Patrick is PlannedGiving.Com’s Senior Editor of Content, Communications, and Storytelling. He is also the Executive Editor of GIVING magazine, where he helps bring you powerful, inspirational, and educational stories from the nonprofit sector. An author, editor, and marketing communications professional with deep roots in journalism, Patrick works closely with nonprofits to craft compelling, mission-driven narratives that inform, inspire, and drive action. Learn more at Patrickfodonnell.com.
Dr. James is a professor at Texas Tech University specializing in charitable financial planning. A former college president and planned giving director, he has published extensively on philanthropy. His research is widely recognized, earning him induction into the Charitable Gift Planners' Hall of Fame.
Shama Shams, CFRE, is the founder of Case for Support Consulting, a nonprofit strategist with over 20 years of experience, and a published author. She specializes in fundraising, strategic planning, marketing, and board development. Shama has led million-dollar campaigns, built high-performing teams, and secured transformational gifts for nonprofits of all sizes. She is also the host of the podcast From Passion to Purpose, where she amplifies the voices of nonprofit leaders and changemakers. Shama also teaches at North Seattle College and Edmonds College, on nonprofit board development, storytelling, and fundraising. She presented at various conferences and webinars throughout the country. Through her work, Shama empowers mission-driven organizations to grow sustainably while honoring the communities they serve with dignity, equity, and purpose.
Dr. Scott Janney leads a 29-person team that produces $200 million each year in current funding for The Salvation Army’s mission and capital needs. His team of 16 frontline fundraisers records $80 million in new planned gifts annually. He’s helped secure many gifts of over $1M, including record-breaking donations at Villanova, AtlantiCare, and St. Mary Medical Center. A longtime Strategic Consultant at PlannedGiving.com, he specializes in transformational and blended gifts. Scott holds a Doctorate from Temple, an M.Div. from Princeton, a Bachelor’s from Asbury, and is a sought-after national speaker and author.
Scott is the founder of Stewardship Matters, Inc., a wealth advisory firm in Maitland, Florida. With nearly four decades of experience since 1986, his guiding principle has been: "To become more, so I can be more for others in my life." Scott specializes in financial stewardship, charitable giving, and retirement income planning, helping clients discover hidden opportunities. He has led seminars for the Florida Institute of CPAs, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Charitable Gift Planners. A former board member and past president of Charitable Gift Planners of Central Florida, Scott teaches through online courses, podcasts, and videos. He earned his Business Administration degree from the University of Central Florida.
Viken is the CEO and founder of PlannedGiving.com, MajorGifts.com, and Philanthropy.Org. He is also the publisher of GIVING magazine. Over more than two decades, Viken has helped thousands of nonprofits develop powerful, practical, and scalable legacy giving and major giving programs. An authority on planned giving marketing, personal development, and time management, Viken is also a popular speaker. Book him for your next conference or team-building session. Learn how Viken got into planned giving. Connect on LinkedIn.
Wayne is an internationally recognized nonprofit leader, fundraiser, and keynote speaker with decades of experience in healthcare, higher education, and social services. A licensed attorney, Wayne has raised hundreds of millions of dollars and excels in annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and board development. Known for his dynamic presentations, Wayne has been named “Most Inspiring Speaker” by Fundraising Success Magazine and is a frequent favorite at global conferences. He is the author of six books, including Fundraising for Nonprofit Board Members and The Disney Difference, and has been featured in major philanthropic publications and media outlets.
