2015 Conference Speakers
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (In alpha order by last name)
Donna M. Bandelloni, Director of Gift Planning, California Pacific Medical Center Foundation
Donna M. Bandelloni joined the California Pacific Medical Center Foundation in San Francisco as Director of Gift Planning in November 2013. California Pacific Medical Center is one of the largest private, not-for-profit, academic medical centers in California and is a Sutter Health affiliate. There she will lead the effort in creating legacies of support by working with donors and the professional advisor community. Prior to this role Donna spent almost the last seven years at Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health. There she fundraised for the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and the Department of Pediatrics at the Stanford University School of Medicine. As Director, she led the Gift Planning program, creating hundreds of legacy gifts through her work with donors and their advisors. For over 20 years Donna has worked with planned giving programs from both sides of the fence: for profit and not for profit. She has worked with high net worth individuals and the philanthropies they support throughout the Bay Area. Prior to joining Packard, Donna was a Vice President and Senior Philanthropic Consultant for Mellon Bank, covering the Western United States for Institutional Trust and Investment Management Services supporting planned giving programs. From 2000-2002 She was the Director of Advisory Services for the San Francisco Foundation where she worked with professional advisors and their clients to foster philanthropic giving for the Community Foundation. Prior to this Ms. Bandelloni was recruited to help build philanthropic programs and services nationally with Merrill Lynch’s Trust Company in Princeton, NJ. As Senior Philanthropic Consultant for Merrill Lynch, Donna worked with Wealth Advisors and their clients to identify and implement a variety of philanthropic strategies to achieve their financial and charitable giving goals. In addition she worked with hundreds of nonprofit clients to establish and grow planned giving programs. Upon relocating from the East Coast in 1989, Donna joined Wells Fargo Bank as a Vice President and served in the Savings and Investment Group as a Retirement Specialist, as well as the Charitable Management Group where she offered investment management and trust services for planned giving programs to nonprofit clients statewide.
Donna M. Bandelloni joined the California Pacific Medical Center Foundation in San Francisco as Director of Gift Planning in November 2013. California Pacific Medical Center is one of the largest private, not-for-profit, academic medical centers in California and is a Sutter Health affiliate. There she will lead the effort in creating legacies of support by working with donors and the professional advisor community. Prior to this role Donna spent almost the last seven years at Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health. There she fundraised for the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and the Department of Pediatrics at the Stanford University School of Medicine. As Director, she led the Gift Planning program, creating hundreds of legacy gifts through her work with donors and their advisors. For over 20 years Donna has worked with planned giving programs from both sides of the fence: for profit and not for profit. She has worked with high net worth individuals and the philanthropies they support throughout the Bay Area. Prior to joining Packard, Donna was a Vice President and Senior Philanthropic Consultant for Mellon Bank, covering the Western United States for Institutional Trust and Investment Management Services supporting planned giving programs. From 2000-2002 She was the Director of Advisory Services for the San Francisco Foundation where she worked with professional advisors and their clients to foster philanthropic giving for the Community Foundation. Prior to this Ms. Bandelloni was recruited to help build philanthropic programs and services nationally with Merrill Lynch’s Trust Company in Princeton, NJ. As Senior Philanthropic Consultant for Merrill Lynch, Donna worked with Wealth Advisors and their clients to identify and implement a variety of philanthropic strategies to achieve their financial and charitable giving goals. In addition she worked with hundreds of nonprofit clients to establish and grow planned giving programs. Upon relocating from the East Coast in 1989, Donna joined Wells Fargo Bank as a Vice President and served in the Savings and Investment Group as a Retirement Specialist, as well as the Charitable Management Group where she offered investment management and trust services for planned giving programs to nonprofit clients statewide.
Aviva Shiff Boedecker, JD, Senior Consultant, Sharpe Group
Aviva Shiff Boedecker is a Senior Consultant with The Sharpe Group. In her 30 years as a gift planner she has served as Director of Gift Planning for the Marin Community Foundation, Director of Planned Giving at the University of California, Berkeley, and started San Francisco Ballet’s planned giving program. She was previously in the private practice of law. Aviva is a past President and, after a ten-year break, again a board member of the Northern California Planned Giving Council, has served on the board of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, and is a past President of the Marin County Estate Planning Council. She has been a member of Planned Giving Today’s Editorial Advisory Board, writes for many planned giving publications, and is a frequent lecturer on planned giving. Aviva has been involved with a variety of other non-profit and community organizations, and is a Big Sister for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. She is an alumna of the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and a member of the California Bar.
Aviva Shiff Boedecker is a Senior Consultant with The Sharpe Group. In her 30 years as a gift planner she has served as Director of Gift Planning for the Marin Community Foundation, Director of Planned Giving at the University of California, Berkeley, and started San Francisco Ballet’s planned giving program. She was previously in the private practice of law. Aviva is a past President and, after a ten-year break, again a board member of the Northern California Planned Giving Council, has served on the board of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, and is a past President of the Marin County Estate Planning Council. She has been a member of Planned Giving Today’s Editorial Advisory Board, writes for many planned giving publications, and is a frequent lecturer on planned giving. Aviva has been involved with a variety of other non-profit and community organizations, and is a Big Sister for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. She is an alumna of the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and a member of the California Bar.
Mical Brenzel, Member, Member, Gift Planning Committee, San Francisco Symphony
Mical Atz Brenzel serves on the San Francisco Symphony’s Board of Governors-appointed Gift Planning Committee, as well as the Symphony’s Youth Orchestra Committee. She is also the President of the Mid-Peninsula League of the San Francisco Symphony, one of nine volunteer leagues operating under the auspices of the Symphony’s Volunteer Council. Mical serves on the boards of several other organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is Chairman of the Board of $1.8 billion Technology Credit Union in San Jose, CA and has served on the credit union’s board since 1989. She is the Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair of Peninsula Volunteers, Inc., a $4 million nonprofit that serves over 3500 seniors and disabled adults in San Mateo County, CA. Four eight years she has had a leadership position in the Women’s Club of Saint Francis High School, and served for seven years as the Treasurer of Ragazzi Boys Chorus. Before retiring in 2006, Mical had a 30 year career in corporate treasury and finance, working in both the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City.
Mical Atz Brenzel serves on the San Francisco Symphony’s Board of Governors-appointed Gift Planning Committee, as well as the Symphony’s Youth Orchestra Committee. She is also the President of the Mid-Peninsula League of the San Francisco Symphony, one of nine volunteer leagues operating under the auspices of the Symphony’s Volunteer Council. Mical serves on the boards of several other organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is Chairman of the Board of $1.8 billion Technology Credit Union in San Jose, CA and has served on the credit union’s board since 1989. She is the Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair of Peninsula Volunteers, Inc., a $4 million nonprofit that serves over 3500 seniors and disabled adults in San Mateo County, CA. Four eight years she has had a leadership position in the Women’s Club of Saint Francis High School, and served for seven years as the Treasurer of Ragazzi Boys Chorus. Before retiring in 2006, Mical had a 30 year career in corporate treasury and finance, working in both the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City.
Matthew E. Brady, Sr. Director of Planning, Wells Fargo Private Bank
Matt joined Wells Fargo in 2013 to lead the wealth planning team in California. Matt began his career at the New York City law firm of Donovan Leisure Newton & Irvine, where he was a partner in the tax department. He became a partner at Coopers & Lybrand in San Francisco, and then a principal at Banc of America Securities, where he worked closely with investment bankers and financial advisors on business transactions and personal wealth issues arising from wealth creation events. Matt also led the family office group at Robertson Stephens, which offered integrated wealth management and investment consultation to high net worth families. Subsequently Matt led the national wealth advisory team at Lehman Brothers and Barclays Capital, and was a member of the board of directors of the Lehman Brothers Trust Company. Immediately before joining Wells Fargo Matt was a managing director at Deutsche Bank, working with high net worth families on wealth management and structuring matters. He has published a number of articles, including “Estate Planning for Venture Capital Managers,” “Build America Bonds”, and “Addressing Personal Wealth Considerations in an IPO.”
J.D., Stanford Law School
Note editor, Stanford Law Review
A.B. (Politics), Princeton University (cum laude)
Member, New York State Bar Association
Matt joined Wells Fargo in 2013 to lead the wealth planning team in California. Matt began his career at the New York City law firm of Donovan Leisure Newton & Irvine, where he was a partner in the tax department. He became a partner at Coopers & Lybrand in San Francisco, and then a principal at Banc of America Securities, where he worked closely with investment bankers and financial advisors on business transactions and personal wealth issues arising from wealth creation events. Matt also led the family office group at Robertson Stephens, which offered integrated wealth management and investment consultation to high net worth families. Subsequently Matt led the national wealth advisory team at Lehman Brothers and Barclays Capital, and was a member of the board of directors of the Lehman Brothers Trust Company. Immediately before joining Wells Fargo Matt was a managing director at Deutsche Bank, working with high net worth families on wealth management and structuring matters. He has published a number of articles, including “Estate Planning for Venture Capital Managers,” “Build America Bonds”, and “Addressing Personal Wealth Considerations in an IPO.”
J.D., Stanford Law School
Note editor, Stanford Law Review
A.B. (Politics), Princeton University (cum laude)
Member, New York State Bar Association
Jill S. Dodd, Esq., Partner, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
Ms. Dodd chairs the firm’s Family Wealth Transfer Planning and Trust & Estate Administration practice, focusing on gift, estate and philanthropic planning for very-high-net-worth individuals and families. She also chairs the firm’s Not-for-Profit Organizations practice. Ms. Dodd counsels very-high-net-worth individuals in all aspects of gift, estate and philanthropic planning. She has extensive experience designing and implementing a variety of sophisticated structures, including family limited partnerships, grantor retained annuity trusts, insurance trusts, defective grantor trusts, qualified personal residence trusts, charitable lead trusts and charitable remainder trusts, all designed to transfer assets to heirs and to charities in a tax-efficient manner that respects the values of the families. Ms. Dodd routinely represents individuals in gift and estate tax audits before the IRS. She also counsels clients on all aspects of trust administration. In her Not-for-Profit practice, Ms. Dodd acts as outside general counsel to charitable organizations of all types, including community foundations large and small; operating charities, such as museums and schools; and private family foundations. She has extensive experience in all aspects of a charity’s activities, including structuring start-ups and obtaining exemptions; advising on compliance issues with respect to local, state and federal law; advising on governance issues, including conflict of interest and fiduciary duties; and working with charities to structure subsidiaries and joint ventures. She has successfully represented charities in audits before the California Attorney General and the IRS.
Ms. Dodd chairs the firm’s Family Wealth Transfer Planning and Trust & Estate Administration practice, focusing on gift, estate and philanthropic planning for very-high-net-worth individuals and families. She also chairs the firm’s Not-for-Profit Organizations practice. Ms. Dodd counsels very-high-net-worth individuals in all aspects of gift, estate and philanthropic planning. She has extensive experience designing and implementing a variety of sophisticated structures, including family limited partnerships, grantor retained annuity trusts, insurance trusts, defective grantor trusts, qualified personal residence trusts, charitable lead trusts and charitable remainder trusts, all designed to transfer assets to heirs and to charities in a tax-efficient manner that respects the values of the families. Ms. Dodd routinely represents individuals in gift and estate tax audits before the IRS. She also counsels clients on all aspects of trust administration. In her Not-for-Profit practice, Ms. Dodd acts as outside general counsel to charitable organizations of all types, including community foundations large and small; operating charities, such as museums and schools; and private family foundations. She has extensive experience in all aspects of a charity’s activities, including structuring start-ups and obtaining exemptions; advising on compliance issues with respect to local, state and federal law; advising on governance issues, including conflict of interest and fiduciary duties; and working with charities to structure subsidiaries and joint ventures. She has successfully represented charities in audits before the California Attorney General and the IRS.
Erik Dryburgh, Esq., Attorney, Adler & Colvin
Erik Dryburgh is a principal in the law firm of Adler & Colvin, a law firm specializing in representing nonprofit organizations and their donors. He has an undergraduate business degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and earned his J.D. at the University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (inactive). Erik’s areas of expertise include charitable gift planning, endowments, and not-for-profit organizations. Erik has authored the chapter “Charitable Remainder Trusts,” in California Estate Planning, Continuing Education of the Bar (2002) and published numerous articles on charitable gift planning. Erik is a past Board member of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning (formerly NCPG), the San Francisco Estate Planning Council, and the Northern California Planned Giving Council. He is the Chair of the Charitable Planning and Exempt Organizations Committee of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), and a member of the American Bar Association’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Section. Erik received the 2005 Phil Hoffmire Service Award from the Northern California Planned Giving Council.
Erik Dryburgh is a principal in the law firm of Adler & Colvin, a law firm specializing in representing nonprofit organizations and their donors. He has an undergraduate business degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and earned his J.D. at the University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (inactive). Erik’s areas of expertise include charitable gift planning, endowments, and not-for-profit organizations. Erik has authored the chapter “Charitable Remainder Trusts,” in California Estate Planning, Continuing Education of the Bar (2002) and published numerous articles on charitable gift planning. Erik is a past Board member of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning (formerly NCPG), the San Francisco Estate Planning Council, and the Northern California Planned Giving Council. He is the Chair of the Charitable Planning and Exempt Organizations Committee of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), and a member of the American Bar Association’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Section. Erik received the 2005 Phil Hoffmire Service Award from the Northern California Planned Giving Council.
Daniel Figueredo, CPA, CGMA, Assurance Partner, Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc.
Daniel is chair of BPM’s Nonprofit Services Group and is also a leader in the Financial Services Group, providing clients with a unique combination of experience. He serves many types of nonprofits, including organizations in the social service, private foundation, community foundation, arts and culture, advocacy/political, trade association, private school, higher education, religious, and international sectors. He works extensively with complex contributions and financing transactions, split-interest agreements, OMB Circular A-133, tax-exempt debt, expense allocations, alternative investments, UPMIFA and endowments. Daniel coordinates BPM’s services to nonprofit organizations, BPM’s Nonprofit Education Series, and BPM nonprofit conferences. A frequent speaker, Daniel is also a visiting lecturer at the University of San Francisco’s McLaren College of Business, presents for the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA), BPM’s Nonprofit Education Series and conferences, and other industry associations.
Daniel is chair of BPM’s Nonprofit Services Group and is also a leader in the Financial Services Group, providing clients with a unique combination of experience. He serves many types of nonprofits, including organizations in the social service, private foundation, community foundation, arts and culture, advocacy/political, trade association, private school, higher education, religious, and international sectors. He works extensively with complex contributions and financing transactions, split-interest agreements, OMB Circular A-133, tax-exempt debt, expense allocations, alternative investments, UPMIFA and endowments. Daniel coordinates BPM’s services to nonprofit organizations, BPM’s Nonprofit Education Series, and BPM nonprofit conferences. A frequent speaker, Daniel is also a visiting lecturer at the University of San Francisco’s McLaren College of Business, presents for the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA), BPM’s Nonprofit Education Series and conferences, and other industry associations.
Michael Helms, CPA, Partner, Helms & Associates, CPAs LLP
I have over 35 years' experience as a CPA. After graduating from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, I served as an officer aboard an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War. I then obtained a master's degree in accounting from PSU, a master's in taxation from Golden Gate University and a paralegal certificate from Weidner College. After spending over 12 years with larger accounting firms, I started my own boutique firm in San Francisco's financial district. Now, more than 27 years later, I am still fully engaged in the firm. As part of my practice, I have advised many clients about charitable giving during lifetime, and have helped administer numerous estate plans, which have included significant charitable gifts. Collectively, I have been involved with charitable gifts totaling in excess of $500 million. I have significant volunteer fundraising experience. I have served more than 20 years on an advisory committee for a planned giving program, and about 10 years on another similar committee. I also chair the development committee for two different nonprofits. In addition, I have served as an outside advisor for a San Francisco Foundation fund for over 15 years as well as a director of four foundations. I also recently led a working group looking into whether a nonprofit organization should offer their own charitable gift annuities, or use an outside provider.
I have over 35 years' experience as a CPA. After graduating from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, I served as an officer aboard an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War. I then obtained a master's degree in accounting from PSU, a master's in taxation from Golden Gate University and a paralegal certificate from Weidner College. After spending over 12 years with larger accounting firms, I started my own boutique firm in San Francisco's financial district. Now, more than 27 years later, I am still fully engaged in the firm. As part of my practice, I have advised many clients about charitable giving during lifetime, and have helped administer numerous estate plans, which have included significant charitable gifts. Collectively, I have been involved with charitable gifts totaling in excess of $500 million. I have significant volunteer fundraising experience. I have served more than 20 years on an advisory committee for a planned giving program, and about 10 years on another similar committee. I also chair the development committee for two different nonprofits. In addition, I have served as an outside advisor for a San Francisco Foundation fund for over 15 years as well as a director of four foundations. I also recently led a working group looking into whether a nonprofit organization should offer their own charitable gift annuities, or use an outside provider.
Michael B. Hobson, Esq., Partner, Hobson & Hobson, Attorneys at Law
Mike received his Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1995, and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1992. Mike started his career as an associate Tax and Estate Attorney practicing with his father, Robert Hobson. For two years, Mike practiced with his father primarily in the areas of taxation, planned giving, probate, and estates and trusts. In 1997 Mike joined Ernst & Young’s Private Client Service Practice. Mike specialized in wealth transfer planning, planned giving and tax planning for individuals, estates and trusts. He primarily focused on advising high-net-worth individuals in connection with wealth transfer planning, income tax planning, structuring of charitable gifts, and planned giving associated with private foundations and charitable remainder trusts. Mike advised U.S. Citizens, resident aliens, and non-resident aliens, with both onshore and offshore concerns. His clients included exempt entities organized within the United States. Mike acted as National Segment Leader for the Private Client Service portion of Ernst & Young’s Online Tax Advisor. Mike led Ernst & Young’s Gift and Estate Tax Network in the Pacific Northwest. Mike also contributed to the Ernst and Young Tax Guide for several years as an author and as an editor. Mike rejoined his father as a partner of Hobson & Hobson in February of 2006 with a continued focus on estate planning, planned giving, trust and estate administration, and income tax planning for individuals, estates and trusts. Mike is a member of the California Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the San Francisco Estate Planning Council, the Northern California Planned Giving Council, and the National Committee on Planned Giving. He has been designated a Certified Specialist in Trusts and Estates by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He frequently speaks on various areas of tax and estate planning.
Mike received his Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1995, and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1992. Mike started his career as an associate Tax and Estate Attorney practicing with his father, Robert Hobson. For two years, Mike practiced with his father primarily in the areas of taxation, planned giving, probate, and estates and trusts. In 1997 Mike joined Ernst & Young’s Private Client Service Practice. Mike specialized in wealth transfer planning, planned giving and tax planning for individuals, estates and trusts. He primarily focused on advising high-net-worth individuals in connection with wealth transfer planning, income tax planning, structuring of charitable gifts, and planned giving associated with private foundations and charitable remainder trusts. Mike advised U.S. Citizens, resident aliens, and non-resident aliens, with both onshore and offshore concerns. His clients included exempt entities organized within the United States. Mike acted as National Segment Leader for the Private Client Service portion of Ernst & Young’s Online Tax Advisor. Mike led Ernst & Young’s Gift and Estate Tax Network in the Pacific Northwest. Mike also contributed to the Ernst and Young Tax Guide for several years as an author and as an editor. Mike rejoined his father as a partner of Hobson & Hobson in February of 2006 with a continued focus on estate planning, planned giving, trust and estate administration, and income tax planning for individuals, estates and trusts. Mike is a member of the California Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the San Francisco Estate Planning Council, the Northern California Planned Giving Council, and the National Committee on Planned Giving. He has been designated a Certified Specialist in Trusts and Estates by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He frequently speaks on various areas of tax and estate planning.
Robert Hobson, Esq., Partner, Hobson & Hobson, Attorneys at Law
Robert L. Hobson graduated from Wabash College and, after serving in the US Navy as a commissioned officer, received his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. He has been admitted to the practice of law in California since 1964 and is also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Bob was Vice President and National Director of the Endowment and Charitable Trust Services Group at Bank of America where he created the Bank’s Pooled Income Fund administration, which became an industry leading service. Bob left Bank of America in early 1986 to concentrate on providing independent administration services for charitable remainder trusts and Pooled Income Funds He was formerly a Tax Attorney with the Internal Revenue Service, General Council for an investment advisory firm and a special consultant to a national fund raising consulting firm. Bob presently devotes his law practice to tax and estate planning for individuals, particularly as it relates to charitable trusts. He also works with many charitable organizations in providing trust administration for their charitable trusts and Pooled Income Funds. Other aspects of his practice include planning for Wills, revocable living trusts and probate. He has become a popular speaker on these topics, both locally and nationally. Bob was the President of the Endowment Board of the Methodist Church, a member of the National Advisory Committee of the YMCA and Treasurer of Clausen House, an organization which provides services for developmentally disabled adults. He is currently on the Planned Giving Advisory Board for Wabash College.
Robert L. Hobson graduated from Wabash College and, after serving in the US Navy as a commissioned officer, received his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. He has been admitted to the practice of law in California since 1964 and is also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Bob was Vice President and National Director of the Endowment and Charitable Trust Services Group at Bank of America where he created the Bank’s Pooled Income Fund administration, which became an industry leading service. Bob left Bank of America in early 1986 to concentrate on providing independent administration services for charitable remainder trusts and Pooled Income Funds He was formerly a Tax Attorney with the Internal Revenue Service, General Council for an investment advisory firm and a special consultant to a national fund raising consulting firm. Bob presently devotes his law practice to tax and estate planning for individuals, particularly as it relates to charitable trusts. He also works with many charitable organizations in providing trust administration for their charitable trusts and Pooled Income Funds. Other aspects of his practice include planning for Wills, revocable living trusts and probate. He has become a popular speaker on these topics, both locally and nationally. Bob was the President of the Endowment Board of the Methodist Church, a member of the National Advisory Committee of the YMCA and Treasurer of Clausen House, an organization which provides services for developmentally disabled adults. He is currently on the Planned Giving Advisory Board for Wabash College.
Daniel Hoebeke, JD, Sr. Development & Gift Planning Officer, Jewish Home of San Francisco
After emerging from the world of private legal practice in northwest Indiana, Daniel has devoted the past 30 years of his career to all aspects of charitable giving, and estate and tax planning. His professional background has been diverse, including experience as an administrative trust officer, charitable fundraiser, planning consultant, and personal philanthropy advisor. Although he relishes the frequent opportunities to speak nationally on gift planning topics with a humorous spin, Daniel's greatest joy is witnessing the "light bulb moment" -- when donors realize they can accomplish more than they ever thought possible. The help achieve this, technical legal principles need to be translated into terms that can be understood. In other words, stories and images. Daniel currently serves as the senior development & gift planning officer at the Jewish Home of San Francisco. He lives in San Jose with his patient and sometimes understanding wife, Ellen.
After emerging from the world of private legal practice in northwest Indiana, Daniel has devoted the past 30 years of his career to all aspects of charitable giving, and estate and tax planning. His professional background has been diverse, including experience as an administrative trust officer, charitable fundraiser, planning consultant, and personal philanthropy advisor. Although he relishes the frequent opportunities to speak nationally on gift planning topics with a humorous spin, Daniel's greatest joy is witnessing the "light bulb moment" -- when donors realize they can accomplish more than they ever thought possible. The help achieve this, technical legal principles need to be translated into terms that can be understood. In other words, stories and images. Daniel currently serves as the senior development & gift planning officer at the Jewish Home of San Francisco. He lives in San Jose with his patient and sometimes understanding wife, Ellen.
Jo Hurley, Chair, A.C.T. Prospero Society
Jo S. Hurley is a member of the A.C.T Board of Trustees, the chair of the Prospero Society, and a member of the board's Education and Community Program Committees. She is also an ardent patron of the San Francisco Symphony and a charter member of the advisory board for WP4KU a division of the University of Kansas Endowment Association. Jo also is a volunteer at Lima Center, a daytime shelter for the homeless and others in need in San Francisco.
Jo S. Hurley is a member of the A.C.T Board of Trustees, the chair of the Prospero Society, and a member of the board's Education and Community Program Committees. She is also an ardent patron of the San Francisco Symphony and a charter member of the advisory board for WP4KU a division of the University of Kansas Endowment Association. Jo also is a volunteer at Lima Center, a daytime shelter for the homeless and others in need in San Francisco.
Doug Ismail, Executive Vice President, The California Masonic Foundation
Doug Ismail serves as executive vice president of the California Masonic Foundation, a $30 million public charity that supports programs and scholarships that create educational access opportunities for underresourced youth. He is also the chief philanthropy officer for the Masons of California. His achievements include developing the organization’s first gift annuity program, creating a planned gift recognition society, and restructuring the annual fund. Throughout his tenure, the organization has received more than $250 million in current and planned gifts. Doug’s 30-year career in nonprofit fundraising began in public radio in Cleveland and has included nearly every sector of the business since. He spent three years as a campaign counsel in the late 1990s before moving to San Francisco by way of Eugene, Oregon in 2002. He holds a bachelor’s degree in classical studies from Hiram College in Ohio, as well as a master’s degree in higher educational administration from Ohio State University.
Doug Ismail serves as executive vice president of the California Masonic Foundation, a $30 million public charity that supports programs and scholarships that create educational access opportunities for underresourced youth. He is also the chief philanthropy officer for the Masons of California. His achievements include developing the organization’s first gift annuity program, creating a planned gift recognition society, and restructuring the annual fund. Throughout his tenure, the organization has received more than $250 million in current and planned gifts. Doug’s 30-year career in nonprofit fundraising began in public radio in Cleveland and has included nearly every sector of the business since. He spent three years as a campaign counsel in the late 1990s before moving to San Francisco by way of Eugene, Oregon in 2002. He holds a bachelor’s degree in classical studies from Hiram College in Ohio, as well as a master’s degree in higher educational administration from Ohio State University.
Jim Koshland, San Francisco Jewish Community Federation
Jim Koshland has been a partner at DLA Piper US LLP law firm since 1983, focusing on corporate law matters with extensive experience handling formations of companies and venture capital financings as well as merger and acquisition transactions. He currently sits on the Boards of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, American Jewish World Service, Jewish Senior Living Group, Jewish Vocational Services of San Francisco, the Koshland Foundation, Opportunity Fund, Reboot, San Francisco Jewish Community Federation and the Taube-Koret Campus for Jewish Life and is a Trustee of the UC Berkeley Foundation. Jim got his BA in History from Haverford in 1973 and received his JD from Stanford University in 1978. Jim is married to Dr. Catherine P. Koshland, Professor of Engineering at UC Berkeley who currently is Vice Provost of Academic Planning, Instruction & Facilities.
Jim Koshland has been a partner at DLA Piper US LLP law firm since 1983, focusing on corporate law matters with extensive experience handling formations of companies and venture capital financings as well as merger and acquisition transactions. He currently sits on the Boards of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, American Jewish World Service, Jewish Senior Living Group, Jewish Vocational Services of San Francisco, the Koshland Foundation, Opportunity Fund, Reboot, San Francisco Jewish Community Federation and the Taube-Koret Campus for Jewish Life and is a Trustee of the UC Berkeley Foundation. Jim got his BA in History from Haverford in 1973 and received his JD from Stanford University in 1978. Jim is married to Dr. Catherine P. Koshland, Professor of Engineering at UC Berkeley who currently is Vice Provost of Academic Planning, Instruction & Facilities.
Linda S. Jaffe, JD, CFRE, Director, Gift Planning, Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund
Linda Solow Jaffe, JD, CFRE, earned her undergraduate degree in economics from Bryn Mawr College, JD from UC Hastings, and an MS in Management (with a concentration in non-profit management) from North Carolina State University. During her legal career, she practiced primarily in the areas of healthcare and public interest law. Eventually, finding her volunteer and board service more gratifying than she did her employment, she decided to change careers and become a non-profit development professional. To this day, she maintains inactive status with the State Bar, "just in case," but has yet to be tempted to return to legal practice. Linda has worked in education, environmental and healthcare sectors and now is in the community foundation world as Director of Gift Planning at San Francisco Jewish Community Federation. Her fundraising experience includes annual giving, major gifts, foundations, board governance, and her, specialty, planned giving. She is proud to currently serve as Vice-President of the board of the Northern California Planned Giving Council.
Linda Solow Jaffe, JD, CFRE, earned her undergraduate degree in economics from Bryn Mawr College, JD from UC Hastings, and an MS in Management (with a concentration in non-profit management) from North Carolina State University. During her legal career, she practiced primarily in the areas of healthcare and public interest law. Eventually, finding her volunteer and board service more gratifying than she did her employment, she decided to change careers and become a non-profit development professional. To this day, she maintains inactive status with the State Bar, "just in case," but has yet to be tempted to return to legal practice. Linda has worked in education, environmental and healthcare sectors and now is in the community foundation world as Director of Gift Planning at San Francisco Jewish Community Federation. Her fundraising experience includes annual giving, major gifts, foundations, board governance, and her, specialty, planned giving. She is proud to currently serve as Vice-President of the board of the Northern California Planned Giving Council.
Greg Lassonde, CFRE, Legacy Giving Specialist/Consultant
Greg Lassonde, CFRE, has been working as a legacy giving specialist since 1992. He launched a legacy giving professional services consulting practice in 2007 and has built a diverse client base of more than 50 organizations both nationally, and primarily in the greater Bay Area, from Carmel to Santa Rosa. Greg speaks frequently on the West Coast and around the country on legacy giving. Greg is also a partner with MarketSmart. They have a wide variety of products and services, and use sophisticated internet tracking technologies to help fundraisers focus on legacy and major donors most likely to support their organizations with current and future large gifts. His fund development experience since 1982 covers the full spectrum of programs, executed in a wide variety of nonprofits, from KPFA Radio to the San Francisco Symphony. He is a past board member of the Oakland Zoo Foundation, past board member and officer of the Northern California Planned Giving Council, Silicon Valley Planned Giving Council, Development Executives Roundtable, Association of Fundraising Professionals – Golden Gate Chapter, Development Exchange, and Youth Radio.
Greg Lassonde, CFRE, has been working as a legacy giving specialist since 1992. He launched a legacy giving professional services consulting practice in 2007 and has built a diverse client base of more than 50 organizations both nationally, and primarily in the greater Bay Area, from Carmel to Santa Rosa. Greg speaks frequently on the West Coast and around the country on legacy giving. Greg is also a partner with MarketSmart. They have a wide variety of products and services, and use sophisticated internet tracking technologies to help fundraisers focus on legacy and major donors most likely to support their organizations with current and future large gifts. His fund development experience since 1982 covers the full spectrum of programs, executed in a wide variety of nonprofits, from KPFA Radio to the San Francisco Symphony. He is a past board member of the Oakland Zoo Foundation, past board member and officer of the Northern California Planned Giving Council, Silicon Valley Planned Giving Council, Development Executives Roundtable, Association of Fundraising Professionals – Golden Gate Chapter, Development Exchange, and Youth Radio.
Emily Limon, Director of Communications, Masons of California
As director of communications, Emily Limón oversees the strategic and creative direction of the Masons of California brand and marketing messages across all communication platforms, including online and mobile applications, print, publications, outdoor, and direct mail. Emily began her career in the financial industry, marketing mutual funds and retirement plans to individuals and corporations, through mostly digital channels. After working in the financial industry for seven years, she made the leap to non-profit arts administration, where she was responsible for $22 million annually in ticket sales and marketing for the San Francisco Symphony. Emily has a bachelor’s degree in modern literature from the University of California at Santa Cruz, where she managed the first online arts calendar for the University’s Arts & Lectures program.
As director of communications, Emily Limón oversees the strategic and creative direction of the Masons of California brand and marketing messages across all communication platforms, including online and mobile applications, print, publications, outdoor, and direct mail. Emily began her career in the financial industry, marketing mutual funds and retirement plans to individuals and corporations, through mostly digital channels. After working in the financial industry for seven years, she made the leap to non-profit arts administration, where she was responsible for $22 million annually in ticket sales and marketing for the San Francisco Symphony. Emily has a bachelor’s degree in modern literature from the University of California at Santa Cruz, where she managed the first online arts calendar for the University’s Arts & Lectures program.
Barbara A. Murphy, Esq., Partner, Farella Braun + Martel LLP
Barbara Murphy is chair of Farella Braun + Martel’s Exempt Organization practice and a partner in the Family Wealth Group. She focuses on advising and counseling exempt organizations, major public charities and private foundations on entity formation, business planning, grant strategies, tax planning, governance, applicable agency filings, board disputes, mergers and dissolutions. Ms. Murphy is an experienced trusts and estates attorney where she counsels clients on estate planning, estate and gift taxation, trust and estate administration and compliance review of individual and trust tax returns. Ms. Murphy is active in many professional and charitable organizations. She serves as the President Emeritus of the San Francisco Estate Planning Council, Vice Chair of the California Pacific Medical Center Foundation Planned Giving Committee and a member of the St. Raymond Pastoral Council. Ms. Murphy earned her LL.M. in taxation from Golden Gate University School of Law in 1998, her J.D. from the University of Southern California, Gould School of Law in 1992, and her B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1988.
Barbara Murphy is chair of Farella Braun + Martel’s Exempt Organization practice and a partner in the Family Wealth Group. She focuses on advising and counseling exempt organizations, major public charities and private foundations on entity formation, business planning, grant strategies, tax planning, governance, applicable agency filings, board disputes, mergers and dissolutions. Ms. Murphy is an experienced trusts and estates attorney where she counsels clients on estate planning, estate and gift taxation, trust and estate administration and compliance review of individual and trust tax returns. Ms. Murphy is active in many professional and charitable organizations. She serves as the President Emeritus of the San Francisco Estate Planning Council, Vice Chair of the California Pacific Medical Center Foundation Planned Giving Committee and a member of the St. Raymond Pastoral Council. Ms. Murphy earned her LL.M. in taxation from Golden Gate University School of Law in 1998, her J.D. from the University of Southern California, Gould School of Law in 1992, and her B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1988.
Phillip J. Murphy, Partner, Principle Planned Giving Coach, LLC
Phil Murphy is an independent planned giving Bay Area based nonprofit organizations for more than thirty years.. He is past-president of the Northern California Planned Giving Council. His current clients include educational, arts, environmental, social service, and medical organizations. He began his consulting practice in 1979 with an emphasis in planned giving in which he now specializes. In 2004, he was the first recipient of the Northern California Planned Giving Council’s Hoffmire Award for outstanding service in the field of planned giving.
Phil Murphy is an independent planned giving Bay Area based nonprofit organizations for more than thirty years.. He is past-president of the Northern California Planned Giving Council. His current clients include educational, arts, environmental, social service, and medical organizations. He began his consulting practice in 1979 with an emphasis in planned giving in which he now specializes. In 2004, he was the first recipient of the Northern California Planned Giving Council’s Hoffmire Award for outstanding service in the field of planned giving.
David Wheeler Newman, Esq., Chair, Charitable Sector Practice, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP
David Newman chairs the Charitable Sector Practice Group at the Los Angeles law firm of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP. For what seems to him like forever he has advised families and individuals concerning their foundations and other philanthropy, as well as charitable organizations and their donors on the legal and tax aspects of planned giving. He also advises these organizations on transactional and governance matters. David is a former member of the Board of the National Committee on Planned Giving, where he served as an officer and member of its executive committee, and a former member of the Board of Directors of the American Council on Gift Annuities. In 2012 he received the Dana Latham Award from the Los Angeles County Bar Tax Section. He is a founder and President Emeritus of New Roads School in Santa Monica and a member of the Professional Advisors Council of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
David Newman chairs the Charitable Sector Practice Group at the Los Angeles law firm of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP. For what seems to him like forever he has advised families and individuals concerning their foundations and other philanthropy, as well as charitable organizations and their donors on the legal and tax aspects of planned giving. He also advises these organizations on transactional and governance matters. David is a former member of the Board of the National Committee on Planned Giving, where he served as an officer and member of its executive committee, and a former member of the Board of Directors of the American Council on Gift Annuities. In 2012 he received the Dana Latham Award from the Los Angeles County Bar Tax Section. He is a founder and President Emeritus of New Roads School in Santa Monica and a member of the Professional Advisors Council of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
Una Osili, PhD, Director of Research, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University
Una Osili is the Director of Research at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, a leading academic institution dedicated to increasing the understanding of philanthropy and improving its practice worldwide. Dr. Osili leads the School’s extensive research program on the philanthropic behavior of households, foundations and corporations. She provides guidance for the research for Giving USA, which is published by Giving USA Foundation, and has served as a member of several national and international advisory groups, including the Social Science Research Council, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the United Nations Development Program.
Una Osili is the Director of Research at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, a leading academic institution dedicated to increasing the understanding of philanthropy and improving its practice worldwide. Dr. Osili leads the School’s extensive research program on the philanthropic behavior of households, foundations and corporations. She provides guidance for the research for Giving USA, which is published by Giving USA Foundation, and has served as a member of several national and international advisory groups, including the Social Science Research Council, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the United Nations Development Program.
Howard (Howie) B. Pearson, Senior Philanthropic Advisor and Development Legal Counsel, Stanford University
Mr. Pearson received his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University in 1976 and his law degree from the University of Utah College of Law in 1979. He clerked for a federal district court judge for a year and then practiced at Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison from 1980-1995, focusing on all aspects of estate and charitable planning, trust, will, probate and gift matters. In 1995, Mr. Pearson joined the legal staff of Stanford University and is currently the Senior Philanthropic Advisor and Development Legal Counsel at Stanford. He also teaches estate planning as well as trusts and estates in the Stanford Law School. Mr. Pearson is a member of the American Bar Association, Section of Real Property, Probate and Trust and, among other law related activities, was an editor of Matthew Bender’s California Probate Practice and on the Practicing Law Institute faculty for many years.
Mr. Pearson received his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University in 1976 and his law degree from the University of Utah College of Law in 1979. He clerked for a federal district court judge for a year and then practiced at Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison from 1980-1995, focusing on all aspects of estate and charitable planning, trust, will, probate and gift matters. In 1995, Mr. Pearson joined the legal staff of Stanford University and is currently the Senior Philanthropic Advisor and Development Legal Counsel at Stanford. He also teaches estate planning as well as trusts and estates in the Stanford Law School. Mr. Pearson is a member of the American Bar Association, Section of Real Property, Probate and Trust and, among other law related activities, was an editor of Matthew Bender’s California Probate Practice and on the Practicing Law Institute faculty for many years.
Todd W. Rasberry, PhD, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Georgetown College
Todd W. Rasberry, Ph.D. serves as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Adjunct Professor of Rhetorical Studies at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky. He has 20 years of higher education fundraising experience. Prior to joining the staff at Georgetown, Dr. Rasberry served as the Director of Development at Perkins School of Theology SMU. Prior to that, he served as the Senior Development Officer for the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Todd is also a clergy member of the Northwest Texas Annual Conference where he spent more than twenty years in local church ministry. Todd received a Ph.D. in Technical Communication and Rhetoric from Texas Tech University, a Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities from McMurry University. His research interests include rhetorical practices of fundraising, rhetoric and making meaning, social genre theory, intercultural communication, and theology of stewardship. Todd has taught major gift fundraising studios and led workshops at CASE Conferences, Big XII Conferences, for various nonprofit clients both nationally and internationally, and for peers at institutions for which he works.
Todd W. Rasberry, Ph.D. serves as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Adjunct Professor of Rhetorical Studies at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky. He has 20 years of higher education fundraising experience. Prior to joining the staff at Georgetown, Dr. Rasberry served as the Director of Development at Perkins School of Theology SMU. Prior to that, he served as the Senior Development Officer for the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Todd is also a clergy member of the Northwest Texas Annual Conference where he spent more than twenty years in local church ministry. Todd received a Ph.D. in Technical Communication and Rhetoric from Texas Tech University, a Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities from McMurry University. His research interests include rhetorical practices of fundraising, rhetoric and making meaning, social genre theory, intercultural communication, and theology of stewardship. Todd has taught major gift fundraising studios and led workshops at CASE Conferences, Big XII Conferences, for various nonprofit clients both nationally and internationally, and for peers at institutions for which he works.
Jonah Sachs, CEO/ Co-Founder, Free Range Studios
Dr. Jonah Sachs is the Co-Founder and CEO of Free Range Studios and an internationally recognized storyteller, author, marketer, designer and entrepreneur. His empowerment marketing approach fuses ancient storytelling techniques with digital media, and shows how values-driven stories will not only revolutionize marketing, but represent humanity’s greatest hope for the future. His book, Winning the Story Wars, was named one of the American Marketing Association’s top marketing books of 2013. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, FOX News, Sundance Film Festival, NPR, The Colbert Report, The Huffington Post and FastCompany Magazine, which named him one of the 50 most influential social innovators.
Dr. Jonah Sachs is the Co-Founder and CEO of Free Range Studios and an internationally recognized storyteller, author, marketer, designer and entrepreneur. His empowerment marketing approach fuses ancient storytelling techniques with digital media, and shows how values-driven stories will not only revolutionize marketing, but represent humanity’s greatest hope for the future. His book, Winning the Story Wars, was named one of the American Marketing Association’s top marketing books of 2013. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, FOX News, Sundance Film Festival, NPR, The Colbert Report, The Huffington Post and FastCompany Magazine, which named him one of the 50 most influential social innovators.
Randi Silverman, JD, Executive Director of Gift Planning, University of California, Berkeley
Randi B. Silverman, J.D., is Deputy Director of Gift Planning at UC Berkeley where she has worked for approximately 10 years. Cal’s Gift Planning team, under the leadership of Kevin T. Crilly, contributed $556 million toward the $3.1 billion raised in the most recent campaign, the Campaign for Berkeley. Not included in that total is $320 million in new bequest commitments. Gift Planning also has primary responsibility for overseeing the management and administration of $145 million of life income gifts. Prior to joining Cal, Randi practiced law in the area of estate planning, primarily at Cooley LLP (then known as Cooley Godward LLP). Early in her career as an attorney, Randi was Supervising Attorney at the Homeless Advocacy Project of the Bar Association of San Francisco. Randi is currently serving as President of the Board of the Northern California Planned Giving Council. She received her BA in History from Cornell University and her law degree from Stanford University.
Randi B. Silverman, J.D., is Deputy Director of Gift Planning at UC Berkeley where she has worked for approximately 10 years. Cal’s Gift Planning team, under the leadership of Kevin T. Crilly, contributed $556 million toward the $3.1 billion raised in the most recent campaign, the Campaign for Berkeley. Not included in that total is $320 million in new bequest commitments. Gift Planning also has primary responsibility for overseeing the management and administration of $145 million of life income gifts. Prior to joining Cal, Randi practiced law in the area of estate planning, primarily at Cooley LLP (then known as Cooley Godward LLP). Early in her career as an attorney, Randi was Supervising Attorney at the Homeless Advocacy Project of the Bar Association of San Francisco. Randi is currently serving as President of the Board of the Northern California Planned Giving Council. She received her BA in History from Cornell University and her law degree from Stanford University.
Lani Starkey, JD, LLM, CPA, Associate Vice President, Principal Gifts and Estate and Gift Planning, University of Hawaii Foundation
Lani Starkey, a tax attorney and accountant, is Associate Vice President, Principal Gifts and Estate and Gift Planning. A nationally recognized charitable tax planning expert, Lani frequently speaks at national, regional, and local conferences, and has authored articles in respected journals, newspapers, and newsletters. Lani is also an Adjunct Professor at the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Lani received his LL.M. in Tax from the University of Florida’s Graduate Tax Program. He earned his J.D. cum laude from Pepperdine University School of Law, and his B.B.A. in Accounting from Texas State University. Fortunately, Lani passed both the Bar and CPA exam on his first attempt. Prior to joining the Foundation, Lani was Vice President and a Staff Attorney at Crescendo Interactive, Inc., a Southern California for-profit corporation. His responsibilities included teaching and speaking at over 30 tax seminars and conferences each year, consulting with nonprofits and professional advisors nationwide, and researching and writing tax articles. Lani’s legal experience derives from both the private and public sector. After clerking for a large Texas gas corporation, he was a judicial intern for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit for the Honorable Stephen Reinhardt and the Los Angeles County Superior Court for the Honorable Robert M. Letteau. Lani has strong ties to Hawai‘i and the University of Hawai‘i. Lani spent part of his childhood growing up on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Lani's father earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from UH Mānoa, and his sister earned a bachelor's degree from UH Mānoa. In addition, Lani’s father is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Hawai‘i Center in West Hawai‘i. Prior to moving to Hawai‘i, Lani was a longtime resident of Houston, Texas, and Malibu, California, where he was an avid triathlete and surfer. Lani is a member of the University of Hawai‘i Foundation’s Heritage Society and President's Club. Lani is also a member of the State Bar of California, Hawai‘i Society of CPAs, Hawai‘i Estate Planning Council, Financial Planner’s Association of Hawai‘i, and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning.
Lani Starkey, a tax attorney and accountant, is Associate Vice President, Principal Gifts and Estate and Gift Planning. A nationally recognized charitable tax planning expert, Lani frequently speaks at national, regional, and local conferences, and has authored articles in respected journals, newspapers, and newsletters. Lani is also an Adjunct Professor at the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Lani received his LL.M. in Tax from the University of Florida’s Graduate Tax Program. He earned his J.D. cum laude from Pepperdine University School of Law, and his B.B.A. in Accounting from Texas State University. Fortunately, Lani passed both the Bar and CPA exam on his first attempt. Prior to joining the Foundation, Lani was Vice President and a Staff Attorney at Crescendo Interactive, Inc., a Southern California for-profit corporation. His responsibilities included teaching and speaking at over 30 tax seminars and conferences each year, consulting with nonprofits and professional advisors nationwide, and researching and writing tax articles. Lani’s legal experience derives from both the private and public sector. After clerking for a large Texas gas corporation, he was a judicial intern for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit for the Honorable Stephen Reinhardt and the Los Angeles County Superior Court for the Honorable Robert M. Letteau. Lani has strong ties to Hawai‘i and the University of Hawai‘i. Lani spent part of his childhood growing up on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Lani's father earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from UH Mānoa, and his sister earned a bachelor's degree from UH Mānoa. In addition, Lani’s father is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Hawai‘i Center in West Hawai‘i. Prior to moving to Hawai‘i, Lani was a longtime resident of Houston, Texas, and Malibu, California, where he was an avid triathlete and surfer. Lani is a member of the University of Hawai‘i Foundation’s Heritage Society and President's Club. Lani is also a member of the State Bar of California, Hawai‘i Society of CPAs, Hawai‘i Estate Planning Council, Financial Planner’s Association of Hawai‘i, and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning.
Blaine Townsend, CIMC, CIMA, Partner, Senior Portfolio Manager, Nelson Capital Management
Blaine is a partner and senior portfolio manager at Nelson Capital. Blaine joined Nelson Capital in 2009 after 13 years at Trillium Asset Management where he served as a portfolio manager and manager of the firm’s California office. While at Trillium, Blaine managed socially responsible and sustainability‐focused investment portfolios and was instrumental in corporate engagement efforts on a host of social and environmental issues. Blaine also led the effort to create the “Joan Bavaria Awards for Building Sustainability in the Capital Markets”, which is presented each year at the CERES annual conference. Prior to joining Trillium, Blaine was the Assistant Director of Marketing and Social Research for the Muir Investment Trust, the first socially screened municipal bond fund. He has been writing about and researching corporate responsibility issues since the late 1980s and is a past board chair of the environmental organization LightHawk. Blaine has a B.A. from the University of California Berkeley and is a Certified Investment Management Consultant and Certified Investment Management Analyst.
Blaine is a partner and senior portfolio manager at Nelson Capital. Blaine joined Nelson Capital in 2009 after 13 years at Trillium Asset Management where he served as a portfolio manager and manager of the firm’s California office. While at Trillium, Blaine managed socially responsible and sustainability‐focused investment portfolios and was instrumental in corporate engagement efforts on a host of social and environmental issues. Blaine also led the effort to create the “Joan Bavaria Awards for Building Sustainability in the Capital Markets”, which is presented each year at the CERES annual conference. Prior to joining Trillium, Blaine was the Assistant Director of Marketing and Social Research for the Muir Investment Trust, the first socially screened municipal bond fund. He has been writing about and researching corporate responsibility issues since the late 1980s and is a past board chair of the environmental organization LightHawk. Blaine has a B.A. from the University of California Berkeley and is a Certified Investment Management Consultant and Certified Investment Management Analyst.
Jeffrey Underwood, Relationship Manager, Kaspick & Company, LLC
Mr. Underwood joined KASPICK & COMPANY in 2008 from the University of California, Berkeley where he was an Associate Director of Gift Planning. Prior to working at UC Berkeley, he was the Director of Gift Planning at The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston. He has over 20 years experience in gift planning and served as President of the Planned Giving Group of New England in 2004–2005. He graduated from the American Bankers Association’s National Graduate Trust School, has a BS in Accounting from the University of Missouri—Kansas City, and earned an MBA from Northeastern University.
Mr. Underwood joined KASPICK & COMPANY in 2008 from the University of California, Berkeley where he was an Associate Director of Gift Planning. Prior to working at UC Berkeley, he was the Director of Gift Planning at The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston. He has over 20 years experience in gift planning and served as President of the Planned Giving Group of New England in 2004–2005. He graduated from the American Bankers Association’s National Graduate Trust School, has a BS in Accounting from the University of Missouri—Kansas City, and earned an MBA from Northeastern University.