen Your Foundation’s Fund Raising In Difficult Economic Times"
This session will include how to prepare a case statement that will resonate with donors. It will discuss how to tailor the elements of your annual fund raising to reflect the current economic times as well as how to add a major gifts component that is the basis of moving all education foundations to the next level in a strategic and sustainable way.
Bio:
Jodi Bender Sweeney consults with staff and board members of education foundations across the country, helping them to move to the next level with specific strategies for all levels of fund raising with an emphasis on major gifts. She also works with school districts and volunteers as they develop school foundations. She presents a strategic and sustainable approach that has helped school foundations across the country raise millions of dollars for enhancements to public education.
She also served as President of the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools, an organization which she founded in 2000 and which gave her “hands-on” experience in the development and management of a school foundation. The foundation raises funds for creative and innovative projects in Madison, Wisconsin’s school district and is considered a national model for innovative programming such as the Individual School Endowment Initiative. With a goal of $100,000, the foundation raised $900,000 in it first year and more than $4,000,000 from 2000 – 2007. It has continued this rapid growth under new leadership since Ms Sweeney left to start Foundation Excellence, a consulting firm that has assisted school foundations across the country.
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Susan Sweeney
Executive Director, California Consortium of Education Foundations
Speaker Topic: "Developing Programs that Connect with your Community"
Education Foundations can be successful in funding and delivering programs that address community needs even during these challenging economic times. The focus of this session will be on developing successful programs, but we will also address issues of governance, marketing, resource development and community outreach. Take home information on specific programs. Gain an understanding of the principles needed to grow and sustain programs that resonate with a community. Learn from peers in this interactive session. We will draw on CCEF's 28 years of experiences with California's more than 600 LEFs of varying maturity levels and in a wide variety of communities. We will highlight innovative foundation programs and partnerships, provide guidelines for developing traditional programs, ie successful teacher grant programs, and consider future trends.
Bio:
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Nina Menis
Naperville Community School District 203, Director of Community Relations
Speaker Topic: "Effectively Measuring and Nurturing Community Support for the Programs Your Foundation Seeks to Fund"
You will discover from the Chairman of the Naperville Education Foundation (NEF), Mark Trembacki and the former Chairman of the Naperville Education Foundation (NEF), Ron Schild, the journey of developing a “signature project”. Developing a program can motivate (the Board), stimulate interest (donors) and serve (students) taking a foundation to the next level. The panel will also include Paula Scholfield, Vice Chair Project and Programs for the NEF. Nina Menis, Director of Community Relations for Naperville School District 203 and District 203 Liaison to the NEF will moderate the panel. Participants will receive a packet of information outlining the process as well as information on how a “signature project” can compliment a comprehensive development program.
Bio:
Nina Menis currently serves Naperville School District 203 as Director of Community Relations and as Liaison to the Naperville Education Foundation. Nina has enjoyed being involved in Development for the past 25 years primarily serving private and public schools, colleges and universities.
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Alan G Cotzin
Enabling Philanthropy Consultant
Speaker Topic: "Planning Your Legacy, Fundraising For The Future Of Your Foundation"
Planned giving is the key to the future success of educational foundations. This session focuses on an innovative approach to estate-planning discussions with potential donors. It introduces the concept of a pre-estate planning by establishing positive relationships through a non-technical, non-threatening approach.
Bio:
Alan was most recently the Senior Director, Advancement Office of Cranbrook Educational Community in which he was responsible for the development and implementation of a new major and planned giving national outreach program serving the Cranbrook Educational Community. Regional Director for Major and Planned Gifts (Assignment: 9 Southeastern States), University of Michigan in which he was responsible for major and planned gift fund raising at the $100,000 and above level, including significant involvement with donors at the highest levels. And he also served in the following positions with the University of Michigan: Assistant Director for Development and Alumni Relations for the Department of Surgery, Assistant Director for Administrative Services, Assistant to Human Resources Administrator, Manager, Staff and Union Relations, Director, Office of Human Resource Development. He has also worked for the Bay State Medical Center and Ohio State University, as well as for the state of Ohio.
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Valerie Foster Connie Pelphrey Speaker Topic: "Operating a foundation Office: Large or Small" Bios: The Sanger Education Foundation became a reality to the community of Sanger in October 2005. Valerie was one of three individuals who envisioned the formation of the foundation and was instrumental in the organization and development of the Sanger Education Foundation. In just 5 short years the Sanger Education Foundation located within the small rural North Texas Community has raised over $850,000 for educational funding initiatives with permanent endowment exceeding $200,000. She brings over 15 years of business experience having volunteered with area non-profit organizations working on establishing strong boards, best practices, internal organizational skills, and efficient time management. Prior to her time in the non-profit sector she attended college for nursing and general business management, in which she worked for 12 years in development of office best practices and as a mid-management trainer. Her strengths are in organization, time management, empowering strengths of others, development of foundation growth and donor development as well as building future community partnerships. In 2005 she was selected as Citizen of the Year by the Sanger Area Chamber of Commerce. She is also an honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Sanger and was chosen as a recipient of Heroes for Children for her contributions and dedication to public education and the school children of Texas by The State Board of Education. Connie has work in there very different arenas during her life. While living in Europe for 21 years she own and operated several blue jean stores named Connie’s Jeans. The stores were located in Luxembourg. While in Europe, she enjoyed traveling across Europe. In 1989, Connie returned to the North Texas area with two small children. In 1991, she began working for Boeing- Corinth. Her Boeing career as the Community Relations and Communications Manager included establishing a community relations program, acting as company spokesperson, maintaining a $1 million annual contribution budget for the State of Texas, serving on The Boeing Company philanthropic companywide team. In this capacity, she also served on many Denton County Boards and committees. She is the Past President of both the Lake Cities and Denton Chambers and a graduate of both Denton and Lewisville Leadership programs. Connie’s third arena is the non- profit word. As the Executive Director of the Lewisville Education Foundation, she maintains and initiates new fundraising programs, administers the Foundations scholarship and grants programs and donor relations. |
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