Speakers

Lauren has been a pivotal member of DonorPerfect’s leadership team since 2008, ascending to President in 2022. During her tenure, she and her teams have helped thousands of nonprofits raise more money and improve operational efficiency through smarter, more strategic use of technology.
She also contributes her expertise beyond the organization through leadership and board service in the nonprofit sector, including serving as Board Member-at-Large for the Giving Institute and Data Provider Chair for the Fundraising Effectiveness Project.

Lexi Skaggs is a Senior Director of Development at the University of Oklahoma Foundation, leading strategic fundraising initiatives, managing a major gifts portfolio with annual goals exceeding $3M, and contributing to a $2 billion comprehensive campaign. With 20 years of experience across nonprofit and business sectors, she has held leadership roles at United Way, Central Oklahoma Humane Society, and Catholic Charities, achieving record campaign results and driving community impact. She holds an MBA from the University of Oklahoma and is a CFRE. She excels in donor relations, planning, and building partnerships. Personal tagline: "Fueled by Coffee, Driven by Impact."

Morgan Smith is the Development Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland, where she channels her passion for nonprofit fundraising and youth development. With a focus on building authentic relationships, Morgan works to create meaningful opportunities for young people in the community. She began her nonprofit journey as an AmeriCorps member with a literacy intervention organization in Charleston, South Carolina, and has since dedicated herself to causes that support youth and education. Morgan serves on the Board of Directors for the AFP Greater Cleveland chapter and is the chair of AFPCLE’s Young Professionals Group.

Paul is Principal of Strawhecker Nonprofit Services with his son Ryan. He is consummate fundraising professional serving as a mayoral assistant, starting the national planned giving program at Boys Town, responsible for fundraising for a group of 75 hospitals and 26 nursing homes, and leading advancement for a university with campuses in three states. As a consultant, he has served over 500 clients nationally and internationally raising millions of dollars.

He has an undergraduate degree from Creighton University, where he attended law school and received an MPA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Paul also earned the highest professional fundraising

Gabriel Trieger serves as Executive Director of Development at The Christ Hospital Foundation in Cincinnati, where he leads major gift strategy and provides leadership for the development team. His work focuses on integrating behavioral science, technology, and artificial intelligence to enhance nonprofit leadership and fundraising effectiveness.

Gabriel frequently speaks on the intersection of AI and philanthropy, helping nonprofit professionals understand how emerging technologies can strengthen strategic thinking and decision-making. He serves as Treasurer of the AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter and is passionate about helping nonprofit leaders adopt innovative tools while maintaining strong ethical leadership.

Meet Frank (he/him/él): Storyteller Extraordinaire, Social Justice Warrior, and Relationship Cultivator. In relentless pursuit of racial and gender equity, Frank's warmth brings folks together to talk through the tough stuff. And his real-talk energy remains consistent, powerful, and generous. Because for Frank, every person's story matters like each ingredient in a yummy bowl of gumbo. Each standing on its own, but collectively making something unforgettable.

As Founder of 4 Da Hood and the visionary behind the Ascending Leaders in Color program, Frank forges pathways for Peeps of Color to step into their power. Authentically. Courageously. And with unapologetic joy.

Kathy Ward is Director of Philanthropy at the Union Rescue Mission, where she leads major donor engagement and strategic partnerships supporting life-changing programs for men, women, and families overcoming homelessness. A relational leader at heart, Kathy believes the most transformative philanthropy begins with listening, honoring people’s stories and building community around shared purpose. She currently serves as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Los Angeles Chapter. Known for bringing people together across sectors, Kathy leads with empathy, grace, conviction, and joy, helping donors and communities discover the power of generosity to restore dignity, possibility, and hope.

Kristin Wiggins is Vice President of Development at the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, where she leads strategy for private philanthropic support. With more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she is known for building and scaling high-performing development teams that drive sustainable fundraising growth. Kristin has successfully partnered with CEOs and finance leaders to expand fundraising capacity through strategic investments in staffing, infrastructure, and technology—helping organizations grow philanthropic revenue from $11 million to more than $36 million annually. She is passionate about mentoring fundraising professionals and strengthening development operations to support long-term mission impact.