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2022 Conference Speakers
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (In alphabetical order by last name)

HAL ABRAMS, Principal/Owner, Hal J. Abrams Planned Giving Consultant
Hal Abrams is a planned giving consultant, based in Portland, OR with clients throughout the West Coast. Hal began his career as an estate planning attorney in San Francisco. He first moved into the nonprofit sector in 1996 and gained experience in the planned giving departments at City of Hope and UC Berkeley. This experience enabled him to lead the gift planning office at the University of Oregon. Hal has spent the past 14 years in advancement leadership. at Oregon Athletics, Lewis & Clark and most recently at Clark College Foundation. In his leadership capacity, Hal has helped teams of major gift fundraisers apply gift planning skills to more efficiently raise major gifts.
Hal has a law degree from University of San Francisco, a master’s in taxation law from Golden State University and a bachelor’s from University of California, Los Angeles. He has served on numerous planned giving boards, including the Northwest Planned Giving Roundtable and the NCPG Council board. He is a sports enthusiast with three children in college.
Hal Abrams is a planned giving consultant, based in Portland, OR with clients throughout the West Coast. Hal began his career as an estate planning attorney in San Francisco. He first moved into the nonprofit sector in 1996 and gained experience in the planned giving departments at City of Hope and UC Berkeley. This experience enabled him to lead the gift planning office at the University of Oregon. Hal has spent the past 14 years in advancement leadership. at Oregon Athletics, Lewis & Clark and most recently at Clark College Foundation. In his leadership capacity, Hal has helped teams of major gift fundraisers apply gift planning skills to more efficiently raise major gifts.
Hal has a law degree from University of San Francisco, a master’s in taxation law from Golden State University and a bachelor’s from University of California, Los Angeles. He has served on numerous planned giving boards, including the Northwest Planned Giving Roundtable and the NCPG Council board. He is a sports enthusiast with three children in college.

LETARIK AMARE, Founding Partner, Radiant Strategies
Letarik Amare, CAP® is a philanthropic professional who believes the key to meaningful power-building is rooted in the deeply transformative power of love and its hand in building a radically generous and joyful community. Growing up in Denver, CO, immersed in a vibrant community established by Ethiopian immigrants, she witnessed first-hand how through collaborative intention, a “small” group can make significant local and global impact. She began her philanthropic career as a founding staff member at the Donors of Color Network, the first-ever cross-racial, high-net-worth donor community.
Currently, Letarik is the co-creator of Freedom School of Philanthropy and Founding Partner of Radiant Strategies. Radiant Strategies is a consulting practice that works hand-in-hand with individuals, groups, and organizations to build a philanthropic practice, research, and skills centering equity, human flourishing, and joy.
Letarik Amare, CAP® is a philanthropic professional who believes the key to meaningful power-building is rooted in the deeply transformative power of love and its hand in building a radically generous and joyful community. Growing up in Denver, CO, immersed in a vibrant community established by Ethiopian immigrants, she witnessed first-hand how through collaborative intention, a “small” group can make significant local and global impact. She began her philanthropic career as a founding staff member at the Donors of Color Network, the first-ever cross-racial, high-net-worth donor community.
Currently, Letarik is the co-creator of Freedom School of Philanthropy and Founding Partner of Radiant Strategies. Radiant Strategies is a consulting practice that works hand-in-hand with individuals, groups, and organizations to build a philanthropic practice, research, and skills centering equity, human flourishing, and joy.

LIZ CAREY, Executive VP, Finance & Operations, Silicon Valley Community Foundation
As Executive Vice President, Finance and Operations at SVCF, Liz oversees the following teams: accounting and finance; consulting and management services; donor services; information technology; investments and legal affairs. Prior to joining SVCF in 2019, Liz served as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), where her responsibilities included developing and executing organizational strategy in respect to finance, fund management, investments, operations, trust administration and technology. Liz had also served as CFO/COO for the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay and as Senior Manager and Director of KPMG’s International Development Assistance Services. Liz’s clients included the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and many colleges and universities across the United States. Liz is a graduate of Penn State University and her volunteer experience includes serving as treasurer of the San Francisco Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program.
As Executive Vice President, Finance and Operations at SVCF, Liz oversees the following teams: accounting and finance; consulting and management services; donor services; information technology; investments and legal affairs. Prior to joining SVCF in 2019, Liz served as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), where her responsibilities included developing and executing organizational strategy in respect to finance, fund management, investments, operations, trust administration and technology. Liz had also served as CFO/COO for the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay and as Senior Manager and Director of KPMG’s International Development Assistance Services. Liz’s clients included the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and many colleges and universities across the United States. Liz is a graduate of Penn State University and her volunteer experience includes serving as treasurer of the San Francisco Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program.

ALI CHALAK, Partner, Moss Adams LLP
Ali has practiced public accounting since 2006. He serves a diverse spectrum of not-for-profit organization and governmental entities, providing assurance and consulting services to micro-lenders, private and public foundations, associations, multiservice not-for-profit entities, and universities. Ali audits many organizations receiving federal funding under Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards (formerly OMB Circular A-133).
Ali has practiced public accounting since 2006. He serves a diverse spectrum of not-for-profit organization and governmental entities, providing assurance and consulting services to micro-lenders, private and public foundations, associations, multiservice not-for-profit entities, and universities. Ali audits many organizations receiving federal funding under Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards (formerly OMB Circular A-133).

JEANINE CRIDER, Director of Planned Giving, Peninsula Open Space Trust
Jeanine Crider is Director of Planned Giving at Peninsula Open Space Trust. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Linfield University. Jeanine serves on the Northern California Planned Giving Council Board and the Hibel Family Foundation's Planned Giving Initiative Advisory Council. She loves the beach, traveling, baking, and hiking with her family.
Jeanine Crider is Director of Planned Giving at Peninsula Open Space Trust. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Linfield University. Jeanine serves on the Northern California Planned Giving Council Board and the Hibel Family Foundation's Planned Giving Initiative Advisory Council. She loves the beach, traveling, baking, and hiking with her family.

JEFFREY D. DAVINE Partner, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP
Former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the IRS. Jeffrey has been a member of the tax department of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP for 27 years. His practice involves advising both nonprofit and for-profit entities in tax matters, including matters involving planned gifts.
Former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the IRS. Jeffrey has been a member of the tax department of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP for 27 years. His practice involves advising both nonprofit and for-profit entities in tax matters, including matters involving planned gifts.

ELIZABETH DOLLAR, Partner, National Not-for-Profit Practice Leader, Moss Adams LLP
Liz has practiced public accounting since 2000. Her focus is financial statement and compliance audits for not-for-profit organizations including foundations (both public and private), trade associations, multiservice not-for-profit entities, health care organizations, and universities. Liz audits many organizations receiving federal funding under Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards (formerly OMB Circular A-133). Liz leads the Northern California government, not-for-profit & regulated entities group and is also leads the foundations assurance practice for the firm.
Liz has practiced public accounting since 2000. Her focus is financial statement and compliance audits for not-for-profit organizations including foundations (both public and private), trade associations, multiservice not-for-profit entities, health care organizations, and universities. Liz audits many organizations receiving federal funding under Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards (formerly OMB Circular A-133). Liz leads the Northern California government, not-for-profit & regulated entities group and is also leads the foundations assurance practice for the firm.

PAT DUFFY, Co-Founder, The Giving Block
Pat created The Giving Block with Co-Founder Alex Wilson in 2018, developing the leading solutions that charities, universities and other nonprofits use to fundraise cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. They quickly established themselves as the leading crypto fundraising experts through the explosive growth of their programs at Save the Children and United Way Worldwide. Over the last four years, The Giving Block has turned cryptocurrency into the fastest growing donation method, founding the industry’s giving pledge, giving days and crowdfunding platform. Today, Pat, Alex and their team are honored to be building Crypto-Philanthropy programs for hundreds of nonprofits raising millions every month.
Pat created The Giving Block with Co-Founder Alex Wilson in 2018, developing the leading solutions that charities, universities and other nonprofits use to fundraise cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. They quickly established themselves as the leading crypto fundraising experts through the explosive growth of their programs at Save the Children and United Way Worldwide. Over the last four years, The Giving Block has turned cryptocurrency into the fastest growing donation method, founding the industry’s giving pledge, giving days and crowdfunding platform. Today, Pat, Alex and their team are honored to be building Crypto-Philanthropy programs for hundreds of nonprofits raising millions every month.

REBECCA DUPRAS, ESQ., Senior Planned Giving Officer, The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Rebecca has been a practicing estate planning attorney since 2006, and is currently the Senior Planned Giving Officer at The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). She has worked for several large charities, including the Rhode Island Foundation and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Rebecca also does consulting with Charitable Solutions, LLC. She has particular expertise in helping clients make charitable gifts with complex assets as well as establishing long-term charitable legacy plans and structures. She has advised donors and clients on establishing giving structures such as Private Foundations, Supporting Organizations, Charitable LLCs and Donor Advised Funds and working with gifts of real estate, business interests, and cryptocurrency.
Rebecca takes pride in building relationships with her clients and other community constituents as part of her practice.
Rebecca has been a practicing estate planning attorney since 2006, and is currently the Senior Planned Giving Officer at The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). She has worked for several large charities, including the Rhode Island Foundation and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Rebecca also does consulting with Charitable Solutions, LLC. She has particular expertise in helping clients make charitable gifts with complex assets as well as establishing long-term charitable legacy plans and structures. She has advised donors and clients on establishing giving structures such as Private Foundations, Supporting Organizations, Charitable LLCs and Donor Advised Funds and working with gifts of real estate, business interests, and cryptocurrency.
Rebecca takes pride in building relationships with her clients and other community constituents as part of her practice.

LIZ GALLEGOS GLYNN, CFRE, Principal Consultant, Legacy Giving Group, LLC
Liz has over 25 years of executive experience in the legacy giving field. Recently retired as Executive Director of Gift Planning at Santa Clara University, Liz led the growth in a comprehensive program including staffing, bequest pipeline, and legacy society. Liz led the effort to include legacy gifts into the comprehensive campaign, which planned gifts contributed over $250 M towards the overall goal. Liz volunteers as chair of her Rotary District's Bequest Society, mentored multiple gift-planning colleagues throughout her career, and was president of the Silicon Valley PG Council. Liz is passionate about the long-term sustainability of institutions that serve our communities thrive through strategic legacy giving programs, "As gift planners, we have the extra benefit of witnessing philanthropic benefactors' joy when they establish purposeful legacy gifts that support their favored causes.” Liz enjoys hiking, spending time with her four adorable grandchildren, and traveling with her husband in AbbeyRoadStream - their airstream trailer.
Liz has over 25 years of executive experience in the legacy giving field. Recently retired as Executive Director of Gift Planning at Santa Clara University, Liz led the growth in a comprehensive program including staffing, bequest pipeline, and legacy society. Liz led the effort to include legacy gifts into the comprehensive campaign, which planned gifts contributed over $250 M towards the overall goal. Liz volunteers as chair of her Rotary District's Bequest Society, mentored multiple gift-planning colleagues throughout her career, and was president of the Silicon Valley PG Council. Liz is passionate about the long-term sustainability of institutions that serve our communities thrive through strategic legacy giving programs, "As gift planners, we have the extra benefit of witnessing philanthropic benefactors' joy when they establish purposeful legacy gifts that support their favored causes.” Liz enjoys hiking, spending time with her four adorable grandchildren, and traveling with her husband in AbbeyRoadStream - their airstream trailer.

JEAN GORMAN, Director of Gift Planning, Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School and Saint Mary’s College, South Bend, IN, Jean has thirty-nine years of development experience in the non-profit sector with a focus in gift planning.
She is the associate vice president, gift planning at Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health having joined the foundation in 2014. Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health is the fund-raising entity for the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and the pediatric programs at Stanford University School of Medicine. Jean returned to California in 2014 from the University of Notre Dame where she served as a senior leader for the first campaign by a research university without a medical school to exceed $2B in seven years. Planned gifts represented twenty-five percent of the campaign total. She was a co-founder and served as president of the Portland Planned Giving Council and later served as president of the San Diego Planned Giving Council and the San Diego Estate Planning Council. She is member of the Michigan Bar Association.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School and Saint Mary’s College, South Bend, IN, Jean has thirty-nine years of development experience in the non-profit sector with a focus in gift planning.
She is the associate vice president, gift planning at Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health having joined the foundation in 2014. Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health is the fund-raising entity for the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and the pediatric programs at Stanford University School of Medicine. Jean returned to California in 2014 from the University of Notre Dame where she served as a senior leader for the first campaign by a research university without a medical school to exceed $2B in seven years. Planned gifts represented twenty-five percent of the campaign total. She was a co-founder and served as president of the Portland Planned Giving Council and later served as president of the San Diego Planned Giving Council and the San Diego Estate Planning Council. She is member of the Michigan Bar Association.

Megan Guzman, Director of Planned Giving, San Francisco Symphony
Megan is currently serves as the Director of Planned Giving at the San Francisco Symphony since Feb 2021. Prior to that Megan was Director of Planned Giving, Liberal Arts at UC Irvine, Assistant Director of Business Development at EY, Asst. VP, West Coast Client Strategy at Christie's, Strategic Planning Manager, National Accounts at MetLife, and Audit Associate, Assurance at KPMG.
Megan is currently serves as the Director of Planned Giving at the San Francisco Symphony since Feb 2021. Prior to that Megan was Director of Planned Giving, Liberal Arts at UC Irvine, Assistant Director of Business Development at EY, Asst. VP, West Coast Client Strategy at Christie's, Strategic Planning Manager, National Accounts at MetLife, and Audit Associate, Assurance at KPMG.

TOM HORTON, International Director of Gift Planning, Guide Dogs for the Blind
Tom has been a member of Guide Dogs for the Blind's Development team for over 20 years where he has served as Director of Planned Giving, Vice President of Philanthropy, and more recently International Director of Planned Giving. He is a former board member of NCPGC and past president of the San Francisco Estate Planning Council. He is an active member of the California Bar Association.
Tom has been a member of Guide Dogs for the Blind's Development team for over 20 years where he has served as Director of Planned Giving, Vice President of Philanthropy, and more recently International Director of Planned Giving. He is a former board member of NCPGC and past president of the San Francisco Estate Planning Council. He is an active member of the California Bar Association.

HALI LEE, Founding Partner, Radiant Strategies
Hali Lee is delighted to have been a co-builder of a few pieces of philanthropic infrastructure. She is the founding partner of Radiant Strategies, a philanthropic consulting firm. Hali co-founded the Donors of Color Network, was on the co-design team for Philanthropy Together, and is the founder of the Asian Women Giving Circle. Hali was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Kansas City. She graduated from Princeton University, studied Buddhism at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, and received a Masters in Social Work from New York University. Hali lives in Brooklyn, NY along with her dear husband, three college-age children, two cats and a big dog. In her free time, Hali loves to travel, read, play tennis and keep rooftop honeybees. Hali was recently profiled in Forbes 50 Over 50: Impact.
Hali Lee is delighted to have been a co-builder of a few pieces of philanthropic infrastructure. She is the founding partner of Radiant Strategies, a philanthropic consulting firm. Hali co-founded the Donors of Color Network, was on the co-design team for Philanthropy Together, and is the founder of the Asian Women Giving Circle. Hali was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Kansas City. She graduated from Princeton University, studied Buddhism at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, and received a Masters in Social Work from New York University. Hali lives in Brooklyn, NY along with her dear husband, three college-age children, two cats and a big dog. In her free time, Hali loves to travel, read, play tennis and keep rooftop honeybees. Hali was recently profiled in Forbes 50 Over 50: Impact.

CRIS LUTZ, Assistant Vice President of Gift Planning, The Huntington
Cris Lutz is the Assistant Vice President of Gift Planning at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. She also serves as Chair of the staff Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Cris has served as a board member for the American Council on Gift Annuities (ACGA) and the Los Angeles Council of Charitable Gift Planners (LACGP). She earned her master's degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton, and dual bachelor's degrees in art history and social science from the University of California, Irvine. Cris has been a certified specialist in planned giving (CSPG) since 2013 and recently became a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP).
Cris Lutz is the Assistant Vice President of Gift Planning at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. She also serves as Chair of the staff Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Cris has served as a board member for the American Council on Gift Annuities (ACGA) and the Los Angeles Council of Charitable Gift Planners (LACGP). She earned her master's degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton, and dual bachelor's degrees in art history and social science from the University of California, Irvine. Cris has been a certified specialist in planned giving (CSPG) since 2013 and recently became a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP).

AMANDA KIERNAN MARTIN, J.D., Office of Gift Planning, CPMC Foundation
Amanda Kiernan Martin is the Director of Planned Giving for the California Pacific Medical Center Foundation, a Sutter Health Affiliate. CPMC is one of the largest not-for-profit medical centers in California with four campuses located throughout San Francisco. Prior to joining CPMC, Amanda worked for the Episcopal Diocese of California, the University of Notre Dame, and United Way.
With more than a decade of experience across the nonprofit spectrum, Amanda has worked in nearly every area of fundraising from grant writing to major gifts to planned giving. She currently serves on the board for the Northern California Planned Giving Council as Co-Chair for the NCPGC Conference and as a volunteer mentor for Girls on the Run. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Denver and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame.
Amanda Kiernan Martin is the Director of Planned Giving for the California Pacific Medical Center Foundation, a Sutter Health Affiliate. CPMC is one of the largest not-for-profit medical centers in California with four campuses located throughout San Francisco. Prior to joining CPMC, Amanda worked for the Episcopal Diocese of California, the University of Notre Dame, and United Way.
With more than a decade of experience across the nonprofit spectrum, Amanda has worked in nearly every area of fundraising from grant writing to major gifts to planned giving. She currently serves on the board for the Northern California Planned Giving Council as Co-Chair for the NCPGC Conference and as a volunteer mentor for Girls on the Run. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Denver and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame.

KENDRA ONISHI, Vice President for Development, Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Kendra Onishi currently serves as Vice President for Development at Silicon Valley Community Foundation. As Vice President of Development, she leads the Foundation’s strategy to serve as a premier philanthropic partner for charitably minded individuals and corporations. Kendra works with donors and partners navigate the charitable solutions and collaboration opportunities available at SVCF to turn their philanthropic goals into transformational impact. Her expertise includes providing philanthropic strategy and guidance, identifying and establishing charitable funds, structuring unique grantmaking and investment strategies to expand and deepen impact, and accepting complex highly appreciated gifted assets to fuel philanthropic giving, including acceptance of business interests, private stock, and cryptocurrency.
Kendra Onishi currently serves as Vice President for Development at Silicon Valley Community Foundation. As Vice President of Development, she leads the Foundation’s strategy to serve as a premier philanthropic partner for charitably minded individuals and corporations. Kendra works with donors and partners navigate the charitable solutions and collaboration opportunities available at SVCF to turn their philanthropic goals into transformational impact. Her expertise includes providing philanthropic strategy and guidance, identifying and establishing charitable funds, structuring unique grantmaking and investment strategies to expand and deepen impact, and accepting complex highly appreciated gifted assets to fuel philanthropic giving, including acceptance of business interests, private stock, and cryptocurrency.

ANDY RAGONE, CGPP, Integrated Marketing, Crescendo Interactive
Andy Ragone is a national speaker, writer and recognized thought leader in marketing and gift planning strategies for Crescendo Interactive. Through his guidance and leadership, Andy advises on specialized marketing and moves-management techniques to secure complex and estate gifts. Through his efforts, nonprofits both large and small benefit from his insight and unique talent of bringing gift planners and their donors together to make a difference in the communities they serve.
Andy Ragone is a national speaker, writer and recognized thought leader in marketing and gift planning strategies for Crescendo Interactive. Through his guidance and leadership, Andy advises on specialized marketing and moves-management techniques to secure complex and estate gifts. Through his efforts, nonprofits both large and small benefit from his insight and unique talent of bringing gift planners and their donors together to make a difference in the communities they serve.

JILL RODE, CFRE, Director of Legacy Giving, Music Academy of the West
Jill Rode, CFRE, has more than 30 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit management. She has raised millions of dollars for many organizations, including Girl Scouts, Santa Barbara Symphony, Santa Barbara Zoo, American Red Cross, and the YMCA. She currently serves as the Director of Legacy Giving at the Music Academy of the West, one of the nation’s preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classically trained musicians.
Jill Rode, CFRE, has more than 30 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit management. She has raised millions of dollars for many organizations, including Girl Scouts, Santa Barbara Symphony, Santa Barbara Zoo, American Red Cross, and the YMCA. She currently serves as the Director of Legacy Giving at the Music Academy of the West, one of the nation’s preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classically trained musicians.

DAVID RUSSO, Senior Director of Planned Giving, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
David 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 and gift plans to facilitate constituent desires to put an end to poverty. 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 fifteen 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. He is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, former President of Silicon Valley Planned Giving Council and currently serves as Chairman for Starting Arts.
David 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 and gift plans to facilitate constituent desires to put an end to poverty. 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 fifteen 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. He is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, former President of Silicon Valley Planned Giving Council and currently serves as Chairman for Starting Arts.

DIEN YUEN, Executive Director, Center for Philanthropy & Social Impact at The American College of Financial Services
Dien Yuen, JD/LLM, CAP®, AEP® is the Executive Director, Center for Philanthropy and Social Impact at The American College of Financial Services and the Blunt-Nickel Professor in Philanthropy. She also serves as Program Director of Purpose School, a program she co-created for those exploring the intersections of purpose and social impact. Dien founded the Advisors of Color Network to increase diversity among philanthropic planning professionals and to support their work through research and content development. Before joining the College, Dien worked in several wealth management firms assisting clients with their philanthropic investments. She has held executive positions in
several regional and global development organizations.
Dien Yuen, JD/LLM, CAP®, AEP® is the Executive Director, Center for Philanthropy and Social Impact at The American College of Financial Services and the Blunt-Nickel Professor in Philanthropy. She also serves as Program Director of Purpose School, a program she co-created for those exploring the intersections of purpose and social impact. Dien founded the Advisors of Color Network to increase diversity among philanthropic planning professionals and to support their work through research and content development. Before joining the College, Dien worked in several wealth management firms assisting clients with their philanthropic investments. She has held executive positions in
several regional and global development organizations.
Ask the Experts Speakers

KARL MILL, Founder, Mill Law Center
Prior to founding Mill Law Center, Karl Mill was a partner at a boutique law firm serving non-profits and their donors. Karl continues to advise a broad range of non-profit organizations, including everything from the most innovative start-ups to some of the largest, most established foundations and charities around the country.
Karl’s philosophy is to apply his years as a lawyer and educator to provide clear, actionable legal advice and support to non-profits. Karl’s areas of expertise include private foundations, public charities, impact investment, social enterprise, and charitable gift planning.
Karl graduated from Columbia Law School in 2013, and practiced trust, estate, and tax law for several years at DLA Piper.
Prior to founding Mill Law Center, Karl Mill was a partner at a boutique law firm serving non-profits and their donors. Karl continues to advise a broad range of non-profit organizations, including everything from the most innovative start-ups to some of the largest, most established foundations and charities around the country.
Karl’s philosophy is to apply his years as a lawyer and educator to provide clear, actionable legal advice and support to non-profits. Karl’s areas of expertise include private foundations, public charities, impact investment, social enterprise, and charitable gift planning.
Karl graduated from Columbia Law School in 2013, and practiced trust, estate, and tax law for several years at DLA Piper.

BILL KNOX, JD, LLM, Director, Planned Gift Technical Consulting
Bill Knox, JD, LLM, Director, Planned Gift Technical Consulting. Mr. Knox joined TIAA Kaspick in 2012 after serving for more than seven years as vice president of legal services at Crescendo Interactive, Inc. In his current role, he advises clients on all aspects surrounding planned gifts, including legal, tax, and administration issues. He has presented on a variety of planned giving topics at both regional and national events. Mr. Knox has a BA from the California State University, Chico. He received his JD from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America and his LLM in tax from Loyola Law School.
Bill Knox, JD, LLM, Director, Planned Gift Technical Consulting. Mr. Knox joined TIAA Kaspick in 2012 after serving for more than seven years as vice president of legal services at Crescendo Interactive, Inc. In his current role, he advises clients on all aspects surrounding planned gifts, including legal, tax, and administration issues. He has presented on a variety of planned giving topics at both regional and national events. Mr. Knox has a BA from the California State University, Chico. He received his JD from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America and his LLM in tax from Loyola Law School.

JEAN TOM, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Jean's clients are a diverse mix of philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, public charities (advocacy organizations, universities, museums, social service organizations), private foundations (family foundations, community foundations and corporate foundations), social welfare organizations, and trade associations. Her clients focus on fields ranging from education to social, racial, and economic justice; health, scientific research and innovation; arts and culture; environmental conservation, religion, and animal welfare. Among Jean’s clients are NoVo Foundation, the ASPCA, Sierra Club, The Conference Board, KQED and the University of California, as well as a number of West Coast hospital systems.
Jean counsels her clients on all aspects of a nonprofit organization's life cycle, from entity choice and formation through dissolution, and on complex organizational structuring and transactions (forming subsidiaries, establishing relationships with affiliates, structuring joint ventures, and exploring and carrying out mergers and acquisitions). She also advises clients on grantmaking, corporate governance (bylaws, board fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest), executive compensation, corporate sponsorships and commercial co-ventures, political intervention and lobbying, and program-and mission-related investments. Jean also enjoys serving as general counsel to her clients, tackling issues as they arise and connecting clients with capable colleagues in other parts of the firm to assist with issues spanning employment, intellectual property, technology, privacy, immigration, and real estate.
A frequent speaker on matters pertaining to nonprofits, Jean has also represented organizations in connection with attorney general investigations and before the California Franchise Tax Board and the Internal Revenue Service.
Jean's clients are a diverse mix of philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, public charities (advocacy organizations, universities, museums, social service organizations), private foundations (family foundations, community foundations and corporate foundations), social welfare organizations, and trade associations. Her clients focus on fields ranging from education to social, racial, and economic justice; health, scientific research and innovation; arts and culture; environmental conservation, religion, and animal welfare. Among Jean’s clients are NoVo Foundation, the ASPCA, Sierra Club, The Conference Board, KQED and the University of California, as well as a number of West Coast hospital systems.
Jean counsels her clients on all aspects of a nonprofit organization's life cycle, from entity choice and formation through dissolution, and on complex organizational structuring and transactions (forming subsidiaries, establishing relationships with affiliates, structuring joint ventures, and exploring and carrying out mergers and acquisitions). She also advises clients on grantmaking, corporate governance (bylaws, board fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest), executive compensation, corporate sponsorships and commercial co-ventures, political intervention and lobbying, and program-and mission-related investments. Jean also enjoys serving as general counsel to her clients, tackling issues as they arise and connecting clients with capable colleagues in other parts of the firm to assist with issues spanning employment, intellectual property, technology, privacy, immigration, and real estate.
A frequent speaker on matters pertaining to nonprofits, Jean has also represented organizations in connection with attorney general investigations and before the California Franchise Tax Board and the Internal Revenue Service.