2018 Conference Speakers
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (In alphabetical order by last name)
Jay Auslander, JD, Director of Gift Planning, California Academy of Sciences
Jay currently works for the California Academy of Sciences as their Director of Gift Planning. Jay is an attorney specializing in gift planning, working with donors interested in some of the savvier forms of gift making. Jay has been in this line of work pretty much since graduating law school from the University of Arizona (his home state) in 2001. Jay moved to the bay area after school and got his start in this career at UC Berkeley. He then worked for SF State, the poverty fighting organization CARE and now the Academy. Also in his past experience is a bit of time he spent working with a lawyer friend to open a New York art gallery specializing in contemporary art. Jay is an avid fan of the library, serving as Development Chair of the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library Board. He also loves classic novels, projects that require learning new skills, bike riding, skiing and fish keeping.
Jay currently works for the California Academy of Sciences as their Director of Gift Planning. Jay is an attorney specializing in gift planning, working with donors interested in some of the savvier forms of gift making. Jay has been in this line of work pretty much since graduating law school from the University of Arizona (his home state) in 2001. Jay moved to the bay area after school and got his start in this career at UC Berkeley. He then worked for SF State, the poverty fighting organization CARE and now the Academy. Also in his past experience is a bit of time he spent working with a lawyer friend to open a New York art gallery specializing in contemporary art. Jay is an avid fan of the library, serving as Development Chair of the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library Board. He also loves classic novels, projects that require learning new skills, bike riding, skiing and fish keeping.
Donna Bandelloni, Director of Gift & Legacy Planning, CPMC Foundation
Donna M. Bandelloni is the Director of Gift and Legacy Planning at the California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) Foundation. As part of CPMC’s $300 million Your City, Your Hospital campaign supporting programs in San Francisco, she will lead the effort to secure new legacy gift notifications and principal gifts from CPMC’s philanthropic partners. She has also begun recruiting many new allied professionals to join CPMC’s Legacy Advisors, a network of advisors who volunteer for the Foundation’s charitable planning education and outreach efforts. Prior to her current position, she led the planned giving and endowment building programs at the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health at Stanford University in Palo Alto. Donna has been in fund development and philanthropic planning for over 20 years. She started as a financial and philanthropic consultant with several major wealth management institutions, calling on national and local nonprofits, and providing guidance to high net worth individuals and families with their charitable management. She was recruited to act as a director of advisory programs at the San Francisco Foundation, one of the nation’s largest community foundations, before focusing her efforts on legacy planning and leadership gifts for Stanford Children’s Health and CPMC Foundation. As an experienced financial and charitable consultant in giving techniques for individuals and families with their philanthropy, Donna works with financial and estate planning professionals to design tax-exempt planning strategies that address their clients’ financial and tax-mitigation needs as well as their multigenerational and philanthropic goals. Donna received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education, from the University of Connecticut. She is a national board member of the American Council on Gift Annuities, and serves on the Northern California Planned Giving Board and Masters Committees in San Francisco. Recently Donna was invited to be a member of the Leadership Institute for the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning. And for over 20 years she has been a member of PPP, formerly the National Committee on Planned Giving.
Donna M. Bandelloni is the Director of Gift and Legacy Planning at the California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) Foundation. As part of CPMC’s $300 million Your City, Your Hospital campaign supporting programs in San Francisco, she will lead the effort to secure new legacy gift notifications and principal gifts from CPMC’s philanthropic partners. She has also begun recruiting many new allied professionals to join CPMC’s Legacy Advisors, a network of advisors who volunteer for the Foundation’s charitable planning education and outreach efforts. Prior to her current position, she led the planned giving and endowment building programs at the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health at Stanford University in Palo Alto. Donna has been in fund development and philanthropic planning for over 20 years. She started as a financial and philanthropic consultant with several major wealth management institutions, calling on national and local nonprofits, and providing guidance to high net worth individuals and families with their charitable management. She was recruited to act as a director of advisory programs at the San Francisco Foundation, one of the nation’s largest community foundations, before focusing her efforts on legacy planning and leadership gifts for Stanford Children’s Health and CPMC Foundation. As an experienced financial and charitable consultant in giving techniques for individuals and families with their philanthropy, Donna works with financial and estate planning professionals to design tax-exempt planning strategies that address their clients’ financial and tax-mitigation needs as well as their multigenerational and philanthropic goals. Donna received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education, from the University of Connecticut. She is a national board member of the American Council on Gift Annuities, and serves on the Northern California Planned Giving Board and Masters Committees in San Francisco. Recently Donna was invited to be a member of the Leadership Institute for the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning. And for over 20 years she has been a member of PPP, formerly the National Committee on Planned Giving.
Sarah Copeland, Vice President, Client Advisory, Jordan Park
Sarah joined Jordan Park as Vice President in 2018. Prior to joining Jordan Park, Sarah was the Director of Estate Planning and a Senior Investment Associate at Wetherby Asset Management in San Francisco. She previously worked as an estate planning attorney at Carr McClellan, Ingersoll, Thompson & Horn PLC and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. Sarah is a member of the State Bar of California. She earned her BS in Commerce from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, and her JD from the University of Virginia School of Law. Sarah volunteers her time as the Vice President of the Board of Home & Hope, a charity that assists homeless families in San Mateo County, and coaches a high school mock trial team organized through a partnership between College Track and the Justice and Diversity Center at the Bar Association of San Francisco.
Sarah joined Jordan Park as Vice President in 2018. Prior to joining Jordan Park, Sarah was the Director of Estate Planning and a Senior Investment Associate at Wetherby Asset Management in San Francisco. She previously worked as an estate planning attorney at Carr McClellan, Ingersoll, Thompson & Horn PLC and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. Sarah is a member of the State Bar of California. She earned her BS in Commerce from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, and her JD from the University of Virginia School of Law. Sarah volunteers her time as the Vice President of the Board of Home & Hope, a charity that assists homeless families in San Mateo County, and coaches a high school mock trial team organized through a partnership between College Track and the Justice and Diversity Center at the Bar Association of San Francisco.
Erik Dryburgh, Principal, 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, not-for-profit organizations, donor-advised funds and endowments.
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 the immediate past 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. He 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. 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, not-for-profit organizations, donor-advised funds and endowments.
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 the immediate past 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. He 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. Erik received the 2005 Phil Hoffmire Service Award from the Northern California Planned Giving Council.
Kristin Dugdale, JD, Relationship Manager, TIAA Kaspick
Kristin Dugdale joined TIAA Kaspick in 2013 from the University of Colorado Foundation. Kristin's career at the CU Foundation spans over thirteen years in a variety of positions. She served as General Counsel, Senior Director of Planned Giving, Associate Vice President of Planned Giving, and finally Vice President for Gift Planning. As Vice President for Gift Planning, Kristin was responsible for leading the development and integration of a comprehensive gift planning program into the overall development efforts of the University of Colorado’s four distinct campuses in Boulder, Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs. Prior to joining the University of Colorado Foundation, she worked as General Counsel for Sovereign Financial Services, a private equity firm, and as an associate at the Denver law firm of Holme, Roberts & Owen. Kristin received her BA in Political Science and her JD from the University of Wyoming.
Kristin Dugdale joined TIAA Kaspick in 2013 from the University of Colorado Foundation. Kristin's career at the CU Foundation spans over thirteen years in a variety of positions. She served as General Counsel, Senior Director of Planned Giving, Associate Vice President of Planned Giving, and finally Vice President for Gift Planning. As Vice President for Gift Planning, Kristin was responsible for leading the development and integration of a comprehensive gift planning program into the overall development efforts of the University of Colorado’s four distinct campuses in Boulder, Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs. Prior to joining the University of Colorado Foundation, she worked as General Counsel for Sovereign Financial Services, a private equity firm, and as an associate at the Denver law firm of Holme, Roberts & Owen. Kristin received her BA in Political Science and her JD from the University of Wyoming.
Rebecca Dupras, Esq.
Rebecca Dupras is an experienced planned giving and development officer and has worked with donors at the Rhode Island Foundation and Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Rebecca practiced law as an estate planning attorney for several years before shifting to charitable gift planning work. Rebecca was formerly on the board of the Northern California Planned Giving Council and is a frequent speaker on charitable gift planning.
Rebecca Dupras is an experienced planned giving and development officer and has worked with donors at the Rhode Island Foundation and Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Rebecca practiced law as an estate planning attorney for several years before shifting to charitable gift planning work. Rebecca was formerly on the board of the Northern California Planned Giving Council and is a frequent speaker on charitable gift planning.
Katharine Earhart, Principal, Alesco Advisors
As a Principal with Alesco Advisors, Katharine launched and now co-leads their west coast office. She advises and consults with Institutional clients such as corporate retirement plans, non-profits including foundations and endowments and government pensions on their asset allocation, investment selection and spend policy needs. Katharine is also passionate about empowering women and men to increase their financial acumen and economic potential through education programs, webinars and content distribution aimed at clients in bite-sized chunks. Katharine is Board President for Alternatives in Action, focused on underserved youth communities in Oakland. She is Board Vice President for Friends of the Commission on the Status of Women in San Francisco focused on promoting gender equality in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition, Katharine serves on the executive committee of Bay Area Advisors in Philanthropy, an organization dedicated to connecting professional advisors with the nonprofit community through education on philanthropic giving and serves on The Women’s Impact Network Committee focused on inspiring leadership and action among Bay Area Female Executives. For over 25 years, Katharine has held a variety of leadership roles within the financial services sector including FinTech, Asset Management and Brokerage / Custodial: BlackRock, Barclays Global Investors, mPower Advisors (now Morningstar Advisors) and Charles Schwab. Additionally, she mentored women and men on salary and promotional negotiations at all levels of corporate organizations. She is a graduate of University of California, Los Angeles and a San Francisco native.
As a Principal with Alesco Advisors, Katharine launched and now co-leads their west coast office. She advises and consults with Institutional clients such as corporate retirement plans, non-profits including foundations and endowments and government pensions on their asset allocation, investment selection and spend policy needs. Katharine is also passionate about empowering women and men to increase their financial acumen and economic potential through education programs, webinars and content distribution aimed at clients in bite-sized chunks. Katharine is Board President for Alternatives in Action, focused on underserved youth communities in Oakland. She is Board Vice President for Friends of the Commission on the Status of Women in San Francisco focused on promoting gender equality in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition, Katharine serves on the executive committee of Bay Area Advisors in Philanthropy, an organization dedicated to connecting professional advisors with the nonprofit community through education on philanthropic giving and serves on The Women’s Impact Network Committee focused on inspiring leadership and action among Bay Area Female Executives. For over 25 years, Katharine has held a variety of leadership roles within the financial services sector including FinTech, Asset Management and Brokerage / Custodial: BlackRock, Barclays Global Investors, mPower Advisors (now Morningstar Advisors) and Charles Schwab. Additionally, she mentored women and men on salary and promotional negotiations at all levels of corporate organizations. She is a graduate of University of California, Los Angeles and a San Francisco native.
Daniel Figueredo, CPA, Partner, BPM LLP
Daniel is a Partner in Assurance, Head of BPM’s Nonprofit Industry group and FinTech Leader at BPM. He started his career at BPM and has been with the Firm since 2003. He has worked extensively with fair value and alternative investments, the Uniform Guidance and Single Audits, significant endowments and UPMIFA, donor-advised funds, tax-exempt debt, planned giving, partnership accounting, program-related investments, New Markets Tax Credits, gifts-in-kind, crypto/digital currency, and significant capital campaigns. He is deeply involved in serving nonprofit organizations as part of his commitment to contributing to the betterment of society. He supports a variety of nonprofits, including but not limited to private foundations, social enterprises, trade associations, arts and culture, advocacy and political organizations, private schools, community foundations, and higher education. Daniel provides extensive international NGOs, CDFIs and impact investing, and single audit services. Under his leadership, BPM’s Nonprofit Group has grown significantly during the past several years. As Leader of BPM’s FinTech practice, Daniel is a thought leader in the cryptocurrency and Bitcoin space. He works closely with companies involved with BitCoin, Ether, ICOs, crypto hedge funds and exchanges. Some of his clients include marketplace and peer-to-peer lenders, crypto/digital currency and other FinTech companies. He also serves other financial services institutions such as broker-dealers, investment banks, registered investment advisors (RIA), venture capital funds, private equity funds, mortgage pools and hedge funds. As a leading subject matter and thought leader, he frequently presents at BPM’s Nonprofit Education Series, CalCPA, NCPGC Planned Giving Conference, the Conference on Charitable Giving, Foundation Financial Officers Group Conference, CFO/Arts, and other industry associations and conferences.
Daniel is a Partner in Assurance, Head of BPM’s Nonprofit Industry group and FinTech Leader at BPM. He started his career at BPM and has been with the Firm since 2003. He has worked extensively with fair value and alternative investments, the Uniform Guidance and Single Audits, significant endowments and UPMIFA, donor-advised funds, tax-exempt debt, planned giving, partnership accounting, program-related investments, New Markets Tax Credits, gifts-in-kind, crypto/digital currency, and significant capital campaigns. He is deeply involved in serving nonprofit organizations as part of his commitment to contributing to the betterment of society. He supports a variety of nonprofits, including but not limited to private foundations, social enterprises, trade associations, arts and culture, advocacy and political organizations, private schools, community foundations, and higher education. Daniel provides extensive international NGOs, CDFIs and impact investing, and single audit services. Under his leadership, BPM’s Nonprofit Group has grown significantly during the past several years. As Leader of BPM’s FinTech practice, Daniel is a thought leader in the cryptocurrency and Bitcoin space. He works closely with companies involved with BitCoin, Ether, ICOs, crypto hedge funds and exchanges. Some of his clients include marketplace and peer-to-peer lenders, crypto/digital currency and other FinTech companies. He also serves other financial services institutions such as broker-dealers, investment banks, registered investment advisors (RIA), venture capital funds, private equity funds, mortgage pools and hedge funds. As a leading subject matter and thought leader, he frequently presents at BPM’s Nonprofit Education Series, CalCPA, NCPGC Planned Giving Conference, the Conference on Charitable Giving, Foundation Financial Officers Group Conference, CFO/Arts, and other industry associations and conferences.
Mitch Fong, Individual and Planned Giving Officer, The Marine Mammal Center
Mitch Fong is the Individual and Planned Giving Officer at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. Mitch spent 23 years in the financial services industry, working with retirement related products and services. He was series 6, 7, 63, and California Life Insurance licensed, and his worked included product development, marketing and distribution of various financial tools for both retail and institutional investors. Mitch started volunteering at The Marine Mammal Center in 2004 as an Animal Care specialist and in 2014, after retiring from Financial Services, joined the TMMC Development team on a part-time basis. In four years he has doubled the number of Legacy Circle members and tripled Middle Donor revenue. Mitch holds a MBA from the Haas School of Business (1991), and a BA in Economics from UCLA (1988). Mitch resides in Mill Valley and chooses to ride his bicycle to work in the Marin Headlands every chance he gets.
Mitch Fong is the Individual and Planned Giving Officer at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. Mitch spent 23 years in the financial services industry, working with retirement related products and services. He was series 6, 7, 63, and California Life Insurance licensed, and his worked included product development, marketing and distribution of various financial tools for both retail and institutional investors. Mitch started volunteering at The Marine Mammal Center in 2004 as an Animal Care specialist and in 2014, after retiring from Financial Services, joined the TMMC Development team on a part-time basis. In four years he has doubled the number of Legacy Circle members and tripled Middle Donor revenue. Mitch holds a MBA from the Haas School of Business (1991), and a BA in Economics from UCLA (1988). Mitch resides in Mill Valley and chooses to ride his bicycle to work in the Marin Headlands every chance he gets.
Amy Grossman, JD, Vice President, Complex Assets Group, Fidelity Charitable
Amy M. Grossman is vice president at Fidelity Charitable®, an independent public charity that has helped donors support more than 220,000 nonprofit organizations with over $23 billion in grants since its inception in 1991. The mission of Fidelity Charitable® is to further the American tradition of philanthropy by providing programs that make charitable giving simple and effective. She brings significant knowledge and technical expertise to donors who wish to contribute sophisticated assets, such as privately held C-corp or S-corp shares, to charity. Ms. Grossman works directly with donors, their advisors, and corporate and business lawyers to facilitate charitable contributions of these assets to achieve the most favorable tax treatment with the greatest charitable impact. Prior to joining Fidelity Charitable, Ms. Grossman was a Managing Director in the private banking division at Credit Suisse where she held various leadership roles including head of the Corporate and Executive Services Group, which specialized in diversification strategies for holders of concentrated equity positions. Before that, she was vice president and restricted stock specialist at Montgomery Securities. She was also an attorney for Thelen, Marin, Johnson & Bridges, LLC in San Francisco. Ms. Grossman’s strength is providing strategic advice on the full spectrum of monetization, hedging and diversification strategies, as well as estate and gift tax planning for pre- and post-liquidity events. Ms. Grossman received her Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from University of Pennsylvania and her Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from Boston University School of Law. She is admitted to practice law in the State of California.
Amy M. Grossman is vice president at Fidelity Charitable®, an independent public charity that has helped donors support more than 220,000 nonprofit organizations with over $23 billion in grants since its inception in 1991. The mission of Fidelity Charitable® is to further the American tradition of philanthropy by providing programs that make charitable giving simple and effective. She brings significant knowledge and technical expertise to donors who wish to contribute sophisticated assets, such as privately held C-corp or S-corp shares, to charity. Ms. Grossman works directly with donors, their advisors, and corporate and business lawyers to facilitate charitable contributions of these assets to achieve the most favorable tax treatment with the greatest charitable impact. Prior to joining Fidelity Charitable, Ms. Grossman was a Managing Director in the private banking division at Credit Suisse where she held various leadership roles including head of the Corporate and Executive Services Group, which specialized in diversification strategies for holders of concentrated equity positions. Before that, she was vice president and restricted stock specialist at Montgomery Securities. She was also an attorney for Thelen, Marin, Johnson & Bridges, LLC in San Francisco. Ms. Grossman’s strength is providing strategic advice on the full spectrum of monetization, hedging and diversification strategies, as well as estate and gift tax planning for pre- and post-liquidity events. Ms. Grossman received her Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from University of Pennsylvania and her Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from Boston University School of Law. She is admitted to practice law in the State of California.
Lawrence C. Henze, J.D., Principal Consultant, Blackbaud Target Analytics
Lawrence has worked in the nonprofit sector for 38+ years, with the first 13 years focusing on development and marketing positions in the not-for-profit sector, primarily in higher education. Since 1993, Henze has worked in the field of data and predictive analytics, creating analytics services and related consulting on behalf of organizations in the United States and Canada. Lawrence is a frequent presenter at nonprofit conferences across the United States and Canada, covering subjects that include annual, major and planned giving, relationship management and predictive analytics.
Lawrence has worked in the nonprofit sector for 38+ years, with the first 13 years focusing on development and marketing positions in the not-for-profit sector, primarily in higher education. Since 1993, Henze has worked in the field of data and predictive analytics, creating analytics services and related consulting on behalf of organizations in the United States and Canada. Lawrence is a frequent presenter at nonprofit conferences across the United States and Canada, covering subjects that include annual, major and planned giving, relationship management and predictive analytics.
Brigit Kavanagh, Esq., Partner, Kavanagh Rhomberg LLP
Brigit Kavanagh is an attorney with the law firm of Kavanagh Rhomberg LLP where she focuses on nonprofit organizations and their charitable donors. Brigit’s practice involves counseling charities on matters of governance and tax compliance, as well as drafting and advising on charitable giving vehicles. Brigit is an adjunct professor at Golden Gate University School of Law where she teaches Tax Aspects of Charitable Giving in the LLM program. Brigit is on the board of directors of the Northern California Planned Giving Council and the board of directors of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. Prior to launching Kavanagh Rhomberg in 2016, Brigit practiced law with Adler & Colvin in San Francisco.
Brigit Kavanagh is an attorney with the law firm of Kavanagh Rhomberg LLP where she focuses on nonprofit organizations and their charitable donors. Brigit’s practice involves counseling charities on matters of governance and tax compliance, as well as drafting and advising on charitable giving vehicles. Brigit is an adjunct professor at Golden Gate University School of Law where she teaches Tax Aspects of Charitable Giving in the LLM program. Brigit is on the board of directors of the Northern California Planned Giving Council and the board of directors of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. Prior to launching Kavanagh Rhomberg in 2016, Brigit practiced law with Adler & Colvin in San Francisco.
John Lansing, Esq., Partner, Taylor, Summers, Torossian & Lansing LLP
John is an Elder Law attorney practicing in Pasadena, California. He became an Elder Law attorney in large part due to his experience caring for his mother. She was afflicted with a neurodegenerative disease in early middle age. John’s practice focuses on long term care, estate planning, conservatorships, probates, special needs trusts, Medi-Cal, and Medi-Cal appeals. John enjoys speaking and writing on Elder Law topics, has been featured on NPR, and is on the faculty of the American Institute of Philanthropic Studies. John is married and has two boys.
John is an Elder Law attorney practicing in Pasadena, California. He became an Elder Law attorney in large part due to his experience caring for his mother. She was afflicted with a neurodegenerative disease in early middle age. John’s practice focuses on long term care, estate planning, conservatorships, probates, special needs trusts, Medi-Cal, and Medi-Cal appeals. John enjoys speaking and writing on Elder Law topics, has been featured on NPR, and is on the faculty of the American Institute of Philanthropic Studies. John is married and has two boys.
Barlow Mann, C.O.O. & Legal Counsel, Sharpe Group
Barlow T. Mann, J.D., has more than three decades of experience in charitable gift planning and serves as Chief Operating Officer of Sharpe Group. Before joining Sharpe, he was director of development at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center where he was responsible for current, deferred and capital giving for the colleges of medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing and allied health. He also has served as director of planned giving for the University of Memphis. He coordinated resource development projects with the Crippled Children’s Hospital Foundation and the University of Tennessee Bowld Hospital. Barlow is a member of the American and Tennessee Bar Associations and has authored articles on planned giving for Planned Giving Today, Trusts & Estates Magazine, The Journal of Gift Planning and Fundraising Management, and his commentaries have been featured in The Chronicle of Philanthropy and The NonProfit Times. Barlow has been a frequent speaker for numerous local and national fundraising groups for more than 30 years, including the AHP Madison Institute, National Planned Giving Institutes, Association of Fundraising Professionals, CGP, ACGA, NCDC, AHA and others. He is a graduate of Tulane University and the University of Memphis School of Law. His topic list includes taxes & giving, A,B,Cs of planned giving, discovering America’s most generous givers and trends in giving. He possesses a combination of legal, technical and creative skills that can be applied to meet the specific needs of each client.
Barlow T. Mann, J.D., has more than three decades of experience in charitable gift planning and serves as Chief Operating Officer of Sharpe Group. Before joining Sharpe, he was director of development at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center where he was responsible for current, deferred and capital giving for the colleges of medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing and allied health. He also has served as director of planned giving for the University of Memphis. He coordinated resource development projects with the Crippled Children’s Hospital Foundation and the University of Tennessee Bowld Hospital. Barlow is a member of the American and Tennessee Bar Associations and has authored articles on planned giving for Planned Giving Today, Trusts & Estates Magazine, The Journal of Gift Planning and Fundraising Management, and his commentaries have been featured in The Chronicle of Philanthropy and The NonProfit Times. Barlow has been a frequent speaker for numerous local and national fundraising groups for more than 30 years, including the AHP Madison Institute, National Planned Giving Institutes, Association of Fundraising Professionals, CGP, ACGA, NCDC, AHA and others. He is a graduate of Tulane University and the University of Memphis School of Law. His topic list includes taxes & giving, A,B,Cs of planned giving, discovering America’s most generous givers and trends in giving. He possesses a combination of legal, technical and creative skills that can be applied to meet the specific needs of each client.
Alexandre Mars, Founder & CEO, Epic
Alexandre Mars is a serial entrepreneur and engaged philanthropist. Over the past 15 years, he has launched and sold several companies in Europe and North America in a variety of industries including venture capital, internet, mobile marketing, social media and digital advertising. His last two startups, Phonevalley (the largest global mobile marketing agency) and ScrOOn (a leader in social media management system), were sold to Publicis Groupe and Blackberry. In 2014, he harnessed the momentum of his success and experience to found Epic, a nonprofit startup which brings solutions to individuals and companies to make giving the norm. Epic promotes a strategic approach to philanthropy to financially support high-impact social organizations tackling youth and children issues globally. Epic is headquartered in New York City with offices in Bangkok, Brussels, London, Mumbai, Paris and San Francisco. In 2014, Alexandre also founded blisce/, his family office which invests in venture capital funds and startups including Spotify, Pinterest and Blablacar. A regular contributor on BFM Business, France's most watched business news network, Alexandre also contributes interviews of prominent movers and shakers in his Huffington Post "Doing Well by Doing Good" column, and is regularly invited to speak at a number of global forums and events including: Web Summit (Lisbon), YPO (Vancouver), SXSW (Austin) and WSJDLive (LA), where his expertise in tech innovation and leadership in philanthropy help others better understand contemporary trends and challenges. Alexandre is a member of the Global Philanthropists Circle at Synergos, Young Presidents' Organization and Nexus. Named in 2015 among New York's top philanthropists under 40 by the New York Observer, he was awarded the Trophée de l'avenir Europe 1 in 2016 and was appointed chair of the Sport and Society Committee for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bid.
Alexandre Mars is a serial entrepreneur and engaged philanthropist. Over the past 15 years, he has launched and sold several companies in Europe and North America in a variety of industries including venture capital, internet, mobile marketing, social media and digital advertising. His last two startups, Phonevalley (the largest global mobile marketing agency) and ScrOOn (a leader in social media management system), were sold to Publicis Groupe and Blackberry. In 2014, he harnessed the momentum of his success and experience to found Epic, a nonprofit startup which brings solutions to individuals and companies to make giving the norm. Epic promotes a strategic approach to philanthropy to financially support high-impact social organizations tackling youth and children issues globally. Epic is headquartered in New York City with offices in Bangkok, Brussels, London, Mumbai, Paris and San Francisco. In 2014, Alexandre also founded blisce/, his family office which invests in venture capital funds and startups including Spotify, Pinterest and Blablacar. A regular contributor on BFM Business, France's most watched business news network, Alexandre also contributes interviews of prominent movers and shakers in his Huffington Post "Doing Well by Doing Good" column, and is regularly invited to speak at a number of global forums and events including: Web Summit (Lisbon), YPO (Vancouver), SXSW (Austin) and WSJDLive (LA), where his expertise in tech innovation and leadership in philanthropy help others better understand contemporary trends and challenges. Alexandre is a member of the Global Philanthropists Circle at Synergos, Young Presidents' Organization and Nexus. Named in 2015 among New York's top philanthropists under 40 by the New York Observer, he was awarded the Trophée de l'avenir Europe 1 in 2016 and was appointed chair of the Sport and Society Committee for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bid.
Frank Minton, Principal, Frank Minton Consulting
Frank Minton founded Planned Giving Services, a national consulting firm that was acquired by PG Calc in 2005. Before entering consulting in 1991, he spent over ten years with the University of Washington, where he served as Director of Planned Giving and Executive Director of Development. He has served both as conference chair and board chair of the National Committee on Planned Giving (now the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners) and received its distinguished service award. He is a recognized expert on gift annuities and has served as chair of the American Council on Gift Annuities from which he also received a distinguished service award. He is the principal author of Charitable Gift Annuities: the Complete Resource Manual, the co-author of Planned Giving for Canadians, and has made many presentations and published numerous articles on gift planning. A number of his presentations have been to Canadian audiences, and his writing and consultation also deal with cross-border charitable gifts. He is a member of the Seattle Estate Planning Council and the Washington Planned Giving Council.
Frank Minton founded Planned Giving Services, a national consulting firm that was acquired by PG Calc in 2005. Before entering consulting in 1991, he spent over ten years with the University of Washington, where he served as Director of Planned Giving and Executive Director of Development. He has served both as conference chair and board chair of the National Committee on Planned Giving (now the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners) and received its distinguished service award. He is a recognized expert on gift annuities and has served as chair of the American Council on Gift Annuities from which he also received a distinguished service award. He is the principal author of Charitable Gift Annuities: the Complete Resource Manual, the co-author of Planned Giving for Canadians, and has made many presentations and published numerous articles on gift planning. A number of his presentations have been to Canadian audiences, and his writing and consultation also deal with cross-border charitable gifts. He is a member of the Seattle Estate Planning Council and the Washington Planned Giving Council.
Kathryn W. Miree, President, Kathryn W. Miree & Associates, Inc
Kathryn W. Miree has more than 30 years experience working with nonprofit organizations and nonprofit boards. Kathryn is President of Kathryn W. Miree & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm located in Birmingham, Alabama, that works with boards and staff of nonprofits and foundations to build fundraising platforms and establish fundraising strategies. She received her undergraduate degree from Emory University and her law degree from The University of Alabama School of Law. She spent 15 years in various positions in the Trust Division of AmSouth Bank before joining Sterne, Agee & Leach to established its trust company and serve as its President & CEO. In 1997 she established Kathryn W. Miree & Associates, Inc. Kathryn has been actively professionally as past president of the National Committee on Planned Giving, past president of the Alabama Planned Giving Council, past President of the Estate Planning Council of Birmingham, and past President of the Alabama Bankers Association Trust Division. In her community she has served as Chair of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, Chair of United Way of Central Alabama, and Chair of The Altamont School as well as serving in various capacities on more than twenty other nonprofit boards. Kathryn is a frequent lecturer, co-author of The Family Foundation Handbook (CCH Publishers 2014) and author of The Professional Advisor’s Guide to Planned Giving (CCH Publishers, 2006).
Kathryn W. Miree has more than 30 years experience working with nonprofit organizations and nonprofit boards. Kathryn is President of Kathryn W. Miree & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm located in Birmingham, Alabama, that works with boards and staff of nonprofits and foundations to build fundraising platforms and establish fundraising strategies. She received her undergraduate degree from Emory University and her law degree from The University of Alabama School of Law. She spent 15 years in various positions in the Trust Division of AmSouth Bank before joining Sterne, Agee & Leach to established its trust company and serve as its President & CEO. In 1997 she established Kathryn W. Miree & Associates, Inc. Kathryn has been actively professionally as past president of the National Committee on Planned Giving, past president of the Alabama Planned Giving Council, past President of the Estate Planning Council of Birmingham, and past President of the Alabama Bankers Association Trust Division. In her community she has served as Chair of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, Chair of United Way of Central Alabama, and Chair of The Altamont School as well as serving in various capacities on more than twenty other nonprofit boards. Kathryn is a frequent lecturer, co-author of The Family Foundation Handbook (CCH Publishers 2014) and author of The Professional Advisor’s Guide to Planned Giving (CCH Publishers, 2006).
Barbara Murphy, Partner, Farella Braun & Martel LLP
Barbara Murphy represents individuals and families on comprehensive tax planning – income, gift and estate – with a special emphasis on philanthropic planning. She has extensive experience representing charitable organizations, including private foundations and public charities, with endowments ranging from several million to a billion. In her Trusts and Estates practice, Ms. Murphy counsels clients on estate planning, estate and gift taxation, income tax planning and income taxation, charitable gift planning, trust and estate administration, and compliance review of individual, trust, gift and estate tax returns. Ms. Murphy also has successfully represented many individuals and families in audits before the IRS and the FTB, as well as numerous state taxing authorities across the country. Ms. Murphy’s Exempt Organization practice focuses on all aspects of charitable organizations, including entity formation and exemptions, business planning, grant strategies and agreements, governance, regulatory compliance matters, mergers and dissolutions. She is the chair of Farella Braun + Martel’s Exempt Organization practice, and a partner in the firm’s Family Wealth group. She is a frequent speaker on taxes and issues affecting exempt organizations. She also co-chairs the firm’s Non-Profit Education seminar series. She is recognized in The Legal 500 United States 2016 and 2017 Not-for Profit practice area.
Barbara Murphy represents individuals and families on comprehensive tax planning – income, gift and estate – with a special emphasis on philanthropic planning. She has extensive experience representing charitable organizations, including private foundations and public charities, with endowments ranging from several million to a billion. In her Trusts and Estates practice, Ms. Murphy counsels clients on estate planning, estate and gift taxation, income tax planning and income taxation, charitable gift planning, trust and estate administration, and compliance review of individual, trust, gift and estate tax returns. Ms. Murphy also has successfully represented many individuals and families in audits before the IRS and the FTB, as well as numerous state taxing authorities across the country. Ms. Murphy’s Exempt Organization practice focuses on all aspects of charitable organizations, including entity formation and exemptions, business planning, grant strategies and agreements, governance, regulatory compliance matters, mergers and dissolutions. She is the chair of Farella Braun + Martel’s Exempt Organization practice, and a partner in the firm’s Family Wealth group. She is a frequent speaker on taxes and issues affecting exempt organizations. She also co-chairs the firm’s Non-Profit Education seminar series. She is recognized in The Legal 500 United States 2016 and 2017 Not-for Profit practice area.
David Wheeler Newman, Esq., Partner, Chair of the 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 board member of both the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (formerly the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning) and the American Council on Gift Annuities. David received the Dana Latham Award from the Los Angeles County Bar Tax Section, for lifetime achievement in the field of taxation, and he volunteers for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, because it makes him crazy that hundreds of thousands of residents of a wealthy metropolis lack food security. He serves on the board of the California Community Foundation.
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 board member of both the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (formerly the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning) and the American Council on Gift Annuities. David received the Dana Latham Award from the Los Angeles County Bar Tax Section, for lifetime achievement in the field of taxation, and he volunteers for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, because it makes him crazy that hundreds of thousands of residents of a wealthy metropolis lack food security. He serves on the board of the California Community Foundation.
Ruben Orduña, VP, Development & Donor Services, The San Francisco Foundation
Ruben D. Orduña is the Foundation’s vice president of development and donor services, overseeing business development and donor relations. He works closely with donors and Foundation Program staff to maximize donors’ philanthropic impact. Prior to joining The San Francisco Foundation, Ruben was vice president for development at the Boston Foundation where he managed and directed their new business development efforts, which include professional advisor relations, new donor cultivation, solicitation of outright and planned gifts. During his tenure as VP, the Foundation increased its annual giving 100%, reaching a record annual amount of more than $75 million. Ruben also served as the department’s director of development. Ruben was the first executive director of the Crossroads Community Foundation – a five year old community foundation serving the Metrowest Region. He also worked at the Council on Foundations as the director of community foundation services where he managed all services and programs for community foundation members. Ruben is a graduate from Occidental College in Los Angeles and received his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Maryland.
Ruben D. Orduña is the Foundation’s vice president of development and donor services, overseeing business development and donor relations. He works closely with donors and Foundation Program staff to maximize donors’ philanthropic impact. Prior to joining The San Francisco Foundation, Ruben was vice president for development at the Boston Foundation where he managed and directed their new business development efforts, which include professional advisor relations, new donor cultivation, solicitation of outright and planned gifts. During his tenure as VP, the Foundation increased its annual giving 100%, reaching a record annual amount of more than $75 million. Ruben also served as the department’s director of development. Ruben was the first executive director of the Crossroads Community Foundation – a five year old community foundation serving the Metrowest Region. He also worked at the Council on Foundations as the director of community foundation services where he managed all services and programs for community foundation members. Ruben is a graduate from Occidental College in Los Angeles and received his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Maryland.
Katrina Pipasts, CSPG, Senior Vice President, National Director of Planned Giving Services, Northern Trust
Katrina M. Pipasts is the National Director of Planned Giving Services in the Foundation & Institutional Advisors practice at Northern Trust. She is responsible for the gift administration and investment strategy implementation for charitable gift annuity funds and charitable remainder trusts for institutional clients. She works with a variety of nonprofits to develop and implement best practices for successful planned giving programs. Katrina has serviced Planned Giving clients for the past 14 years and has 30 years of investment management experience. She began her career at ANB Investment Management and joined Northern Trust as a senior equity index portfolio manager. Prior to her current position, Katrina served as a Team Leader overseeing a team of portfolio managers managing pension, foundation and endowment assets in customized equity index portfolios. Katrina received her B.S. degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Western Ontario and her B.B.A. in accountancy from Western Michigan University. She earned her Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) designation at the American Institute for Philanthropic Studies at California State University Long Beach. She is the President of the Board of Directors of Brickton Montessori School, Member and Past Treasurer of the Chicago Council on Planned Giving, Member of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners and the American Council on Gift Annuities, Volunteer Tax Preparer at the Center for Economic Progress, and Former Treasurer of the Park Ridge Juniors Foundation. Katrina enjoys volunteering at charity benefits. She is an avid hockey fan, fluent in Latvian and enjoys traveling abroad with her family.
Katrina M. Pipasts is the National Director of Planned Giving Services in the Foundation & Institutional Advisors practice at Northern Trust. She is responsible for the gift administration and investment strategy implementation for charitable gift annuity funds and charitable remainder trusts for institutional clients. She works with a variety of nonprofits to develop and implement best practices for successful planned giving programs. Katrina has serviced Planned Giving clients for the past 14 years and has 30 years of investment management experience. She began her career at ANB Investment Management and joined Northern Trust as a senior equity index portfolio manager. Prior to her current position, Katrina served as a Team Leader overseeing a team of portfolio managers managing pension, foundation and endowment assets in customized equity index portfolios. Katrina received her B.S. degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Western Ontario and her B.B.A. in accountancy from Western Michigan University. She earned her Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) designation at the American Institute for Philanthropic Studies at California State University Long Beach. She is the President of the Board of Directors of Brickton Montessori School, Member and Past Treasurer of the Chicago Council on Planned Giving, Member of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners and the American Council on Gift Annuities, Volunteer Tax Preparer at the Center for Economic Progress, and Former Treasurer of the Park Ridge Juniors Foundation. Katrina enjoys volunteering at charity benefits. She is an avid hockey fan, fluent in Latvian and enjoys traveling abroad with her family.
Vivian Redsar, Counsel, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP
Vivian Redsar is a trust and estates attorney at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips. She advises clients in designing their legacies for families and charities with an emphasis on tax-saving techniques. She also advises individuals and families in establishing tax-exempt supporting organizations, private foundations, charitable trusts and other types of tax-exempt entities. In addition, as a member of the Not-for-Profit group at Manatt, Vivian serves as outside general counsel to nonprofit organizations, including public charities, arts organizations, business leagues and social welfare groups. After guiding clients through the process of forming and obtaining tax-exempt status under IRS Code § 501(c)(3) and its state equivalents, she assists with ongoing compliance issues, corporate governance and income tax issues that pertain to nonprofits.
Vivian Redsar is a trust and estates attorney at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips. She advises clients in designing their legacies for families and charities with an emphasis on tax-saving techniques. She also advises individuals and families in establishing tax-exempt supporting organizations, private foundations, charitable trusts and other types of tax-exempt entities. In addition, as a member of the Not-for-Profit group at Manatt, Vivian serves as outside general counsel to nonprofit organizations, including public charities, arts organizations, business leagues and social welfare groups. After guiding clients through the process of forming and obtaining tax-exempt status under IRS Code § 501(c)(3) and its state equivalents, she assists with ongoing compliance issues, corporate governance and income tax issues that pertain to nonprofits.
Greg Ring, Co-Founder/Principal, The Giving Crowd
Greg Ring (Co-Founder/Principal, The Giving Crowd) has been a recognized expert and thought leader in the Planned Giving arena for the past three decades. The firms launched by Greg have served more than 200 ministries and nonprofits, developing and executing more than $4 billion in documented planned gifts. His passion for the nonprofit sector has led to continual improvement of the service model. “How can we make Planned Giving easier for the nonprofit? Can we make Planned Giving cash flow positive for them?” are questions Greg has focused on strategically. The Giving Crowd builds on this rich history, engaging technology so that both the local church and the mega nonprofit can participate effectively and efficiently in "the greatest transfer of wealth in history". Greg is married with three daughters and six grandchildren and lives in Colorado Springs.
Greg Ring (Co-Founder/Principal, The Giving Crowd) has been a recognized expert and thought leader in the Planned Giving arena for the past three decades. The firms launched by Greg have served more than 200 ministries and nonprofits, developing and executing more than $4 billion in documented planned gifts. His passion for the nonprofit sector has led to continual improvement of the service model. “How can we make Planned Giving easier for the nonprofit? Can we make Planned Giving cash flow positive for them?” are questions Greg has focused on strategically. The Giving Crowd builds on this rich history, engaging technology so that both the local church and the mega nonprofit can participate effectively and efficiently in "the greatest transfer of wealth in history". Greg is married with three daughters and six grandchildren and lives in Colorado Springs.
David Russo, Senior Director of Planned Giving, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
David is the Senior Director of Planned Giving for Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County. He is responsible for building and stewarding relationships with donors and with estate and financial planning professionals to provide information about Catholic Charities’ programs and services to end poverty and build strong families in Santa Clara County. He coordinates suggestions for planned giving vehicles in efforts to facilitate constituent desires to put an end to cancer as a major health concern. He also acts as corporate relations manager, facilitating partnerships between socially responsible bay area companies and the poverty alleviation work of Catholic Charities. David brings over ten years of charitable gift planning experience. Prior to Catholic Charities, he was the Director Estate and Gift Planning for the American Cancer Society, Inc. serving the Silicon Valley and Central Coast regions and the Planned Giving Associate at Silicon Valley Community Foundation. While there, he established their charitable gift annuity program, facilitated the highly successful real estate gift platform and administered their $50 million remainder trust portfolio. David currently serves on the board for the Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale and the legacy giving advisory committee of San Jose Museum of Art.
David is the Senior Director of Planned Giving for Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County. He is responsible for building and stewarding relationships with donors and with estate and financial planning professionals to provide information about Catholic Charities’ programs and services to end poverty and build strong families in Santa Clara County. He coordinates suggestions for planned giving vehicles in efforts to facilitate constituent desires to put an end to cancer as a major health concern. He also acts as corporate relations manager, facilitating partnerships between socially responsible bay area companies and the poverty alleviation work of Catholic Charities. David brings over ten years of charitable gift planning experience. Prior to Catholic Charities, he was the Director Estate and Gift Planning for the American Cancer Society, Inc. serving the Silicon Valley and Central Coast regions and the Planned Giving Associate at Silicon Valley Community Foundation. While there, he established their charitable gift annuity program, facilitated the highly successful real estate gift platform and administered their $50 million remainder trust portfolio. David currently serves on the board for the Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale and the legacy giving advisory committee of San Jose Museum of Art.
Elizabeth Sevilla, Partner, Seiler LLP
Elizabeth has over 25 years of experience. She has spent the vast majority of her career with individual taxation and is a leader in the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice. Over the past 2 decades, Elizabeth has worked closely with high net worth individuals, closely held business owners, corporate executives and partners of investment banking firms and venture capital firms.
Elizabeth holds expertise in the following disciplines:
• Individual and fiduciary income tax compliance and planning
• Estate, trust, gift and charitable planning
• Estate tax return preparation and post mortem funding
• Business succession
• Executive benefit planning
• Life insurance due diligence
Elizabeth has over 25 years of experience. She has spent the vast majority of her career with individual taxation and is a leader in the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice. Over the past 2 decades, Elizabeth has worked closely with high net worth individuals, closely held business owners, corporate executives and partners of investment banking firms and venture capital firms.
Elizabeth holds expertise in the following disciplines:
• Individual and fiduciary income tax compliance and planning
• Estate, trust, gift and charitable planning
• Estate tax return preparation and post mortem funding
• Business succession
• Executive benefit planning
• Life insurance due diligence
Christi Shaw, Senior Director of Development Marketing, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
Christi Shaw is Director of Development Marketing for Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County. She is responsible for targeted messaging to donor audiences to increase engagement, and providing marketing strategy for planned giving, annual giving, major gifts and other audiences. She has 25 years of experience in non-profit communications, especially to donor audiences. Prior to joining the development team at Catholic Charities, Christi was the Director of Direct Appeal at Santa Clara University. She managed a team responsible for print and electronic appeals to alumni, including implementation of the University’s annual 24-hour online fundraising appeal to alumni. In her hometown of Memphis, she worked as an account executive for a boutique communications agency representing clients in the non-profit and government sectors. This is her second round of employment with Catholic Charities, having working as Director of Communications for the agency in the Diocese of Memphis and also serving on the Communications Committee for Catholic Charities USA. She began her career as a reporter for a daily newspaper in Memphis. She and her husband, Norm, love living in the Bay area with their two teenage daughters and one very spoiled cat.
Christi Shaw is Director of Development Marketing for Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County. She is responsible for targeted messaging to donor audiences to increase engagement, and providing marketing strategy for planned giving, annual giving, major gifts and other audiences. She has 25 years of experience in non-profit communications, especially to donor audiences. Prior to joining the development team at Catholic Charities, Christi was the Director of Direct Appeal at Santa Clara University. She managed a team responsible for print and electronic appeals to alumni, including implementation of the University’s annual 24-hour online fundraising appeal to alumni. In her hometown of Memphis, she worked as an account executive for a boutique communications agency representing clients in the non-profit and government sectors. This is her second round of employment with Catholic Charities, having working as Director of Communications for the agency in the Diocese of Memphis and also serving on the Communications Committee for Catholic Charities USA. She began her career as a reporter for a daily newspaper in Memphis. She and her husband, Norm, love living in the Bay area with their two teenage daughters and one very spoiled cat.
Victoria Silverman, Managing Founder, Cook Silverman Search
Victoria is a Co-Founder of Cook Silverman Search. Victoria has worked in the nonprofit philanthropic sector for more than thirty years. Throughout her career, Victoria has worked in senior fundraising, advancement and management positions in higher education, arts, biotech, and environment sectors at Stanford University, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of California, and the American Film Institute, among others. She has worked with heads of state, CEOs of major corporations, scientists, Hollywood celebrities, and leaders of industry. In 2002, Victoria launched her private practice, VLS Strategies to accommodate the requests of friends and business relationships. VLS Strategies' consultancy practice focused on advising development and nonprofit management, start-up companies, and small businesses. Victoria is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis (BA) and attended St. Louis University School of Law. She has been a "heavy hitter" speaker for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and has served on fundraising advisory committees for several nonprofit organizations. Victoria is listed in Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who of America and Who’s Who of International Business, since the 1990s. She has served as an AIRI conference presenter, a member of the Rodef Sholom Board of Directors, a YMCA volunteer, a member of the Development Executives
Roundtable, and a former member of the Reed Union School District advisory council. Victoria is currently a member of the board of directors of the Golden Gate Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and a new member of the board of San Francisco Classical Voice. She is the extremely proud mother of two amazing young women.
Victoria is a Co-Founder of Cook Silverman Search. Victoria has worked in the nonprofit philanthropic sector for more than thirty years. Throughout her career, Victoria has worked in senior fundraising, advancement and management positions in higher education, arts, biotech, and environment sectors at Stanford University, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of California, and the American Film Institute, among others. She has worked with heads of state, CEOs of major corporations, scientists, Hollywood celebrities, and leaders of industry. In 2002, Victoria launched her private practice, VLS Strategies to accommodate the requests of friends and business relationships. VLS Strategies' consultancy practice focused on advising development and nonprofit management, start-up companies, and small businesses. Victoria is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis (BA) and attended St. Louis University School of Law. She has been a "heavy hitter" speaker for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and has served on fundraising advisory committees for several nonprofit organizations. Victoria is listed in Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who of America and Who’s Who of International Business, since the 1990s. She has served as an AIRI conference presenter, a member of the Rodef Sholom Board of Directors, a YMCA volunteer, a member of the Development Executives
Roundtable, and a former member of the Reed Union School District advisory council. Victoria is currently a member of the board of directors of the Golden Gate Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and a new member of the board of San Francisco Classical Voice. She is the extremely proud mother of two amazing young women.
Art Stine, Planned Giving Officer, American Red Cross
Art Stine is a graduate of UCLA and has 25 years experience in Planned Giving. Twenty of those years he fulfilled the role of Planned Gift Director at The Salvation Army, where he stewarded hundreds of donors yielding multiple millions of dollars for the organization. He is a Certified Planned Giving Specialist (CSU Long Beach in 2006). In April of 2017, Art moved to the American Red Cross to become the Planned Giving Officer for the Northern California Coastal Region of the American Red Cross. This new role encompasses the monitoring of estates from loyal donors in addition to his responsibilities to finding and creating new gifts by will, Charitable Gift Annuities, and other gift plans that fulfill donors’ needs. As Art likes to note, “I help supporters sustain their family and philanthropy through proper planning.” Art is a member in good standing with the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, presents to the Northern California Planned Giving Councils Annual Conference as needed, and has served on the Basics Course Faculty (Marketing Planned Gifts) for the past 6 years.
Art Stine is a graduate of UCLA and has 25 years experience in Planned Giving. Twenty of those years he fulfilled the role of Planned Gift Director at The Salvation Army, where he stewarded hundreds of donors yielding multiple millions of dollars for the organization. He is a Certified Planned Giving Specialist (CSU Long Beach in 2006). In April of 2017, Art moved to the American Red Cross to become the Planned Giving Officer for the Northern California Coastal Region of the American Red Cross. This new role encompasses the monitoring of estates from loyal donors in addition to his responsibilities to finding and creating new gifts by will, Charitable Gift Annuities, and other gift plans that fulfill donors’ needs. As Art likes to note, “I help supporters sustain their family and philanthropy through proper planning.” Art is a member in good standing with the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, presents to the Northern California Planned Giving Councils Annual Conference as needed, and has served on the Basics Course Faculty (Marketing Planned Gifts) for the past 6 years.
Maya Tussing, Principal, Alesco Advisors
As a Principal with Alesco Advisors, Maya launched and co-leads the west coast office. She advises and consults with Institutional clients such as corporate retirement plans, non-profits including foundations and endowments and government pensions on their asset allocation, investment selection and monitoring and spend policy needs. Maya is also passionate about empowering women and men to increase their financial acumen and economic potential through education programs, webinars and content distribution aimed at clients in bite-sized chunks. Maya is a Board Member and Treasurer of BizWorld.org, an entrepreneurship program aimed at helping children develop business and leadership acumen. She is also on the board of The CLUB Silicon Valley, a nonprofit leadership incubator for bay area women. Maya developed the Art of the Ask Program while at BlackRock aimed at helping women negotiate and gain more leadership opportunities in the work place. Previously, Maya led BlackRock’s U.S. Institutional Index Asset Allocation business, responsible for over $200B across all asset classes, investment styles and vehicles. Over the last 20 years, she has held senior risk management roles at firms such as BlackRock, Barclays Global Investors, Visa, and GE Capital. Additionally, she has coached hundreds of men and women at all levels of corporate and non-profit organizations to achieve personal and professional success and satisfaction. She is a graduate of Pomona College and holds an MBA in international finance from the University of Washington.
As a Principal with Alesco Advisors, Maya launched and co-leads the west coast office. She advises and consults with Institutional clients such as corporate retirement plans, non-profits including foundations and endowments and government pensions on their asset allocation, investment selection and monitoring and spend policy needs. Maya is also passionate about empowering women and men to increase their financial acumen and economic potential through education programs, webinars and content distribution aimed at clients in bite-sized chunks. Maya is a Board Member and Treasurer of BizWorld.org, an entrepreneurship program aimed at helping children develop business and leadership acumen. She is also on the board of The CLUB Silicon Valley, a nonprofit leadership incubator for bay area women. Maya developed the Art of the Ask Program while at BlackRock aimed at helping women negotiate and gain more leadership opportunities in the work place. Previously, Maya led BlackRock’s U.S. Institutional Index Asset Allocation business, responsible for over $200B across all asset classes, investment styles and vehicles. Over the last 20 years, she has held senior risk management roles at firms such as BlackRock, Barclays Global Investors, Visa, and GE Capital. Additionally, she has coached hundreds of men and women at all levels of corporate and non-profit organizations to achieve personal and professional success and satisfaction. She is a graduate of Pomona College and holds an MBA in international finance from the University of Washington.
Jeff Underwood, Senior Relationship Manager, TIAA Kaspick
Mr. Underwood joined TIAA Kaspick 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 of experience in gift planning and currently serves on the board of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. He served as President of the Planned Giving Group of New England in 2004-2005. He graduated with high honors 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 with honors from Northeastern University.
Mr. Underwood joined TIAA Kaspick 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 of experience in gift planning and currently serves on the board of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. He served as President of the Planned Giving Group of New England in 2004-2005. He graduated with high honors 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 with honors from Northeastern University.
Audrey Yee, Esq., Director, Planned Gifts, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
A fifth generation Californian on both sides of her family, Audrey graduated from U.C. Berkeley and Boston College Law School and practiced estate planning, tax law and charitable gift planning for several years, notably with Lynda Moerschbaecher and Erik Dryburgh. Her clients included not only individuals who wished to make bequest gifts through their estate plans but also nonprofit groups such as universities and museums who needed legal assistance in setting up charitable trust, gift annuity and pooled income fund programs. She transitioned to the nonprofit side when she joined Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund (now Earthjustice), where she served as Planned Giving Director and Development Counsel for several years. She was also Major and Planned Gifts Director at Save-the-Redwoods League and is currently in her 14th year as Planned Giving Director at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Audrey also is a past president of the Northern California Planned Giving Council.
A fifth generation Californian on both sides of her family, Audrey graduated from U.C. Berkeley and Boston College Law School and practiced estate planning, tax law and charitable gift planning for several years, notably with Lynda Moerschbaecher and Erik Dryburgh. Her clients included not only individuals who wished to make bequest gifts through their estate plans but also nonprofit groups such as universities and museums who needed legal assistance in setting up charitable trust, gift annuity and pooled income fund programs. She transitioned to the nonprofit side when she joined Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund (now Earthjustice), where she served as Planned Giving Director and Development Counsel for several years. She was also Major and Planned Gifts Director at Save-the-Redwoods League and is currently in her 14th year as Planned Giving Director at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Audrey also is a past president of the Northern California Planned Giving Council.