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Russell James III, Ph.D., J.D., CFP®

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.
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Sanjukta Shams

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.
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Scott Thomas

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.
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Viken Mikaelian

Viken is the CEO and founder of PlannedGiving.com and MajorGifts.com. He is also publisher of GIVING magazine (formerly Giving Tomorrow). Viken is available for speaking engagements on planned giving marketing, personal development and time management. Learn how Viken got into planned giving. Connect on LinkedIn.
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Wayne Olson

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.
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