WALKING TIGHTROPE
Exploring the delicate balance fundraisers face professionally and personally.
OCTOBER 3, 2025
WELCOME
On behalf of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Colorado Chapter, it is a pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute! Today we will be “Walking the Tightrope” together, exploring the challenges and opportunities of fundraising in 2025 and the years to come.
In addition to the fascinating sessions from Dr. Ryan Ross, Lauren Wise, and Bridget Richards and others, RMPI offers a stellar opportunity to network and connect meaningfully with fellow professionals who work daily to make a difference. We encourage you to engage in thoughtful conversations, exchange ideas, and forge new partnerships to contribute to your work as we explore the ways our profession is evolving and how to walk that tightrope.
Thank you for making the time to be here with us at RMPI and for the amazing work you do every day to make change in our communities.
Warm regards,
Robin Wood-Mason, CFRE AFP Colorado Chapter President
2025 CO-CHAIRS
Special thanks to conference co-chairs Gerry Rasel and Amy Stewart, and to DeAnn Acosta, Sarah Swanson, all of our amazing sponsors, and our brilliant speakers. Thank you!
Gerry Rasel, Director of Major Gifts, VOA Colorado and Amy Stewart, CFRE, Vice President, Development, Mental Health Colorado
Gerry Rasel Amy Stewart
RMPI 2025 SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
HAPPY HOUR SPONSOR
COMMUNITY BUILDER SPONSORS
SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS
EXHIBITORS
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
8:00 am RMPI Opens and Continental Breakfast Available
8:30 am Welcome
8:40 am Opening Keynote Session – Between the Gift & the Goal - Walking the Tightrope with Vision, Values, & Velocity
9:20 am Break and Networking
9:45 am Workshop Session I
Session A: Welcome to the Circus! Walking the Fundraising Tightrope: Balancing Metrics, Ethics, and Budgetary Needs in Annual Planning (CG CENTER)
Session B: Balance Mission and Message with Effective Marketing
(CG SOUTH)
Session C: Walking the Tightrope - Managing Up: The Importance of Soft Power And What Might Be Motivating Your CEO and Board (CG NORTH)
11:00 am Workshop Session II
Session A: Aligned for Impact: Short-Term Goals That Move Fundraising Forward (CG CENTER)
Session B: Walking the Tightrope - Discovery Calls and Visits as a Development Officer Meeting Metrics and Layering On Cultivating Tomorrow’s Major Gift Donors (CG SOUTH)
Session C: Ethical Finance and Development: Balancing on the Tightrope
12:00 pm Grab Lunch
12:15 pm Luncheon Plenary Session: Media and Walking the Tightrope (CG FULL)
1:15 pm Workshop Session III
Session A: Fundraising Events: Boom, Bust or Reinvention? (CG CENTER)
Session B: Walking the Trust Tightrope: High-ROI, Trust-Building Opportunities Through Authentic Donor Engagement (CG SOUTH)
Session C: How to Accept Complex Gifts Like a Big Shop (While Working In A Small Shop) (CG NORTH)
2:15 pm Break – Visit Vendors, Networking
2:30 pm Workshop Session IV
Session A: Tightrope Tactics: Strategies for Navigating and Growing Your Fundraising Career (CG CENTER)
Session B: The Multi-Source Advantage: Building a Resilient Funding Base
Session C: Balancing Act: Harmonizing AI Technology and Human Connection in Nonprofit Fundraising (CG NORTH)
3:45 pm Happy Hour on the Patio
* Schedule is subject to change.
(CG NORTH) (CG SOUTH)
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3
8:00 am - Conference Opens
8:40 am - Opening Keynote Speaker
Please see speaker photos and bios later in the program
Ryan Ross, PhD, Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado
Between the Gift & the Goal - Walking the Tightrope with Vision, Values, & Velocity (CG FULL)
Join Dr. Ryan E. Ross as he opens RMPI 2025 with an inspiring keynote that shines a light on the art and challenge of fundraising. From balancing donor intent with community needs to holding vision steady amid metrics, money, and mission, Dr. Ross explores how fundraisers can walk the tightrope with confidence and conviction. This session will ground you, uplift you, and remind you that fundraising isn’t just about raising dollars—it’s about raising hope, fueling futures, and moving with vision, values, and velocity.
9:45 am - Workshop Session I
Welcome to the Circus! Walking the Fundraising Tightrope: Balancing Metrics, Ethics, and Budgetary Needs in Annual Planning (CG CENTER)
Meredith Friedman and Sarah Melinger, RaiseUp Collaborative
Balancing budgets and donor expectations can feel like walking a tightrope—but with the right tools, you won’t fall. This interactive session equips you with templates and strategies to create an inclusive, metric-driven development plan that guides fundraising success. Learn how metrics provide better balance than budgets alone, serving as your nonprofit’s stabilizing pole. We’ll also tackle the ethical risks of misalignment between finance and fundraising—and how to fix it. Expect practical takeaways, real talk, and a few circus-worthy surprises. Join us under the big top—audience participation encouraged (and yes, we’re bringing the popcorn)!
Balance Mission and Message with Effective Marketing (CG SOUTH)
Bridget Richards, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
Marketing your mission is a balance between heart-centered storytelling and driving revenue. In this session, learn from an experienced former corporate marketing executive who is reshaping her nonprofit’s marketing team from a traditional communications approach into a strategic, high-performance powerhouse. Hear how to start with a vision, navigate internal change, shift mindsets, build trust, and gain buy-in for bolder marketing investments. This session will inspire you to lead change, break down silos, and cultivate a culture of collaboration. Leave with practical advice based on real-life lessons learned to elevate marketing for your organization.
Walking the Tightrope - Managing Up: The Importance of Soft Power And What Might Be Motivating Your CEO and Board (CG NORTH)
Hillary Harding and Colleen Curran, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Our presentation will explore the vital yet often overlooked art of managing up—the strategic use of soft power and influence to lead from any seat in a nonprofit organization. Designed for development staff, we’ll discuss how to build trust, communicate with clarity, and align your work with leadership priorities.
SCHEDULE
11:00 am - Workshop Session II
Aligned for Impact: Short-Term Goals That Move Fundraising Forward (CG CENTER)
Amanda Kearney-Smith & Richard Eveleigh, The Nonprofit Strategy Group
In uncertain times, long-term fundraising plans can feel out of reach, but short-term, mission-driven goals can move your organization forward with clarity and confidence. Aligned for Impact explores how setting clear, collaborative goals energize teams and reassures donors. Through practical tools and interactive group activities, participants will learn to foster alignment and build momentum, even in unpredictable environments. This session is ideal for nonprofit professionals seeking focused, achievable strategies to strengthen donor relationships and internal cohesion. Join us to discover how short-term goals deliver long-term impact and show funders you’re confidently moving forward.
Walking the Tightrope - Discovery Calls and Visits as a Development Officer: Meeting Metrics and Layering On Cultivating Tomorrow’s Major Gift Donors (CG SOUTH)
Lauren Wise, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Join us for a one-hour interactive session to share wins and challenges related to walking the tightrope as a development professional with fundraising metrics. There is an art and a science to focusing on “today’s” donors and metrics while also thinking through your pipeline and who will help you hit those same metrics next year and the following years. Walk away with tactical tips and tricks from Lauren and your colleagues in the room on how to walk this tightrope, how to shift your mindset, and how to create the space to do this work.
Ethical Finance and Development: Balancing on the Tightrope (CG NORTH)
Dr. Josh Evans & Lisa Hrinik, Wipfli
Utilizing the experience of a 20-year nonprofit auditor and nonprofit leader, the presentation will offer perspectives on numerous situational case studies where ethical consideration should take place from the perspective of Nonprofit Leadership and Auditor Financial Oversight. The focus will be on offering a holistic ethical assessment of development situations in need of balancing on the ground realities with funder expectations. The presentation will be interactive and involve audience participation.
12:15 pm Luncheon Plenary Session
Micah Smith, Denver7
Media and Walking the Tightrope (CG FULL)
Join us for a lunchtime conversation from the media perspective. How does the media walk the tightrope in the delicate task of reporting news objectively, presenting both sides of the story? How does the press reconcile personal beliefs with the current climate?
SCHEDULE
1:15 pm - Workshop Session III
Fundraising Events: Boom, Bust or Reinvention? (CG CENTER)
Speakers: Heather Orr, Wellpower; Gerry Rasel, VOA Colorado; Sarah Stewart, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
Moderator: Amy Farnan, Trusted Philanthropy Expert & Advisor
In an era of digital engagement and donor fatigue, are nonprofit events still worth the effort? This panel brings together seasoned fundraising professionals to explore the strategic value of events—not just as fundraisers, but as powerful tools for donor cultivation, community building, and mission storytelling. From intimate gatherings to large-scale galas, we’ll unpack what makes an event meaningful, how to measure its impact beyond dollars raised, and how to align event strategy with long-term donor engagement goals.
Walking the Trust Tightrope: High-ROI, Trust-Building Opportunities Through Authentic Donor Engagement (CG SOUTH)
Lori Collins and Fiona Cunningham, RKD Group
We all know the trends reshaping giving today: fewer donors giving more, and a growing need for trust. Instead of resisting them, lean in—and grow—with data-driven, relationship-focused strategies. Unlock the power of a proven three-step process to build stronger donor relationships and deepen trust. Discover how to better understand what matters most to your donors—boosting engagement and driving greater impact. You’ll explore real-world success stories from both local and national nonprofits already seeing measurable results. Walk away with actionable insights to future-proof your fundraising and fuel sustainable growth.
How
Jon
to
Accept Complex Gifts
Like a Big Shop (While Working in a Small Shop) (CG NORTH)
Kraus, University of Denver
Many small-to-medium size fundraising shops are reluctant to accept complex gifts of assets like cryptocurrency, real estate, or charitable gift annuities. There are many valid reasons for this. The organization may not want to take on the risk, their gift acceptance policies may prohibit gifts of certain assets, or they may simply not know where to turn for help. This session will explore the ways in which all fundraising shops, regardless of size, can accept gifts of assets by leveraging external partnerships.
2:30 pm - Workshop Session IV
Tightrope Tactics: Strategies for Navigating and Growing Your Fundraising Career (CG CENTER)
Tonya Malik-Carson and Marianna DiVietro, Aspen Leadership Group
This session, facilitated by two nonprofit recruiters who understand the fundraiser’s journey firsthand, will help you assess your current professional landscape and offer strategies for navigating transition. We’ll cover knowing when to move on and how to stay, initiating a job search, exiting gracefully, and advocating for change. Whether you’re considering a move or committed to thriving where you are, you’ll gain insights from the candidate and hiring manager perspectives and the tools and support needed to navigate change confidently. Join us for candid discussion and reflection and gain the empowering realization that you’re not navigating your career journey alone.
SCHEDULE
The Multi-Source Advantage: Building a Resilient Funding Base (CG SOUTH)
Melissa S. Brown, The Fund Raising School
This session will cover strategies to examine revenue streams and create a sustainable base of support through multiple funding sources, such as individual donors, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and special events. Participants will gain insights into assessing their organization’s current revenue mix, identifying opportunities for diversification, and developing a comprehensive plan to balance and grow their revenue.
Balancing Act: Harmonizing AI Technology and Human Connection in Nonprofit Fundraising (CG NORTH)
Elizabeth Neufeld, Strat Labs
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, nonprofit fundraisers walk a tightrope between embracing technological innovation and maintaining authentic human connections. This session explores how organizations can strategically integrate AI and digital tools while preserving the personal touch that drives donor relationships. Drawing from real-world case studies, Elizabeth Neufeld will demonstrate how nonprofits can balance immediate technological opportunities with long-term relationship building, navigate the tension between efficiency and authenticity, and align digital strategies with organizational values. Participants will discover practical approaches to harmonize marketing and fundraising efforts using accessible technology, creating a sustainable equilibrium that amplifies mission impact without sacrificing meaningful engagement. This workshop provides a framework for fundraisers to confidently traverse the tightrope between digital transformation and relationship-centered fundraising, turning potential challenges into strategic advantages for their organizations.
3:45 pm – Happy Hour on the patio
We all know fundraising can sometimes feel like a bit of a circus...so let’s embrace it!
JOIN US UNDER THE BIG TOP AT THE RMPI
HAPPY HOUR
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CONFERENCE AT 3:45 P.M.
Grab a beer (or wine), snag some popcorn (and other snacks, too), and get ready to share your best “HOLD MY BEER” fundraising story!
So start thinking about your story now...because at this happy hour, the spotlight is yours!
WHAT’S IN STORE:
H A prize for the best HOLD MY BEER story fundraising story
H A drawing for a full day, metric driven annual planning session led by one of the RaiseUp Co-Founders with your development team (valued at $1,000). Open to everyone who joins us in the ring
H Plenty of laughs, connection, and circus-style fun
Hosted by RaiseUp Collaborative
MORE ABOUT AFP COLORADO CHAPTER
Need CFRE hours? We are an approved provider. Be sure to check the email you received for the CE.
Have you ever attended an AFP Coffee Chat? We are now at Junior League of Denver on the second Tuesday of each month and is free for everyone. Details at https://bit.ly/AFPCoffeeChat
Are you an AFP member but not quite sure how everything works? Do you have questions about scholarships? AFP offers scholarships toward AFP membership, monthly program attendance, and RMPI registrations. Email Marissa at membership@afpcc.org with questions.
Are you looking for a new position? Be sure to check out the job postings on the AFP website. https://bit.ly/AFPJobCenter
Are you or is someone on your staff 30 years or younger? AFP has a Young Professional membership category to save on membership dues.
Would you like to attend the AFP International Conference on scholarship? If you have never attended before, you qualify to apply for the Chamberlain Scholarship. Watch the Thursday Thoughts email for details.
Do you have some great ideas to share? AFP Colorado Chapter welcomes committee members in all areas. Learn more at https://bit.ly/AFPCOCommittee
OPENING WELCOME SPEAKER
Ryan Ross, PhD, Urban Leadership Foundation
Dr. Ryan E. Ross is a motivational speaker, leadership coach, and author dedicated to inspiring transformation through authentic leadership and equity. As founder of Ryan Ross Speaks, he delivers keynotes and workshops nationwide on teamwork, technique, and talent. He is the author of forthcoming books, Who is Sitting at Your Roundtable and Winning with Teamwork, Technique, and Talent.
Dr. Ross also serves as President and CEO of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, training more than 500 Black leaders and awarding over $450,000 in scholarships. A Denver native, he has been honored with the MLK Humanitarian Award, (9News Leader of the year Award, and Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty Award.
LUNCHEON PLENARY SPEAKER
Micah Smith, Denver7 Anchor and Social Equity Reporter
Micah joined the station in December 2018 as a morning reporter and is Denver7’s Social Equity Reporter. She was born in Memphis, TN but grew up in St. Louis, MO. She is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism where she earned her Bachelor of Journalism degree with an emphasis in Broadcast. Before coming to Colorado, Micah worked as a reporter and weekend anchor at WBTV News in Charlotte, N.C. where she reported on stories that gained nation-wide attention including the death of Reverend Billy Graham and Hurricane Florence. Prior to WBTV, Micah worked as a weekday morning reporter at WJHL News Channel 11 in Johnson City, TN
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
Melissa S. Brown Instructor, The Fund Raising School
Melissa is a highly rated speaker and instructor for The Fund Raising School. Among her projects, Melissa manages the Nonprofit Research Collaborative, a twice-annual survey to assess what works in fundraising. She is a consultant to more than a dozen ongoing clients. As part of her practice, she analyzes data from the Philanthropy Panel Study, a segment of the University of Michigan’s Panel Study of Income Dynamics, and surveys donors and non-donors about how they help others. Melissa volunteers on the AFP Research Council and currently chairs the Association of Philanthropic Counsel. Before founding Melissa S. Brown & Associates in 2011, she worked at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, editing Giving USA (2001-2010) and researching charitable giving by individuals, corporations, and foundations. Melissa studied at Reed College (B.A. in political science) and the University of Pennsylvania (Master of Governmental Administration). Melissa enjoys gardening, bird watching, and travel.
Lori Collins EVP of Marketing Science, RKD Group
She is a thought leader and trusted advisor on advanced analytics and research-driven strategies. She’s been analyzing giving behaviors, perceptions, and preferences for a few decades, optimizing omnichannel marketing and fundraising performance. Prior to joining RKD Group, Lori created the industry’s first Giving Sciences agency practice and independent consultancy, combining the disciplines of data science and charitable giving research to develop truly supporter-centric fundraising strategies. She has partnered with world-class brands in both the commercial and nonprofit sectors and is dedicated to closing the gap in nonprofit strategies for sustainable growth and impact.
Fiona Cunningham Senior Director of Transformation Giving Group, RKD Group
Fiona joined RKD’s Transformational Giving Group in 2019, bringing a distinguished career that bridges the non-profit and corporate worlds. An accomplished leader, she has a proven record of driving revenue growth, cultivating high-value partner relationships, and revitalizing underperforming fundraising programs. She has led multimillion-dollar engagements and high-performing teams at the American Cancer Society and the Arthritis Foundation, as well as steering a subsidiary of Steelcase Inc. Fiona is widely respected for her strategic vision, ability to forge powerful partnerships, and talent for creating impactful alliances. Her innovative fundraising approaches have consistently expanded transformational impact and deepened donor relationships.
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
Colleen Curran Advancement Manager, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Colleen has extensive board experience – both serving and leading on boards as well as reporting to them. She currently serves as Advancement Manager for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) in Denver Colorado. Prior to CPRD, she served on the Board of Trustees for Colorado Ballet from 2015-2023 in various roles including co-chair of the board through the COVID pandemic and as Chair of Advancement. She worked with Nathan Yip Foundation (NYF) to create the Rural Grants program in 2016, serving as chair of this committee for its first few years of operation, and continues to work with NYF on their Rural Education Advisory Committee. Colleen served on the national alum board for Sacred Heart Schools in the US as the Western Region Representative from 2017-2019. Colleen was born in Nebraska and raised in Texas – both of her degrees are from the University of Houston (Go Coogs!!) with an undergrad in History/minor Spanish and an MEd in Educational Leadership. She is a (slow) runner, true crime podcast junkie, recipe hacker, cat lover, Netflix and Prime binger, and reader! Most recent read: “Good Enough” by Kate Bowler.
Marianna DiVietro
Senior Associate and Search Consultant, Aspen Leadership Group
She brings more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and over a decade as an independent career consultant. Known as a thoughtful colleague, trusted mentor, and supportive friend, Marianna is deeply committed to helping others grow and thrive in their careers. Before joining ALG, Marianna served as Director of Organizational Development and Engagement at the Denver Zoological Foundation, where she led efforts in employee engagement, performance management, and staff training. Prior to her work in human resources, she was Director of Development at Denver Zoo, overseeing planned and major giving, annual giving, and special events. Earlier in her career, Marianna was part of the advancement leadership team at the University of Colorado Denver, where she supported philanthropic efforts for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, College of Arts & Media, School of Public Affairs, and the Alumni Board. Marianna holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Ball State University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Bradley University.
Josh Evans Executive Lead, Wipfli
Dr. Josh Evans manages growth for Wipfli’s nonprofit, government, and education sectors. He has more than 20 years of experience working across government, nonprofit, and education organizations in numerous leadership positions. Josh has his doctorate from Vanderbilt University and brings knowledge and passion to his service of Wipfli clients.
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
Richard Eveleigh Co-Founder, The Nonprofit Strategy Group
Richard Eveleigh and Amanda Kearney-Smith co-founded The Nonprofit Strategy Group in 2018 to support mission-driven organizations through strategic planning, board development, and grant writing. With more than 50 years of combined experience, they bring a practical, equity-focused approach shaped by their backgrounds as executive directors, board members, fundraisers, and educators. Richard has led nonprofits in the fields of mental health, suicide prevention, and animal welfare. He brings deep experience in fundraising, program design, budgeting, and organizational leadership. Before moving to the U.S., he taught in the UK, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, and later earned master’s degrees in philosophy and public administration. Together, Amanda and Richard help nonprofits align leadership, build capacity, and navigate change, grounded in real-world experience and a shared commitment to impactful, mission-centered work.
Amy Farnan Trusted Philanthropy Expert & Advisor
Amy Farnan is a philanthropy leader with 25+ years of experience helping nonprofits grow through fundraising, grant writing, and donor engagement. She has secured millions in funding across private, state, and federal sources, while also leading successful events, campaigns, and corporate partnerships. Known for blending strategy with storytelling, Amy builds authentic relationships and delivers results that strengthen communities.
Meredith Friedman Co-Founder, RaiseUp Collaborative
Meredith Friedman has 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and development with a particular expertise in helping organizations transform their performance through strategic goals. Meredith brings hands-on leadership experience, enthusiasm and strategic thinking skills to help nonprofits in need of transformation. She is known for helping colleagues and team members learn how to be better leaders, fundraisers, and non-profit professionals. Meredith has earned CFRE accreditation, as well as a Certificate in Fundraising for Chief Executive Officers from the Brown School of Social Work and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Olin School of Business.
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
Hillary Harding Vice President of Development and Communications, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Hillary Harding oversees both fundraising and marketing directives. Along with President and CEO Malik Robinson, she has served as lead on the organization’s facilities expansion program from its inception in late 2018, with the 22,000sf new wing currently projected to open in Nov.25 Hillary serves on the board of AFP (Association for Fundraising Professionals) and is a 2024 Milton Murray Fellowship recipient. Including her nine years with CPRD, she has worked in the field of nonprofits for over 25 years. Earning a degree from SFSU, she began her career as a dancer, enjoying a brief career as a professional modern dancer in San Francisco. Now, when not immersed in development strategy sessions, Hillary is an avid capoeirista, having trained and refined her skills in both Brazil and here in the U.S.
Lisa Hrinik CPA, Partner, Wipfli
Lisa, a partner in Wipfli’s accounting and auditing practice, has more than 19 years of public accounting experience and focuses on providing audits, reviews, and compilations to various clients. In addition, Lisa provides financial consulting and assists clients with their business accounting needs. She is passionate about serving and being connected to her community. Lisa leads the nonprofit attest practice for Colorado. She takes a personal approach to develop lasting relationships and to ensure that clients are receiving the level of service they need, with efforts to provide value beyond the compliance side of accounting.
Amanda Kearney-Smith Co-Founder, The Nonprofit Strategy Group
Amanda Kearney-Smith and Richard Eveleigh co-founded The Nonprofit Strategy Group in 2018 to support mission-driven organizations through strategic planning, board development, and grant writing. With more than 50 years of combined experience, they bring a practical, equity-focused approach shaped by their backgrounds as executive directors, board members, fundraisers, and educators. Amanda is the founding executive director of the Colorado Mental Wellness Network, where she led efforts to integrate peer support into Colorado’s behavioral health system and developed a state-certified peer training program. Prior to her role as an Executive Director she served as program director for Mental Health Colorado, disseminated federal funding for housing and human services, taught psychology at the college level, and served on numerous boards and state advisory groups. Together, Amanda and Richard help nonprofits align leadership, build capacity, and navigate change, grounded in real-world experience and a shared commitment to impactful, mission-centered work.
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
Jon Kraus
Executive Director, Gift Planning, University of Denver
As Executive Director of Gift Planning, Jon works with donors, attorneys, advisors, and University partners to secure philanthropic support for the University of Denver while helping donors give in the most impactful and tax-efficient ways possible. Jon has a particular emphasis on complex and deferred gifts such as bequests, beneficiary designations, charitable trusts and annuities, and appreciated assets including securities, real estate, artwork, and collectibles. Jon has 25 years of experience in financial planning and nonprofit fundraising, including 12 years at the University of Denver. He received his Master’s in Nonprofit Management from Regis University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Denver. Jon serves on the Advancement Committee at Regis Jesuit High School, where two of his children are enrolled, and recently completed seven years as a board member for the Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable, where he served as president in 2022 and 2023. Jon lives in Centennial with his wife Kristen and three children, Joseph, Sam and Maggie.
Tonya Malik-Carson Principal and Search Director, Aspen Leadership Group
Tonya is a seasoned professional with over two decades of expertise in higher education and nonprofit leadership, advancement, marketing, and communications. She holds an MFA in physical theater, an MBA from Colorado State University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Naropa University. Professionally, she spent a decade in marketing and public relations in the non-profit arts sector before her twelve-year tenure in advancement at Colorado State University. Artistically, she is a creator of new work, a lover of ensemble collaboration, and a musician. She has collaborated on original works as a writer, director, and performer, taught children’s theater workshops, and advises on collaborative projects as a director and teacher of physical storytelling methods. Her unique blend of business acuity, artistic creativity, and diverse educational background equips her with a comprehensive understanding of strategic planning, team building and leadership, and innovative storytelling.
Sarah Melinger
Co-Founder,
RaiseUp Collaborative
Sarah Melinger has over 15 years of experience working for a wide range of nonprofits that include the arts, higher education, and civic improvement. Her experience includes annual fund, major gifts, capital campaigns, board development, and strategic planning. Prior to her roles in non-profit she worked in the corporate world with high profile brands building out systems. She prides herself on developing long-standing relationships with both internal and external constituents. Sarah earned a BA in Economics from Washington University in St. Louis and her experience includes Executive Director, Development Director and Foundation President roles.
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
Elizabeth (Lizzy) Neufeld CEO, Strat Labs
Lizzy has worked in social impact for 25 years. She has collaborated with some of the most prominent companies and nonprofits, including Vans, The North Face, Timberland, Denver, Zoo, United Cerebral Palsy, Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, Girl Scouts, and Denver Zoo. Under her leadership, Strat Labs has curated a team of experts who share her passion for storytelling, marketing, impact, and philanthropy. As a result, Strat Labs won Startup Of The Year in 2023 with the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and 2024 Colorado Companies To Watch and winner of 2024 Best Places To Work. Lizzy envisions a world where social impact is no longer a conversation but a given. She drives the industry forward by inspiring consumers to support purpose-driven brands and nonprofits. She believes that through strategic marketing, communications, and philanthropy, she will empower leaders of these organizations to refine their stories, amplify their voices, and cultivate their communities for a brighter future.
Heather Orr Development Officer of Philanthropy, WellPower
Heather Orr has dedicated more than 15 years to nonprofit development, bringing deep expertise in fundraising, donor engagement, and community partnerships. As the Development Officer for Philanthropy at WellPower— the state’s largest community mental health organization— she helps drive philanthropic support through authentic storytelling, strategic campaigns, and meaningful corporate and community relationships. Her approach to fundraising is rooted in community-centric values, prioritizing inclusivity, transparency, and shared impact over transactional giving. She thrives on building relationships that not only support organizational goals but also strengthen the well-being of the communities she serves.
Gerry Rasel Director of Major Gifts, Volunteers of America Colorado
She has spent 25 years in the nonprofit sector, raising funds, building communities, and making sure her family fully appreciates the magic of philanthropy. As a longtime fundraiser and former membership director, she brings warmth, wit, and a deep belief in the power of mission-driven work. When she’s not connecting people to causes they care about, you’ll likely find her hiking a trail, sipping tea, or lost in a good book.
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
Bridget Richards Vice President of Marketing, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
Bridget Richards serves on the executive team and leads a team of nine professionals. Her career as a marketing leader and communications consultant focused in the financial services sector until she shifted into nonprofit marketing in 2016. Bridget has been a community volunteer for most of her adult life. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Literacy KC Board of Directors, formerly served on the board of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Rocky Mountain Chapter, was a volunteer educator for Junior Achievement, and coordinated volunteer communications for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Bridget graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in journalism and worked for three years on the daily campus newspaper. In her free time, Bridget enjoys time with family and friends, entertaining, reading, watching University of Kansas games, and taking walks.
Sarah Stewart Manager of Corporate Partnerships, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
Sarah collaborates with companies to design mission-aligned strategies that advance pediatric health. Her work includes philanthropic investments, employee engagement, and sponsorships connected to the Foundation’s signature fundraising events. She began her fundraising career at the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, the fundraising arm for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and the Stanford School of Medicine’s child and maternal health programs. A grateful former patient of Packard Children’s, Sarah has experienced the transformative role of philanthropy in maternal health and carries that perspective into her work today. She holds Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Justice Studies from San Jose State University.
Lauren Wise Senior Director of Development, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Lauren leads a team of frontline fundraisers focused on discovery, donor retention at the base of the giving pyramid, and stair-stepping giving to build major gift portfolios. She also manages her own portfolio of major gift benefactors. Before joining CU Anschutz in 2018, Lauren led Cleveland Clinic’s direct mail program and worked in advancement at The Ohio State University. She views frontline fundraising as a calling and shares her passion for the work through mentoring and teaching, including a capstone research project on best practices for discovery work.
RMPI SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
We are thrilled that we have 7 scholarship attendees at RMPI. Thanks to our sponsors – Past Presidents of AFP Colorado Chapter and Institute of Leaders in Development – for making this experience possible.
Jen Bray, BUILT NoCO
Catherine Dempsey, Tepeyac Community Health Center
Carrie Enkler, Craig Hospital Foundation
Kelly Jackson, Aims Community College Foundation
Bernadette McClair, Montbello Organizing Committee
Hailee Settlemoir, Thorne Nature Experience
Annie Thompson, Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver
Join us for these upcoming events:
October 14 - Fundraiser Horror Stories
8 am Coffee Chat at JLD, 1301 S Washington St
Details here: Coffee Chat - AFP Colorado Chapter
Join us on November 6 for a celebration for the National Philanthropy Day in Colorado 2025.
NPD Individual Tickets
AFP is a membership organization committed to advancing philanthropy. We offer resources and create opportunities to help fundraising professionals be the best they can be. We bring fundraisers together to network, grow professionally, and advance our field. Learn more about the value of being an AFP member online at afpcc.org
Home - AFP Colorado Chapter (afpglobal.org)
Thanks to our 2025 RMPI Committee
RMPI Chairs
Gerry Rasel, VOA Colorado
Amy Stewart, CFRE, Mental Health Colorado Committee
Iris Abraham, Denver Rescue Mission
DeAnn Acosta, CFRE, AFP Colorado Chapter
Cheryl Dotson, The Meeting Edge
Josh Evans, Wipfli
Richard Eveleigh, The Nonprofit Strategy Group
Heather Orr, WellPower
Sarah Stewart, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
Brittany Vital, Coal Creek Meals on Wheels
AFP Chapter Office PO Box 24745 | Denver, CO 80224 | 303.394.6388
info@afpcc.org | www.afpcc.org