Ayda is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with 25 years of experience as a nonprofit development officer, board member, nonprofit volunteer, university instructor and financial anaylst. The author of “Tag, You’re IT- Now Raise Some Money,” Ayda is a Maryland State Licensed Fundraising Counsel and holds her MBA in Finance from The American University.

Tom Ahern wrote his first fundraising appeal as a volunteer for a local library. Now he’s called “the world’s top expert on donor communications.” He’d like to thank about 1,000 mentors for that. Ahern applies the discoveries of psychology and neuroscience to the day-to-day business of inspiring and retaining donors. One form of applied psychology he practices and preaches is “extreme donor-centricity.” XDC. The promise: it makes lots more money. He’s explored XDC for years writing appeals for one of America’s powerhouse hospital fundraising teams. Drs. Jen Shang and Adrian Sargeant also sometimes work with Tom on direct mail tests. Organizations like $1 billion Food for the Poor praise Tom’s advice. Angel Aloma, ED: “I am convinced that the reason why we have grown in the last years of tough economic conditions…is because of that wonderful switch [to donor-centricity] that you inspired.” Tom crafts a half-dozen artisanal case statements annually: the whole story in as few words as possible, steeped in XDC. The Anchorage Museum is a new 2015 client. He autopsies (a.k.a., audits) donor communications programs. Clients in the last few months have included USA for UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency), Oxfam Australia, and Harlem RBI. Tom Ahern has written five well-received how-to books; more coming. Each year, he delivers dozens of trainings to fundraisers worldwide. In February 2015 he headlined in Australia at FIA. With his wife, consultant Simone Joyaux, he lives in Rhode Island. They have a second home in France. The preceding: Speed of Read Flesch-Kincaid Grade level of 8.8.

Larry believes in the power of relationships, in the power of philanthropy, to create a better place and transform lives. An internationally recognized philanthropy and fundraising coach, Larry coaches worthy causes to achieve real impact by building stable revenue streams and guides philanthropists to realize their visions through informed generosity. He knows that financial stability and sustained fundraising success is possible for any nonprofit organization or charitable cause–regardless of size. Larry is an award-winning author and a regular contributor to Fundraising Success. AFP named Larry Outstanding Development Executive in 2010. The Wall Street Business Network ranks him in the Top 15 Fundraising Consultants in the USA. Larry is a graduate of Yale University. Larry has worked with the executives, boards and volunteers of hundreds of nonprofits in education, healthcare, social service, the arts, youth and faith-based. Living in the Rocky Mountains and devoted to the outdoor life-style, Larry enjoys backcountry horseback riding, Nordic skiing, rafting and hiking. An amateur photographer of the West, he hits the open road on his Harley as often as time permits. He also enjoys hanging out in his tree house reading a good book.

Jeff Brooks, creative director at TrueSense Marketing, has served the nonprofit community for more than 25 years, working as a writer and creative director on behalf of top North American nonprofits, including CARE, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, World Vision, Feeding America, World Relief, and dozens of urban rescue missions and Salvation Army divisions. He has planned and executed hundreds of campaigns in direct mail, print, radio, the internet, and other media that have motivated millions of donors to help make the world a better place. He blogs at futurefundraisingnow.com, podcasts at fundraisingisbeautiful.com, and is the author of two books: The Fundraiser’s Guide to Irresistible Communications (2012) and The Money-Raising Nonprofit Brand (2014). He lives in Seattle.

Joe has been a market researcher for 8 years and a fundraiser for 6. His perspective on fundraising analytics is derived from his background in academic social research: Gifts are measurable human behavior and therefore donors can be observed, tracked and predicted. He entered the world of fundraising as an analyst for Grizzard Communications. He is currently a partner in Analytical Ones, a firm of analysts that combine database and primary research with strategic direction for non-profit organizations and the agencies that serve them. Joe has a Master’s Degree in Sociology. He lives in Wooster, Ohio with his wife Chelsea and 8-month old daughter Ellie.

Justin Blaney is the #1 bestselling author of six books including Evan Burl and the Falling and the critically acclaimed photography journal, Fast Wide Open. He began college at 16, married his high school sweetheart at 17 and had three daughters by 21. While earning several graduate degrees and raising his young family, Justin founded more than a dozen businesses and nonprofits which made him a millionaire at the age of 25. He has since lost his fortune several times over, but through the ups and downs discovered the work for which he was designed. Justin’s passion is helping individuals and organizations generate an audience of advocates built on trust, consistency andclarity. Justin speaks, writes and consults on marketing, storytelling and networking. He’s reached millions of people in dozens of countries, getting to work with and be mentored by some of the most influential figures of our time. His blogs, JustinBlaney.com, inkliss.com and I4J.org, receive more than 500,000 monthly views and he is followed by more than 40,000 on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Youtube, Instagram, Goodreads and LinkedIn. Justin and his family live outside Seattle.

Justin is the founder of the Ministry Communicators Association and the Founding Partner of DOXA Media Group, a communications agency that helps churches and ministries reach more people. Prior to DOXA, Justin served as the Communications Director for Mars Hill Church in Seattle for over three years, overseeing all content, blogs, social media, and public relations. His previous experience includes leading marketing and advertising teams for Internet startups and companies like Home Depot and AutoTrader.com for over ten years. He now lives with his wife and three kids in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kim has been part of the MinistryLINQ team for over six years, working with non-profit organizations . She is a member at St. Joseph Parish where she has served on the Stewardship Council and Welcome Committee. Kim has a heart for service and volunteered at a local woman’s shelter for six years. She earned a degree in Marketing from Ball State University and is married to her high school sweetheart. They enjoy traveling and hanging out with their son.

Lucas Mack Bio: Lucas Mack is the founder and President of 4th Avenue Media, a marketing and communications firm dedicated to providing companies with ideas, products and services that improve clarity, employee engagement, and sales. Mack’s passion for developing and sharing an organization’s story is reflected in his writing, speaking, and executive consulting. Lucas is the author of Everyone Has a Plan Until They Get Punched In the Face, a guide to developing an authentic story in order to achieve an organization’s vision.

Mary Hackett Bio:In her 15 years of fundraising for local, regional, national, and political organizations, Mary has honed her annual, major and campaign solicitation skills by working with a multitude of organizations specializing in advocacy, youth development, ballot initiatives, and health-care. It was in these institutions where Mary learned to utilize her database and analytical skills to drive strategic and data-driven outcomes for acquiring, retaining, and upgrading donors of all giving levels. As the founder of Delve Analytics, she now spends her time helping fundraisers across the country understand their donors’ philanthropic patterns and proactively use that information to advance their resource development program. When she is not working, Mary enjoys spending time with her husband Aaron, exploring the Pacific Northwest, reading, practicing yoga, and hiking.

Shannon Barnes bio: Shannon is the Managing Partner of The EDGE Group (www.theedgegroup.org), a team of advisors focused on helping charities and churches pursue mission-driven growth. To date EDGE has coached over 100 organizations through significant phases of growth and change and helped raise over $325 million to fuel life-changing work.

Shanon Doolittle is a donor-obsessed fundraising coach who helps nonprofits skyrocket their donor retention rates. Through her one-on-one coaching programs, webinars and online courses, she shows fundraisers how to raise more money by making donors feel valued, heard and appreciated. Shanon is also on mission to help non-profiteers take better care of themselves and put the FUN back in fundraising. Meet Shanon and learn how to love your donors at www.shanondoolittle.com.

Steven has worked at fundraising agencies for 21 years as a writer, account executive and creative director before co-founding The Better Fundraising Co. He co-hosts thepodcast Fundraising Is Beautiful and is a past winner of the Direct Mail Package Of the Year award from Fundraising Success. Steven is married and has three kids.

Christopher Davenport has been a filmmaker/storyteller for over 20 years. He worked on feature films in Hollywood and owned his own documentary production company. In 2007 Chris changed his company to 501 Videos LLC and he exclusively helps nonprofit organizations find and tell their most compelling stories. He is the author of the book, “Nonprofit Storytelling for Board Members” and producer of the weekly video series for the nonprofit community, “Movie Mondays for Fundraising Professionals”. He’s also the producer of the upcoming “Nonprofit Storytelling Conference” to be held in November.

Douglas G. Burton is the Head Coach for VSG Marketing, a leader in providing professional marketing, consultation and technology solutions to companies of all industries and sizes. Doug credits much of his success to significant mentors in his life. While playing college football at Pacific Lutheran University for legendary Coach Frosty Westering, Doug developed many of his business and leadership philosophies. Doug considers his Father, Ed Burton, his hero. Doug learned discipline, work ethic, perseverance and toughness from his father and owes so much to this amazing friend and mentor. While at PLU, Doug met Kristi, his wife of 21 years. Doug & Kristi live in University Place, WA, with their four children.

Edward has 11 years of development and non-profit executive leadership experience and is passionate about serving people in hard places. He has successfully provided strategic and prayerful vision, design, and execution of annual fundraising plans of over $1M. While serving in a Director of Development role at New Horizons Ministries and Puget Sound Christian Clinic, he acquired hundreds of new giving relationships and expanded their networks of fiscal support through events, grants, churches, and businesses. Edward is gifted speaker, influencer, and connector of people. In addition to serving with REST, Edward is in leadership at Downtown Cornerstone Church. Edward is responsible for the financial empowerment of REST through cultivating relationships and networks of support.

Kristian Dart is the VP, Fundraising at Blue North. Kristian is a driven fundraiser with a track record of success on both the client and agency side helping raise close to $500 million over his 14+ years in the non-profit sector. He helps organizations realize their potential by creating and sustaining multi-channel experiences that matter to donors.