Susan Quinn, Executive Director of Advancement Services and Campaign Manager, Lenoir-Rhyne University

Small and Mighty: Leveraging the Unique Strengths and Challenges of Smaller Shops
Wednesday, May 21, 1-1:45 p.m.

Susan Quinn is an experienced leader in fundraising operations in large and small institutions. Today she is executive director of advancement services and campaign manager at Lenoir-Rhyne University in western North Carolina where she leads an agile team of four who provide research, analysis, data integrity and campaign support to LR's fundraising teams. At PD 2024, Susan co-presented "Small and Mighty" with Jon Kingzette of Campbell & Co. That presentation delivered survey results from practitioners in small shops who shared their challenges and strategies for success and professional growth.

Jessica Roberts, Vice President, Data Analytics, CCS Fundraising

How Small Shops Can Accomplish BIG Tasks
Tuesday, May 20, 2-2:45 p.m

Jessica joined CCS Fundraising in 2015 and brings over two decades of experience in nonprofit fundraising management and consulting. As vice president of data analytics, she has worked with approximately 1,000 clients worldwide, leveraging data-driven insights to develop tailored development strategies. Her expertise spans annual and major giving, donor relations, event planning and data analytics, allowing her to craft innovative solutions that enhance fundraising effectiveness.

Jessica's passion for development began in college when she worked as a student caller and manager at Binghamton University. Before joining CCS, she served as the director of development at Columbia University, where she led strategic planning efforts and solicited major gifts. Prior to that, she was the assistant director of annual giving at Fordham University, managing a $1 million telemarketing program and overseeing engagement initiatives for an alumni network of over 120,000 individuals.

She holds a master's degree in nonprofit and fundraising management from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree in management from Binghamton University. Jessica lives in Queens, NY, with her husband and nine-year-old son, and enjoys exploring the vibrant streets of NYC in her free time.

Jennifer Schlager, Manager, Prospect Research & Data Analytics, Trinity Health

Data-Driven Insights for Donor Identification
Wednesday, May 21, 2-2:45 p.m.

Jennifer Schlager embarked on her philanthropy journey during her time as a student at the University of Michigan — Dearborn in 2010. With a comprehensive background spanning various roles, she has demonstrated expertise in volunteer coordination, event management, front-line fundraising and currently works as the manager, prospect research and data analytics at Trinity Health. She finds great joy and fulfillment in her work within philanthropy.

Schlager served on the Apra Ethics and Compliance Committee from 2020-2023 and is currently serving another term on the committee. Outside of her professional endeavors, she finds joy in quality time with her husband and son, while also passionately supporting the Detroit Lions.

Rachael Walker, Donor Strategy Manager, St. Luke's Health Foundation

Small and Mighty: Leveraging the Unique Strengths and Challenges of Smaller Shops
Wednesday, May 21, 1-1:45 p.m.

Rachael Dietrich Walker is entering her fifteenth year in prospect development. In June 2024, she joined St. Luke's Health Foundation as its first donor strategy manager, where she is building a brand-new prospect development program. She comes to health care after a career spent in higher education. Rachael is a longtime member of the Apra Carolinas board and currently serves as its president; she has also served in several volunteer roles for Apra International, most recently as a faculty member for Apra Fundamentals Winter.  She holds an MLIS from UNC-Greensboro and a bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond. 

Brittani Williams, Director, Development Operations and Prospect Development, Houston Zoo

Small and Mighty: Leveraging the Unique Strengths and Challenges of Smaller Shops
Wednesday, May 21, 1-1:45 p.m.

Brittani Williams, MBA, is a seasoned fundraising expert with extensive experience in development operations, prospect development and fundraising strategy. Currently serving as the director of development operations and prospect development at the Houston Zoo, Brittani brings over 20 years of fundraising expertise to her role.

With a background deeply rooted in the philanthropic sector, Brittani has dedicated over eight years to the Houston Zoo, progressively advancing from development research analyst to her current position as director. In her current capacity, she spearheads strategic initiatives to drive philanthropic growth and engagement, leveraging her finely honed skills in prospect research, relationship management and operational excellence. Her work is exemplified in the Houston Zoo's largest campaign in its history, the "Keeping Our World Wild" centennial campaign, which raised over $150 million dollars for the zoo and its conservation partners worldwide.

Prior to her tenure at the zoo, Brittani made significant contributions to the University of Houston, where she served in various roles within the university advancement division. Notably, she played a pivotal role in supporting the silent phase of the university's "Here, We Go" campaign contributing to the remarkable success of the $1.2 billion dollar fundraising effort. Prior to positions in the nonprofit realm, Brittani held roles in political consulting, political campaign fundraising and congressional constituent relations.

Brittani holds a bachelor's degree in political science and psychology (dual majors) and an MBA specializing in global management and business modeling and decision making, all from the University of Houston.

She has been a member of Apra International since 2016 and was elected to its board of directors in 2024. Previously, she has served in several volunteer roles with Apra International, including with the Conference Planning Committee, Chapters Committee, Nominations Committee, Awards Committee and Campaigns Task Force. She previously served as a board member for Apra Greater Houston and as a member of the Best Practices in Prospect Development Committee with AASP. Brittani was a 2022 nominee for the Houston Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business award. 
 

Stephanie Willis, Senior Manager of Prospect Development at Creative Fundraising Advisors

How Small Shops Can Accomplish BIG Tasks
Tuesday, May 20, 2-2:45 p.m.

Stephanie is the senior manager of prospect development at Creative Fundraising Advisors and is passionate about helping nonprofits understand the “science” of fundraising, and how to effectively use data and research to enhance the “art” of fundraising. Stephanie has over a decade of experience in prospect research, prospect management and data analytics at both higher education and nonprofit organizations. She has been a loyal Apra member and volunteer since 2013.

For six years, she served on the Apra Indiana board in roles including webmaster, programming chair, treasurer and vice president. In 2019, Stephanie co-founded the Apra Great Lakes chapter to launch a new regional experience for local state chapters. Stephanie has been a regular attendee and speaker at the annual Apra PD conference and served on the Curriculum Planning Committee for three years. In 2023, she was honored to serve as the chair of the Apra PD conference in Indianapolis and is currently a member of the Apra board and the Apra Foundation.

Stephanie has an undergraduate degree in education and a master’s degree in library science. She is certified in the Tessitura and Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge databases. Since 2010, Stephanie has been a Gallup-certified Strengths coach and has helped hundreds of people understand, apply and integrate CliftonStrengths results into their lives and work. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Stephanie recently moved from Indianapolis, Indiana to Three Rivers, Michigan.

Lauren Woodring, Associate Director High Net Worth, Yale University

From Chaos to Clarity: Crafting Your Organizational Playbook
Wednesday, May 21, 10:15-11 a.m.

Lauren Woodring is the associate director of high net worth at Yale University. She most recently was at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she had been the director of prospect research and management. She started her prospect development career at the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts (now Ensemble Arts Philly) before moving to the museum.

She is a member of the board of directors for Apra International. She has also served in leadership positions with Apra Pennsylvania and AASP. Lauren is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College and has a master's degree in history from LaSalle University, and a M.Litt in museum and gallery studies from St. Andrews University in the United Kingdom. Lauren lives in Philadelphia and New Haven with her partner and their cat, Mona. 

Prisca Zaccaria, Executive Director, Prospect Development, University of South Carolina

Amplify your impact: Advocating for Yourself and Your Prospect Development Team in Small Shops and Evolving Workplaces
Tuesday, May 20, 10:15-11 a.m.

Prisca Zaccaria is an accomplished leader in higher education advancement and a recognized expert in prospect development, with over 23 years of experience in the field. As the executive director for prospect development at the University of South Carolina, she plays a crucial role in driving fundraising success and aligning philanthropic strategies with the university's long-term objectives.

Before her position at USC, Prisca held a senior role in prospect development at the University of Georgia. There, she was instrumental in supporting two comprehensive fundraising campaigns. Her collaboration with cross-functional teams significantly enhanced donor pipelines and secured major and principal gifts, which greatly boosted UGA's fundraising efforts.

A key strength of Prisca's leadership is her emphasis on data-driven strategies to improve the productivity of prospect development teams and foster fundraising growth. She has led the integration of innovative processes and analytics, ensuring the identification and cultivation of high-potential donors. This approach has contributed to substantial increases in major gifts and overall fundraising success. Additionally, she has streamlined the metrics used to measure team impact and demonstrates how strategic prospect development drives successful fundraising campaigns and philanthropic initiatives.

Prisca's contributions extend beyond her institutional roles. She serves as the program and social media director for Apra Georgia and has previously held the position of Award Committee Chair for Apra-PD. Her leadership experience also includes being the education chair for Apra Carolinas, a board director for GEAC, an AFP and AASP leadership mentor and a faculty member for CASE's prospect development training.

Her active involvement at both the regional and national levels, including presentations at conferences and contributions to various webinars and panels, highlights her commitment to advancing best practices in prospect development and fostering growth within the profession.