Jim is the President of Langley Innovations and a leading expert in philanthropy and higher education advancement. With over 30 years of experience, he has led transformative campaigns, authored five books, and advised over 130 institutions. Known for innovative strategies and donor-centric approaches, his work has raised billions and reshaped fundraising practices.
Jay leads Launch Legacy Consulting, which helps nonprofits secure major and planned gifts. With 30+ years spanning financial services and nonprofit fundraising, including roles at the University of Georgia, Operation Blessing, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, he holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® designation. His firm has secured over $75.6M in gift commitments for small nonprofits new to planned giving, including $5.6M very recently across four organizations.
Joe is President of Garecht Fundraising Associates and has over 25 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit management. He has led a $20M+ organization as Executive Director, served as VP of Development for a major educational nonprofit, and directed development at a large social service agency. Joe has consulted with hundreds of organizations, authored several books, including How to Raise More Money for Any Non-Profit and The Non-Profit Fundraising Formula, and works with clients nationwide and internationally.
Jonathan Hannah is a Term Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame, where he teaches an experiential learning course on Philanthropy & the Common Good.
Julie Chapman is the founder and chair of The ALX Dog Walk, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes an annual dog walk to build community, have fun, and educate citizens across the District / Virginia / Maryland area about plastic-free and sustainable living.
Do you feel unseen, unheard, and underfunded? To get funding, you need to be fundable & findable. It’s your brand — not fundraising alone — that attracts the money. So stop chasing donations and build your brand first, funding second.
Laura has over 40 years of experience in fundraising and philanthropy. Her media and communications background informed her storytelling ability for hundreds of nonprofit clients, with fundraising skills sharpened during The Ohio State University's first billion-dollar campaign. In 2000, Laura founded Benefactor Group, serving nonprofits for 25 years by helping organizations fuel their cause with powerful fundraising, people, and systems. A frequent speaker and published thought leader, Laura's insights have appeared in Advancing Philanthropy, Nonprofit Quarterly, Forbes.com, The New York Times, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy. She authored The Endowment Handbook (Wiley, 2024) and has served with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Giving Institute, and Giving USA Foundation, where she was board chair from 2020-2022.
(Co-Writer) Lisa Novick is a communications executive specializing in philanthropic initiatives in the nonprofit, private and public sectors. She serves as Strategic Advisor at Dog Tag Inc., a nonprofit that helps veterans, spouses, and caregivers transition from military to civilian careers. She is a board member of The ALX Dog Walk.
Michael is VP of Nonprofit Success at LifeLegacy. He brings decades of expertise from major gifts and planned giving to development leadership. He’s stewarded million dollar gifts while championing loyal $100 donations. With graduate degrees in business and education, a CFRE certification, and a track record of success, Michael is a trusted expert and passionate advocate for donor relationships. He helps nonprofits craft legacies that honor donor values and drive missions forward, delivering long-term results.
Mike is a fundraising consultant, mentor, and coach dedicated to helping small to midsize nonprofits achieve sustainable growth. He takes the time to understand each organization’s unique needs, collaborating with them to develop custom solutions and innovative strategies that enhance fundraising effectiveness. Mike provides coaching, strategic planning, and campaign support to his clients. With his CFRE certification, he combines expertise and passion to empower nonprofits and help them thrive.
