Speakers

Chris Campbell is VP of Sales at Givzey | Version2.ai, where he bridges cutting-edge AI technology with frontline fundraising. Having previously worked in the same role with the nonprofit tech company Gravyty, and with 20 years experience in college athletics, Chris brings a combination of fundraising and technology experience to the team.

Andy Carey is the Executive Director of the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership (BPP), serving a network of more than 420 organizations that builds prosperity through leadership, collaboration, and philanthropy in the Border region. Andy is an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, and was named 2017-18 Adjunct Faculty of the Year. In 2018, Mexico's Foreign Ministry presented Andy with the Ohtli Award, in recognition of his service to the Mexican community residing in the United States of America. In February 2025, the Conrad Prebys Foundation named Andy a Prebys Leadership Fellow.

Emma Carmody, Development Strategist, supports the California Budget & Policy Center’s mission by cultivating relationships with funders committed to a more equitable California. She manages funder data, leads communications, and partners with the Development Director to strengthen organizational capacity. Before joining in 2021, Emma was a development intern at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, supporting fundraising for state-based organizations nationwide. She holds a bachelor’s in economics and international business from Saint Louis University. Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Emma now calls Sacramento home. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring local restaurants, and practicing film photography.

Yuri Casco, CFRE, is a Director of Major Gifts at Pacific Clinics in Southern California, bringing over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. Previously, as Director of Donor Engagement and Special Events at USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation, Yuri successfully aligned the fundraising events with the USC brand, re-engaging donors in support of the hospital, surpassing goals and identifying 82 new major gift donors.

Christine joined Transitions LifeCare in 2016 and oversees the comprehensive philanthropy strategy to provide hospice and palliative care services for indigent adults and children, and bereavement services for their families. Past experience includes American University’s Washington College of Law, Washington National Cathedral, American Red Cross, and Make-A-Wish Eastern NC. Christine earned a M.S. in Gerontology from UNC Greensboro, MBA from Averett University in Danville, VA, and BS in psychology from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Earning the CFRE in 2012, she is an active member, workshop speaker, and past board member of the AFP Triangle Chapter.

Becky Chambless, CFRE, is a Certified Fundraising Executive with over 15 years of experience building sustainable, relationship-based fundraising strategies across the nonprofit and corporate sectors. She is the founder of Ember Consulting, LLC, and the Development Director at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. A dedicated community leader, Becky serves as Board President of Beacon Hill and is a past president of AFP Alaska. Named AFP Alaska’s 2024 Outstanding Professional in Philanthropy and a 2020 Top 40 Under 40 honoree, she holds a B.A. from Alaska Pacific University and proudly calls Anchorage home.

The Mousai Group is a global advisory firm working at the intersection of technology, systems thinking, psychology, and creativity to help organizations navigate complex change. Through its Human Advantage framework, the firm explores what it means to be deeply human in an AI-driven world—elevating imagination, empathy, trust, and creative problem-solving as essential organizational capabilities. Founded by Dr. Gloria A. Chance, The Mousai Group designed AFP’s inaugural Catalyst program, contributed the January Advancing Philanthropy article on trust, and will lead a featured session at AFP ICON on “Mind Travel,” examining how neuroscience and imagination help organizations envision and build inclusive futures.

Evelyn is a Partner at Russell Philanthropies, following a 20-year career in nonprofit development and leadership. She has led capital and programmatic campaigns for The Nature Conservancy and Per Scholas, and built advancement teams that consistently achieved double-digit revenue increases. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President at Per Scholas, where she helped triple the size of the development team and drove revenue growth from $25M in 2020 to $61M in 2024. At Russell Philanthropies, Evelyn applies her expertise to advise nonprofits and philanthropists as they build courageous, durable programs that benefit communities and causes for the long haul.

Kevin is an experienced fundraiser with a strong background in healthcare philanthropy and medical research fundraising. He is currently a Development Officer with the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine. With a proven track record in major gifts, annual giving, campaign management, marketing and communications, and donor relations, Kevin excels at building meaningful relationships that advance mission-driven strategies to create positive, transformational impacts. He is proud to centre health equity and inclusive practice at the core of his work.

Rasheeda Childress is the senior editor for fundraising at the Chronicle of Philanthropy, where she guides coverage of the field. She spends her time delving into everything from best fundraising practices to how nonprofits are using A.I. in their work. Childress is a longtime journalist who has written and edited at a variety of publications, including Associations Now, the Kansas City Star, Higher Education Technology News, and Campus Crime. She has a bachelor’s degree from Howard University.

Lisa M. Chmiola, M.S., CFRE, CSPG has 24 years of experience in philanthropic development. Currently the Director of Legacy & Gift Planning for Children’s Medical Center Foundation in Dallas, she has served in major gifts and gift planning roles in education (public and private) and religious institutions, following initial career experience in event-based philanthropy. She previously served as the Chief Fablanthropist for Fablanthropy, providing consulting, training, and coaching services, particularly on legacy giving strategies.

An AFP Certified Facilitator since 2014 and TEDx speaker, Lisa has presented at AFP International Conferences (including as a 2025 Closing Keynote).

Brittany Clifton, Senior Account Director at Feathr, helps nonprofits with effective fundraising and digital marketing strategies to support their missions. She has more than 15 years of experience working with nonprofits, with a strong background in event planning and fundraising events. Brittany has helped plan, promote, and execute hundreds of galas, golf tournaments, and special events. She also served on the Board of Stop Children’s Cancer and co-chaired their largest fundraiser, which hosted over 2,000 attendees. Outside of work, Brittany enjoys trying new restaurants and taking golf cart rides around her Winter Garden, Florida, neighborhood with her husband.

Dr. Alyssia Coates is the Senior Director of Development for Inclusive Philanthropic Engagement at Brown University. She leads the Advancement DEI strategic plan and coordinates cross-campus and divisional partnerships to advance the University’s campaign priorities. She also serves as the Advancement Academic Liaison to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America, and the Ruth J. Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice.

Amy Cobb is the CEO of AIM Grant Specialists, a national consulting firm providing expert grant writing, research, and training services. With over 20 years of nonprofit fundraising leadership, Amy has raised more than $50 million for organizations nationwide. She has held senior development roles at Wounded Warrior Project, Operation Kindness, and Children’s Medical Center Dallas. Amy is the creator of Grant Camp, an interactive grant training program, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Park University. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Center for Nonprofit Management.