There are over 3,000 members of the AADO Network. These are just a few of their stories.
Please note, the members’ bios reflect the position they were holding at the time the interview was conducted.
Jesus Rangel
Assistant Director of Development
Scholarships & University Initiatives
Oregon State University Foundation
Jesus Rangel has been part of the Oregon State University Foundation since 2018 and is the current Assistant Director of Development for Scholarships and University Initiatives, working closely with university leadership to increase philanthropic support for student scholarships and programs. As a first-generation student, he advocates for… READ MORE
Stefanie Smith, MBA
Reunion Giving Program
Georgia Institute of Technology
Stefanie is a 23-year development professional at Georgia Institute of Technology. Originally from Troy, Alabama, the prominent Spelman College brought her to Atlanta where…READ MORE
Angela Johnson
Senior Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston MA
Angela Johnson is a graduate of Wellesley College with a 29-year career as a volunteer and professional fundraiser in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.Angela is a results-driven executive with vast experience in generating revenue and increasing support bases for higher education, national and community-based non-profits…READ MORE
Kia Croom
How did you get interested in the fundraising profession?
As an undergraduate student, I researched homelessness in the City of Atlanta and connected to a homeless services agency where I began volunteering…READ MORE
Shenise N. Foote
Shenise Foote holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Her career started in Marketing and Events in a Detroit non-profit serving low-income families. Her marketing and event planning expertise led her to the University of Michigan, where she…READ MORE
Daniel “Patrick” Powell, MBA, CFRE
Patrick is the proud father of three daughters, Bella (11), Remi (9), and Nico (7). He’s a self-proclaimed #GirlDad and committed husband of Tiffany Nichols Powell, Spelman Alumna, class of ‘99. He grew up just outside of Pittsburgh, PA, and earned his undergraduate degree in …
Rob Rogers
How did you get interested in the fundraising profession?
As a result of my previous experience in Career Services. I was an advisor who worked with co-op and intern students at Drexel and at Georgia Tech. When the position arose in the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, I realized …
Willie (Will) A. Bradley Jr.
Willie Bradley has a proven track record with athletics and institutional advancement with success at higher education institutions such as Texas State University and Penn State University. Currently, the Director of Development for …
ORLISHA FOX
Orlisha Fox currently works for the Mission Continues as the Director of Individual Giving. Over the past ten years, she has worked for various non-profit and government agencies specializing in workforce development and social services programs.
She has her Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Government and Policy with two….
JACYNTA BREWTON
Jacynta Brewton has a track record of credible experience and proven advancement success at top higher education institutions such as Georgia Tech, Spelman College, George Washington University, and the University of Maryland Baltimore. Currently…
JOY BENNETT
Joy Bennett’s professional experience includes over a decade in marketing and development roles in pharmaceuticals and non-profits prior to her philanthropic work at McGill University where she serves alumni and students at the Desautels Faculty of Management. In her role as a Senior Development Officer, she is charged with strengthening alumni relations with the University, while ensuring the financial sustainability of programming and research at the Faculty…
IMOLEAYO (AYO) ADEYERI
Imoleayo (Ayo) is the donor relations advisor with AdaptAbilities in Edmonton, Canada. Ayo is a non-profit professional with fifteen years of work experience in program management and fund development. She’s helped non-profit organizations raise funds and implemented non-profit…
CLAUDE GATLIN
Claude is a native of Mississippi, where he attended Jackson State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration. He has over fifteen years of experience working with nonprofits and youth mentoring programs. Claude currently works as a Scout Executive for Boy Scouts of America-Atlanta Area Council. Claude has achieved…
ADRIANA HIGGINS
Committed to the pursuit of excellence, Adriana brings tremendous depth and experience to the changing landscape of fundraising. Resourceful and dedicated, she is a visionary executive with demonstrated achievements directing successful fundraising initiatives across highly influential public, private and international non-profits and higher education organizations…
Valerie Harris
Valerie Harris is currently Senior Director, Stewardship Communications at the University of Pennsylvania. She started as a Director at Penn in 2011, leading a team of 4 writers serving the donor communications needs of the Office of the President. Her team has since expanded to a staff of 7 who are counted upon to acknowledge major gifts and develop other fundraising…
Katrina Alison Jaggears
Katrina Alison Jaggears is Coordinator of the Delta College Foundation, serving San Joaquin Delta College’s three campuses in Lodi, Manteca, Mountain House, and Stockton, California. Although this is her first advancement position, she has worked…
MATT STOKES
Matt Stokes is currently the Administrative Services Manager for Major and Planned Giving at Berea College. He has been in the role since 2017, and enjoys collaborating and communicating with his teammates to advance Berea’s mission through philanthropy. For more than eight years, he has had a rewarding career working with educational…
TAMISHA KEITH
Tamisha Keith is an experienced development professional with over 10 years of experience in program management, fundraising, community engagement, and strategic planning in the non- profit sector. As Donor Relations Officer for The Winston-Salem Foundation, Tamisha is responsible for managing a portfolio of donors for cultivation and stewardship while maintaining knowledge of trends and legislation impacting…
TIFFANY SCOTT
Tiffany attended Spelman College and graduated with a B.A. degree in Economics and minored in Business Management and Organization. After several years as a planning analyst in New York City with ANN Taylor INC and Ross Stores, Tiffany relocated to Atlanta and transitioned into the non-profit sector as a fundraising professional. Tiffany is currently the Senior Director of Development for OneGoal- a national…
DIONNE KIRBY
Dionne currently serves as the Senior Director of Philanthropy at Literacy Achieves, a nonprofit organization in Dallas. She was hired as an Adult Program Manager with the same organization in 2017 and joined the development team two years later as the Associate Director of Development…
ANDRE DOWELL
Andre currently serves as the Engagement Officer for Regional Development at The University of Georgia. He assists with the development and engagement initiatives that help further the institutional mission and vision while creating a diverse experience that strives for the constant pursuit of excellence…
NAIMAH BILAL
Naimah Bilal is a Washington DC native, nonprofit leader, and fundraising executive. Drawing inspiration from her previous career as an orchestral violinist and performing arts executive, Naimah has spearheaded wide-ranging fund and artistic development efforts for the Cincinnati Symphony, Cincinnati Waldorf School, and the University of…
Lereca Monik
A results-oriented development executive, with leadership experience serving diverse non-profit agencies and small businesses. Proven success in constructing mission-driven fund-development plans to achieve desired results, guiding teams with fostering and cultivating constituent relationships, and converting prospects into principal donors…
CHRistopher beck
Christopher Beck is a Senior Philanthropic Advisor at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He is based in Atlanta, GA and works with supporters throughout the Southeast. He has held various positions in the development profession over the last 15 years including marketing and management…
KIM NYONI
Kim is an accomplished university advancement professional who has been fortunate to work on behalf of top ranked research universities around the country. He has represented the University of California Berkeley, Washington University, Utah State University, University of Arizona, University of Missouri and currently, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Kim has a profound passion for connecting alumni and…
COLLIN MAYS
Mr. Mays is a 2012 Who’s Who in Black Detroit inductee (the youngest to be inducted), a 2014 Young Democrat of the Year, a 2015 Spirit of Detroit award recipient and a 2015 Michigan Chronicle 40 under 40. Collin has appeared on numerous television and radio programs as well as being featured in multiple publications. Currently, he serves as Business Development Coordinator for the Southeast Michigan Community…
CHERRELLE J. DUNCAN
Cherrelle J. Duncan is a native of Lafayette, LA and has been a Houstonian since 2013. She is the founder of Duncan Impact Solutions, which specializes in non-profit consulting and uses her experience to oversee the development needs of organizations and cultivate fundraising vehicles and sponsorship for the various events. Cherrelle has worked for two…
Christal M. Cherry
Christal M. Cherry, a native New Yorker, is a Senior Consultant at the Georgia Center for Nonprofits where she works with nonprofits of all sizes to aid in their long term sustainability. This work includes board development, talent search, and fundraising. Christal also teaches classes on Major Gifts and Donor Stewardship at the Center. Christal received her BA from Hofstra University and MA from Hampton, University...
Sunil Oommen
Sunil Oommen is President of Oommen Consulting LLC, a boutique practice focused on fundraising, events, and project management. Sunil founded Oommen Consulting after spending 20 years developing a broad base of skills and expertise in fundraising, communications, and community relations. Most recently, Sunil served as Senior Director of…
SHELESE LANE
Shelese J. Lane is the Director of Foundation Relations at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). In this capacity, she strengthens relationships with private foundations and develops successful proposals that provide vital resources for Georgia Tech’s strategic initiatives – making it possible for the Institute to advance knowledge across all disciplines…
Julissa White
Julissa White-Smith is the Director for the Alonzo F. and Norris B. Herndon Foundation and The Herndon Home Museum. Julissa has a B.A. in Integrated Marketing Communication and obtained a Master of Public Administration with a focus on Nonprofit Management from Georgia State University. Joining the Herndon Foundation in 2016, Julissa is responsible for the overall …
Shane Carlin
Shane Carlin is currently the Director of Development for the American Red Cross in the Chicago & Northern Illinois region. He is also the President/CEO of Asian Student Achievement (www.learnasa.com), a company he started to help move Asian and Asian Americans through the pipeline to leadership. Carlin has had over 20 years of higher education and non-profit experiences in…
ASHLEY ROBINSON
Ashley Robinson, a DC transplant, is the current Senior Major Gifts Officer at the Center for American Progress (CAP). Prior to that, she was at Sierra Club for 3 years as the Asst. Advancement Director for the Eastern and Mid-Atlantic regions, raising mid-level major gifts. In this role, she also served on the Staff Equity Team and led the Advancement department’s Equity Team…
Jeanelle S. Chang
Jeanelle Chang is a dedicated and passionate NPO Development and Fundraising Professional who turns the field on its head - focusing on relationship development and providing meaningful opportunities for those with the capacity and interest to support worthy causes that changes lives. She has over ten years of non-profit experience and has worked in a span of diverse NPOs…
Brittini Lasseigne
Brittini Lasseigne lives in Vancouver, Washington and is the Director of Philanthropy at YWCA Clark County, a nonprofit whose mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Prior to her time at YWCA Clark County, she was the Director of Fundraising & Communications…
Darryl lester
Darryl Lester currently serves as the Director of Service Year NC in the Institute of Emerging Issues at North Carolina State University. Prior to joining NCSU, this social entrepreneur and community philanthropist, founded HindSight Consulting in 2001 and the Community Investment Network in 2006 -- but his passion for philanthropy and giving...
ALICIA SMITH
Alicia Smith serves as a Senior Program Officer with the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. Based in the Atlanta office, she works with the REALITY team to develop initiatives and partnerships that create opportunities for returning participants to stay connected with Israel and the REALITY network...
WILLIAM BRYANT
William Bryant, Jr. is a Performance Coach/External Consultant for the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America. William is a Subject Matter Expert in Fund Development. He is the immediate past Senior Development Director for the Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. William has served as a District Executive...
Natalie mcgee
Natalie McGee is a healthcare fundraising specialist who collaborates with senior philanthropy staff, medical staff and health system administrative leadership to enhance and steward donor relationships. Acting as a liaison between patients and their healthcare providers, she helps to create a fundraising relationship. A truly international individual...
David W. Robinson-Morris
David W. Robinson-Morris is the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Xavier University of Louisiana and serves an Adjunct Professor in the College of Liberal Arts, Education, and Human Development at the University of New Orleans. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Research with a dual concentration in Higher Education...
Atira Rochester
Atira Rochester is the Corporate Relations Manager for Institute Diversity at Georgia Institute of Technology. She engages companies to fund programs and initiatives for underrepresented minority students and advises these students regarding their personal and professional development. Since joining Georgia Tech in 2010...
JEROMIE TUCKER
Jeromie Tucker attended Oklahoma State University, where he played football and completed his degree. Jeromie has been in the recruiting industry for about twelve years and has recently transitioned into a development role within the advancement industry. Tucker, currently serves Oklahoma...
DEBRA VALENTINE-GRAY
Debra Valentine –Gray, serves Indiana University of Pennsylvania as Regional Director of Advancement. Debra has extensive experience in the corporate and nonprofit areas, along with donor cultivation, stewardship and donor relations. At IUP Debra oversees...
KEVAN L. TURMAN
Kevan L. Turman AIM Institute as Director of Institutional Advancement. Kevan has over 13 years experience in Development having served as an Annual Giving Director, Alumni Relations Director, Campaign Manager and Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Currently Kevan oversees...
Liza CORRINE GRANT
Liza Corrine Grant or “Corrine” is a proud graduate of Clemson University. She holds a bachelors in Biological Sciences & Master of Human Resource Development. Currently she serves as Director of Alumni Relations & Development for the Office of Inclusion and Equity at Clemson University...
Nicholas A. Stafford
Nicholas A. Stafford (“Nick”), is a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, the home of basketball. He attended the University of Dayton, where he received a full scholarship to play Division I basketball. Nick has worked in advancement for over 4 years and began his career as a development professional...
RESHUNDA MAHONE
Reshunda L. Mahone, CFRE serves Virginia State University as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Mahone has over seventeen years of fundraising experience and has held positions at Spelman College (Atlanta, GA), the University of Miami School of Law (Miami, FL), Georgia State...
STEPHEN PEELER
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JULIE VAREE
Julie Varee, MA, CFRE is the Donor Relations Director at the Anchorage Museum, where she works with individuals wishing to make leadership-level and legacy gifts.
Julie has been working in development for more than 30 years. She began her career...
Ken Miller
Ken Miller, CFRE, is the president of Denali Fundraising Consultants a nonprofit fundraising and management consulting company located in Anchorage, Alaska. Ken originally moved to Alaska in 1975, attended Bartlett High School and graduated in 1980. He then attended and graduated from...
deshanna brown
Director of Development, Office of the Vice President, Division of Student Life & Enrollment Services at Louisiana State University.
DeShanna was introduced to fundraising through her sorority...
Jessica elmore
Jessica is from Sacramento, CA, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. since 2004, and attended Grambling University in Louisiana for her undergraduate work. She has her Ed.D. in education leadership and has been an adjunct professor and previously lived in Phoenix...
adrienne mcdade
Visionary. A thirst for knowledge. Optimist.
Adrienne McDade is the Associate Director for Annual Giving at the University of Cincinnati Foundation. Her responsibilities include Leadership Annual Giving & Student Philanthropy...
nelson bowman
Nelson Bowman III is the Regional Managing Director, Southwest at U.S. Fund for UNICEF. As the Regional Manager, he is responsible for developing and expanding fundraising strategies for the seven states that make up the southwest region. Prior to joining UNICEF, earlier this year...
ashaki o. charles
Ashaki Charles is a senior advancement professional with success in all phases of the fundrasing process working at leading institutions of higher education.
She is currently a Senior Major Gifts Officer at Teachers College, Columbia University...
aliguma k. young
Aliguma Young, MBA is currently seeking a new opportunity in fundraising and is Managing Partner of 5 Star Consulting, Inc., a fundraising and business development consulting firm.
Aliguma has nearly 15 years of business...
Jo 'vion (j.d.) greer
A look at Jo 'Vion (J.D.) Greer's life outside of professional fundraising reveals someone with a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. While still a student, he helped found Books All Around, a non-profit created to help alleviate illiteracy for children living in impoverished communities...
Jessie brooks
Jessie views life as a collection of wonderful experiences. Throughout his 17+ year career, he has had a passion for science and healthcare education, raising money to support the study of and students in disciplines including biology, nursing and oceanography....
JUanita sheppard
Life is a journey of experiences for Juanita. Growing up in New Orleans as a first-generation college student, Juanita was without role models and mentors to lead the way so she crafted her own path.
A former admissions counselor at...
george zeno
As a Louisiana native and 19-year professional in the field of fundraising, George's innate ability to discern the subtleties of life has lead him on a rewarding journey.
His passion for advocating for the voiceless and underrepresented are far-reaching...
Nikia Washington
Nikia Washington, Special Program Associate, Charles Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit demonstrated that we can be inspired early to pursue the profession and that she and I share something in common: Our path to the profession began with service...
Howard davis
Howard Davis is a veteran fundraiser, who has climbed the ranks from a volunteer at Interlochen Center for the Arts to his current position as a director at Lawrence Technological University.
Howard's passion for fundraising is...