Keynote Speakers
Mike Geiger, MBA, CPA
President/CEO, AFP Global
Mike Geiger is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), representing individuals and organizations that raise more than $100 billion in charitable contributions every year around the world for countless causes. Prior to accepting the President & CEO role for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Mr. Geiger served for seven years, from 2010 - 2017, as Executive Director of the Chief Executives Organization, Inc (CEO) an international membership organization with a focus on education. In the role, Mike directed CEO's day-to-day global operations, while supporting the Board of Directors and all organizational committees.
web: afpglobal.org - Twitter: @AFPMikeGeiger
President/CEO, AFP Global
Mike Geiger is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), representing individuals and organizations that raise more than $100 billion in charitable contributions every year around the world for countless causes. Prior to accepting the President & CEO role for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Mr. Geiger served for seven years, from 2010 - 2017, as Executive Director of the Chief Executives Organization, Inc (CEO) an international membership organization with a focus on education. In the role, Mike directed CEO's day-to-day global operations, while supporting the Board of Directors and all organizational committees.
web: afpglobal.org - Twitter: @AFPMikeGeiger
Lynne Wester
The Donor Guru
Lynne strongly believes that donor relations is the key to unlocking fundraising success and that organizations must be as dedicated to the donor experience, or DX, as they are to the ask it-self. Sometimes referred to as the Olivia Pope of fundraising, Lynne helps organizations when they need it the most – when crisis or opportunity arrive.
Lynne and her teammates at the Donor Relations Guru Group partner with nonprofits large and small on a variety of initiatives from developing sound strategy and vision to utilizing technology and creating meaningful donor engagement - all designed to positively affect the fundraising bot-tom line. Her guidance has led her clients to be recognized on the national stage for fundraising innovation, creative communication, and groundbreaking donor relations work.
web: donorrelationsguru.com - Twitter/Instagram: @donorguru
The Donor Guru
Lynne strongly believes that donor relations is the key to unlocking fundraising success and that organizations must be as dedicated to the donor experience, or DX, as they are to the ask it-self. Sometimes referred to as the Olivia Pope of fundraising, Lynne helps organizations when they need it the most – when crisis or opportunity arrive.
Lynne and her teammates at the Donor Relations Guru Group partner with nonprofits large and small on a variety of initiatives from developing sound strategy and vision to utilizing technology and creating meaningful donor engagement - all designed to positively affect the fundraising bot-tom line. Her guidance has led her clients to be recognized on the national stage for fundraising innovation, creative communication, and groundbreaking donor relations work.
web: donorrelationsguru.com - Twitter/Instagram: @donorguru
Josh Hirsch, MS, SMS
Social Marketing Content Manager, Susan G. Komen
Josh Hirsch is the Social Content Marketing Manager for Susan G. Komen. He has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2006 with a focus on educational philanthropy for both public charter and independent private schools. He has an extensive background in social media, digital communications, and marketing along with experience in grant research and writing, individual giving, special event planning, stewardship, and cultivation of donors. He is the Membership Chair
for the Association of Fundraising Professionals First Coast Chapter and Past-President of the Palm Beach County Chapter. Josh is also a member of the AFPeeps, the social media vanguard for the AFP International Conference and other AFP initiatives. He has spoken nationally on digital communications and has had numerous articles published in professional
journals. Josh received a Master of Science in Family, Youth and Community Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Florida. He has a Certificate in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy from Bay Path University.
LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch - Twitter: @The_Dude_NFT - Instagram: @jah07
Social Marketing Content Manager, Susan G. Komen
Josh Hirsch is the Social Content Marketing Manager for Susan G. Komen. He has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2006 with a focus on educational philanthropy for both public charter and independent private schools. He has an extensive background in social media, digital communications, and marketing along with experience in grant research and writing, individual giving, special event planning, stewardship, and cultivation of donors. He is the Membership Chair
for the Association of Fundraising Professionals First Coast Chapter and Past-President of the Palm Beach County Chapter. Josh is also a member of the AFPeeps, the social media vanguard for the AFP International Conference and other AFP initiatives. He has spoken nationally on digital communications and has had numerous articles published in professional
journals. Josh received a Master of Science in Family, Youth and Community Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Florida. He has a Certificate in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy from Bay Path University.
LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch - Twitter: @The_Dude_NFT - Instagram: @jah07
Presentation and Workshop Speakers
Laura Alexander, MA, CFRE
Principal, Alexander|Carrillo Consulting
Consultant, Executive Director, Development Director, Program Director, Board member and volunteer. You name it and, over a 22-year career, Laura has worked in just about every non-profit capacity. That experience—and the unique perspective that comes with it—is the cornerstone of her consulting practice. Laura’s clients know that she gets where they’re coming from—their strategic challenges, organizational issues and development goals—and is dedicated to their success. She asks the important questions, and listens well, to give her clients the best advice, determine the best strategies, and find the best solutions.
web: do-good-better.com - Twitter: @dogoodbetterAC
Principal, Alexander|Carrillo Consulting
Consultant, Executive Director, Development Director, Program Director, Board member and volunteer. You name it and, over a 22-year career, Laura has worked in just about every non-profit capacity. That experience—and the unique perspective that comes with it—is the cornerstone of her consulting practice. Laura’s clients know that she gets where they’re coming from—their strategic challenges, organizational issues and development goals—and is dedicated to their success. She asks the important questions, and listens well, to give her clients the best advice, determine the best strategies, and find the best solutions.
web: do-good-better.com - Twitter: @dogoodbetterAC
Jim Anderson, CFRE
Partner, GoalBusters Consulting
Our 2022 AFP Arizona State Conference Chair, Jim Anderson is a "contingency strategist." He evaluates "the now" with attention to existing conditions, potential organizational risks and a determination to charting a path to success. Tactically, he specializes in marketing and branding strategy, crisis communications, social media relevance, DIY multimedia production, direct sales and sponsorship training programs. He's been accused of "printing money" but that's an exaggeration.
Jim frequently supports public media pledge drives with passionate, entertaining and effective on-air appeals coast to coast. Jim is the VP of Education for the AFP Northern Arizona Chapter. He has served as AFP NAZ chapter President three times and has served on the AFP International Communications and Marketing Committee, the Committee on Directorship. He is an AFP Faculty Training Academy graduate. Jim was honored as the 2010 Association of Fundraising Professionals Northern Arizona Fundraising Professional of the Year. Jim speaks Spanish, is an avid photographer, and is a Google verified local guide with more than 95,000,000 views of his 360° photos on Google Maps.
web: goalbusters.net - Twitter/Instagram: @goalbustersjim @goalbusters
Partner, GoalBusters Consulting
Our 2022 AFP Arizona State Conference Chair, Jim Anderson is a "contingency strategist." He evaluates "the now" with attention to existing conditions, potential organizational risks and a determination to charting a path to success. Tactically, he specializes in marketing and branding strategy, crisis communications, social media relevance, DIY multimedia production, direct sales and sponsorship training programs. He's been accused of "printing money" but that's an exaggeration.
Jim frequently supports public media pledge drives with passionate, entertaining and effective on-air appeals coast to coast. Jim is the VP of Education for the AFP Northern Arizona Chapter. He has served as AFP NAZ chapter President three times and has served on the AFP International Communications and Marketing Committee, the Committee on Directorship. He is an AFP Faculty Training Academy graduate. Jim was honored as the 2010 Association of Fundraising Professionals Northern Arizona Fundraising Professional of the Year. Jim speaks Spanish, is an avid photographer, and is a Google verified local guide with more than 95,000,000 views of his 360° photos on Google Maps.
web: goalbusters.net - Twitter/Instagram: @goalbustersjim @goalbusters
Lana Baldwin, CFRE
Consultant, Alexander|Carrillo Consulting
An experienced nonprofit administrator and fundraising professional with a 20+ year career in the Tucson community, Lana has truly done it all when it comes to the behind-the-scenes work that builds successful nonprofits. Clients will say they appreciate her big-picture thinking, and her ability to zero in on the details and get to the root causes of any challenge. Her expertise spans fundraising, marketing and communications, strategic planning, organizational development, nonprofit mergers and acquisitions, program development, and more. She has a first-hand understanding of the challenges, realities, and rewards of nonprofit work, and helps organizations navigate them and meet their goals with compassion, humor, and a commitment to excellence.
Lana is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a Six Sigma Global Institute (SSGI) Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, giving her a high level of understanding of the principles of lean management and quality control that can help organizations more effectively carry out their missions. Lana serves on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Southern Arizona Chapter, and as Co-Chair of its National Philanthropy Day committee in 2021 and 2022. She received the Outstanding Fundraising Executive award from AFP in 2020. In her work and life, she is deeply committed to the pursuit of equity and inclusion.
web: do-good-better.com
Consultant, Alexander|Carrillo Consulting
An experienced nonprofit administrator and fundraising professional with a 20+ year career in the Tucson community, Lana has truly done it all when it comes to the behind-the-scenes work that builds successful nonprofits. Clients will say they appreciate her big-picture thinking, and her ability to zero in on the details and get to the root causes of any challenge. Her expertise spans fundraising, marketing and communications, strategic planning, organizational development, nonprofit mergers and acquisitions, program development, and more. She has a first-hand understanding of the challenges, realities, and rewards of nonprofit work, and helps organizations navigate them and meet their goals with compassion, humor, and a commitment to excellence.
Lana is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a Six Sigma Global Institute (SSGI) Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, giving her a high level of understanding of the principles of lean management and quality control that can help organizations more effectively carry out their missions. Lana serves on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Southern Arizona Chapter, and as Co-Chair of its National Philanthropy Day committee in 2021 and 2022. She received the Outstanding Fundraising Executive award from AFP in 2020. In her work and life, she is deeply committed to the pursuit of equity and inclusion.
web: do-good-better.com
Chad Barger, CFRE
Founder, Productive Fundraising
Chad specializes in teaching the latest research-based fundraising tactics and making them approachable for small, community-based nonprofit organizations. He is the host of a popular free monthly webinar series and a bit of a personal productivity nerd and loves to share tips to help busy professionals work more efficiently and effectively. On his website, productivefundraising.com, Chad curates top notch fundraising toolkits designed to fast track implementation of fundraising best practices. He is a highly rated nonprofit fundraising speaker, master trainer and coach. Chad and the lovely Mrs. Barger are busy raising two tween boys in "the sweetest place on earth," Hershey, PA. He's an adventurous eater, avid hiker, trail maintainer, scout leader, world traveler and arts lover.
web: productivefundraising.com - Twitter/Instagram: @fundraiserchad
Founder, Productive Fundraising
Chad specializes in teaching the latest research-based fundraising tactics and making them approachable for small, community-based nonprofit organizations. He is the host of a popular free monthly webinar series and a bit of a personal productivity nerd and loves to share tips to help busy professionals work more efficiently and effectively. On his website, productivefundraising.com, Chad curates top notch fundraising toolkits designed to fast track implementation of fundraising best practices. He is a highly rated nonprofit fundraising speaker, master trainer and coach. Chad and the lovely Mrs. Barger are busy raising two tween boys in "the sweetest place on earth," Hershey, PA. He's an adventurous eater, avid hiker, trail maintainer, scout leader, world traveler and arts lover.
web: productivefundraising.com - Twitter/Instagram: @fundraiserchad
T. Clay Buck, MFA, CFRE
Founder, TCB Fundraising
Clay is a thirty-year fundraising veteran and has served in leadership fundraising roles at several nonprofits across the country and as a senior consultant with prominent national development consulting firms. He has experience in all aspects of fundraising with particular expertise in individual giving, strategic planning, copywriting and content development, and building the systems and infrastructure that support high level results. He is the Founder of TCB Fundraising, an individual giving and fundraising communications consultancy based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also the Lead Fundraising Coach for iWave, helping to bring fundraising intelligence to all levels of philanthropy.
Clay has held the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2010, is an AFP Master Trainer, and completed the Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology, With Distinction, from the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy. He makes his home in Las Vegas, NV and teaches fundraising and strategic planning at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
web: tcbfundraising.com - Twitter/Instagram: @tclaybuck
Founder, TCB Fundraising
Clay is a thirty-year fundraising veteran and has served in leadership fundraising roles at several nonprofits across the country and as a senior consultant with prominent national development consulting firms. He has experience in all aspects of fundraising with particular expertise in individual giving, strategic planning, copywriting and content development, and building the systems and infrastructure that support high level results. He is the Founder of TCB Fundraising, an individual giving and fundraising communications consultancy based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also the Lead Fundraising Coach for iWave, helping to bring fundraising intelligence to all levels of philanthropy.
Clay has held the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2010, is an AFP Master Trainer, and completed the Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology, With Distinction, from the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy. He makes his home in Las Vegas, NV and teaches fundraising and strategic planning at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
web: tcbfundraising.com - Twitter/Instagram: @tclaybuck
Alice Ferris, ACFRE, CFRE, MBA
Founder/Chief Inspiration Officer, GoalBusters Consulting
Alice L. Ferris, MBA, CFRE, ACFRE, is founder of GoalBusters, helping small to midsize organizations in outsourced fundraising, planning and training. Alice has more than 25 years experience in public media, rural healthcare, education, and science organizations, among others. Alice thrives in finding creative solutions for the challenges of small organizations, as well as teaching and training about practical and realistic tactics. She was the 90th professional to receive the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE) credential, and serves on the boards of the ACFRE program, CFRE International, and the Bolz Center for Arts Administration at the Wisconsin School of Business.
web: goalbusters.net - Twitter/Instagram: @aliceferris @goalbusters
Founder/Chief Inspiration Officer, GoalBusters Consulting
Alice L. Ferris, MBA, CFRE, ACFRE, is founder of GoalBusters, helping small to midsize organizations in outsourced fundraising, planning and training. Alice has more than 25 years experience in public media, rural healthcare, education, and science organizations, among others. Alice thrives in finding creative solutions for the challenges of small organizations, as well as teaching and training about practical and realistic tactics. She was the 90th professional to receive the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE) credential, and serves on the boards of the ACFRE program, CFRE International, and the Bolz Center for Arts Administration at the Wisconsin School of Business.
web: goalbusters.net - Twitter/Instagram: @aliceferris @goalbusters
Kenichi (Ken) Maruyama, PhD, MPA, GPC
Strategic Initiatives Manager at Navajo County
Dr. Maruyama has over 20 years of grant development and management experience in municipal government and higher education administration. He has contributed to community building, social equity, student success, and workforce development. He has a proven record in budget development, community partnership, data analysis, grant planning/writing, project management, program evaluation, and team building. He has been successful in obtaining 60 grants ($22.3 million). He holds a Ph.D. in education, a master’s degree in public administration, and a grant professional certification.
LinkedIn: Kenicji (Ken) Maruyama
Strategic Initiatives Manager at Navajo County
Dr. Maruyama has over 20 years of grant development and management experience in municipal government and higher education administration. He has contributed to community building, social equity, student success, and workforce development. He has a proven record in budget development, community partnership, data analysis, grant planning/writing, project management, program evaluation, and team building. He has been successful in obtaining 60 grants ($22.3 million). He holds a Ph.D. in education, a master’s degree in public administration, and a grant professional certification.
LinkedIn: Kenicji (Ken) Maruyama
Joshua Meyer
Vice President of Demand Generation, Bloomerang
Josh brings more than 20 years of fundraising, volunteer management, and marketing experience to his current role as the VP, Demand Generation for Bloomerang. Currently, as a member of the Bloomerang marketing team, Josh manages all organization’s growth marketing efforts. Through his previous roles at the Human Rights Campaign and OneCause, he has a passion for helping to create positive change and helping nonprofits engage new donors and achieve their fundraising goals.
web: bloomerang.co Instagram: @bloomerangtech YouTube: Bloomerang
Vice President of Demand Generation, Bloomerang
Josh brings more than 20 years of fundraising, volunteer management, and marketing experience to his current role as the VP, Demand Generation for Bloomerang. Currently, as a member of the Bloomerang marketing team, Josh manages all organization’s growth marketing efforts. Through his previous roles at the Human Rights Campaign and OneCause, he has a passion for helping to create positive change and helping nonprofits engage new donors and achieve their fundraising goals.
web: bloomerang.co Instagram: @bloomerangtech YouTube: Bloomerang
Tamara Player, LCSW
CEO, Polara Health
Tamara received her master’s degree in social work from the University of New England and a BA in Psychology from the University of Maine. Her career in mental health spans over 30 years in four different states. She served as Chief Operations Officer for community mental health agencies in Maine and Colorado and prior to joining Polara Health, was the CEO of a community based behavioral health provider in Northern California. As a native from Maine, Tamara began her career as a direct care provider in an adult residential facility and then quickly transitioned to her clinical passion of providing in-home services to high-risk children and families. With great training, mentoring and coaching, Tamara transitioned from providing clinical services to leadership roles, where she has dedicated over 17 years of her career. Tamara is an Alumni of the Daniel Hanley Center for Health Leadership.
web: polarahealth.com Instagram: @polarahealth YouTube: Polara Mental Health Moments
CEO, Polara Health
Tamara received her master’s degree in social work from the University of New England and a BA in Psychology from the University of Maine. Her career in mental health spans over 30 years in four different states. She served as Chief Operations Officer for community mental health agencies in Maine and Colorado and prior to joining Polara Health, was the CEO of a community based behavioral health provider in Northern California. As a native from Maine, Tamara began her career as a direct care provider in an adult residential facility and then quickly transitioned to her clinical passion of providing in-home services to high-risk children and families. With great training, mentoring and coaching, Tamara transitioned from providing clinical services to leadership roles, where she has dedicated over 17 years of her career. Tamara is an Alumni of the Daniel Hanley Center for Health Leadership.
web: polarahealth.com Instagram: @polarahealth YouTube: Polara Mental Health Moments
Jennifer M. Tersigni, MA, CFRE, CIE, LCC
CEO & Principal Consultant, Raise the Bar Consulting
Jennifer specializing in comprehensive fundraising, organizational development, interim executive, and transitional leadership solutions. She has raised more than $110 million and assisted more than seventy organizations to stabilize, grow and flourish.
A recipient of Tucson’s 40 Under 40 and a Rotary International GSE alumnus, Jennifer is a certified Professional Interim Executive and has held the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential continuously since 2008. Committed to lifelong learning and exploration, Jennifer is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association of Nonprofit Specialists, and the Third Sector, and serves on the faculty of the Arizona State University Lodestar Center for Nonprofit Innovation. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and a master’s degree from the University of Arizona.
web: raisethebarllc.com - LinkedIn: Jennifer M. Tersigni - Twitter: @RTBsuccess
CEO & Principal Consultant, Raise the Bar Consulting
Jennifer specializing in comprehensive fundraising, organizational development, interim executive, and transitional leadership solutions. She has raised more than $110 million and assisted more than seventy organizations to stabilize, grow and flourish.
A recipient of Tucson’s 40 Under 40 and a Rotary International GSE alumnus, Jennifer is a certified Professional Interim Executive and has held the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential continuously since 2008. Committed to lifelong learning and exploration, Jennifer is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association of Nonprofit Specialists, and the Third Sector, and serves on the faculty of the Arizona State University Lodestar Center for Nonprofit Innovation. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and a master’s degree from the University of Arizona.
web: raisethebarllc.com - LinkedIn: Jennifer M. Tersigni - Twitter: @RTBsuccess
Dave Tinker, MPA, MISST, CFRE, FAFP
Vice President of Advancement, Achieva and Consultant, Goalbusters
Dave has more than thirty years of fundraising, communications, and nonprofit management experience through his executive fundraising and communications positions with nonprofit organizations including Achieva, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, and Pittsburgh Vision Services. He began his nonprofit career in 1990 at Ketchum, Inc., Fundraising Counsel, and specializes in fundraising at smaller nonprofit organizations, implementing marketing and social media campaigns, technology planning and implementation, finding compelling stories for organizational case statements, and making any campaign more effective and engaging. Dave earned his Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2001 and was named by his peers as one of the first six Distinguished Fellows of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (FAFP) in 2017 - the largest association for fundraising professionals in the world.
web: Achieva - LinkedIn: Dave Tinker - Twitter: @davethecfre
Vice President of Advancement, Achieva and Consultant, Goalbusters
Dave has more than thirty years of fundraising, communications, and nonprofit management experience through his executive fundraising and communications positions with nonprofit organizations including Achieva, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, and Pittsburgh Vision Services. He began his nonprofit career in 1990 at Ketchum, Inc., Fundraising Counsel, and specializes in fundraising at smaller nonprofit organizations, implementing marketing and social media campaigns, technology planning and implementation, finding compelling stories for organizational case statements, and making any campaign more effective and engaging. Dave earned his Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2001 and was named by his peers as one of the first six Distinguished Fellows of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (FAFP) in 2017 - the largest association for fundraising professionals in the world.
web: Achieva - LinkedIn: Dave Tinker - Twitter: @davethecfre