Walter Bond made it to the NBA, but he didn’t stop there. Where many would consider a career with the Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons
and Dallas Mavericks some of life’s greatest achievements, Walter saw it as a jumping off point. A catalyst that launched him into what he was made to do. His experience on and off the court prepared him for a thriving career
in business coaching, mentorship, and public speaking.
His journey to the NBA was not an easy one, but instead of seeing obstacles, Walter saw opportunity. While some may have complained about being on the bench as a college basketball player, Walter used it as an opportunity to hone
in on the fundamentals every team needs to be successful. It is this mind shift, these simple yet powerful concepts, that has allowed Walter to reach massive audiences, long after his days on the court were over.
Walter weaves both inspirational anecdotes and action steps together in his engaging storytelling style and commands the audience with confidence. Walter’s relentless commitment to helping get entrepreneurs, business leaders, sales
teams and eager employees to the next level is what sets him apart from the rest.
Walter is far more than a former NBA player. He is a renowned business coach, an author, a high-profile speaker, a business owner, a father, a husband and a friend. He is a breath of fresh air for businesses across the country
that are eager to get to the next level.
Gasby Brown, Founder & CEO, Have Faith Institute (HFI)
M. Gasby Brown is the Founder & CEO of the Have Faith Institute (HFI), and has an unparalleled passion for the non-profit
industry. After experiencing the privilege of working with thousands of nonprofit organizations, philanthropists and leaders she is crystal clear that regardless of your faith, every nonprofit leader must have faith. Faith
in donors. Faith in the mission. Faith in themselves. She believes that philanthropists must have faith that their gifts will be well managed and make a difference.
Her work and impact are testaments to her strong belief in the need for good philanthropic practices. As Executive Consultant of The Gasby Group, Inc. (TGG), a subsidiary of HFI, the firm is a full-service strategic fundraising,
communications, and organizational effectiveness powerhouse with an impressive list of clients whom Gasby has helped to raise hundreds of millions of dollars.
Brown is a faculty member of the prestigious The Fund Raising School (TFRS) at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy where she has taught for more than a decade. Her teaching experience ranges from Managing the
Capital Campaign, Developing Major Gifts, Annual Sustainability, Principles & Techniques of Fundraising to Fundraising for Small Non- Profits. She has shared her strategic thinking and expertise with fundraising professionals,
executives, and board members nationally and internationally. She is also an adjunct faculty member at the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving for their Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF).
Gasby has authored several books: Business of a Spiritual Matter: What All Leaders of Faith-Based Nonprofits Should Know, Art of Praise, 7 Fatal Flaws of Non-Profit Boards and How to Fix Them, and The Seven Qualities of Capital
Campaign Success. Her latest book project is Think Like a Non-Profit; Act Like a Business to be released in 2020.
Brown has made her mark as an executive at national organizations such as Greenpeace, National Urban League and the Washington National Opera, bringing innovative and strategic programs that have remained in place to this day.
As a former reporter for Fox Television’s WNYW in New York City, where she was a Financial Correspondent for "The McCreary Report" and General Assignment Reporter, her stories were nominated for several awards. She was also the
New York Correspondent for BET, interviewing the top names in the entertainment industry. Gasby is a sought-after speaker, lecturer, facilitator and thought leader.
She holds a Master in Public Administration (MPA) degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School where she specialized in Communications Management. She conducted advanced research in new communications technology at MIT and actively
participated in its renowned Media Lab.
Gasby is also an accomplished and prolific visual artist represented by the Carlos Reid Gallery in New York City. Her work graces the offices and homes of celebrities, corporate and religious leaders, and art collectors. She serves
on the board of the Institute for Policy & Understanding (ISPU) in Washington, DC where she is a member of the Governance and Development Committees, and is on the National Advisory Council of Kids Hope USA in Grand Rapids,
Michigan. Additionally, Gasby is a national board advisor to the Harvard Debate Council’s Diversity Project in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information go to havefaithinstitute.com
Andrew Dayton, Founder & CEO, Constellation Fund
Andrew Dayton is the founder and CEO of the Constellation Fund, a Minneapolis-based grantmaking organization created to fight
poverty by raising the living standards of individuals living below the poverty line. Constellation uses data, research, and predictive analytics to identify, fund, and partner with the people and organizations making the biggest
demonstrable impacts in the fight against poverty in the Twin Cities. He is also a co-founder and co-owner of North Corp, an award-winning retail and hospitality group.
Andrew previously served as the Deputy Legislative Director to former San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee, leading the San Francisco's state and federal policy and budgetary priorities in Sacramento and Washington D.C. He sits on
the board of directors of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors -- a New York-based nonprofit organization working to help donors create thoughtful, effective philanthropy throughout the globe -- and The Minneapolis Foundation,
one of the first community foundations in the world. Andrew received a B.A. in History from Yale University, and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.
Pamela Jones Davidson, JD, FCEP, President, Davidson Gift Design
Pamela Jones Davidson, JD is President of DAVIDSON GIFT DESIGN, Bloomington, Indiana, a consulting firm specializing
in gift planning, planned giving program design and implementation, and training. She is also a Senior Vice President for THOMPSON & ASSOCIATES, offering estate planning services to nonprofits; she has earned its FCEP designation.
Before forming her own company in 1999, she was a charitable gift planner and consultant for three years with Laura Hansen Dean and Associates, Indianapolis, Indiana. From 1985 through 1996, she was with Indiana University
Foundation, leaving that organization as its Executive Director of Planned Giving and Associate Counsel, and quadrupling its planned gift expectancies under her directorship.
Ms. Davidson received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University in 1975, and graduated magna cum laude and top 10% from the Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis in 1979. She has previously been an examiner in
the Estate and Gift Tax Division of the Internal Revenue Service, and later practiced business, corporate and probate law with an Indianapolis law firm before joining the nonprofit sector in 1985.
Ms. Davidson was the 1999 President of the National Committee on Planned Giving (formerly the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, “PPP,” now the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, “NACGP”), and served NCPG in
various capacities during her six years on the Board, in 1995 as Education Chair, in 1996 as Secretary, and as President Elect in 1998. She served as NCPG’s 2000 Nominating Committee Chair and as a past member and chair of
its Ethics Committee. She is a member of NACGP’s Leadership Institute, and in 2018, was inducted (its second class) into its Hall of Fame.
Ms. Davidson has been on the Editorial Board of the Planned Giving Design Center, and has served as faculty of The College of William and Mary National Planned Giving Institute. She is a past board member and past treasurer of
the Indiana Chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives (now, Association of Fundraising Professionals, “AFP”), and is a past board member and president of the Planned Giving Group of Indiana. She is a past president
of the Network of Career Women, and a Leadership Bloomington alumna, and has served on many local nonprofit Boards. She is on the Board of her local WFHB Community Radio and on the donor development committee of Middle Way
House, her community’s nationally recognized women’s shelter. She serves on the Community Advisory Boards of both her local public radio and television stations, and is a member of APTS (America’s Public Television Stations)
(Lay) Leadership Council.
Ms. Davidson over her long career has made countless presentations throughout Indiana and nationally to development professionals, planned giving councils, estate and tax attorneys, accountants and financial planners, and to prospects
and donors about gift planning and charitable giving techniques. She is known for her motivational and empowering messages stated in practical and pragmatic terms about gift planning advantages and options that can benefit
individuals, families and valued charities all, the “how to do what you want to do” essential ingredient.
Shanna Hocking, CFRE, Associate Vice President, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Shanna Hocking is the Associate Vice President, Individual Giving at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, providing
strategic leadership and direction to a team of 30+ across annual, major, planned, principal, and international giving. Previously, Shanna was the Senior Director of Major and Planned Gifts at the Wharton School at the University
of Pennsylvania, where she led the major and planned gifts program, and served as a senior fundraiser for the institution, engaging alumni primarily in New York City and London. In addition, she developed and directed
Wharton Women in Leadership, an initiative to engage senior executive alumnae as volunteer and philanthropic leaders with the School. Shanna also co-taught the Penn Professional Practices in Development series for all major
gifts fundraising staff at Penn. She previously worked in development at The University of Alabama, Duke University, and the Jewish Theological Seminary. Over her career, Shanna has personally solicited and closed
more than $75 million.
Shanna frequently speaks and writes on leadership, fundraising and career development. She has been published on Fast Company, The Huffington Post, Career Contessa, Forbes, and Motherly. Shanna’s expertise has been featured in
the Harvard Business Review.
Shanna is the Faculty Chair for the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Management Institute. She served as an adjunct lecturer in the Certificate for Nonprofit Management program at Johns Hopkins University,
and guest lectures annually in the Nonprofit Leadership program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Shanna received a B.A. in Psychology from Columbia University and a B.A. in Modern Jewish Studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
Ross Levin is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Accredited Investors Wealth Management®. His book, Implementing the Wealth
Management Index: Tools to Build Your Practice and Measure Client Success, expands upon Mr. Levin’s groundbreaking Wealth Management Index™ tool. His third book, Spend Your Life Wisely®: The Deeper Meaning of Money, shares
his humorous and thoughtful approach to life and money. Mr. Levin launched the CCH Journal of Retirement Planning and served as Editor for two years. He is a regular columnist for the Star Tribune and Financial Advisor magazine
and a sought after speaker on financial matters.
Mr. Levin is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner certified by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards in Washington D.C. He received a BSB from the University of Minnesota, and is a nationally recognized expert
in wealth management, appearing in numerous publications, including: The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Fortune, The New York Times, Newsweek, Barron’s, Money Magazine, as well as on television and radio shows nationally,
such as NBC Nightly News, Oprah, CBS This Morning, and American Public Media’s Marketplace Money. He was named one of the top financial planners nationally by Barron’s, Money Magazine, Worth Magazine, Mutual Funds Magazine,
and Medical Economics. He has been featured in numerous books. He was named by Financial Planning magazine as one of the five most influential people in financial planning and received their first lifetime achievement award.
Investment Advisor magazine named him one of the thirty most influential individuals in and around the advisory profession over the last thirty years, and he was selected by Minnesota Business Magazine for The (Real) Power
50 Award. He was the first recipient of the Financial Planning Association’s Heart of Financial Planning Award.
Mr. Levin served as Chairman of the International Association for Financial Planning, which is now the FPA. He also has served on the Board of Governors for the CFP Board of Standards in Denver, Colorado.
He and his wife live in Minneapolis and enjoy hearing about the graduate school experiences of their twin daughters.
Breakout Speakers
Alex Bakkum, Director, Center for Family Philanthropy
As Director of the Center for Family Philanthropy, he works exclusively with nonprofit organizations, private foundations, and
individual philanthropists. Prior to joining U.S. Bank Alex gained extensive experience assisting nonprofit organizations address their strategic resource and planning issues, private foundations form and realize their missions
and visions, and individual philanthropists fully express their values. He also has direct experience working for nonprofit organizations including, the RiverKeepers, St. John's University, and College Possible.
Claudine Donikian, President/CEO & Chief Marketing Officer, Pentera, Inc.
Claudine A. Donikian, JD, MBA, is the president/CEO and chief marketing officer of Pentera, Inc., and is regarded
as one of the foremost experts in planned giving marketing. She is a sought-after speaker on the national planned giving and AFP circuits and writes and conducts training modules for Pentera training seminars. As Pentera's
chief marketing officer, she is the editor-in-chief for client marketing content and personally consults with a select group of Pentera's clients on their marketing strategy and execution. One of Claudine's professional areas
of expertise is women in philanthropy, and she serves as a member of the advisory board for the prestigious Women's Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and as a member of the
board of directors of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP). Claudine oversees all aspects of Pentera's business and marketing strategies, as well as new-product development, with an emphasis on digital
marketing, and she recently served on the Direct Marketing Association's Digital Innovation Committee. Under her leadership, the interactive department and client base has increased by 500 percent. Claudine graduated Phi Beta
Kappa and with highest distinction from Indiana University, received an MA in French from New York University, and holds a JD and an MBA from Boston College. She serves on the board of directors of the Philanthropic Planning
Group of Greater New York in Manhattan (PPGGNY), the Massachusetts Children's Trust Fund (a child abuse prevention agency), and the Brookview House (which provides housing for homeless women and children). She is an active
member of CGP, PGGNE, and PPGGNY. Fluent in French, Claudine has also taught French for colleges, corporations, and adult education centers, where she was regarded as one of the top motivating teachers.
Casey Fuerst, Owner, Tic Tac Toe Marketing
Casey Fuerst has worked with nonprofits and small businesses to give them the messaging, strategic marketing plans and collateral
materials to support their work for 20+ years. For 18 of those 20+ years, she served as the Director/Marketing & Leadership Development at Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. Casey is a certified StoryBrand Guide and
uses this framework to create marketing messaging, plans and collateral to increase impact and grow business. Casey owns and provides lead consultation for Tic Tac Toe Marketing.
He and his wife live in Minneapolis and enjoy hearing about the graduate school experiences of their twin daughters.
Tom Glass, National Development Director, Saint Paul's Outreach
Tom Glass is a Senior Major and Planned Giving Officer at St. Catherine University. Prior
to joining St. Catherine University in 2017, he was the Director of Planned Giving at the University of St. Thomas. Tom was a partner in the financial services firm of Deegan & Glass, LLC. The firm provided specialized
wealth management and estate planning for affluent individuals and corporations. He is a frequent speaker on charitable planning and family wealth management. Tom has extensive experience serving in a leadership capacity on
many nonprofit boards. He is currently serving on the Edina Tax Referendum Committee, the Social Justice Board at St. Patrick’s Church in Edina, and the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Planned Giving Council, where he
also serves on the Program and Education committees. A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Tom resides with his wife CoCo and four children in Edina, Minnesota.
Sandra Henningsen, CGPA, Assistant Vice President for Crescendo Interactive, oversees GiftLegacy Planned Giving eMarketing
services. She mentors charities in establishing planned giving websites and marketing planned gifts using the branded website, eNewsletters, social media and royalty-free literature. She speaks and teaches seminars in the area
of eMarketing and gift planning. She has presented at MPGC, CASE International, AFP International, AHP International, CPGR, GHPGC, ALDE, CLA and various Regional Conferences. Sandra has been part of the Crescendo staff for
over 26 years. Her Bachelor of Science degree in Education is from South Dakota State University.
Nicki Hines, Abbott Northwestern Hospital Foundation
Nicki has more than 15 years of experience in fundraising, program development and project management. She has held corporate,
major and planned gift fundraising positions in health care, higher education and social service. Nicki holds a master's degree in organizational leadership from St. Catherine University and an undergraduate degree in sociology
from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dana Holt, JD, RICP, AEP, HOLT Consulting
Dana is a charitable gift planning educator, coach, and professional speaker. She teaches fundraisers how to
raise millions more by accessing wealth, not just cash - and teaches advisors how to grow their practice with the power of philanthropic planning.
Before starting HOLT Consulting Dana began her career as an estate planning attorney and then spent 13 years at a Fortune 300 Financial Services company. There she helped advisors all over the U.S. with their most complex cases
and taught them how to integrate charitable planning into their practice.
Now she focuses exclusively on teaching charitable planning through professional speaking and her first-of-it's-kind coaching program, Turning Wealth Into What Matters™.
Dana is a graduate of Mitchell Hamline School of Law and Southern Illinois University. She serves as vice-chair of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council. She lives in Lauderdale, MN with her two retired racing greyhounds.
Eric Joranson, JD, Senior Director of Advanced Strategies, National Philanthropic Trust
Eric Joranson, JD is the Senior Director of Advanced Strategies for National Philanthropic Trust, the nation's largest independent
donor-advised fund sponsor. Eric is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is a former practicing attorney with 12 years of combined experience in advanced philanthropic planning and law practice. Eric has extensive technical
experience with donor-advised funds, private foundations, split-interest trusts, gifts of complex assets (e.g., privately held stock, real estate and other illiquid interests), investing gift proceeds in alternative and private
investments, specialized grantmaking services, and legacy planning.
Mark Ladendorf, Senior Relationship Manager, TIAA Kaspick
Prior to joining TIAA Kaspick in 2008, Mark Ladendorf was President and CEO of The Lutheran Hour
Ministries Foundation and Director of Advancement for Lutheran Hour Ministries in St. Louis, MO. He has over 25 years of experience in gift planning and fundraising management. He has served on the national board of the Association
of Lutheran Development Executives and as co-chair of the 2007 International Educational Conference. Mr. Ladendorf received a BA in Economics and International Studies from American University, Washington, DC and an MA from
Washington University, St. Louis, MO.
Andrew McIlree, CFRE, Abbott Northwestern Hospital Foundation
Andrew has more than 10 years of experience in fundraising, strategic communication and project management. He has held
major and planned gift fundraising positions in health care, higher education and social services. Andrew holds a master's degree in organizational leadership from St. Catherine University and is a member Certified Fund Raising
Executive (CFRE) International. He has an undergraduate degree from St. Norbert College. He has been a contributing writer to various publications, including the Star Tribune. Additionally, he has served as a source for The
Atlantic on national service and social justice.
Sheryl Morrison, JD, FCEP, Gray Plant Mooty Law Firm
For over 30 years, Sheryl Morrison has focused her practice in the areas of estate and wealth planning,
transfer tax strategies, business succession planning, estate and trust administration, and charitable giving and nonprofit organizations. She helps clients accomplish their objectives for management, protection, and preservation
of their wealth through strategies that minimize taxes and promote effective family management of assets, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, generation skipping planning, charitable trusts and corporations,
and various grantor trusts (QPRTs, GRATs, IDGTs). She advises clients about the many issues affecting the operation of their trusts, estates, and businesses.
Sheryl’s practice also focuses on philanthropy through creating, qualification, and administration of nonprofit and tax-exempt entities, as well as counseling higher education institutions, health care organizations, and other
charities about their charitable gift acquisition programs and administration practices.
Marie Ruzek, Vice President and Philanthropic Specialist, Wells Fargo Private Bank
Marie Ruzek serves as Vice President and Philanthropic Specialist for Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services
within The Private Bank. Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services helps charitable individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations work toward their unique goals by providing specialized advisory services. Ms. Ruzek helps individuals
and families to define and achieve their charitable objectives as part of their overall wealth plans. This may include gift and tax planning, multi-generational planning, estate planning, and the creation and management of
donor advised funds, private foundations, charitable trusts, and other charitable planning strategies. She also works extensively with nonprofit organizations, where she advises in the areas of gift planning, endowment management,
board governance, and other management issues. She collaborates with her clients and their other advisors to leverage their resources to maximize the impact of their philanthropic activities. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Ms.
Ruzek worked in the nonprofit sector for 20 years, most recently at Greater Twin Cities United Way for three years, where she was the Director of Planned Giving and Endowment. Her background includes experience in healthcare,
higher education, and human services philanthropy. Ms. Ruzek earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, and a Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, St. Paul, MN. She
hold the Certified Fund Raising Executive designation and is also the Chair of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council and a member of the Nonprofit Financial Group, Twin Cities Estate Planning Council, MN Women Lawyers, National
Association of Charitable Gift Planners, and Leave a Legacy Minnesota.
Nathan Stelter, Vice President, The Stelter Company
Nathan Stelter is vice president for The Stelter Company, a leading source for gift planning marketing solutions for the
nonprofit community. The Stelter Company, which was founded in 1962, currently partners with more than 1,500 organizations nationally with a staff of over 100 individuals. While Nathan wears many hats at Stelter, his primary
concentrations and passions include overseeing Stelter's consulting and marketing teams while working with his amazing leadership team to forge the way with new research, new innovations and smarter ways for charities to raise
planned gifts.
Fred Weber, JD, Northern Trust Company
Fred leads the Central Region Estate Settlement Services team at Northern Trust Company, which handles death-related administration
of estates and trusts when Northern Trust acts as fiduciary for clients who have died. Before he became a professional fiduciary, Fred practiced law as a trust and estate attorney, and he worked as a planned giving officer
for a large charity. Before law school, Fred worked for the late U.S. Senator Paul D. Wellstone (D-MN). A frequent speaker, Fred has presented for the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, the Chicago Estate Planning
Council and the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, and he developed and taught a course on post-death administration at John Marshall Law School. Fred received his B.A. from the University of Minnesota and his
J.D. from DePaul University.
Reach Your Fundraising Goals This Year with Planned Gifts Sandra Henningsen, CGPA
Description:
There has never been a better time to focus on planned gifts than now. With all of the tax, financial & demographic changes, your donors are looking for new & easier ways to support your cause while preserving security
for themselves & their loved ones. As a more experienced planner, you will learn more about how to enhance your planned giving program that provides a sustainable source of annual revenue for your organization &
benefits your donors.
Learning Objectives:
Creating a Successful Planned Giving Marketing Plan
Getting Results from Your Marketing - The Value of Email & Case Studies
Strategies to Create or Revitalize a Legacy Society & Case Studies
Wednesday, October 23
7:30 am – 8:30 am
Registration
7:30 am – 8:30 am
Exhibitors & Breakfast
8:30 am – 8:45 am
Opening Remarks
8:45 am – 9:45 am
PLENARY SESSION
Fundraising: Why the Bake Sale (And Other Half-Baked Ideas) Will Never Be Enough Gasby Brown
Description:
With religious giving experiencing a steady decline as part of the charitable giving pie, what should we keep as top of mind fundraising strategies and tactics as we continue to provide valuable programs and services? M. Gasby
Brown will present excerpts from her book, Business of a Spiritual Matter: What All Leaders of Faith-Based Nonprofits Should Know.
Learning Objectives:
Best practices in Fundraising —What Is your fundraising vision in faith-based fundraising?
Know Thy Donor —Are you keeping up with changing demographics?
Strengthen Your Case for Support —from Blah Blah Blah to Yes! Yes! Yes!
Steps to Building a Culture of Philanthropy —Where does it start?
9:45 am – 10:15 am
Break with Exhibitors
10:15 am – 11:15 am
BREAKOUT SERIES A
A1. Gifts that Appeal to Baby Boomers Mark Ladendorf
Description:
The Baby Boomer generation will dominate gift planning prospect lists for the next two decades. The good news is that this generation is large and wealthy. Yet working with Boomers also brings challenges. Will they respond
to gift planning marketing that has worked in the past? Will they find traditional gift planning approaches effective and establish gifts that previous generations have? This session will explore the planned gifts that
are likely to appeal most to Boomers, assets Boomers are likely to give, and how charities can position themselves to take advantage of gift planning opportunities.
Learning Objectives:
Learn about what makes Baby Boomers different from earlier generations and how those differences affect gift planning strategies.
Discuss gifts that are most likely to appeal to Baby Boomers and why.
Consider the assets that Boomers have in abundance that can fund substantial gifts for your institution.
Explore options such as blended gifts that allow a donor to solve multiple objectives and make an even larger gift commitment than they thought possible.
A2. Business of a Spiritual Matter - Major Gifts in Faith-Based Fundraising Gasby Brown
Description:
There are fundraising methods in faith-based giving that need to be tossed and trashed. What are they? How do you make the transition? How do you prevent your organization’s fundraising approaches from becoming obsolete?
Learning Objectives:
The New and Improved Paradigm of Faith-Based Giving: Throw the Old One Out!
A3. The Relevance of Probate for Charitable Beneficiaries Fredrick Weber
Description:
The process of death-related administration of estates and trusts can be daunting for charitable beneficiaries. While touching briefly on the broader topic of death-related administration for charitable beneficiaries, this
presentation will focus primarily on the relevance of the probate process when charitable beneficiaries are in the mix. We will briefly explore the history of probate in advance of a more detailed examination of the probate
process and probate avoidance, and the significance of that history and these concepts for charitable beneficiaries. Specifically, we will explore the impact of a formal probate proceeding on charitable interests, and look
at some of the ways in which the probate process can be used as both a sword and a shield for the protection of charitable beneficiaries. We will also examine some real-life situations involving the probate of estates that
include charitable legacies, and we will discuss some of the pros and cons of formal probate proceedings for charitable beneficiaries.
Learning Objectives:
Gain a better understanding of the process of death-related administration, with a specific focus on the probate process as it relates to charitable beneficiaries.
Improve the interaction between planned giving professionals and the executors, personal representatives, trustees and other fiduciaries responsible for the delivery of their charitable legacies following a death.
Increased knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of charitable beneficiaries in death-related administration of estates and trusts that will involve a probate proceeding.
A4. Click or Skip? What Words Work Best with Donors in Planned Giving Marketing? Claudine Donikian
Description:
With e-mail engagement data, we know what percentage, how many, and exactly who is opening e-mails and clicking through on headlines. But what is it about the e-mail subject line or headline that is driving donors to want to
click and read more? Alternatively, what keeps them from clicking to read more? The findings to be presented will answer these questions and are based on a Pentera research study of client data spanning several years that
looks at thousands of clients, thousands of e-mails, and tens of thousands of headlines, words, and phrases. We will delve into planned giving marketing messages and discover what factors increase or decrease engagement
- that is, what marketing messages make donors want to read more. We will also propose how to use engagement metrics to boost your cultivation efforts.
Learning Objectives:
What makes people click?
What makes them engage with e-mail?
How do words effect click-through rates?"
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Lunch
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Lunch Workshop #1: Allied Profession Orientation and Workshop Alex Bakkum
Description:
Together or separate, the lunch workshops are designed to either develop or refine your Allied Advisor Strategy. This will include an outline structure that will allow you to make it your own, work with your organization’s
unique situation, and give you a jumping off point.
Learning Objectives:
Why have this strategy?
Identify and Understand Advisors Sectors
Clarify Role on Virtual Team
How to identify Advisors via internal and publicly available information
Provide initial orientation and guide for creating an Allied Advisor Strategy (covered in depth in Day 2)
12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
Annual Meeting
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
PLENARY SESSION
Think. Execute. Win. Business Fundamentals to Drive Your Success Walter Bond
Description:
Successful business is very similar to a successful sports team. Like sports, business operates by a few basic fundamentals. Do you know what they are? Do you know what fundamentals you must master that will get you to the
next level? Being fundamentally sound means you master everything there is in your profession so you can pay attention to every detail in your business and industry. You take criticism and use it to your advantage. You
know your competition and you don’t stop no matter what. Competition in today’s marketplace is fierce. That’s why your daily execution of business fundamentals is key to your success. Walter teaches strategies to boost
confidence, create buy in, engagement and ultimately accountability. Bottom line is…You have to MASTER the Fundamentals.
Mindset – You have to visualize your wins and be mentally tough to overcome change and setbacks. How have you set your intentions?
Continuous Improvement – Pro-athletes have an off-season, why not you? Success requires a commitment to reinventing yourself, your brand and your organization continuously. There’s no time to get stale. Commit
to getting….Bigger…Stronger… Faster.
Take Control – Be an impact player. Go the extra mile to create success.
Strategy – What’s the game plan and are you following it?
Learning Objectives:
Discover the fundamentals for success that work in business, and non-profit organizations, too
Learn proven strategies to help you execute important fundamentals in the non-profit arena
Recognize how to create your personal game plan for action
1:45 pm – 2:15 pm
Break with Exhibitors
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
BREAKOUT SERIES B
B1. TEAMWORK: Success is a Team Sport Walter Bond
Description:
Walter Bond’s words on teamwork strike at the very core of what it means to come together for the collective good. Success is a Team Sport empowers your team to not just be better, but to be the best: You know the saying, there
is No “I” in Team. Well today you will learn your “I” truly matters. Be ready to learn how your natural abilities can impact any environment you are in. We need your “I” to impact your team.
Engagement – Each employee will be committed to being impact players as well as building momentum together.
Alignment – By creating 100% employee buy-in you can guarantee laser focus on the collective good.
Winning Culture – Foster an environment where every action makes a difference while holding their teammates accountable to themselves and to their work.
Learning Objectives:
Discover how to empower your team to maximize their personal impact for overall momentum
Learn the best practices at discovering each one of your teammates superpowers
Consider how to create an environment that supports powerful accountability
B2. Understanding Impact: The Anatomy of a Benefit-Cost Analysis Andrew Dayton
Description:
Companies around the world are reshaping industries by leveraging the full power of data, research, and predictive analytics. Can these tools be leveraged to reshape philanthropy? Join the founder and CEO of the Constellation
Fund, Andrew Dayton, to learn how his organization and its support network of researchers and economists are conducting careful benefit-cost analyses to help drive decisions and measure impact in the fight against poverty
in the Twin Cities.
Learning Objectives:
The difference between a social return on investment (SROI) and a private return on investment (PROI) and why the Constellation Fund is focused on using the latter.
The importance of a counterfactual, the benchmark against which to compare philanthropic outcomes, which is almost always missing in philanthropy but is key to isolating the actual impact being created by a poverty-fighting
intervention.
How peer-reviewed research, local demographic information, and data from nonprofits can be modeled together to create benefit-cost analyses to point funders toward the most impactful interventions, much like Google Maps
points drivers toward the fastest routes.
B3. Where's the Toolkit When I Need it? Finding and Using Strategies and Tools to Maintain and Repair Gifts Gone Bad Sheryl Morrison, JD, FCEP
Description:
This session will identify various common ways that the administration and management of gifts by nonprofits can go wrong, whether those gifts are restricted gifts, charitable trusts, pledges or just gifts of unique assets.
Based on many years of experience in helping nonprofits manage and repair gifts where the administration has gotten off track or presents issues for the nonprofit, we will explore some useful strategies and solutions, including
modification of gifts and trusts, curing erroneous trust distributions, evaluating and managing unique assets, managing difficult donors, auditing and accepting estate gifts, and prevention through appropriate design and
drafting of acceptance policies, gift agreements and trusts.
Learning Objectives:
Attendees will learn how gift administration issues can arise with various types of gifts they receive and manage.
Attendees will learn about ways that common gift administration problems can be addressed and resolved.
Attendees will learn ways that gift administration problems can be avoided through implementation of gift acceptance policies and processes and careful design and drafting of gift agreements and trusts.
3:15 pm – 3:45 pm
Break with Exhibitors
3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
PLENARY SESSION
Finding Stars and Connecting Dots: An Evidence-Driven Approach to Poverty Alleviation Andrew Dayton
Description:
Despite being named the most generous state in America, Minnesota is home to some of the country's worst socioeconomic disparities. What's behind this troubling juxtaposition, and how can our philanthropic community get better
results from its generosity? The Constellation Fund was founded to help answer these questions, leveraging the full power of data, research, and predictive analytics to find, fund, and scale the most impactful poverty-fighting
organizations in the Twin Cities. Join Andrew Dayton, Constellation's Founder and CEO, for a presentation on the organization's vision for and progress toward an evidence-driven approach to poverty alleviation in our community.
Learning Objectives:
The key disconnects between our community's philanthropic approach to poverty alleviation and the pressing needs of the organizations and individuals working tirelessly to address these challenges in the Twin Cities.
How peer-reviewed research, local demographic information, and output and cost data from nonprofits can be used to build benefit-cost analyses, which, when paired with careful qualitative evaluations, can point funders
toward the poverty-fighting organizations having the largest demonstrable impacts.
The power of predictive analytics to lead us toward better outcomes in the realm of poverty alleviation, and how this information can — and has in other cities — serve as fuel for policymakers to scale impactful poverty-fighting
interventions.
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Networking Reception
Thursday, October 24
7:30 am – 8:30 am
Registration
7:30 am – 8:30 am
Exhibitors & Breakfast
8:30 am – 9:30 am
PLENARY SESSION
There is No Such Thing as a Prospect Ross Levin, CFP
Description:
There is no such thing as a prospect. When we turn people into objects - donors, prospects, clients - we change our relationships from personal to transactional. Starting with a fundamental belief that everyone matters (yes,
even ourselves) can help us overcome discouragement and make every interaction impactful. Let’s figure out together how we can better develop relationships.
Learning Objectives:
Identify ways to approach relationships that lead to meaningful and personal interaction rather than merely transactional
Gain a better understanding of how to bring positive meaning to our interactions
Learn from our shared experiences how to build strong, positive, personal relationships
9:30 am – 10:00 am
Break with Exhibitors
10:00 am – 11:00 am
BREAKOUT SERIES C
C1. Crystal Clear Communications Through Story Casey Fuerst
Description:
A crystal clear message - website, print, email and in-person donor calls - is absolutely critical to getting what you are asking for. This is especially true in planned giving - where your job is to talk about two very uncomfortable
topics - death and money. When you are too vague or the information you share is cluttered and hard to understand, your audience is going to check out. You must quickly and clearly communicate who you are, what problem
you solve for them and easy-to-understand steps to get to the solution. This workshop will give you the "StoryBrand" formula for building your communications and walk you through easy steps to building your elevator speech.
You'll walk away with immediate, easy-to-implement tools to improve your materials and presentations. Whether you are new to your job or a high-level executive, what you learn here WILL help you improve - your impact, your
bottom line and your clarity. Reference: Building a StoryBrand, by Donald Miller.
Learning Objectives:
Identify donors as the hero of the story.
Clearly define what problem are helping their donor solve.
Name a simple process by which the donor can engage with them.
C2. Effectively Working With Your Board Ross Levin, CFP
Description:
What is needed for staffs and boards to effectively work together? Be prepared to bring your own stories of what has worked and hasn’t for an interactive session around how organizations can improve their effectiveness. Here’s
a hint: we can only manage ourselves so we will be paying attention to what gets triggered in these dynamics and how best to handle it.
Learning Objectives:
Discover the fundamental ingredients that help staffs and boards work together for best results
How we can bring our best to the unique dynamics of staff/board relationships
Discussion of best practices we’ve seen used effectively
C3. Cues and Clues: What Prospects Are Telling You, and What You Need to Say Pamela Jones Davidson, JD, FCEP
Description:
Donors will tell you everything you need to know—if you only listen. They tell you they how low CD rates are, how they must take required minimum distributions, how certain assets like real estate are increasingly difficult
to manage, that they want to sell an asset that has appreciated but oh, those taxes! This session will identify many of those impediments to giving and the family situations prospects are telling you about, and provide
a script for your response then and there, in real time, suggesting the outline of gift ideas that could address those concerns. The majority of gift plans are simple and repeatable, greatly enhanced if we respond to the
many cues and clues prospects continually offer us, to suggest practical, ethical ideas. This session will enable you to respond in real time to what your prospects tell you, to move the gift consideration process in a
positive and progressive direction.
Learning Objectives:
Learn to be present in conversations and recognize when donors are sharing their impediments to giving.
Develop talking points to be tailored in real time to outline gift ideas that address donor concerns.
Become better versed in donor benefits of charitable gift plans.
C4. The Perfect Match: Annual Gifts + Bequests. And let's "frost the cake" with other planned gifts for success! Sandra Henningsen, CGPA; Tom Glass
Description:
Every nonprofit focuses on annual gifts, a high priority. The challenge is always keeping annual gifts in pace with budget needs. Creative approaches and marketing new giving opportunities to donors that match their needs bring
successes. Those checks, outright gifts of assets and credit card gifts are critical. Let's look for frosting to the cake. Let's engage our annual givers in ways to also include bequests for our nonprofits in their estate
plans. Is the potential for IRA Rollover gifts and IRA beneficiary gifts being overlooked at your organization? Are additional planned gifts being presented to your donors to benefit their loved ones and your mission? A
targeted case study from St. Catherine University will be presented by their leadership. Let's keep our philanthropy in practice. Let's explore together!
Learning Objectives:
Realize the potential of annual gifts encouraging bequests and bequests encouraging annual gifts.
Evaluate their development initiative to include and prioritize gifting options.
Add creative marketing strategies for their donor contacts.
11:00 am – 11:30 am
Break with Exhibitors
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
PLENARY SESSION
What I Wish I Had Known Pamela Jones Davidson, JD, FCEP
Description:
This session covers life lessons from over 30 years in this profession, a pivotal time when gift planning went national. An evolution from an early emphasis on vehicles and technical knowledge to a burgeoning interest in the
profession, to the entry of many related professionals into gift planning, and now to application and life stage gifts emphasizing donor benefits, where the emphasis should have always been. Common missteps like forgetting
to work internally to educate colleagues about gift planning, not listening to donors, and not partaking of your local planned giving council and NACGP will also be covered.
Learning Objectives:
You’ve identified Allied Advisors, so now what?
Acknowledge and avoid common missteps in gift planning.
Ensure adherence to ethical and best practices in this work.
Learn how to best continue to hone your skill set, Learn ethically on the job with real donors and real scenarios, and utilize the Model Standards of Practice for the Charitable gift Planner.
12:30 pm – 12:45 pm
Clinton A. Schroeder Distinguished Service Award Presentation
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
Lunch
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
Lunch Workshop Session #2: Energizing your Allied Advisors Alex Bakkum
Description:
Together or separate, the lunch workshops are designed to either develop or refine your Allied Advisor Strategy. This will include an outline structure that will allow you to make it your own, work with your organization’s
unique situation, and give you a jumping off point.
Learning Objectives:
You’ve identified Allied Advisors, so now what?
Differentiate between fun Advisors and productive Advisors
Identify and Categorize Advisor
Case statement building
Define Follow-ups
1:45 pm – 2:45 pm
BREAKOUT SERIES D
D1. Make Your Case: How to Create a Compelling Case Statement From Scratch Andrew McIlree, CFRE; Nicole Hines
Description:
This presentation will describe how to create a case statement to champion an organization's mission and its philanthropic objectives.
Learning Objectives:
Outline a case statement for support
Effectively gather facts, figures, examples and stories from subject matter experts
Efficiently design, draft and write a case statement
D2. Lead From Where You Are: Managing Yourself and Your Career Shanna Hocking, CFRE
Description:
What does a fulfilling career in advancement look like and how can you create one for yourself? Learn strategies to advance your career, including using your strengths, expanding your network, cultivating mentors, and dealing
with change. Hear what has worked well (and what hasn’t) on one senior leader’s career journey in the profession, and have a chance to ask questions to develop your own pathway. This session will be helpful to newcomers
who are just starting in the field, as well as more experienced professionals who want to reenergize their careers.
Learning Objectives:
Identify strategies to advance your career
Discover how to avoid potential career pitfalls
Learn from the shared experience of others in the field during the interactive Q&A
D3. Beyond the Basics: The Advantages (and Limitations) of Donor-Advised Funds Eric Joranson, JD
Description:
Donor-advised funds hold $110 billion in charitable assets and are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle - but why? Eric Joranson, Senior Director for Advanced Strategies for the country's largest independent donor-advised
fund charitable sponsor, will offer insights into how and why donors choose donor-advised funds, when they use another vehicle and what these trends mean for gift planners.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the explosive growth of donor-advised funds over the past decade - what drove it and where is it headed?
Answer how and why donors choose DAFs - what are typical DAF donor behaviors; when is it most advantageous for donors to choose a DAF and when can they use it with another giving vehicle?
Share case studies that underscore how gift planners can work with donors to secure DAF dollars using complex assets to fund philanthropy, common succession planning issues with giving vehicles, etc.
D4. Understanding the Major Trends That Are Impacting Donors Today... and Tomorrow! Nathan Stelter
Description:
It's no surprise that the growth of the planned giving industry has largely been on the backs of the silent generation donor. However, today's planned giving donor looks a lot different than the ones that many of us have come
to know over the years. Today's planned giving donor "and their expectations” have not only been shaped by the generational shift from matures to boomers, but also the advancement of technology and an evolution in how society
views nonprofits. This presentation will explore the socioeconomic changes that are impacting how donors approach their planned gift decisions and what that means for your marketing. We'll look into how advancement in technology
and broader access to information is blowing up our traditional donor pyramid. And we'll review research that's showing us a shift in the societal view of nonprofits and how it's impacting the donor decision-making process.
Learning Objectives:
The self-directed consumer (donor) and how to adjust your marketing strategy to meet them where they are.
How the donor journey is transforming and what you must do to engage donors within the new donor vortex model.
Why a targeted and integrated marketing strategy is critical to connecting with donors throughout their decision-making process.
2:45 pm – 3:15 pm
Break with Exhibitors
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
PLENARY SESSION
Why Stewarding Your Employees is the Key to Your Fundraising Success Shanna Hocking, CFRE
Description:
Fundraising organizations invest in stewardship to show gratitude to donors. What if I told you that investing in your employees is your most important stewardship strategy to achieve future fundraising success? Through case
studies and real life examples, this presentation will share ways (that don’t require extensive additional resources) to make employees feel valued individually and collectively. You will leave this session with new strategies
for employee appreciation and retention in your development organization.
4:15 pm
Adjourn
Juliana Sellers, Conference Chair The Bakken Museum
Matt Musel, Conference Co-Chair Metropolitan State University
Alex Bakkum U.S. Bank Charitable Services Group
Kendra Brown The Salvation Army
Linda Carlson Minnesota Zoo Foundation
Jessica Gottlieb Minneapolis Jewish Federation
Deborah Hanson Greater Twin Cities United Way
Allison Herbst Allina Health - United Hospital Foundation
Nick Jensen University of North Dakota Alumni Association & Foundation
Jacob LaCroix Allina Health - United Hospital Foundation
Erin McGlynn American Cancer Society
Sheryl Morrison Gray Plant Mooty
Lynn Praska University of Minnesota Foundation
Jeff Prottas Nonprofit-360 Consulting, LLC
Kelly Rowan Carleton College
Bethel Ruest Mayo Clinic
Kathryn Tjaden University of Minnesota
42nd ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Speakers
Plenary Speakers
Jeremy Belsky
Jeremy Belsky serves as Planned Giving Officer for Boys Town, a national nonprofit care organization whose mission is to “save children and heal families.” With an M.A. in Philanthropy & Development from St. Mary’s University
in Minnesota, and the CAP designation from The American College, Belsky has spent the past 19 years in the charitable gift planning field, helping to further the missions of education and faith based organizations, all in Omaha.
He’s also the author of two fundraising books, Keeping Catholic Schools Open and 10 Simple Steps for Cultivating Donors, published by the National Catholic Education Association. He was a featured speaker
at the Association’s national conference from 2007 to 2011.
Over the past eight years, Belsky’s audio vignettes, Spirit of Stewardship, have been broadcast daily on Omaha radio station KVSS radio and internationally on EWTN radio. Belsky currently is a member of the Nebraska Partnership
for Philanthropic Planning (where he served on the board from 2007 to 2010), the Omaha Estate Planning Council, the Archbishop's Committee for Development, the Archdiocese of Omaha Legacy Planning Committee, and mentors high
school youth at Boys Town. He currently resides in Omaha with his wife, Bridgett, their daughter, Brooke, and son, Josiah.
Daniel Harris, National Director, Philanthropic Services; U.S. Bank Wealth Management
Dan Harris is responsible for leading all national philanthropic efforts for U.S. Bank Wealth Management. He leads a team of Philanthropic Specialists helping families, private foundations, and public charities to maximize the
impact of their philanthropic activities.
Dan especially enjoys speaking with people about the experiences and deeply-held beliefs that have lead them to support the causes they care about. In these conversations, he learns about their families – their connections with
their past generations and often about their hopes for their children and grandchildren. These are often wonderful life stories, with joy and grief, love, passion, respect, and appreciation, and almost always these are stories
about optimism for the future. He feels privileged to participate with these stories, and to help his clients find their way forward.
Prior to joining US Bank, Dan held leadership roles in the financial services and nonprofit industries. Dan has over 25 years of financial markets experience, including positions in the United States, Japan, and Germany. Dan holds
a BA in economics from McGill University in Montreal and an MBA in finance from The University of Texas at Austin. Dan holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation, and is a Certified 21/64 Trainer.
Dan is a volunteer with several professional organizations including the Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable where he was board president in 2007. He is a member of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. Dan has served
on the boards of many nonprofit organizations in Colorado, with current board service with the Posner Center for International Development and the Denver Business Series.
Sarah Eagle Heart
Sarah Eagle Heart is a powerful storyteller whose deep perspective on healing trauma is rooted in her life story and experiences as a teen activist raised on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. She is a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation,
CEO of Native Americans in Philanthropy, and an internationally accomplished executive focused on education and advocacy on behalf of Indigenous peoples. She has spent the last decade centered on building momentum around healing
and sustainability in the spirit of cultural revitalization - work that has been successful because of her influence and ability to activate key leaders from grassroots to corporate level through capacity building. Her diverse
background in tribal, corporate, and non-profit organizations focusing on communications, marketing, program development, and advocacy offers a vantage point that powerfully amplifies impact.
Kathryn W. Miree, President, Kathryn W. Miree & Associates, Inc.
Kathryn W. Miree has more than 30 years experience working with nonprofit organizations and nonprofit boards. Kathryn is President of Kathryn W. Miree & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm located in Birmingham, Alabama, that
works with boards and staff of nonprofits and foundations to build fundraising platforms and establish fundraising strategies.
She received her undergraduate degree from Emory University and her law degree from The University of Alabama School of Law. She spent 15 years in various positions in the Trust Division of AmSouth Bank before joining Sterne, Agee
& Leach to established its trust company and serve as its President & CEO. In 1997 she established Kathryn W. Miree & Associates, Inc.
Kathryn has been actively professionally as past president of the National Committee on Planned Giving, past president of the Alabama Planned Giving Council, past President of the Estate Planning Council of Birmingham, and past
President of the Alabama Bankers Association Trust Division. In her community she has served as Chair of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, Chair of United Way of Central Alabama, and Chair of The Altamont School
as well as serving in various capacities on more than twenty other nonprofit boards. Kathryn is a frequent lecturer, co-author of The Family Foundation Handbook (CCH Publishers 2014) and author of The Professional Advisor’s Guide to Planned Giving (CCH Publishers, 2006).
Una O. Osili, Ph.D.
Una is an economist with significant experience in research and policy in the fields of household behavior and economic policy. She is also Associate Dean for Research and International Programs at the Indiana University
Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the world’s first School dedicated to increasing the understanding of philanthropy and improving its practice worldwide.
An internationally recognized expert on economic development and philanthropy, Dr. Osili frequently speaks across the globe on issues related to national and international trends in economics and philanthropy. She recently testified
at the U.S. Senate subcommittee on the role of philanthropy and remittances in foreign aid and has been quoted by international and national news media outlets such as The New York Times, Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal
and the Chronicle of Philanthropy. She has served as a member of several national and international advisory groups, including the African Development Bank, Social Science Research Council, the United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa and the United Nations Development Program. Dr. Osili is a consultant with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and has worked for the World Bank. She was appointed as a fellow for the Institute of Labor
(IZA) in Bonn, Germany. She has received significant recognition including being named among the 40 under 40 and Women of Influence Award by the Indianapolis Business Journal, and a Plan 2020 Fellow in Indianapolis.
She also received the Stevenson Fellowship from the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council and was appointed as a fellow of the Networks Financial Institute.
Dr. Osili leads the research and publication of Giving USA, the annual report on American philanthropy. Beginning in fall 2016, she has led the research and publication of Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances and Index of Philanthropic Freedom. She has pioneered new approaches to using data to better understand global and national trends in philanthropy with the Million Dollar List and the new Generosity for Life
project. She directs the School’s extensive research program with its partners including Bank of America, United Way Worldwide, Coutts Inc, and National Collegiate Athletic Association. She leads the School's signature
research project, the Philanthropy Panel Study (PPS). PPS is largest and most comprehensive study of the philanthropy of American families over time. Dr. Osili is the current Chair of the Research Committee of the Women’s Philanthropy
Institute, and is a member of the Research Committee of the Lake Institute for Faith and Giving. She has served as an Associate Editor for the Journal of African Economies and Guest Editor of the Journal of African Development.
In addition to her appointment at the Lilly Family School on Philanthropy, Dr. Osili is also a member of the graduate school faculty at Indiana University. In 2007, she was a Visiting Associate Professor of Economics
at Yale University. She has served on the Research Committee of the Association for Research in Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations (ARNOVA) and the Board of the African Finance and Economics Association (AFEA). She has served
as a past or current board member for several nonprofit organizations, including the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis, the Immigrant Welcome Center, Board of Trustees of St. Richard’s School and Local Initiatives
Support Corporation (LISC). Dr. Osili is married and has two children. She earned her B.A. in Economics at Harvard University, and her M.A., and Ph.D. in Economics from Northwestern University.
Laura Sobiech
Laura Sobiech never aspired to become an author, inspirational speaker and childhood cancer advocate. But, in 2009, while happily raising four children with her husband Rob, life took a dramatic turn; their fourteen year old son
Zach was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Before Zach died in May of 2013 he wrote a song called “Clouds,” which became an international sensation touching the hearts of people of all ages, ethnicities
and faiths across the globe.
Laura went on to write a book called Fly a Little Higher: How God Answered a Mom’s Small Prayer in a Big Way which tells the heartbreaking, inspiring and sometimes funny story of her family’s journey through it all. She
continues to speak nationally sharing her family’s remarkable story of hope with raw authenticity, relatability and humor. She also works as a Community Outreach Coordinator for Children’s Cancer Research Fund in Minneapolis.
Breakout Speakers
Sherrie Beal
Sherrie Beal has 25 years of experience as a successful fundraiser--grant-writer, major gifts fundraiser and, for the past 10 years, planned giving specialist. Sherrie was a development/communications director prior
at the Minnesota Land Trust prior to coming to The Nature Conservancy 18 years ago and is a part of a national team that raises millions of dollars annually through planned gifts, from simple bequests to more complex life income
gifts. Some of her greatest training for her profession has been working as a nurse’s assistant and caring for her own elders, including her late parents, and serving as their personal representative and executor.
She has an MBA in nonprofit management from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN and an English major from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. She lives in South Minneapolis with her husband, son, three
pets, foster animals and manages rental properties in her spare time.
Bob Cohen, Principal
Bob’s focus is in the charitable planning and life insurance arena only, choosing to collaborate with other qualified professionals in the legal, tax, and wealth management areas. With a non-profit/gift planning background beginning
in 1989, Bob is a co-founder of Tamar Fink Charitable Advisors (TFCA), which has exceeded $1 billion in completed charitable gifts.
In addition, Bob specializes in the evaluation of mispriced and underperforming life insurance policies, and remedies years of policy neglect and mismanagement. Bob “rescues” lapsing policies to acquire new, favorably priced policies,
including for individuals with “pre-existing conditions.”
Jenna Egan
Jenna Egan is the Membership and Fund Development Manager for the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA). In this role, she builds relationships with new and current members, recruits volunteers, and cultivates
financial donors and sponsors. Jenna has worked in higher education recruitment, program development, volunteer engagement, and communications for over 14 years. She has a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the Saint Mary's
University of Minnesota. Before joining the MAVA staff, she served at the Recruitment and Enrollment Manager for the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, and currently serves on the American Heart Association Gala
Auction Committee.
Ginger Ewing
Ginger is the owner of Kaleo Advisor Group, a wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., and has been a financial advisor since 2001. Ginger received her undergraduate degree in Music Business from the University
of Miami, Florida, and graduated valedictorian of her class at William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Ginger is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and has been featured in numerous television, radio and print publications, including: Fox 9 News, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Thomson Reuters, and Parents magazine. She also
serves on the Board of Trustees at University of Northwestern, Saint Paul, and serves on the Board of Widow Might, a nonprofit organization helping widows in many facets of their lives.
Ginger was named a Twin Cities Five Star Wealth Manager by Twin Cities Business and Minneapolis/Saint Paul Magazine annually since 2012. This award recognizes the top wealth managers in the Twin Cities who are evaluated based on
customer service, knowledge, overall satisfaction and other criteria. She has also been recognized by Ameriprise with the “Circle of Success” award for achieving prestigious levels of performance and setting a standard of excellence
in the areas of client service, professional commitment and corporate values for years 2003-2017.
Michael R. Gozola, J.D.
Michael (Mike) Gozola has been on staff at Mayo Clinic since 2015. He serves as a legal specialist dedicated to the Department of Development, where he co-manages its estate resolution program and supports the general legal needs
of the department including; gift agreements, compliance matters, and contracts.
Mike’s primary objectives include providing the highest level of customer service to his clients and honoring the wishes of Mayo Clinic’s benefactors through careful practice and protection of their wishes outlined in their estate
gifts.
Mr. Gozola received his J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and has been a licensed attorney in the state of Minnesota since 2014. Mike resides in his hometown of Rochester, MN.
Melinda Hoke, VP Philanthropy Twin Cities PBS
With over 30 years of experience in philanthropy, Melinda’s desire is to inspire others to take fundraising to new heights. Leading programs in Major and Planned Giving, Organizational Giving and Endowment fundraising, she led
Capital Campaigns for the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio, and most recently concluded the campaign for Twin Cities PBS at $40 Million. Throughout her career, she created new advancement models, earning CASE
Gold and Bronze awards for the University of Minnesota. With degrees in Music Performance from Wartburg College and Music Therapy, the University of Minnesota, she established the first Music Therapy program in Adolescent Chemical
Dependency, serving on the NAMT committee to institute credentialing for the profession. She was an inaugural Buckman Leadership in Philanthropy faculty member, is a presenter at local and national conferences and webinars
and is a consultant fits locally and in the PBS system. Her first memories of philanthropy are helping her mother open and record church contributions, knowing the good that would come from them.
Dana J. Holt, JD RICP AEP
Dana is the founder of HOLT Consulting where she guides charities, families, and financial advisors through complex charitable giving strategies. She is also the creator of Turning Wealth Into What Matters™ - Strategic Growth Programs
for Fundraisers and Professional Advisors.
Dana spent four years as an Advanced Planning Consultant at a Fortune 500 financial services company. There she guided and educated financial advisors from coast to coast through complex client matters such as tax planning, charitable
giving, estate planning, real estate, social security and beyond.
Dana honed her charitable planning experience during her nine years as a Charitable Gift Planner at a national Community Foundation. There she helped to facilitate hundreds of planned gifts using everything from cash to crops to
cows, real estate, royalties, and more.
Dana began her professional career as an estate planning attorney in the Twin Cities. She graduated from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and Southern Illinois University.
She served on the board of the MN Planned Giving Council and lives in Lauderdale, MN with her two retired racing greyhounds.
Julene Holt
Julene has a passion for helping nonprofits strategize donor cultivation and develop fundraising processes to maximize their effectiveness. After sharpening her sales and marketing skills at the Star Tribune for twelve years,
she moved into nonprofit development. During the next nine years, she built a team of seven development officers covering the University of Northwestern Media network in six states. While recruiting, training and leading this
team, she also maintained her own portfolio of major donors and created innovated ways to connect with new prospects and existing donors.
Julene continues to cultivate a full portfolio of donor prospects while training and implementing donor development processes in her current position at Mn Adult & Teen Challenge. This includes strategic planning, project management,
creating new opportunities to engage donors at all stages of the development process, and implementing lean management through new processes that improve operations and service to the organization’s donors.
Susan Hommes
Susan joined the planned giving team at the University of Minnesota Foundation in 2007, and has been Director of Planned Giving since March 2015. She has over 25 years of development experience, having served in development
positions with United Way, Catholic Charities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and Community Action Council (360 Communities). Susan earned her B.A. from the College of St. Benedict and her M.A. in public administration
and management from Hamline University.
Susan is a member of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners and the Minnesota Planned Giving Council, serving as its chair in 2006. She currently serves on the board and is past president of the West Saint Paul/Mendota
Heights Rotary Club, and is an active volunteer with St. Pascal Baylon church and school. She lives in St. Paul with her husband Joe and son Peter.
Eric Joranson
Eric Joranson is the Midwestern Regional Director of Development for National Philanthropic Trust. Eric is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is a former practicing attorney with 12 years of combined experience in advanced philanthropic
planning and law practice. Eric has extensive technical experience with donor advised funds, private foundations, split interest trusts, gifts of complex assets (e.g., privately held stock, real estate and other illiquid interests),
investing gift proceeds in alternative and private investments, specialized grantmaking services, and legacy planning.
Marc Littlecott, CAP®, CGPP
Marc Littlecott is the Director of Gift Planning at the South Dakota State University Foundation, where he has been on staff since 2014. He has worked as a specialist in the field of planned giving since 1999, including 16
years with The Salvation Army in the Dallas and Cincinnati regions. He also serves in a volunteer role as Secretary for the Charitable IRA Initiative, the national organization that secured the Charitable IRA Rollover
into law in 2015 and which presently is seeking its expansion to include charitable trusts and gift annuities through H.R. 1337, The Legacy IRA Act -legislation endorsed by the Association of Charitable Gift Planners,
which is the parent body of MCPGC.
A frequent contributor to Planned Giving Today magazine, most recently in this past June’s edition, Marc has presented to many planned giving councils and conferences throughout the United States about a 7-stage system
for planning optimal estate gifts which he wrote about in a 2013 issue of that popular publication. Prior to joining MCPGC in 2014, Marc served on the board of the Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Council, also leading
its “Planned Giving on the Run” course for four years.
After graduating from the Virginia Military Institute in 1989, Marc served as a commissioned Army officer. The former Eagle Scout worked several years with the Boy Scouts of America before concentrating solely in the field
of planned giving in 1999. He now lives in Brookings, SD with his small family and in his spare time enjoys playing the sax in the community, especially every Christmas for The Salvation Army at the annual Christmas Kettle.
Tara Mattessich
Tara Mattessich is an attorney and shareholder with the Larkin Hoffman law firm. She is licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and counsels individuals and exempt organizations on best practices for leaving a legacy to family
and community. She is a frequent speaker and lecturer on estate planning, charitable contributions and fundraising, tax planning, gift acceptance, investment and spending policies, planned giving techniques and incapacity
planning, and tax-exempt organizations. Tara is Past Chair of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council. She received her B.A. degree from St. Olaf College and her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School.
Beth McCray
Beth has a passion for helping donors realize their philanthropic dreams and uses her background in finance and gift planning to make that happen.
She joined The Saint Paul & Minnesota Community Foundations in 2015 after serving as Director of Gift Planning at the Blake School, where she was responsible for securing planned and major gifts. She gained financial experience
at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley.
Beth earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Williams College. She serves on the board of directors for The Annex Clinic, and has volunteered as a guide at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts for 19 years. She grew up in Woodbury and
loves to read and spend time with her husband, Jon, their son, Douglas, and their three cats.
Sheryl Morrison
For 30 years, Sheryl Morrison has focused her practice on estate and wealth planning, transfer tax strategies, business succession planning, estate and trust administration and litigation, and creation and administration of charitable
trusts and nonprofit organizations. She helps individual clients accomplish objectives for philanthropic planning and wealth management, protection, and preservation through strategies minimizing taxes and promoting effective
ongoing family management, including wills, trusts, business entities, and charitable gifts and trusts. She helps clients navigate the administration and operation of their trusts, estates, and businesses. Sheryl works with
nonprofit clients in creating, qualifying, and operating charitable gifts and trusts, nonprofit and tax-exempt entities and she counsels higher education institutions, health care organizations, and other charities about charitable
gift development programs, compliance, and administration. When necessary, Sheryl helps individual, business, and nonprofit clients resolve disputes involving their estates, trusts, businesses and funds.
Ruby A. Pediangco, JD
Ruby A. Pediangco is an advanced strategies counsel with Securian Financial Services. She consults with financial advisors nationwide on gift, tax, estate, charitable and business succession planning to help them build comprehensive
client financial plans.
Prior to joining Securian Financial, Ruby spent 15 years in the nonprofit sector as a charitable gift planner. First, with InFaith Community Foundation, then with the Minnesota Orchestra as the director of planned giving. She has
experience with a wide array of planned giving techniques and enjoys sharing her knowledge and anecdotes when presenting MPGC’s Brisk Walk course.
Jessica Poskozim
Jessica Poskozim is the Development Director for Cathedral of Christ the King and Cathedral School in Superior, WI. Previously she had a career as an Account Executive in advertising before moving to nonprofit life in 2011.
As Development Director, Jessica has had the opportunity to work on a large capital campaign for the school, plan events for alumni and parishioners, work on major and planned gifts, and develop a social media program for both
the church and the school.
Jessica is active in the community, serving as a board member for the Duluth Noon Optimist Club and the AMSOIL Northland Law Enforcement K-9 Foundation. She is a Past President of the Duluth Noon Optimist Club and Bridge
Syndicate, a local group for young professionals. In her free time, Jessica can be found knitting while spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Frank Robertson
Prior to his retirement, Frank Robertson spent 22 years in institutional advancement at the University of Minnesota, including 17 years in the planned giving department of the University of Minnesota Foundation. He led the
department as Senior Director of Planned Giving from 2005 to 2015. During this 10-year period, newly recorded and realized planned gifts accounted for an average of 30% of the Foundation’s annual gift production and totaled
more than $550 million. Prior to becoming a development professional, Frank served 25 years on active duty in the United States Army retiring as a lieutenant colonel. In addition to tours of duty in Vietnam,
Korea and The Netherlands, his assignments included six years as an assistant professor and professor of military science at the University of Iowa and Michigan State University where he taught organizational leadership, ethics,
and professionalism to senior Army ROTC cadets.
Lauren Routhier
Lauren Routhier serves as a trusted advisor to individuals and families and works to meet their personal, business, and philanthropic goals through comprehensive estate planning. She regularly works with clients on tax planning,
charitable giving, business succession planning, prenuptial agreements, estate administration, and disputed probate and trust matters. Lauren uses her technical expertise and personal approach to help clients plan for and navigate
some of life's most challenging events.
Lauren is a qualified mediator under Minnesota law and she works with stakeholders to resolve probate, trust, and family business disputes. Lauren also counsels nonprofit organizations, including public charities, private foundations,
and community foundations, on creation, tax exemption, governance, gift acceptance policies and the receipt and administration of planned and complex charitable gifts.
Lauren's commitment to pro bono legal services is inspired by her great-grandmother's journey to Minneapolis as a refugee at the turn of the 20th century. Today, Lauren provides immigration and guardianship legal assistance to
the Minneapolis immigrant community through the firm’s Deinard Legal Clinic. She also regularly volunteers with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans Legal Clinic by assisting veterans with estate planning questions.
Nathan Stelter
Nathan Stelter is vice president for The Stelter Company, a leading source for gift planning marketing solutions for the nonprofit community. The Stelter Company, which was founded in 1962, currently partners with more than 1,400
organizations nationally with a staff of over 100 individuals.
While Nathan wears many hats at Stelter, his primary concentration and passion is overseeing Stelter's consulting and marketing teams and using his expertise to develop distinct marketing solutions that engage donors and provide
results.
Nathan’s expertise places him in high demand as a lecturer at national and regional industry meetings on gift planning marketing trends and cutting-edge donor and fundraising research. He’s been quoted in Planned Giving Today, Advancing Philanthropy and other trade publications. Nathan has recently accepted a nomination to join the board for the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, he’s a past board member of the National Capital Gift Planning Council (Washington,
DC) and a current member of the Mid-Iowa Planned Giving Council.
Brandon M. Stenseth, J.D.
Brandon Stenseth joined the Mayo Clinic Legal Department in 2015. He serves as a legal specialist supporting the Department of Development. Brandon co-manages Mayo Clinic’s estate resolution program, which contains 400+ active
estates, and he advises on legal issues impacting charitable activities at Mayo Clinic. He also supports the Office of Gift Planning on estate, trust, real estate, litigation and noncash gift matters.
Brandon earned his J.D. from Marquette University Law School in 2014. He earned a Bachelor of Science in finance at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin. Brandon is originally from
Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Jeremy R. Wells
Jeremy R. Wells currently serves as Vice President of Philanthropic Services at The Saint Paul & Minnesota Community Foundations in Saint Paul, MN. In this role, Jeremy serves as the chief fundraising and donor stewardship
strategist. He leads the Philanthropic Services team to ensure donors, advisors, and organizations receive concierge-level service. He also works to identify opportunities to raise important resources to support community initiatives.
Prior to coming to the Foundations, Jeremy served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Augsburg College, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, and in various advancement-related
roles at the University of Jamestown.
He received Bachelor's Degrees from Jamestown College in Psychology, Religion, and Philosophy and a Master's Degree in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Jeremy also holds his Certified Fund
Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.
Mr. Wells is an adjunct faculty member at the University of St. Thomas and a frequent speaker on a variety of advancement and fund development topics, including development planning, utilizing volunteers, donor engagement, ethics,
and campaign strategy. Jeremy also received a 40 Under 40 award from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal in 2018.
In addition to his work, Jeremy serves on numerous local, regional, and national nonprofit boards. He loves spending time with his three children and enjoys traveling, theatre, and reading.
Thomas J. Wesely
Thomas J. Wesely heads up Wesely & Wesely CPAs, which is devoted to charitable gift planning, tax preparation, and other administrative duties for 200 charitable trusts. He also prepares qualified appraisals for gifts of CRT
income interests and CGA annuity interests. The balance of his practice consists primarily of tax planning and preparation for individuals.
During the past 23 years, Tom has presented 60 seminars on tax and charitable planning for planned giving and other professional conferences. He has served on planned giving advisory boards for several charities, currently for
Catholic Charities. Tom also serves on the investment committee for the Evangelical Free Church of America. He was a director of MPGC and chaired its education committee from 1998-2003. He served on the planning committee for
the National Conference on Philanthropic Planning in 2009 and 2011. He was MPGC’s 2017 recipient of the Clinton A. Schroeder Distinguished Service Award.
Heather Wright
The fast-paced environment, variety of work, and attention to detail are what initially attracted Heather to the accounting profession. Today, she has 18 years of experience and currently leads Lurie’s estate, trust and gift practice.
She enjoys assisting clients with estate, gift and individual planning opportunities and compliance requirements. One of Heather’s goals is to partner with her clients and help them problem solve. Heather develops deep,
long-lasting relationships with her clients and enjoys getting to know them, interacting with them and helping them reach their professional and personal goals.
Heather received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting at the University of Wisconsin River Falls. She has earned her Good Leadership certification. She is a CPA, CSEP (Certified Specialist in Estate Planning) and
is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants and National Institute for Excellence in Professional Education.
Caitlin Zintl, Sr. Manager of Individual Giving and Development at Twin Cities PBS (TPT)
In her 8 years TPT, Caitlin has helped to successfully complete a $40 million Capital Campaign, launch a Major Giving program and grow Development revenues from $900,000 to over $2.6 million annually. Caitlin is a Minnesota Chapter
member of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, has completed the Major Gift Officer Certificate Program through Greater Public and is currently enrolled in the Fundraising Certificate Series at the University of St.
Thomas, Opus College of Business. Prior to joining TPT, she received her BA in Strategic Communication from the University of Minnesota, where she started fundraising as a Student Assistant at the University of Minnesota Foundation.
Dana J. Holt, JD RICP AEP, HOLT Consulting; Eric Joranson, Regional Director of Development, Midwest National Philanthropic Trust; Ruby A. Pediangco, JD, Securian Financial Services
Wednesday, October 24
7:30-8:30 AM
Registration, Continental Breakfast & Exhibitors
8:30-9:45 AM
Changing Philanthropic Landscape
Una Osili, Associate Dean for Research and International Programs, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
Philanthropy is under transformation. With the growing interest in the role that philanthropy can play in solving global and national challenges, one central question is how best to harness data, metrics, and knowledge to improve
practice and achieve impact now and in the future. As new models and approaches are developed that will shape the future of philanthropy, key questions include: What can data tell us about tomorrow’s donors and how they
differ in their motivations, aspirations and expectations from donors of the past? How is technology transforming the relationships among donors, causes and communities? What are the key national global economic forces
that will influence philanthropy?
Learning Objectives:
Better understanding of current data on philanthropy available and how it can impact planning for fundraising
Discussion of findings from planned giving study and what it means for your program
Better understanding of tomorrow’s donors and their motivations
9:45-10:15 AM
Break with Exhibitors
10:15-11:15 AM
Breakout Series A
1.1 2018 US Trust Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy (General Interest)
Una Osili, Associate Dean for Research and International Programs, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The U.S. Trust Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy is a biennial study established in 2005 that has become a leading resource for the philanthropic sector on giving behaviors and motivations of America’s wealthiest donors.
Previously the study surveyed households in high net worth neighborhoods across the U.S. Beginning in 2016, the study surveyed a nationally representative sample of high net worth individuals across the U.S. The study reflects
responses of high net worth donors with a household income greater than $200,000 and/or net-worth of at least $1,000,000 excluding their primary residence. The 2018 survey will be released in October, 2018. The workshop
will provide an overview of the 2018 High Net Worth Philanthropy study. Learn more about giving trends, motivations, beliefs, and household demographics of high net worth donors. We will also talk about what we have learned
about wealthy donor’s expectations for the nonprofits they support and the reasons they stop giving. This invaluable research can provide important insights into your major gifts programs and help you strengthen your relationships
with current and prospective donors.
Learning Objectives:
Learn the key forces shaping philanthropy.
Overview of the High Net Worth Philanthropy study.
High Net Worth Giving and Changes in Tax Policy.
Understanding donor motivations.
1.2 Survey Says…Know Your Donors- It pays to Ask (General Interest)
Nathan Stelter, VP of Business Development & Marketing, The Stelter Company Susan Hommes, Director, Planned Giving, University of Minnesota Foundation
This presentation will provide answers to common questions planned giving professionals are asking about surveying donors and how to put surveys to best use to grow their planned giving program. Designed for organizations of
any size or sector, session attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to use surveys and how to implement results into their organization’s marketing communication plans.
Learning Objectives:
Why should your organization survey? What should you expect from surveying your donors?
Who should you be surveying and what’s the best format? How should you decide who’s in and who’s out?
How often should you send surveys? Can you survey too much?
How can the results of your organization’s survey impact your planned giving program?
1.3 The Gotcha's and Trap Doors of Life Insurance (Technical)
Bob Cohen, Principal, Tamar Fink, Inc
Life insurance can be a very effective tool for estate and charitable planning purposes, so why is it not more frequently implemented as a solution? Learn how to properly evaluate a policy prior to accepting as a gift. Show
donors how to make larger gifts than they had ever planned when comparing to a "cash only" gift. Learn to address and sidestep the risks for a win-win gift. We don't embrace what we don't understand and a better, deeper
understanding of life insurance, will capture millions dollars of currently left on the table.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the "Gotcha's" of poorly designed life insurance policies and why many nonprofits have shied away in the past.
Learn how life insurance, properly structured and designed, will create many new and larger giving opportunities,
Through case studies, learn why a specific policy type is most appropriate for a given strategy over another.
1.4 Guiding Your Donors Post TCJA of 2017: Top Giving Strategies for Charitable Deductions (Technical)
Dana Holt, CEO & Philanthropic Strategist, HOLT Consulting Thomas J Wesely, CEO, Wesely & Wesely CPAs, Ltd.
There has been a lot of talk lately about how the new tax rules will affect charitable giving in America. Some of the talk has been positive and some has been negative. Taxes are confusing enough without all the conflicting
messages. One thing we do know is that fewer people will itemize their tax deductions after these changes. We also know that the primary reason people give is not to receive tax deductions, but it is a nice bonus. The good
news is that there are still many opportunities for donors to receive income tax benefits from their gifts whether they itemize or not. In this session we will cover those opportunities and more!
Learning Objectives:
Understand what changed and what stayed the same regarding charitable giving after the recent tax bill.
Understand what new strategies donors will use to maximize tax benefits when giving in the future.
Understand how to speak about these changes when communicating with donors.
11:15 AM -12:00 PM
Lunch
12:00-12:30 PM
Annual Meeting
12:30-1:30 PM
Stewarding Through Story Telling: The Gift of Connection
Laura Sobiech, Community Outreach Coordinator, Children's Cancer Research Fund
Laura tells the remarkable story of how her son Zach’s battle with cancer and his song “Clouds” led to the creation of the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund at Children's Cancer Research Fund and raising $1.5 million. She will
share how the story touched millions of people across the globe and how the family continues to advocate for childhood cancer research.
Learning Objectives:
To learn how an emotional connection with a personal story can inspire giving
To learn how stewarding those with personal connections to a cause through sharing their story can inspire a deeper connection to the cause
To learn how creating opportunities for personal connection between donors and the benefactor stewards both
1:30 -1:45 PM
Break with Exhibitors
1:45 - 2:45 PM
Breakout Series B
2.1 So, Now You're the Director!: Developing and Leading a High-performing Team(Special Interest)
Frank Robertson, (Retired) Senior Director of Planned Giving, (Formerly) University of Minnesota Foundation
Leading an effective planned giving or development office is not "rocket science". Anyone can do it by providing a proper focus on priorities (including being donor-centered); thoughtful management of limited resources, attention
to team-building and professional development, and by creating a climate of mutual respect, trust, collaboration, and integrity. There are certain basic "common sense" leadership techniques that will result in a high-performing
and respected program where people enjoy their jobs and work together effectively as a team. This presentation will cover such topics as: What do I do on day one as director?; How do I establish an "office climate" which
contributes to collaboration, trust, team spirit, and job satisfaction?; How do I set high standards for my organization, and what are the "Cardinal Rules" that, if followed thoughtfully and consistently, will ensure success?;
How do I recruit and retain the best planned giving professionals? How do I "manage up" to ensure that my program has the respect it deserves from the organization leadership?; What is unique about leading a planned giving
program as opposed to a general development program? The discussion will use actual leadership situations and case studies to illustrate key points. This presentation should be beneficial to both those currently in a staff
leadership position and those who aspire to that role. The principles and techniques discussed are equally applicable to both large and small programs and offices.
Learning Objectives:
Establish a working environment that fosters mutual respect, collaboration, trust, personal fulfillment, and most of all, high performance.
Set priorities and policies that place the focus on the most important aspects of the mission.
Recruit, interview, select, "on-board", train and retain the best professionals to enhance the effectiveness of your team.
2.2 Cultivating and Stewarding Planned Giving Donors (General Interest)
Jeremy Belsky, Planned Giving Officer, Boys Town
We’re all familiar with “moves management” in the life cycle of the donor. Two of those moves – cultivation and stewardship – are the most prominent in the life cycle of the planned giving donor. Is one more important than
the other in determining your organization’s future success? Potential outcomes of this presentation include: Learn how to assess your best planned giving prospects, why the consistency of planned giving messaging is essential,
and the keys to proactive stewardship. Gift Planner and boss beware - it’s time consuming. Long-term investing is not just something that’s done in the market, but should parallel your organization’s priority for stewardship.
Learning Objectives:
Learn how to assess your best planned giving prospects
Why the consistency of planned giving messaging is essential
The keys to proactive stewardship.
2.3 LOOKING THE GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH: Gift Acceptance Considerations For Complex Gifts(Technical)
Sheryl Morrison, Shareholder, Gray Plant Mooty
All gift planners, whether they represent donors or charities, will have occasion to determine whether a particular gift is a good fit for the donor and the donee. Charities will want to avoid problem gifts, keep donors and
beneficiaries happy, and maximize the benefit of gifts to the donee institution. This session will cover recommended gift acceptance policies and intake procedures and the relevant criteria and considerations for accepting
complex property gifts, gifts with restrictions, and other gift acceptance decision-making issues.
Learning Objectives:
Attendees will learn the importance of gift acceptance policies and procedures to the fundraising program of their institution.
Attendees will learn the factors to be considered in deciding whether to accept particular types of gifts, including more complex gifts such as real estate, tangible personal property, business interests, and restricted
gifts.
Donor advisors will understand how complex gifts can be beneficial for donors and what due diligence charities will want to review in accepting gifts.
2.4 Planned Giving in One Hour per Week (General Interest)
Daniel Harris, SR VP/National Dir, Philanthropic Services, US Bank Philanthropic Leader
Planned giving industry experts often teach that start-up planned giving programs should be modeled after successful programs at very large organizations such as universities, and this is simply not practical. Clearly, planned
giving must look very different at different sized nonprofits. This presentation will demystify planned giving, and will show that planned giving doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. With ready-to-use lists
and templates, this discussion will help you get started with a planned giving program.
Learning Objectives:
To recognize and respond to many of the myths about establishing a planned giving program
To quickly and easily create materials to help board members, allied advisors, and donors understand how they can help you with planned gifts
To implement a plan to establish and grow your planned giving program while devoting only one hour per week
2:45 - 3:00 PM
Break with Exhibitors
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Strategic Storytelling to Make a Difference
Daniel Harris, SR VP/National Dir, Philanthropic Services, US Bank Philanthropic Leader
Storytelling is one of the most important skills for fundraisers to command. This session will explore why stories are an essential part of your repertoire, and why some stories are much more effective than others. We will
highlight storytelling best practices for fundraisers, to help you grow your network and raise more money. This session offers a series of exercises for you and your team to take your storytelling skills to a new level!
Learning Objectives:
To identify the story elements essential to promote the uniqueness of your organization
To quickly assemble a collection of memorable and motivational stories
To share their best institutional and personal stories so that they can be easily remembered and shared
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Networking Reception
Thursday, October 25
7:30 - 8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast, Networking & Exhibitors
8:30 - 9:30 AM
The Secrets to Success in Planned Giving
Kathryn Miree, President, Kathryn Miree and Associates
In this economy, charities must work strategically to create a successful, sustainable major and/or planned gift program. One of the best places to start is by reviewing the organizational best practices of successful charities
with thriving major and planned gift programs. These ten secrets to success – centering on organizational commitment, donor engagement, and the ability to execute – will not only provide insight to major and planned gift
officers, but create focus in diagnosing the challenges and areas for improvement in your nonprofit. These ten best practices will also create a framework and guide for your charity’s management team in creating a successful,
sustainable fundraising system.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the cultural hurdles to a successful major/planned giving program and ways to overcome those hurdles.
Learn more about ten best practices that are common to all successful planned giving programs, whether staffed by a single development officer managing the entire program, or a team of specialist fundraisers.
Learn the essentials for a successful program platform.
9:30 - 9:45 AM
Break with Exhibitors
9:45 - 10:45 AM
Breakout Series C
3.1 Stewardship and Recognition: Building Strong Relationships to Engage Your Donors (General Interest)
Kathryn Miree, President, Kathryn Miree and Associates
Donor stewardship is often overlooked as the essential element of building long-term donor relationships and building strong deferred giving programs. To truly be successful, stewardship must be a way of life and part of the
culture of an organization. This session addresses the elements of stewardship (which includes donor recognition), the role of stewardship in building deferred gift programs, the roles of the CEO, CFO, development staff,
and volunteers in a stewardship program, and how to track results and measure success. Whether you are responsible for managing the development team, or are a member of that team, you will get insight into how to effectively
build a stewardship program or get a checklist to review your program if it is already in place.
Learning Objectives:
Learn the distinctions between gift acknowledgement, stewardship, and recognition and how to bring all three into play to create committed donors.
Understand and learn how to engage the nonprofit’s executive team, program team, finance team, and volunteers in donor engagement to create a more powerful donor experience.
Learn practical ways to structure stewardship (tools provided) that allow you to systematically steward donors at the appropriate level to create long-term, committed, multi-channel donors.
3.2 T&E 101: A Crash Course in Trusts and Estates (Technical)
Lauren Routhier, Partner, Stinson Leonard Street LLP
Donors with charitable intent often engage in estate planning in order to carry out their family goals and charitable legacy. Planned giving professionals will better engage with donors interested in making charitable gifts
if they are conversant in basic estate planning techniques. This presentation will provide an overview of the common estate planning documents that donors execute and the other ways in which donors may transfer their assets
during life and at their death. We will also discuss what to expect in the estate administration process as it relates to collecting a charitable gift after a donor's death.
Learning Objectives:
Attendees will learn about wills, trusts and beneficiary designations including the legal basis for and effects of these estate planning tools.
Attendees will obtain practical tools for working with donors to make sure that the charities will realize the gifts the donors intend to leave them.
Attendees will learn how to better understand their donor's estate plans and how their charitable gifts will be realized by the charity.
3.3 Mastering Major Gifts— Transforming your Major Giving Program (Special Interest)
Following the success of its $40 Million Campaign for TPT, Twin Cities PBS transformed its Major Giving program to new financial heights. Learn the 6 strategic goals and tactics TPT used to triple major giving over two years
and acted as a bridge to its strategic 2020 Plan. Building on the success of membership giving and capital campaign stewardship, the Power of Philanthropy Campaign helped create a new mindset for TPT and its donors. Learn
how the development tools of prospect development, database and financial management, events and customized communication approaches with donors worked together to create impact and move from transactional to philanthropic
giving.
Learning Objectives:
Overcome fundraising obstacles in their own organization
Come away with confidence that change can occur through strategy tactics
Understand program components that interact with each other for maximum improvement and impact
Mike Gozola Jr., Legal Specialist, Mayo Clinic Brandon Stenseth, Legal Specialist, Mayo Clinic
Our presentation will begin with the importance of understanding the estate process and having some sort of mechanism to track the progress of gifts. We will discuss the estate resolution program that we have built at Mayo
Clinic, and the effective strategies we have used to maximize the estate gifts we receive. Discussion points will include examples of how the value of estate gifts can significantly drop if left unattended and how to approach
these situations, preventing fraud, and strategies for working with complex or difficult/contested estates.
Learning Objectives:
Effectively respond to and track estate gifts.
Use basic strategies to add value to estate gifts (minimize fees/prevent fraud/accelerate bequests).
Understand the importance of oversight of the estate process.
10:45 - 11:00 AM
Break with Exhibitors
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Breakout Series D
4.1 How to get your busy prospects to meet (General Interest)
Julene Holt, Donor Relations Director, MN Adult & Teen Challenge
You ran your wealth survey and have your prospect list. Now how do you get a meeting with your prospects so you can get to know their philanthropic goals and help them see how they can achieve those goals by partnering with
your organization? In this workshop, we will talk about the following: - elements of an introductory letter - the follow-up call - if they just can’t meet, do a telephone interview - persistent strategy - if they refuse
to meet one-on-one, other methods - making the most out of the first meeting. This is time to establish the relationship. Not to make the ask - leaving the meeting with a next step
Learning Objectives:
Examples of how to write an effective introductory note, what to do during the follow-up call, how to conduct a telephone interview, tips for a persistent strategy, other methods to get face-to-face, and a guideline for how
to make the most out of their first meeting.
4.2 The fine line between Volunteers and Donors, and how to cross it (Special Interest)
Jenna Egan, Membership and Fund Development Manager, Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration
We all know that volunteers are likely to donate. But, did you know that 70% will give to the organization at which they volunteer, AND they will likely donate ten times more than non-volunteers? If you and your development
staff are out shaking the trees for donations, you might want to look right outside your office door at your volunteer corps! Of course, I wouldn't recommend you just swoop in and ask your volunteers to write checks on
the spot. There are a few strategies that make receiving donations from volunteers more likely. The good news is, if the person who is primarily in charge of your volunteer program is a member or the Minnesota Association
for Volunteer Administration, they are probably already implementing them. If not, this session will put you on the right track.
Learning Objectives:
Implement 6 strategies that will greatly increase the likelihood that volunteers will become major donors.
Understand the similarities and subtle differences between best practices for cultivating volunteers and donors.
Recognize and advocate for the positive impact an organizational "Culture of Volunteerism" can have on development efforts.
4.3 Seven Stages of Planning an Estate Gift (General Interest)
Marc Littlecott, Director of Gift Planning, South Dakota State University Foundation
Borrowing from the financial services industry, these seven stages help gift planners (and supervisors) to effectively gauge where a prospective donor is in the gift planning journey. By identifying the correct stage with a
prospective donor, the gift planner is less apt to get stuck or even worse, hurry the gift planning process. Disciplining (as best as one can) a conversation to its proper “stage” can prevent buyer’s remorse, a smaller
planned gift, or perhaps no gift at all.
Learning Objectives:
As discussed in a Planned Giving Today article by Roger Ellison (“The 8 Habits of Highly Effective Gift Planners”), it is important to be systematic in your work (which logically requires a system for gift development).
Learn how and why to discipline a planned giving interview to its appropriate “Stage” within a defined, 7-stage system.
Knowing the “Stages” in gift development is critical both for pre-visit planning as well as how the actual interview is conducted.
Clearly definable and logical “Stages” create a cohesive language among a staff on the fundraising team so that effective coaching and mentoring can occur.
Learn how to create a Discovery Agreement Memo (proposal) that so well articulates donor goals and solutions, most advisors will be hard-pressed to suggest doing something different.
4.4 There Isn’t Anything “Non-Traditional” About These Gifts (Technical)
Jeremy Wells, Vice President of Philanthropic Services, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Community Foundations Elizabeth McCray, Gift Planner, The Saint Paul & Minnesota Community Foundations
Closely-held businesses represent 90% of all US businesses. However, as business owners are retiring, is your organization prepared to help them donate their closely-held stock? In this seminar, you will learn how charities
can maximize gifts of S corporations and privately-held C corporations. Also, you will develop a clear understanding on how to assist donors in maximizing their gifts of real estate. This untapped market represents over
$26 trillion dollars of potential funding assets for charitable organizations. Jeremy Wells and Beth McCray will lead you through a discussion on closely-held stock and real estate, the benefits of using them for charitable
giving, and will have case studies to illustrate the benefits for your organization.
Learning Objectives:
How to capitalize on and capture gifts from donors with S Corp and C Corp stocks
How to capitalize on and capture gifts from donors of real estate
Benefits of giving complex assets from a donor’s perspective and the organization’s perspective too
12:00 - 12:45 PM
Lunch
12:45 - 1:00 PM
Clinton Schroeder Award Presentation
1:00 - 2:00 PM
The Movement of Movements: The Healing Worldview of Indigenous Peoples
Sarah Eagle Heart, CEO, Native Americans in Philanthropy
Ms. Eagle Heart (Oglala Lakota), CEO of Native Americans in Philanthropy, will share her journey as an advocate for Native rights and equity since she was a teenager. Sarah always returns to her teachings and traditions to
help her navigate her career in philanthropy and promote the Indigenous worldview across movements. She'll discuss how she works to build allies in a sector that hasn't had a lot of authentic Native American representation
to ensure equitable and effective inclusion, as a translator between Native communities and institutional philanthropy.
Learning objectives:
Develop an understanding of why education about Native issues and history is a critical first step towards equitable and effective philanthropy
Learn how existing false narratives harm Native communities every day and how we are combating them
How Native leaders are participating in and leading cross-movement advocacy work
2:00 - 2:15 PM
Break with Exhibitors
2:15 - 3:15 PM
Breakout Series E
5.1 The Decolonization of Wealth and Giving (General Interest) Sarah Eagle Heart, CEO, Native Americans in Philanthropy
Ms. Eagle Heart (Oglala Lakota), CEO of Native Americans in Philanthropy, will share her insight and experience around the power dynamics inherent in philanthropy, and how they conflict with tenets of Native-centered, holistic
social change. She'll touch on her efforts to educate donors on the accurate history of Native Americans through convenings, consultation, and webinars, as well as her work on narrative change to include Native youth, women,
and healing worldview. She'll discuss how she encourages philanthropy to partner and learn how to build partnerships with Native allies, and how they can participate in immersive learning experiences.
Learning objectives:
Understand how, when and why Native history has been omitted or distorted
Learn how to identify, access and interpret existing research
Discover the colonial dynamics at play in philanthropy and finance
Connect Native advocacy efforts with existing funding priorities and cross-movement advocacy work happening across the country
5.2 Building a Social Media Ambassador Program (Special Interest)
Jessica Poskozim, Development Director, MNPGC member
A strong social media campaign doesn't need to take all of your time and energy. Through easy steps and pre-planning you'll see how you can take your social media presence to a whole new level and engage some of your biggest
supporters. This presentation will show how a small Catholic school and church has been able to build an online ambassador program to develop and enhance their social media presence. Using three steps, you'll be able to
transfer these techniques for your own institution to multiple social media platforms.
Tara, Ginger, and Heather will discuss specific planned giving opportunities in which they have participated, including planned giving with: (1) the sale of a business, (2) farmland, and (3) executive benefits. They will share
the role each of them plays in planning the gift, and how and when to include them in the process. The presentation is an expansion of a panel discussion by them in 2017 through Minnesota Philanthropy Partners' series,
"Insider Briefing".
Learning Objectives:
Understand opportunities for planned giving with specific assets such as the sale of a business, farmland, and executive benefits.
Understand the roles played by wealth managers, CPAs, attorneys in the planned giving process.
Learn when and how to include allied professionals in the planned giving process.
5.4 The Social Work of Fundraising - Meaningful & Frank Conversations That Lead To Great Gifts (General Interest)
Sherrie Beal, Gift Planning Officer, the Nature Conservancy
Sherrie regularly coaches others in her organization on focusing in on their best prospects for planned and blended gifts and asking the questions that may ultimately lead to the best gift for the donor and the organization.
She also closes hundreds of planned gifts annually, many in the 6-7 figure range. She has been voted among the "most ethical" at her organization and prides herself at always putting donors first--including laying the groundwork
for gifts that will speak to the donor's legacy but that will also most benefit the organization of the future. In this session, you will hear a combination of case studies and practical tips to help: 1) prioritize your
planned giving prospects; 2) know how to get at your donor's motivations for giving; 3) avoid jumping to a gift vehicle without understanding the donor's circumstances (but know the planned gifts that anyone can do); 4)
ascertain capacity and competency and know how to turn down a gift; 5) changing the paradigm of our work from "grim reaper" to "social worker” by helping your donors have a plan in place--for themselves and those they love.
Learning Objectives:
Recognize their best prospects and prioritize those prospects
Know what questions to ask of donors to get at motivation, interest, capacity, and competency.
Make service to our donor the top priority, including potentially guiding them to seek professional advice & involve their loved ones in decision making.
3:15 - 3:30 PM
Break with Exhibitors
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Teamwork! What Happens When a Gift Planner, Donor and Advisor Work Together?
Jeremy Belsky, Planned Giving Officer, Boys Town
As charitable planners, we are tasked with helping our donors make the most efficient gift possible. The donor typically wants to help their family, community, or favorite charities. What if you could help them do it all? Utilizing
the CAP® philosophy, a cross blended approach to working in partnership with an advisor for the benefit of the donor yields best results. Attendees will learn the value of working with “the most trusted advisor” to strategize
and assure the smartest gift possible for the donor. When you focus on the donor from a holistic approach, it will build trust and confidence among you, your donors and their advisor. This ultimately leads to your number
one goal – honoring the donor’s charitable intent.
Learning Objectives:
Learn how to be a donor’s most trusted advisor
What’s in it for the advisor?
The relationship benefits for gift planner, donor and advisor
4:30 PM
Adjourn
2018 Committee
Jacob LaCroix— Conference Chair Juliana Sellers— Conference Co-Chair
Linda Carlson Janet Hallaway Deborah Hanson Allison Herbst Isabel Hughes Sheryl Morrison Matt Musel Tony Padgett Lynn Praska Kathryn Tjaden Jane Townsend
Bryan is the founder and President of Charitable Solutions, LLC, specializing in noncash asset receipt and liquidation, gift annuity reinsurance brokerage, gift annuity risk management audits, emergency assistance funds and life
insurance appraisals/audits. More information on Bryan Clontz from the Charitable Solutions website.
Nathan Dungan is the founder and president of Share Save Spend®. For over 20 years, Nathan has been an industry thought-leader on helping individuals and families align their money decisions with their values. Nathan speaks and
consults with families and organizations on the topic of money and the effects of our consumer culture on money habits. More information on Nathan Dungan from the Share Save Spend Website.
Jim Hodge, Associate Vice Chancellor, University of Colorado
For more than 35 years Jim has worked with philanthropists at Bowling Green State university, Mayo Clinic and the University of Colorado. Focusing on gifts of significance, Jim has worked primarily with benefactors who have given
more than one million dollars to the institutions he has served. He has been labelled a reflective practitioner, an individual who not only inspires philanthropy but also seeks to advance the best practices for the profession.
Robert Sharpe, Chairman, Sharpe Group
As Chairman of Sharpe Group, Robert Sharpe is a nationally recognized pioneer, leader and authority in the field of philanthropy. With more than 35 years of experience serving America’s nonprofit community, he consults nationally
with educational, health, social service, arts and religious organizations and institutions in the planning and implementation of their major, planned gift and endowment development efforts. A graduate of Vanderbilt
University and Cornell Law School, he served as a development officer for a liberal arts college prior to practicing law with a major law firm specializing in taxation and estate planning.
Robert is chairman of the philanthropy editorial board of Trusts & Estates magazine and co-author of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) Model Standards of Gift Valuation. He has served
on the board of Giving USA and on strategic task forces for the CGP. Among other publications, his remarks have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Newsweek, Forbes, SmartMoney, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Trusts & Estates and Kiplinger’s.
He is a frequent speaker at local and national gatherings of fundraising executives, financial officers and others.
David Schultz, Professor, Hamline University; Political Analyst
Professor Schultz is the author of 30 books and 100+ articles on various aspects of American politics, election law, and the media and politics, and he is regularly interviewed and quoted in the local, national, and international
media on these subjects including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, the Economist, and National Public Radio.
At the January 2017 MPGC Breakfast meeting Professor Schultz spoke about the 2016 election and the future of charitable giving. If you missed it, he will be updating us at the MPGC Conference on what has transpired in 2017and how
it affects the world of philanthropy.
Danielle Oristian York, Director, 21/64
Danielle Oristian York is the Director at 21/64. She works with multi-generational families, the next generation and their advisors on multigenerational engagement, financial literacy, and empowering the next generation.
Danielle also speaks nationally on these topics, facilitates the #NextGenDonors Retreat for 21-40 year olds, and leads trainings on 21/64's approach. Danielle is passionate about presenting these complex ideas in an accessible
format for audiences, utilizing 21/64 tools designed to evoke an awareness of self and build the capacity for change in individuals and systems.
Before 21/64, Danielle held positions at Pitcairn, a family office, and UBS. Serving multi-generational families, her multi-faceted roles included developing and delivering customized financial education, facilitation of family
meetings and personalized coaching and mentorship.
Danielle earned a Bachelor's degree in Communication from James Madison University and completed the postgraduate program at The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family at Georgetown. She is also a member of the Collaboration
for Family Flourishing. She lives in Boston with her husband and two young children in fear of the next polar vortex.
Breakout Speakers
Cindy Aegerter, CFRE, Senior Gift Planner, InFaith Community Foundation
Cindy Aegerter serves as a Senior Gift Planner and has been a member of the Charitable Giving Services team at InFaith Community Foundation since 2004. In her role as Senior Gift Planner, Cindy consults with donors and their financial
advisors to develop giving solutions that meet their charitable and financial goals. She also regularly presents charitable planning educational seminars to groups of financial advisors around the country, and consults with
them regularly on individual cases. In addition, she works with churches and faith-based nonprofits that hold their endowments at InFaith, to educate their supporters and promote planned giving. Cindy is a graduate of the University
of Oregon, School of Journalism, and worked in public relations prior to moving into the nonprofit sector. Cindy serves on the Board of Directors for Simpson Housing Services, whose mission is to house, support and advocate
for people experiencing homelessness; and on the Philanthropy Committee for Ecumen, which operates a variety of senior housing options and services. Cindy is a member of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council, and has received
certification as a Certified Fund Raising Executive from CFRE International. She lives in Minneapolis and is active in her neighborhood association. cindy.aegerter@infaithfound.org | www.InfaithFound.org
Robert H. Chandler, JD, Founding Partner, Chandler and Brown, Ltd
Over his 40 years of practice, Bob has developed a simple estate planning philosophy: Begin with the End in Mind. “I focus on helping clients identify estate planning goals. Once we know their goals, it’s a matter of using estate
planning tools to reach those goals.”
The strong relationships Bob develops with clients are deeply satisfying. “For a number of families, I have had the privilege and pleasure serving several generations. A strong bond develops with clients when plans you put together
years ago are now working for children and grandchildren”
Bob speaks frequently on estate planning. In addition to being the founding partner of Chandler and Brown, Ltd., Bob works on governing boards for numerous charities.
Chris Cheney, Gift Planner, Minnesota Philanthropy Partners
Chris spent more than 10 years as an independent financial advisor helping his clients align their goals and finances with the right vehicles to accomplish their personal financial objectives. At Minnesota Philanthropy Partners,
he has a similar role, but with one key difference — he helps donors find the right vehicles to realize their desire to give to others. Chris joined Minnesota Philanthropy partners in 2016 as a gift planner. He uses his expertise
to help professional advisors and their clients find effective giving tools and make efficient decisions about how they want to make a difference in Minnesota communities. A native of Saint Paul, Chris has degrees from St.
Olaf College and the University of Minnesota. Away from work, he serves on the board of the Terrill Foundation, which provides scholarship assistance to high school seniors and military personnel affected by a brain injury.
He enjoys playing “What else has that actor been in?” (a game routinely won by his wife while they watch movies together), cheering for their two boys on soccer fields and in the classroom, as well as playing in the Minnesota
outdoors on lakes, soccer fields, and broomball rinks.
Mark Egge, Senior Manager of Prospect Development, Greater Twin Cities United Way
Mark Egge is the Senior Manager of Prospect Development at the Greater Twin Cities United Way, where he oversees the organization's prospect research shop, is building out a robust prospect management program, and is driving the
organization toward a more data-centric approach to fundraising. Prior to this Mark was Director of Prospect Research at Carleton College in Northfield, MN, where he ran a small, sophisticated prospect research program and
led the College's prospecting, analytics, and prospect management efforts. He is a longtime volunteer, formerly serving as President of Apra-MN and sitting on various Apra-International committees and task forces. In 2015 he
joined the Board of Directors of Apra International and in September 2017 he will take on the role of President-Elect of Apra.
Chris Fahey, Development Officer, Major Gifts, University of St. Thomas
Chris’s experience in philanthropy spans various development roles at Allina Health, Iowa State University Foundation, University of California and several public TV and radio stations. At St. Thomas, he has held positions in the
areas of both planned giving and major gifts. He is a member of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council and currently serves as co-chair of MPGC’s Program Committee. Chris earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Boston
University and lives in Minneapolis with his family.
Jane F. Godfrey, J.D. Associate Vice President, Planned Giving & Estate Administration, University of Minnesota Foundation
Jane leads the planned giving team at the University of Minnesota Foundation. She joined the Foundation in 2011 after a twenty-year career in private practice at the Minneapolis law firm now known as Stinson Leonard Street. At
the law firm, Jane practiced in the areas of estate planning, charitable giving, and estate administration. In leading the planned giving group, she enjoys working with donors and their advisors to achieve the donors' philanthropic
goals. Jane received her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and her undergraduate degree from Carleton College. Jane has taught classes on estate and gift planning at the University of Minnesota Law School and
Hamline University School of Law. She regularly presents to donors about estate and gift strategies.
Sandra Henningsen oversees GiftLegacy Planned Giving eMarketing services. She mentors charities in establishing planned giving websites and marketing planned gifts using the branded website, eNewsletters, social media and royalty-free
literature. She speaks and teaches seminars in the area of eMarketing and gift planning. She has presented at AFP International, CASE International, AHP International, MPGC, ALDE, CLA and various Regional Conferences.
Sandra has been part of the Crescendo staff for over 24 years. Her Bachelor of Science degree in Education is from South Dakota State University. Contact: 800-858-9154 | Sandra@CresMail.com.
Robert Hofmann, MA, CFRE, Senior Development Officer, School of Fine Arts, University of Minnesota Duluth
Robert Hofmann is a native of the Twin Cities. For the past ten years, Mr. Hofmann has worked at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) as Senior Development Officer with the UMD School of Fine Arts. At UMD he has helped
to raise more than $16M for student scholarships and programs. He is one of only 5,000 worldwide Certified Fund Raising Executives (CFRE), an internationally recognized credential within the fundraising profession. Before coming
to UMD, Mr. Hofmann was involved in tall ships maritime education from 1997 through 2006 as executive director of the Providence Maritime Heritage Foundation that operated the tall ship Continental Sloop Providence. Hofmann
was pivotal in spearheading the Foundations development and delivery of exceptional shipboard education programs that were recognized as a model partnership with Providence, RI Public Schools by Cambridge, MA based Abt Associates
in 2002. While executive director he successfully negotiated with the Walt Disney Co. to have his vessel and crew appear in two of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Earlier in his career, Mr. Hofmann worked in Boston,
Minneapolis and elsewhere as a professional actor appearing on stage and screen. He remains a proud member of Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild. He appeared as a guest Equity artist in Duluth Playhouse production
of Good People in January of 2014. In the mid-90s, Mr. Hofmann worked with the City of Providence Rhode Island to promote film production and screenwriting throughout the state. He received two Mayoral Citations for his
work. In 2006 he was appointed by Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri to serve on the Rhode Island Economic Monitoring Collaborative. He also served as a member of the RI Workforce Development/Education Council of the Greater
Providence RI Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of Rotary Club of Duluth Club #25 and the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Hofmann is a graduate of Rhode Island College with a Masters of Arts degree, and Saint John's University
of Collegeville, MN. He lives with his wife Kathleen and dog Teddy in Hermantown, MN.
Dana Holt, JD, RICP, AEP Charitable Planning Specialist, HOLT Consulting
Dana is the founder of HOLT Consulting where she guides charities, families, and financial advisors through complex charitable giving strategies. She also trains development staff to better identify and facilitate major and
planned gifts. Dana spent four years as an Advanced Planning Consultant at a Fortune 500 financial services company. There she guided and educated financial advisors from coast to coast through complex client matters
such as tax planning, charitable giving, estate planning, real estate, social security and beyond. Dana honed her charitable planning experience during her nine years as a Charitable Gift Planner at InFaith Community
Foundation (formerly Lutheran Community Foundation). There she helped to facilitate hundreds of planned gifts using everything from cash to crops to cows, real estate, royalties, and more. Dana began her professional
career as an estate planning attorney in the Twin Cities. She graduated from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and Southern Illinois University. She lives in Lauderdale, MN with her two retired racing greyhounds.
Dana.Holt@HoltPlannedGiving.com | www.HoltPlannedGiving.com
Susan Hommes, Director, Planned Giving, University of Minnesota Foundation
Susan joined the planned giving team at the University of Minnesota Foundation in 2007, and has been Director of Planned Giving since March 2015. She has over 25 years of development experience, having served in development positions
with United Way, Catholic Charities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and Community Action Council (360 Communities). Susan earned her B.A. from the College of St. Benedict and her M.A. in public administration and management
from Hamline University.
Susan is a member of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners and the Minnesota Planned Giving Council, serving as its chair in 2006. She currently serves on the board and is past president of the West Saint Paul/Mendota
Heights Rotary Club, and is an active volunteer with St. Pascal Baylon church and school. She lives in St. Paul with her husband Joe and son Peter.
Jolene Hyppa Martin, PhD, CCC-SLP, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Minnesota Duluth
Jolene Hyppa Martin, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a speech and language pathologist and faculty member at the University of Minnesota Duluth Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Dr Hyppa Martin earned her PhD in Speech-Language-Hearing
Science from the University of Minnesota. Her areas of research interest include enhancing social participation for individuals with severe communication disorders, including individuals with dementia and those who communicate
using augmentative and alternative communication.
Connie Kurth, Gift Planning Officer, Mayo Clinic
Connie Kurth has worked in the Department of Development at the Mayo Clinic for eleven years. She initially served as an ambassador by coordinating and facilitating benefactor patient care experiences. She then moved
into a Development Associate role where she identified, qualified and solicited gifts through face-to-face, telephone and email interactions. Since 2015 she has served as a Gift Planning Officer with the charge of enabling
benefactors to find the planned gift that best fits their needs and Mayo's goal of excellence in healthcare, medical research and education. Connie has been married to her husband Ken for 29 years and they have
three grown children.
Mark Ladendorf, Senior Relationship Manager, TIAA Kaspick
Prior to joining TIAA Kaspick in 2008, Mark Ladendorf was President and CEO of The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation and Director of Advancement for Lutheran Hour Ministries in St. Louis, MO. He has over 20 years of experience
in gift planning and fundraising management. He has served on the national board of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives and as co-chair of the 2007 International Educational Conference. Mr. Ladendorf received
a BA in Economics and International Studies from American University, Washington, DC and an MA from Washington University, St. Louis, MO.
Marc Littlecott, Director of Gift Planning, The South Dakota State University Foundation
Marc Littlecott is the Director of Gift Planning at the South Dakota State University Foundation, in Brookings SD. He is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® and a Certified Gift Planning Professional and has worked in the field
of non-profit development for over two decades, working for the Boy Scouts of America, The Salvation Army, and since 2014, the SDSU Foundation. He has specialized in the discipline of planned giving since 1999. Prior to his
nonprofit career, he was a commissioned Army officer after earning his B.A. at VMI in 1989.
Marc is presently on the 10-member board of the Charitable IRA Initiative, which is presently endeavoring to secure passage of the Legacy IRA Act, an expanded version of the Charitable IRA Rollover that would allow tax-free
transfers to charitable remainder trusts and charitable gift annuities. This presentation is derived from an article Marc authored for Planned Giving Today magazine in December of 2016 with the same title (see appendix).
Marc’s article was effectively a rebuttal to another article on a popular planned giving blog that asserted planned giving officers had no business “wasting their time with cold calls”. In reality, the kind of calls Marc advocates
making are not exactly “cold”, because normally the people being called by the gift planner at one time did make an inquiry, but they might as well be as several years have passed since then.
Marc lives in Brookings, SD with his wife and two school-aged children. His hobbies include fishing and playing the sax every Christmas for The Salvation Army kettle.
Sheryl Morrison, JD, Principal, Gray Plant Mooty
For more than 25 years, Sheryl Morrison has focused her practice in the areas of estate and wealth planning, transfer tax strategies, business succession planning, estate and trust administration, creation and administration of
charitable trusts and nonprofit organizations, and guardianships and conservatorships. She helps clients accomplish their objectives for management, protection, and preservation of their wealth through strategies which minimize
taxes and promote effective ongoing family management of assets. Sheryl’s practice also focuses on philanthropy planning through creating, qualification, and operation and administration of nonprofit and tax-exempt entities,
as well as counseling higher education institutions, health care organizations, and other charities about their charitable gift acquisition programs and administration practices.
Jennifer Nelson, VP of Development, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn. She is a graduate of the Blandin Community Leadership Program and Brisk Walk Through The Basics — seminar on planned giving, as
well as completed course work in grant writing through Indiana University Center of Philanthropy Fund Raising School. Nelson was recently nominated and selected to serve on the Minnesota Planned Giving Council. Jennifer has
extensive knowledge and experience in fundraising, stewardship and communications, as well as the ability to build strong partnerships — both internal and external. Working closely with staff, board and partners she has steadily
increased program and endowment funds for the Foundation as well as supported the Affiliate Fund Program focused on the growth of financial resources for our communities.
Katie Nelson, Executive Director, Riverwood Foundation
Katie is responsible for the strategic direction and fund development through special projects, annual campaigns and planned giving. She also oversees Riverwood hospital’s auxiliary volunteers and their fundraising activities.
Katie has successfully coordinated multiple events, played a key role in the Better Together Capital Campaign, and been actively involved in successful donor development. In December 2013, she completed her master’s degree
in Philanthropy and Development through St. Mary’s University
Scott Nelson, CFRE, CGPA Director Gift Planning Benedictine Health System
For 30 years Scott Nelson has worked with donors to help them make personally significant gifts of cash, appreciated assets, and create financial plans that achieve their charitable goals. Scott has managed people, budgets,
programs and events for many organizations including Gillette Specialty HealthCare, United Hospital, the Saint Paul Foundation, and Children's Hospital of St. Paul among others. Currently Scott is Director Planned Giving
for Benedictine Health Systems. He is a Certified Fund Raising Professional, Certified Gift Planning Associate, former chair of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council and current co-chair of Leave a Legacy Minnesota.
Ruby Pediangco, JD, Advanced Strategies Counsel, Securian Financial Services, Inc.
Ruby A. Pediangco, JD is an advanced strategies counsel with Securian Financial Services, Inc. in St. Paul, MN. Working with Securian financial advisors nationwide, she answers gift, tax, estate, charitable and business succession
planning questions related to the creation of client financial plans. Prior to Securian, Ruby spent 15 years in the nonprofit sector. First, as a gift planner with InFaith Community Foundation, then with the Minnesota Orchestra
as the director of planned giving. Ruby earned her law degree from the University of Washington and her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of California, Irvine.
Mary Ellis Peterson, FCEP, Vice President, Thompson & Associates
Mary Ellis has been active in estate planning and planned giving for many years as a senior paralegal at Dorsey & Whitney, as assistant planned giving director at the University of Minnesota Foundation, as planned giving officer
and philanthropic services advisor at The Minneapolis Foundation, and currently with next Level Giving, Inc. and Thompson & Associates.
She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute (Wilder Foundation) and has earned a Mini-MBA in Nonprofit Management from St. Thomas University and is a FCEP (Fellow in Charitable
Estate Planning).
Mary Ellis has a passion for social justice, history, and empowering women and children. She is an avid genealogist and has served on the boards of the Minnesota DAR and Colonial Dames in Minnesota. She has also been a director
of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council, Ann Bancroft Foundation, Lakselaget ("Women who swim against the stream"), the Larry Brown Education Foundation, the Greater Minneapolis Girl Scout Council, and several creative writing
organizations. She also loves kayaking.
Lynn Praska, Planned Giving Staff, University of Minnesota Foundation
Lynn joined the planned giving team at the University of Minnesota Foundation in 2009. She came to the Foundation from Hamline University in Saint Paul where she had more than 17 years of planned giving and major gift development
experience. Lynn is a member of the member of the Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) and the Minnesota Planned Giving Council (MPGC). She was a member of the MPCG board of directors from 2006 to 2011, serving as
its chair in 2008. Lynn currently serves on the Conference Committee and the Communications Committee for MPGC.
Anne Rodenberg, Major and Planned Gift Officer, Second Harvest Heartland
Anne Rodenberg is the Major and Planned Gift Officer at Second Harvest Heartland, one of the country’s largest food banks. In this role, she leads efforts to develop and implement a planned giving program to proactively attract
planned gifts and steward legacy donors. Since joining Second Harvest Heartland in 2014, she has built the planned gift pipeline to $3 million in known commitments. Anne’s professional experience includes 20 years of leading
communications strategies in support of development goals at nonprofits including the Catholic Community Foundation, WomenVenture and Dunwoody College of Technology. Anne has a Master’s in leadership from Augsburg University
and a B.A. in journalism from UW-Eau Claire. She serves on the Boards of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council and Metro Meals on Wheels.
Abraham Schwager, JD, Attorney, Chandler and Brown, Ltd.
Abraham T. Schwager is an attorney with Chandler and Brown, Ltd. where he focuses on estate planning and business planning. He assists his clients with comprehensive estate planning, including wealth preservation, wealth
transfer, charitable giving, and asset protection techniques. He also works extensively with business owners on formation of business entities, business transition strategies, and sales of businesses. Due to his
strong agricultural background, he counts many farm families among his clients. Mr. Schwager frequently presents on the topics of estate planning, business planning, and charitable giving. He is licensed to practice
in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Mr. Schwager earned his B.S., with distinction, from Iowa State University, and his J.D., cum laude, from William Mitchell College of Law.
Charles Semrow, Director of Major and Planned Gifts, Regions Hospital
Chuck serves as Director of Major and Planned Gifts at Regions Hospital Foundation, where he works closely with staff and volunteer leaders to communicate the Hospital’s goal to help make award-winning care accessible to all by
funding the equipment, care, research and health education that keep our community strong. He has sixteen years of experience in higher education and medical philanthropy.
The most gratifying aspect of his job is helping donors make a difference with their money, time, and talents in a way that is most meaningful to them and their families. He contributes to the profession of fundraising by volunteering
with the Minnesota Planned Giving Council and mentoring newcomers to the profession. He is a member of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy and serves as vice president
of the Minneapolis Ambassadors Lions Club. In 2010 he was named to the President's Emerging Leaders Program at the University of Minnesota.
Chuck graduated magna cum laude from the University of Connecticut and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, Epsilon Chapter (1993). In October, he and his wife welcomed their first child to the family. They are active members
at Redeemer Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake, Minn.
Cheryl Sturm, Director of Market Research,The Stelter Company
With over 30 years of global communications and marketing experience, Cheryl is responsible for the overall market positioning of the Stelter brand. With strong expertise in strategic planning, market research and results measurement,
she is well suited to helping nonprofits develop and execute segmented programs designed to maximize results. Cheryl graduated from Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with an emphasis
on economics. Before joining The Stelter Company in 2013, Cheryl worked for 10 years in the biotech industry and with Young & Rubicam Advertising's Midwest office as Senior Vice President, Account Group Director.
Joseph K. Thiegs, J.D., Planned Giving Director, Minnesota Public Radio | American Public Media
Joe is the Planned Giving Director at Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media in St. Paul. He additionally is the Planned Giving Advisor to Greater Public and a representative for Thompson & Associates. He served for
several years on the Governing Council and the Legislation Committee of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Probate & Trust Law Section, the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council (MPGC), the Board
of Directors of the Minnesota Orchestra’s Crescendo Project, and for two years on the Development Committee for the Citizens League. Joe is a regular presenter for MPGC, including its ‘Brisk Walk Through the Basics’ planned
giving training program. Joe has presented multiple times at the Minnesota Planned Giving Conference and at national Public Media Development and Marketing Conferences in Denver and San Francisco. He was the inaugural faculty
for the first cohort sessions of Greater Public's Legacy Builders program in 2015, and started Greater Public’s Legacy Leaders cohort in 2017. Prior to MPR|APM, Joe worked as Associate Director of Advancement at the University
of Minnesota Law School, as a Planned Giving Officer at the University of Minnesota Foundation, and as an estate planning attorney at Dorsey & Whitney LLP in Minneapolis. He also is co-founder of Stage of Life® (stageoflife.com). Joe is an alumnus of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School.
He loves living in Minneapolis with his wife, Lisa, and three children.
Justin Ware, President and Co-Founder, Groundwork Digital
A thought-leader in the non-profit sector, Justin Ware is a fundraising and content marketing expert. Justin’s work spans non-profits, higher education, and media. In 2009, Justin was the executive producer on one of the first
ever YouTube videos to win an Emmy. The “Science of Watchmen” video has been viewed nearly 2 million times and was also nominated for a Webby. Justin began his career in television before joining the University of Minnesota
and then Bentz Whaley Flessner. After this, Justin worked at Ruffalo Noel Levitz leading digital fundraising strategy as well as product management for Annual Giving. Justin has spoken at numerous conferences, and led consulting
engagements for universities and non-profits across the country. In his spare time, Justin can be found rooting for the Minnesota Vikings and Gophers, skiing, hiking with his dog, and enjoying family time with his wife and
two children.
Fredrick Weber, JD, Senior Vice President, Estate Settlement Services Practice Leader, Northern Trust Company
Fred Weber leads the Estate Settlement Services Practice for Northern Trust Company's Central Region. In this role, Fred manages the team that handles all aspects of complex, death- related administration of estates and trusts
when the Northern Trust Company acts as a fiduciary for a client who has died. Prior to joining the Northern Trust Company, Fred worked at another corporate fiduciary, and before that, he was in private law practice as a trust
and estate attorney. He also worked as a planned giving officer for a large charity, and before law school, Fred worked in Washington, DC for the late U.S. Senator Paul D. Wellstone (D-MN). Fred has presented to
the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE), the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), the Chicago Estate Planning Council and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Fred is also
an adjunct professor at The John Marshall Law School where he teaches a course on death-related administration of estates and trusts. In addition to his professional activities, Fred is a board member and past president
of Shalva: A Response to Domestic Abuse in Jewish Homes. Fred received his B.A. from the University of Minnesota and his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law and is licensed to practice law in Illinois.
Ben Webster, Planned Giving Officer, University of Minnesota Foundation
Ben Webster is a Planned Giving Officer with the University of Minnesota Foundation. Ben’s specialties include working with gifts of real estate, land, life insurance, and other non-cash assets. In addition, Ben provides planned
giving support to several medical and health areas, the College of Liberal Arts, University Wide Scholarships, the U of M Libraries, and the Weisman Art Museum, among others. Ben is a graduate of the University of Minnesota
and Mitchell Hamline College of Law.
Prior to joining the U of M Foundation, Ben worked as a philanthropic advisor at U.S. Bank’s Charitable Services Group and also worked as an attorney in private practice in the area of family law. He serves on the Board of Directors
of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council and also the Glenn Senior Living Communities. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, spending weekends up north with family, and exploring the area lakes on his stand up paddleboard.
Ben resides in Rosemount, MN, with his wife Kelly and two young sons, Finn and Noah.
Jennifer White, JD, Senior Planned Giving Officer, University of Minnesota Foundation
Jennifer has been a member of the University of Minnesota Foundation's Planned Giving team since 2011. She came to the Foundation from Washington, D.C. where she was a Senior Planned Giving officer at The Wilderness Society. Prior
to her career in development, she worked as an attorney in private practice. She received her B.A. from the University of Minnesota, and her law degree from the University of Wisconsin. Jennifer is a member of the National
Association of Charitable Gift Planners and the Minnesota Planned Giving Council (MPGC), currently serving on the Communications Committee of MPGC.
Michael Ziomko, FCEP, Vice President, Thompson & Associates
Mike joined Thompson & Associates in early 2016. Since 1987, Mike has worked in the field of philanthropy with a focus on planned giving – first as a consultant, a broker at E.F. Hutton actually, and then as an employee of
nonprofits including St. John’s University, the University of Minnesota, Children’s Minnesota, and Fairview and Ebenezer. At the last two nonprifts, he has worked as a client of Thompson & Associates. Philanthropy has been
a good fit for him, because it meant working with people about the things closest to them, the things they felt important. It has also given him the chance to exercise those parts of his life that don’t get out much – details,
structures, agreements, numbers – as well as those that are most important to him – promises given and accepted, dreams, visions, and meaning. He hopes to expand his work in this area to the numerous university ceramics’ programs
around the state and the statewide community gardening effort currently based in the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. Mike grew up in Texas frequently visiting family on the East coast – making Yale an easy choice for
his collegiate studies. He finally settled in Minnesota. He never married (at least not yet); his family is chosen, and they are a quirky and lovable lot.
Agenda
Tuesday, November 14
8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Brisk Walk Through the Basics
Wednesday, November 15
7:30 – 8:30 am
Registration, Continental Breakfast & Exhibitors
8:30 – 9:45 am
Career Lessons Learned from 25 Years in the Gift Planning Trenches: aka Planned Giving Comedy Hour Bryan Clontz, Charitable Solutions, LLC
This talk is a no-holds-barred comical jaunt through a series of career vignettes designed to illicit laughter, pondering and fair amount of wincing. But nestled within the various stories, there will be key nuggets for personal
and career improvement so that attendees can serve their donors better. Hopefully, participants will avoid just one of the situational disasters that, for some cosmic reason, have become Bryan’s specialty… so sit back,
relax and enjoy.
How would you help a client who wants to donate farmland, mineral rights or a vacation home to charity? Non-cash assets such as real estate, closely held stock, and collectibles are estimated to be a $40-$60 trillion
market; yet non-cash assets represent less than 8% of all charitable gifts. Having a thorough understanding of charitable planning techniques is critical when assisting affluent donors/clients with charitable giving
and tax planning. Bryan Clontz will cover how to maximize deductions through untapped assets such as real estate, privately held C corporations, S corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships and other unique assets.
This highly interactive session will employ case studies to illuminate key points.
1.2 For Newcomers: Begin with the End in Mind...But It Isn't What You Think It Is (Basic)
Chuck Semrow, CFRE, Director of Major and Planned Gifts,
Regions Hospital
As a new development professional (0-36 months), whether transitioning from a legal career, the private sector or as a newly minted graduate, you have chosen a career field that can be intensely frustrating, even exasperating,
or, conversely, exciting and immensely gratifying.
Ultimately, a development officer begins with a list of names and phone numbers. Our leaders expect us to bring donor relationships to life with energy and vigor. Together, let's talk about how to maximize our impact as development
professionals from the outset of our careers.
Development is not rocket science and is perhaps best thought of as an apprenticeship. While there is no oracle to which we appeal for wisdom, a few guiding principles lead to predictable, repeatable successes.
Because we often learn more from our mistakes than our successes, we’ll review some best practices in a non-threatening conversational format, including What Not to Do. I promise to share less-than-stellar moments in the field,
as well as offer some useful pointers about "How to Avoid Getting Stuck in the Friend Zone" with prospective major donors, all the way down to basics about getting the first visit. Questions about how to approach
a challenging situation or donor relationship are welcome.
1.3 Using DAFs in a Donor-Centered Way (Advanced) Jane F. Godfrey, J.D. Associate Vice President, Planned Giving
& Estate Administration, University of Minnesota Foundation and Chris Cheney, Gift Planner, Minnesota Philanthropy Partners
Donor-advised funds are an increasingly popular way for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals. Join development professionals from a community foundation and a benefiting charity to hear their perspectives about the
advantages of donor-advised funds, as well as some of the IRS restrictions. The session will include case studies in which donors have created a DAF to accomplish their goals and/or have given directly to the benefiting
charity.
1.4 Small Shop Legacy Giving Start Up....A panel discussion (Basic) Moderator: Scott Nelson, CFRE, Director of Planned Giving, Benedictine Health System Panelists: Katie Nelson, Executive Director, Riverwood Foundation; Jennifer Nelson, Director, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation; and Anne Rodenberg, Major and Planned Gift Officer, Second Harvest Heartland
Join us for a frank and illuminating conversations about how to introduce and promote a planned giving program in a small one-person shop. How can you add this to your already full plate? How can you engage your leadership,
volunteers and donors? What works and what doesn’t work? What free resources are available? Learn from fundraising practitioners who have managed these challenges and sparked successful legacy giving programs.
11:15 – 11:45 am
Break
11:45 am – 12:15 pm
Annual Meetingand Lunch
12:15 – 1:15 pm
Families, Money and Values: Helping Your Donors Shape Their Money Narrative
Nathan Dungan, Founder and President, Share Save Spend®
Preparing future heirs for the roles and responsibilities that come with inheriting wealth is a multi-layered topic. For many families, that will likely mean moving beyond an “event” mindset (addressing it one or two times
a year at family gatherings) and adopting a more strategic approach—one that provides numerous age-based opportunities to build and nurture qualitative and quantitative capabilities for successful and lasting outcomes.
Nathan will share insights, as well as, discuss various tools and techniques his organization is using to help families proactively shape their money narrative—critical elements for enhancing their financial wellbeing.
1:15 – 1:45 pm
Break
1:45 – 2:45 pm
Breakout Series B
2.1 - HOW TO Build Digital into Planned Giving(Basic) Justin Ware, President and Co-Founder, Groundwork Digital
Planned gifts are the result of a donor’s deep connection to an organization or institution. It’s a relationship that has been nurtured over time. Great storytelling, that frequently and consistently keeps your organization’s
mission front and center before planned gift donors, is a key factor in strengthening those relationships. With online and social media, your organization now has the tools to stay front and center in a donor’s mind for
all those times when a planned giving officer cannot make personal contact. In this session, we'll cover tools and tactics for how to appropriately and effectively weave online and social media into your planned giving
strategy.
2.2 Planned Gifts Deconstructed - Donor Case Studies(Intermediate) Lynn Praska; Susan Hommes; Jennifer White; Ben Webster, Planned Giving Officer, University of Minnesota Foundation
During this discussion, we’ll use real life donor gift stories to illustrate both common and unique features in planned gift cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Come to be inspired and to learn through case studies about
donor motivations, the effective use of collaboration, and how planned gifts can be a key component of helping a donor achieve their philanthropic goals.
2.3 Matures to Boomers: What Planned Giving Professionals Need to Know (Basic) Cheryl Sturm, Director of Market Research, The Stelter Company
In this session, you'll be among the first to see information extracted from Stelter proprietary questions embedded in the 2017 Natural Marketing Institute's Healthy Aging Database study. This one-of-a-kind research study in
its twelfth year provides data showing a clear picture of where Matures (born 1900-45) and Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) share similarities and where they differ significantly in attitude and behaviors that can drive decisions
regarding planned giving.
2.4 A Gift for All Seasons: Matching Planned Giving Alternatives to Donor Objectives (Advanced) Sheryl Morrison, JD, Principal, Gray Plant Mooty
Financial and development professionals working with donors or nonprofits should have an understanding of what planned giving strategies are available and how those strategies can further the philanthropic interests of donors
and provide much needed support for nonprofits. Advisors must be able to recommend appropriate plans and understand how those plans fit for donors. This course will survey the salient tax and nontax aspects of the major
planned giving vehicles, including bequests and beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, and gifts of remainders in residences and farms. We will also discuss
how each strategy might fit a donor’s objectives for cash flow, tax benefits and gifts to charity and family.
2:45 – 3:00 pm
Break with Exhibitors
3:00 – 4:00 pm
Leveraging Curiosity: The Key to Your Success as a 21st Century Advisor Danielle York, Managing Director, 21/64
As the complexity for clients and donors navigating decision making increases and the competitive landscape can seems never ending, the need to shift relationships from transaction to relational is key. Join Danielle Oristian
York, Managing Director at 21/64 for an interactive session where we will learn new tools and build skills to build relationships and connect with clients and donors at a more purposeful level.
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Cocktail Reception at RiverCentre
Thursday, November 16
7:30 – 8:30 am
Continental Breakfast, Networking & Exhibitors
8:30 – 9:30 am
How is your Aspiration These Days? Thinking Bigger, Better and Beyond Philanthropy
Jim Hodge, Associate Vice Chancellor, University of Colorado
Discussing both subtle and seismic shifts in the thinking of philanthropists will inform fundraisers and advisors as to how we can be at our best for those whom we serve. Focusing on entrepreneurs as philanthropists, this talk
will lay out a continuum of giving and investing from pure philanthropy to pure business. Why has the word ‘investing’ crept into the vocabulary of benefactors, and how does this change the expectations of benefactors?
The economic term ROI is now…Return on Impact. How co-creation and collaboration will be the way of the future for philanthropy. The playing field has shifted and we must shift with it.
9:30 – 9:45 am
Break with Exhibitors
9:45 – 10:45 am
Breakout Series C
3.1 - Beyond a Keynote and onto the Work on Monday: Moving from Airy fairy to Visionary by Mastering the Art of Ideation (Intermediate) Jim Hodge, Associate Vice Chancellor, University of Colorado
This workshop will introduce participants to the skills necessary to inspire leaders, colleagues, volunteers and advisors to be more aspirational for their institutions and more inspirational with their benefactors. We will
walk through a case study, provide handouts to guide discussions and help you build the scaffolding for conversations around impactful gifts of significance.
3.2 - Stewarding Donors with Dementia (Intermediate) Robert Hofmann, MA, CFRE, Senior Development Officer, School of Fine Arts, University of Minnesota Duluth; Jolene Hyppa-Martin
Dementia is growing significantly among our aging population of donors. Professional fundraisers abide by a code of ethics and are guided by industry policies and procedures that protect our donor’s rights. However, there is
insufficient guidance and no universal policies that guide professionals through the complexities of stewarding faithful long-time donors who have dementia. This presentation with provide an opportunity for participants
to review warning signs of dementia and other mental capacity issues. We will cover 10 key communications strategies that will help front line professional’s work with donors while maintaining the highest levels of ethics.
Once these strategies are discussed, attendees will be invited to participate in two role-play scenarios where they will test their skills
3.3 - Accepting Gifts of Real Estate(Advanced) Abraham Schwager, JD, Attorney, Chandler and Brown, Ltd.; Robert H. ChandlerJD, Founding Partner,Chandler and Brown, Ltd.
This presentation is designed to give charitable organizations a road map for accepting gifts of real estate. The presentation will cover why charities should be concerned with accepting gifts of real estate and what policies
and advisors should be in place to accept those gifts. It will also include a case study involving a lifetime transfer of real estate to a charitable organization, and a case study involving a transfer of real estate at
death. I. Why should a charitable organization be concerned? II. What should a charitable organization have in place when accepting gifts of real estate? III. Case Study 1: Lifetime transfer of real estate. IV. Case Study
2: Transfer of real estate at death.
3.4 - Reconnecting with (C)OLD Prospects (Basic) Marc Littlecott
Interactive workshop involving teaming-up to hone a workable cold calling method.
10:45 – 11:00 am
Break with Exhibitors
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Breakout Series D
4.1 - Blended Gifts: Transformational Gifts From Major Donors (Advanced) Mary Ellis Peterson, FCEP, Vice President, Thompson & Associates; Michael Ziomko, FCEP, Vice President, Thompson & Associates
We will suggest ways to secure significant gifts from a typical major gift donor, examining three techniques major donors us to endow their giving, as well as the types of donors who make these amazing gifts. They are gifts
that are easy for donors to understand and implement. Experienced practitioners will glean a better understanding of major donor "tipping points" and what to extract from their stories to provide easy solutions for a donor
to blend a major gift with a transformational gift. Attendees will leave with a glossary of charitable planning tools, as well as case studies of blended gifts along with the planning illustrations to see these tools and
scenarios in action.
4.2 Making the Most of Fundraiser Metrics (Intermediate) Mark Ladendorf
While fundraiser metrics can focus efforts and encourage success, many argue that gift planning metrics often do not accomplish their intended goals and take the focus away from doing what is in the donors’ best interests.
Others believe that the process of gift planning is fundamentally different from other types of fundraising and that metrics are often developed with little thought given to the activities that lead to gift planning success.
In this interactive session we will consider what the characteristics of good metrics should be and how institutions are using them.
4.3 Pairing Planned Giving with Prospect Development, for Sophisticated Shops and Those Perfecting Their Blocking and Tackling(Basic) Mark Egge, Senior Manager of Prospect Development, Greater Twin Cities United Way
Although Prospect Development -- Prospect Research, Prospect Management, and Fundraising Analytics -- often partners more closely with Major Gifts, there are huge opportunities for collaboration and partnership with Planned
Giving. This is true regardless of the size or sophistication of a program. This presentation will cover a number of successful partnership approaches that have been implemented in a higher education setting as well as
the community-based nonprofit space.
4.4 - Tales from the Other Side: Insights from Someone Who Trains Financial Advisors on Charitable Giving (Intermediate) Facilitator: Joseph K. Thiegs, J.D., Planned Giving Director, Minnesota Public Radio | American Public Media; Ruby Pediangco, JD, Advanced Strategies Counsel, Securian Financial Services, Inc; Dana Holt, Cindy Aegerter
Do you know what motivates your donor’s trusted advisors to discuss philanthropy? Please join us for a lively panel discussion that will focus on finding gift planning solutions that make everyone happy. The panelists have
been orchestrating gift plans with financial advisors for more than a decade. They will use real case studies to explain the motivations of different types of advisors, outline three key areas that influence an advisor’s
charitable giving discussion with donors, and provide tips on how to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities. Attend this session to learn the advisor’s language and maximize your relationships with the financial
planning community.
12:00 – 12:15 pm
Break with Exhibitors
12:15 – 12:30 pm
Clinton Schroeder Award Presentation
12:30 – 1:30 pm
Introducing the “Gerontrophilanthroplutocracy” Robert Sharpe, Chairman, Sharpe Group
All fundraisers know that most bequests and other planned gifts come from individuals of advanced age. Recent reports reveal other surprising trends regarding the makeup of America’s donor population. Industry sources are noting
that a majority of the largest outright gifts each year are also made by persons over the age of 65. IRS data underscores the fact that older donors make a disproportionate percentage of charitable gifts and give significantly
more than younger donors. America’s nonprofit community will be increasingly reliant on the senior population as Baby Boomers are entering this phase of life. This presentation will explore the expected impact of the rapidly
growing population of aging Baby Boomers and how they can be expected to dominate the philanthropic landscape over the coming decade in both expected and unexpected ways.
1:30 – 1:45 pm
Break with Exhibitors
1:45 – 2:45 pm
Breakout Series E
5.1 – How Will the Baby Boomers Really Boom? (Basic) Robert Sharpe, Chairman, Sharpe Group
The entire Baby Boom Generation will reach the age of 70 between now and 2034. The oldest Boomer couple enjoys an average life expectancy of 20 years and the youngest Boomer couples can be expected to live 40 more years. Many
if not most of today’s fundraisers will not see the impact of Baby Boomers on bequest income during the remainder of their careers. For now, the bulk of the Baby Boom Generation are still in their prime earning - and giving
- years while planning for what may be a lengthy retirement. Others may already be retired while also assisting children and aging parents. Learn from a series of actual case studies how the creative use of gift planning
vehicles can result in significant gifts from Boomers to be received during a practical period of time.
5.2 - Rights and Responsibilities of Charitable Beneficiaries in Death-Related Administration of Estates and Trusts(Intermediate) Fredrick Weber, JD, Senior Vice President, Estate Settlement Services Practice Leader, Northern Trust Company
The relationship between charitable beneficiaries and fiduciaries (executors, trustees, personal representatives, etc.) during death-related administration and settlement needs to be about communication in both directions.
The fiduciaries must provide the same level of transparency to charitable beneficiaries that they are required to provide for similarly situated individual beneficiaries, and charitable beneficiaries must hold fiduciaries
accountable for that transparency in order to insure that they receive everything to which they are entitled. While it can sometimes be awkward for a charitable beneficiary to "go after" the executor of the estate of a
generous donor, the "political" risk of being assertive must be balanced against the fiduciary duty that the charity owes to its board, to its donors and to the public. This presentation therefore seeks to identify opportunities
to strengthen the relationships between charitable beneficiaries and the fiduciaries (executors, trustees, personal representatives, etc.) responsible for the death-related administration of estates and trusts that include
charitable distributions.
5.3 - How to Get Your Donors to Respond to Your Marketing(Intermediate) Sandra Henningsen and Chris Fahey, Development Officer, Major Gifts, University of St. Thomas
Is your marketing producing results? Discover the best ways to engage your donors and encourage them to respond based on research from Crescendo's latest marketing study. Learn the most appealing key words and phrases to use
when marketing planned and blended gifts. Understand what messages engage your donors based on age and other demographic factors. Discover the winning ways to present charitable bequests, beneficiary designation gifts,
life income options and more. An engaging marketing case study will be presented.
5.4 - Why Charitable Gift Annuities In Today's Environment (Intermediate) Connie Kurth, Gift Planning Officer, Mayo Clinic
Why Charitable Gift Annuities in Today’s Environment - Security - Rate of Return - Tax Free Income - Diversification We can never suggest to a donor that a charitable gift annuity is an investment vehicle because it is not.
It is a gift. However, we can suggest that by making such a gift they are making an “investment” in the work and mission of our organizations.
2:45 – 3:00 pm
Break with Exhibitors
3:00 – 4:00 pm
Politics and Planned Giving in the Era of Trump
David Schultz, Professor, Hamline University;
Political Analyst
This session examines the impact that the Trump presidency has thus far had and may have on non-profits and planned giving.
4:00 pm
Adjourn
Co-Chairs, 2017 MPGC Conference
Alex D. Bakkum, U.S. Bank Charitable Services Group (Chair) and Jacob LaCroix, United Hospital Foundation (Co-Chair)
Alex D. Bakkum joined Wells Fargo in 2007 and is currently and Assistant Vice President and Specialist with Philanthropic Services. Alex provides customized solutions and advice to nonprofits, private foundations, and individual
philanthropists.
Prior to joining Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services, Alex worked directly for nonprofits including, St. John’s University, The River Keepers, and College Possible. In addition to his efforts on behalf of nonprofit organizations,
Alex is an active member of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council where he serves as Treasurer and sits on the Conference Committee and Finance Committee. Alex is a Notary Public and is a Certified Trust and Fiduciary
Specialist.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. John's University, a master’s degree in public administration from Hamline University, and a juris doctorate from Hamline University School of Law.
Jacob LaCroix, CFRE, United Hospital Foundation (Co-Chair)
Jacob LaCroix is Director of Development at United Hospital Foundation. Jacob leads the fundraising efforts of the Major and Planned Giving programs, with special emphasis on deepening mission engagement with new donors.
Specializing in the strategic design of high-level donor and volunteer experiences, Jacob has over thirteen years of administrative and fundraising expertise in leading teams and projects.
Jacob earned an M.A. in Organizational Management and a B.A. summa cum laude in Communication Studies from Concordia University, St. Paul. He is a credentialed member of Certified Fundraising Executive (C.F.R.E.) International.
Jacob lives in St. Paul with his wife Jennifer and their children Charlotte, Augustin, and Remington.
Frank Robertson, Retired (formerly University of Minnesota Foundation)
Bethel Ruest, Mayo Clinic
Juliana Sellers, Jewish Federation of Greater St. Paul and Minneapolis Jewish Federation
Charles Semrow, Regions Hospital Foundation
Jane Townsend, Native Governance Center
40th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Speakers
Featured Plenaries
Penelope Burk, author, trainer, presenter, and President of Cygnus Applied Research, Inc.
Penelope Burk is a highly sought-after educator and public speaker whose training sessions and forums are widely acclaimed as unique, engaging and among the most effective in the third sector. She has written more than 60 seminars,
training programs and dramatic plays, all specifically for the not-for-profit organization.
Penelope and her company, Cygnus Applied Research, Inc., are known for their leading-edge research with donors and their skill in helping clients adapt their fundraising operations to reflect donors’ changing needs and preferences.
She has published several books, including Donor-Centered Fundraising and Donor-Centered Leadership. She also authored the industry-acclaimed Burk Donor Survey, which investigates how donors are changing the ways in which
they give and how fundraisers can raise
Cate Boyko
Cate Boyko has been the manager of the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s Conservator Account Auditing Program since its inception. She has extensive experience with program administration, auditing supervision, and white-collar-crime
investigation. Ms. Boyko previously served as a supervisor in individual income tax auditing with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Her experience preceding auditing was in whitecollar-crime investigation with the Criminal
Division of Minnesota Revenue. Before joining the tax department, she was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Ms. Boyko has a master’s of public administration.
Jackie Copeland-Carson, Ph.D
A proud former Minnesotan and Philadelphian, she has been executive director of the African Women’s Development Fund USA; founding managing director/vice president of National Philanthropic Services for US Bank’s Private Client
Group; COO of Twin Cities RISE!, an employment social enterprise; program vice president of The Philadelphia Foundation, and senior consultant with Equal Measure (formerly known as OMG Center). Dr. Copeland Carson is chair
of the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network. She holds master’s degrees in urban planning and cultural anthropology and a doctoral degree in anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania. Specializing in the U.S.,
Africa and South Asia, her undergraduate degrees are from Georgetown University’s College and School of Foreign Service in literature and African studies.
The Honorable Lorie S. Gildea was appointed Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court on July 1, 2010. She had served as an Associate Justice on the Court since January 2006.
In addition to her judicial responsibilities as a member of the state’s highest court, the Chief Justice also serves as the administrative head of the Minnesota Judicial Branch and is responsible for its overall management.
Prior to being appointed to the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Gildea served as a judge in the Fourth Judicial District (Hennepin County).
Before being appointed to the bench in September 2005, Chief Justice Gildea was a prosecutor in the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (2004-2005), Associate General Counsel at the University of Minnesota (1993- 2004) and in
private litigation practice at Arent Fox in Washington, D.C. (1986-1993).
Russell James, JD, Ph.D., CFP, Texas Tech Dept. of Personal Financial Planning and nationally renowned gift planning author
Russell James, J.D., Ph.D., CFP®, is a professor in the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University. He holds the CH Foundation Chair in Personal Financial Planning and directs the on-campus and online
graduate program in Charitable Financial Planning. Additionally, he teaches charitable gift planning and directs the on-campus and online graduate program in charitable financial planning, and charitable gift planning at
the Texas Tech University School of Law.
Dr. James has more than 150 publications in academic journals, conference proceedings and books. These predominantly focus on statistical analysis and neuroimaging analysis related to gifts, estates and property. He has been
quoted on charitable and financial issues in a variety of news sources, including The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, ABC News, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, The Associated Press, Bloomberg
News and the Chronicle of Philanthropy. His financial neuroimaging research was profiled in the Wall Street Journal’s Smart Money magazine.
Eddie Thompson, Ed.D., FCEP, CEO, Thompson & Associates
R. Edward Thompson, Founder and CEO of Thompson & Associates, the nation’s premier charitable estate planning firm, brings more than 35 years of planning experience to the leadership of his company, established in 1996.
Eddie has planned more than 3,200 estates, ranging from $2,700 to over a billion dollars. Today, this innovative and proven process is engaging organizations and their donors nationwide. The Thompson & Associates team,
consisting of more than 35 attorneys and experienced professionals, help individuals and families plan to pass their estate assets to their family and to the organizations they support, in a manner consistent with their
values and objectives. This proven process delivers unprecedented results for donors, their families and nonprofit organizations. This unique process resulted in the successful completion of estate plans that have directed
several billion
Clinton Schroeder
Planned Giving: A Retrospective Over the Years
Clint Schroeder has been practicing as a tax lawyer for many years with a focus in the charitable giving and trust & estates areas. He has been a frequent seminar leader at tax institutes at both the state and national
levels and has earned countless awards and accolades for his contributions to the charitable giving community through his speaking at educational events, writing for local and national publications, and his work with charitable
institutions and donors. In 2008, he received the inaugural Clinton A. Schroeder Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota Planned Giving Council.
Susan joined the planned giving team at the University of Minnesota Foundation in 2007, and has been Director of Planned Giving since March 2015. She has over 25 years of development experience, having served in development
positions with United Way, Catholic Charities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and Community Action Council (360 Communities). Susan earned her B.A. from the College of St. Benedict and her M.A. in public administration and
management from Hamline University.
Susan is a member of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and the Minnesota Planned Giving Council, serving as its chair in 2006. She currently serves on the board and is past president of the West Saint Paul/Mendota
Heights Rotary Club, is an active volunteer with her family’s parish, St. Pascal Baylon. She lives in St. Paul with her husband Joe and son Peter.
Jean Vukas Roberts
Jean Vukas Roberts is an innovative and seasoned development professional with over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has a broad and deep knowledge of charitable giving and is a frequent speaker on
planned giving topics and gift planning with complicated assets.
Jean is the Executive Director of Philanthropy, Midwest Region for Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, a force of healing and hope for individuals, families and communities affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Prior
to joining Hazelden Betty Ford, Jean was the System Director of Development for HealthEast Foundation, and spent 25 years at The Saint Paul Foundation, aka Minnesota Philanthropy Partners, in numerous roles including Vice
President of Philanthropic Services.
Jean earned an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the Hamline University. She is a former board member of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and a current
member of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council, serving as its chair in 2002. Jean is an active volunteer in her community and lives in Inver Grove Heights, with her husband Scott and sons, Sam and Nick.
Michael P. Vinyon
Mike joined Wells Fargo in 1998 and is currently the Regional Managing Director for the Twin Cities Region of the Private Bank. Prior to this, he served as Sr. Regional Fiduciary Manger, overseeing Trust services in the
Twin Cities, and the National Director of Philanthropic Services, a national group of specialists who address the specialized needs of the non-profit community and philanthropic individuals.
Mike has been active in the Twin Cites non-profit community, currently serving on the Board of Directors of Goodwill EasterSeals of Minnesota and its foundation. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Hill Farm
Historical Society. He served as Chair, Conference Chair and Board member of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council, as well as Treasurer and Board Member of the Minnesota Charities Review Council. He also chairs
the National Advisory Board for Certified Trust and Financial Advisors, American Bankers Association.
Mike earned his BA from St. Olaf College and his JD from the University of Minnesota Law School.
Featured Breakout Speakers
Amy Alch
After a career as an Account Executive in advertising, Amy worked at her children’s independent school in marketing and development. From there she decided to launch a search to find the next opportunity in the world of fundraising
that would offer experience, growth and ultimately the chance to work in major gift fundraising. As timing would have it, Amy’s search led her to the exciting opportunity from CFANS: An apprenticeship that would provide
hands on experience from A to Z in how to succeed in raising the largest gifts for a nonprofit organization. Amy has successfully completed the apprenticeship and is now a fully qualified major gift officer for the college.
Inez Bergquist
Inez Bergquist has over 35 years of experience with fundraising in the Twin Cities and consulting nationally, serving nonprofits conducting campaigns, major gifts and planned giving. Currently director of planned giving at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral,
she has had staff positions at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Orchestra, in addition to chairing eight cultural and social service boards. She is currently president of the Wells Foundation (in November 2016)
and on board committees for the University of Minnesota Libraries.
Gerald D. Brennan
Gerald D. Brennan, CIMA - Director, The Brennan Group/Baird Private Wealth Management Jerry's career in financial services has spanned over 35 years; from the First National Bank of Minneapolis, to Piper Jaffray and Hopwood/UBS and now Robert W. Baird
and Co., Jerry has been engaged in providing client-centered advice focused on the purposeful management of wealth for individuals, families, small businesses and nonprofit organizations. In addition to the CIMA designation,
he has earned a B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas. Jerry's commitment to fiduciary practices and professionalism, combined with his depth of investment experience have made him a valued board member for
a number of local nonprofit organizations. Jerry is a member of The Investment Management Consulting Association (IMCA), the Financial Planning Association and past president of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council. Jerry
lives in Saint Paul with his wife, Cathy Clifford Brennan; adult daughters are Abby and Kerry.
Cynthia Cashman
Cynthia Cashman (Program Architect) majored in Communications intending to launch a broadcast-marketing career. Her first job as a marketing specialist at WCCO Radio in Minneapolis included working side-by-side with non-profits to promote their causes.
Through this experience, she was inspired to begin what would become a 25 year career in development. She's held positions at Bemidji State University, Minnesota Medical Foundation, YMCA, and Hamline University. She assumed
the position of Chief Development Officer for the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Science in 2004. Since that time she grew the development team from two to eight people and increased gift production
from about $5 million annually to over $14 million.
Sarah Duniway
When leaders at nonprofit organizations, foundations, college and universities, and health care providers face legal challenges or obstacles, they turn to Sarah Duniway for guidance. Sarah regularly advises clients on tax-exemption,
governance, campaign finance, and business operations issues. She draws on this extensive experience to speak frequently on key business issues for nonprofits such as joint ventures, mergers and affiliations, structuring
collaborative relationships, UBTI, and benefit corporations, as well as on governance, election law, and campaign finance issues for nonprofits. Sarah also provides counsel on matters pertaining to health law, specializing
in long term care and disability programs, regulatory compliance, affiliations, joint ventures, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and HIPAA.
Marcy Cheeseman
Marcy Cheeseman is the director of advancement services at Dunwoody College of Technology. Previously she served as prospect research and donor information manager of Presbyterian Homes and Services, senior researcher at the University of Minnesota, and
prospect research and database manager at the Fairview Foundation. Her passion for prospect development and designing data systems to further relationship building began at the University of Minnesota's Medical Foundation.
A member of AASP and APRA, Marcy has served multiple terms as an officer of APRA-MN, and as a speaker, roundtable facilitator, and frequent committee member for APRA International. She holds a bachelor's degree from the
University of Michigan and a master's degree from the University of Minnesota.
Robert Harding
Bob Harding has more than 30 years of practice in the area of charitable development. He represents colleges, universities, churches, health care organizations, social service agencies, arts organizations, and other nonprofit
entities in planning, implementing, and administering charitable gifts. Bob chairs the firm’s Charitable Development Team, and he is a regular speaker at regional conferences on planned giving.
Stacie Haugen
Stacie Haugen has worked in the prospect development field for nearly twenty years in higher education, healthcare and k-12 education. She specializes in building prospect management systems and partnering with fundraisers to help realize their goals.
Stacie currently manages the prospect management and research department at Allina Health. She is member of APRA and AHP and is the former communications director of the APRA - Minnesota Chapter board, Curriculum Committee
member for APRA's International conference, speaker, roundtable host, and conference volunteer for various conferences. In the community, Stacie serves as director of the North Hennepin Community College Foundation Board.
Dana Holt
Dana Holt, JD, RICP Advanced Markets Specialist, Thrivent Financial Dana is a member of the Thrivent Financial Advanced Markets Team. Her role is to guide Thrivent advisors through client matters such as taxes, charitable giving, estate planning, real
estate, social security and beyond. She is also responsible for educating advisors on those various topics and how they relate to their practice. Before joining Thrivent Financial, Dana spent nine years as a Charitable
Gift Planner at InFaith Community Foundation (formerly Lutheran Community Foundation). Dana began her professional career as an estate planning attorney in the Twin Cities. She graduated from Mitchell Hamline School of
Law and Southern Illinois University. She lives in Lauderdale, MN with her two retired racing greyhounds.
Eric Joranson
Eric Joranson works for National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) as the Direct of Asset Development for the Midwest Region. Eric is based in the Twin Cities. He is a former practicing attorney and has been doing advanced philanthropic
planning for the past seven years. He has deep experience working with financial advisors, attorneys, accountants to identify philanthropic opportunities and recommend planning solutions that meet the client’s charitable
and financial goals. He has deep knowledge on the mechanics of donor advised funds, gifts of complex or illiquid assets, life income instruments, and other legal and tax elements of wealth transfer and philanthropic planning.
He is skilled at helping donors and families identify their most important values and interests and then systematically building a giving plan around those areas.
NPT is a public charity dedicated to providing philanthropic expertise to donors, foundations and financial institutions, enabling them to realize their philanthropic aspirations. NPT was founded in 1996. Since that time, it
has raised $6.2 billion in charitable contributions and currently manages $3 billion in charitable assets. It has made more than 150,000 grants totaling $3.6 billion to charities in 65 countries all over the world.
Jennifer Kahlow
Jennifer Kahlow, Director of Gift Planning at Dunwoody College of Technology, has 35 years of institutional advancement experience including Children's Hospital, College of St. Benedict, Augsburg College, American Baptist Church and Girls Scouts. She
is a graduate of Augsburg College.
Bill Laskin
Bill has been a vice president of PG Calc since its inception in 1985. As Vice President, Product Management, Bill's responsibilities include product requirement definition, design, documentation, and market research. Bill also edits PG Calc's quarterly
newsletter, which produced its 100th issue this year, and manages and hosts its monthly webinar series. Bill has published numerous articles in Planned Giving Today and other publications on a variety of planned giving
topics. Prior to PG Calc, Bill spent two years producing gift proposals in the Harvard Planned Giving Office. He graduated from Harvard College in 1982 and from Tufts University School of Medicine in 1991.
Patti Lazarus
Patti Lazarus is a seasoned consultant for nonprofits. In addition to being an event producer, fundraising expert and board trainer, she is also a past Executive Director of a community foundation, and a past development director for a variety of nonprofits.
She has a background in both health care public relations and fundraising for myriad social service organizations; past clients include People Incorporated, Goodwill/Easterseals, and Regions Hospital Foundation. She is
currently working with an organization in North Dakota, as well as providing development support for a boarding school for girls in Guatemala, and for Mewndo Congo in the Democratic Republic of Congo. And in her spare time
she still aspires to be working in films - in any capacity.
Sheryl Morrison
For more than 25 years, Sheryl Morrison has focused her practice in the areas of estate and wealth planning, transfer tax strategies, business succession planning, estate and trust administration, creation and administration
of charitable trusts and nonprofit organizations, and guardianships and conservatorships. She helps clients accomplish their objectives for management, protection, and preservation of their wealth through strategies which
minimize taxes and promote effective ongoing family management of assets. Sheryl’s practice also focuses on philanthropy planning through creating, qualification, and operation and administration of nonprofit and tax-exempt
entities, as well as counseling higher education institutions, health care organizations, and other charities about their charitable gift acquisition programs and administration practices.
Katherine Olson
Kathie is a dynamic organizational transformationalist on a mission to recognize, activate, and grow the strengths of individuals and organizations to create exceptional outcomes for humanity. She facilitates organizations in creating brand stories that
are valuable, memorable and shareable, and builds “ego-less”, high-performing teams, catalyzing break-through ideation and innovative problem solving. As the Director of Thrift Leadership for Arc of the Greater Twin Cities,
Kathie is responsible for overseeing the $9M thrift business operations and focuses on developing strong leaders to achieve the double bottom line of margin+mission. She brings a highly developed sense of brand + message
alignment to reach the target audience, and passionately partners with organizations seeking to make a positive local/global impact.
Mary Ellis Peterson
Mary Ellis Peterson is Founder and CEO of Next Level Giving, Inc., which provides affordable planned giving consulting for nonprofits. She was Gift Planning Officer for The Minneapolis Foundation for 12 years, and was previously with the University of
Minnesota Foundation. She has been active in probate, tax and estate planning for many years, was a senior paralegal at Dorsey & Whitney for 11 years., and has served on many boards, including MPGC.
Stephanie Pommier
Stephanie Pommier has over 19 years of experience in nonprofit management, which includes multiple years of accomplishments in fund development and philanthropic advising. She has in-depth knowledge of fund development and planned giving. It is her passion
to ensure that the donor bill of rights and fundraising ethics are utilized at all times. She is driven to work collaboratively and to convey sensitivity to the needs of benefactors. Before joining River Valleys, Stephanie
held the position as Director of Philanthropy for the Humane Society of the United States, the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine and The Raptor Center. Stephanie attended the College of Saint Benedict
and pursued her BA in Psychology. She then attended Augsburg College where she completed her MA in Leadership and is currently finishing her doctorate in education with an emphasis on philanthropy at Saint Mary's University.
She thrives in her work to be a mentor to girls and being a catalyst for social change. It is her philosophy everyday to be able to teach the importance of philanthropy to others and to celebrate philanthropic efforts and
all that it accomplishes.
Bill Roche
Bill Roche is currently the Executive member and owner of William Roche LLC, a firm that provides business consulting and litigation support services. Bill spent 34 years with the CPA and Consulting firm of McGladrey &
Pullen LLP (now known as RSM US LLP). He spent most of his career in the firm’s assurance practice. In addition he served in a variety of management roles for the firm including Executive Managing Partner of the firm’s
Upper Midwest Region and being elected as a member to the firm’s Board of Directors. The firm, which is the 5th largest public accounting firm in the United States, specializes in serving middle market businesses.
Bill is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Bill also is a certified snow ski instructor and is employed by Vail Resorts at its Afton Alps location. He primarily provides lessons to beginner and intermediate level skiers and is a member of the Professional Ski Instructors
of America. Bill has been a volunteer for several not-for-profit organizations in the Twin Cities including the Greater Twin Cities United Way, Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and
the Downtown Y’s Men’s Service Club. Bill has served as a member of the Board of Directors for both the St. Paul and Greater Twin Cities United Ways. He chaired the St. Paul United Way’s Board of Directors and helped facilitate
the merger between the St. Paul and Minneapolis United Ways. During his 33 years as a volunteer for United Way Bill has served in numerous leadership roles including Chair of the Executive Committee, Chair of the Fund Distribution
Committee, Chair of the Planned Giving and Endowment Committee, Member of the Centennial Celebration Committee, and Chair of the Finance Committee.
Bill and his spouse Jill live in Mahtomedi. They have four adult children, two grandchildren, two cats and a dog. They enjoy skiing, travel and spending time with their family and friends.
Frank Robertson
Frank Robertson served as a planned giving professional at the University of Minnesota for more than 17 years and led the Foundation's planned giving program for ten years prior to his retirement in January of 2015. Prior to joining the Foundation in
1997, he served five years as director of alumni relations and development officer in the University's Institute of Technology (now the College of Science and Engineering). Before entering the development profession, Frank
served 25 years on active duty as a U.S. Army officer retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a master's degree in history from the University of Iowa.
Marie Ruzek, JD, CFRE
Marie Ruzek is the Director of Planned Giving for Greater Twin Cities United Way leading planned giving and endowment-building to serve the mission of uniting caring people to build pathways out of poverty. Marie has 20 years
of experience building capacity for local nonprofit organizations, including volunteer management, capital and special initiative campaigns, major and planned gift fundraising, annual fund, and board development. She earned
a B.A. in Business Administration from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, a J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, MN, holds the CFRE designation, and is the Secretary of the MPGC Board and past conference
chair. She lives in Shoreview with her husband, Jon Ruzek, and their two boys.
Jennifer Santini
Prior to forming Sykora & Santini PLLP, Jen spent the majority of her professional career in the financial services industry in Boston. Before enrolling in law school, Jen began working in the sales and marketing department at Putnam Investments.
While at Putnam, Jen implemented marketing strategies for wholesaling territories in the United States and Canada. Additionally, she assisted financial advisors in educating individuals of the need to save and plan for
their retirement and children’s educations.
During law school, Jen transferred to the legal department at Putnam and then transitioned to MFS Investment Management. At both companies, she focused on legal matters complying with SEC, FINRA and state regulations. In addition, Jen has worked on corporate
governance matters, such as reorganization of departments, rebranding of products, and mergers and acquisitions. Jen witnessed the legal implications of such transactions as well as the effects on employees and clients.
Jen’s time at both institutions, as well as her legal education, has prepared her to serve the needs of both estate planning and small business clients.
James R. Seidel
Jim Seidel offers clients over 20 years of financial planning, wealth management, and charitable planning expertise. His prior experience includes The Northern Trust Company, Smith Barney/Citigroup, RBC Dain Rauscher, and the Catholic Community Foundation
where Jim worked as Vice President of Development and Donor Relations. Jim earned an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas, a B.B.A. in Finance and Business Economics from the University of Notre Dame, and is a CERTIFIED
FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Jim currently serves as Chair of the Our Lady of Grace Church Endowment Committee, as a member of the Fitzgerald in Saint Paul Board, a member of the Catholic Charities of Saint Paul and
Minneapolis Planned Giving Committee, and is a member of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council, the Financial Planning Association, and the Edina Chamber of Commerce. He is Past-President of the St. Thomas Academy Alumni
Association Board of Directors, and has served on the University of St. Thomas College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Advisory Board.
Lisa Simer
Lisa Simer has an MA from the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN), a BA from Carleton College, Northfield, MN, and over 30 years of experience as both a grant maker and a nonprofit leader. In 2009, she founded Bukwus Consulting; LLC, which provides
change management services for philanthropic and nonprofit organizations in transition. She provides organizational capacity building, strategic planning, fund development, and interim leadership support to organizations
in Minnesota and in the US and Canadian Pacific Northwest. Prior to launching her consulting business she served as Program Officer with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation of Minnesota, where she developed, launched
and managed the foundation's flagship grantmaking program Growing Up Healthy: Kids and Communities. This $ 10-Million, multi-year initiative raised awareness of the connection between social, economic and environmental
determinants of health and healthy children. Before joining the foundation at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Lisa was a Program Officer with The Minneapolis Foundation, where she managed rural and environmental
grant portfolios and developed and managed special RFP's and initiatives.
Nathan Stelter
Nathan Stelter is vice president of business development for The Stelter Company, a leading source for gift planning marketing for the nonprofit community. The Stelter Company, which was founded in 1962, currently serves more than 1,800 organizations
nationally with a staff of over 100 individuals. The home office is located in Des Moines, Iowa, with regional offices in Dallas, Texas; Chicago, Ill.; Atlanta, Ga; Hartford, CT; Washington, DC and Denver, Colo. Nathan’s
responsibilities include product development, strategic partnerships, marketing consultation, client services and corporate marketing. His primary concentration is on overseeing Stelter's consulting team and using his expertise
and experience to strategize with all of Stelter's regional consultants and key accounts to develop distinct marketing solutions that meet each nonprofit's unique planned giving needs. Nathan’s expertise places him in
high demand as a lecturer at national and regional industry meetings on gift planning marketing trends, relationship building skills, and cutting-edge donor and fundraising research. He has been quoted in Planned Giving
Today and other trade publications and is a past board member of the National Capital Gift Planning Council (Washington, DC) and current member of the Mid-Iowa Planned Giving Council. Nathan is a graduate of the University
of Iowa with a B.B.A. degree in marketing. When not at his Stelter desk, Nathan enjoys spending time with his growing family, CrossFit, playing soccer, bicycling and being a loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan. He and his wife, Nora,
have relocated to Des Moines, Iowa, after spending eight years in Alexandria, Va. They are the proud parents of 7-year-old Benjamin Hawkeye, 4-year-old Brody and 2-year-old Brynn along with one, 12-year-old Brussels Griffon
pup, Zoe.
Sara Sternberger
Prior to joining Free Arts MN, Sara Sternberger served as the Executive Director of Bridging for five years. During her tenure, Bridging has restructured, rebranded, achieved financial stability and implemented its strategic
plan. Prior to her role at Bridging, Sara held various healthcare executive positions across the Twin Cities, including Vice President at Regions Hospital and Senior Manager with Kurt Salmon Associates. She is a graduate
of the University of Missouri and holds both an MBA and Master’s in Healthcare Administration.
Sara is also very active in the community She is an active community volunteer, serving on the United Way Tocqueville Society Cabinet, Endowment Committee and the Donor and Citizen Engagement Committee. She is a Past President
of the Junior League of Minneapolis and Friends of the Minnesota Orchestra (formerly WAMSO) and was a Humphrey Policy Fellow in 2013/14. She has served on many boards, including the Minnesota Orchestral Association, Normandale
Community College Foundation, University of Missouri HMI Alumni, Twin Cities Tigers and Junior League of Minneapolis Sustainers.
David Thesing
David Thesing is President and co-founder of Bridgeway Learning Systems. Involved in the financial services industry since 1980, he specializes in helping financial advisors and their teams achieve excellence through the development and sharpening of
their one-on-one communication skills so you can attract, serve and keep the ideal clients you want. His career began as a multi-line agent producing at the Million Dollar Round Table level. Later, as a sales executive
he earned numerous company and industry awards, including Master Agency Manager Award, and GAMA's Gold and Platinum Awards for agency building. Dave is an active member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial
Advisors (NAIFA), Society of Financial Services Professionals (FSP), and the Financial Planning Association (FPA) Dave enjoys travel, hunting, fishing, biking, and snowmobiling with friends and family. Dave and wife Kathy
have three adult children and a daughter-in-law.
Jane Townsend
Jane is a development officer with the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Minnesota. In this capacity, she meets with CEHD alumni and friends and helps them reconnect with the college, and works with donors to help
match their philanthropic aims with CEHD’s priorities.
Prior to joining CEHD, Jane spent ten years with the University of Minnesota Foundation as associate director of planned giving and director of trusts and estates, and three years as managing director of development for Project
SUCCESS, a Twin Cities youth development nonprofit. Before joining the University in 2001, she practiced law and worked as a trust officer and an estate planning consultant. Jane holds a B.A. from Colorado College and a
J.D. from Hamline University School of Law.
Jane is a member and past chair of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council, an organization serving the non-profit development community in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota, and a founding director and current chair of the
board of Xelias Aerial Arts, a circus arts school in northeast Minneapolis.
Dawne Brown White
Russell Willis
Russ works as a consultant with nonprofits, donors, and their advisors in structuring charitable contributions of business and real property interests to serve the mutual advantage of all parties. He writes daily content for CharitablePlanning.com, a
subscription website that provides in-depth analysis of developments in tax law affecting charitable gift planning. He is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences on planned giving. Russ has a law degree
from St. Louis University and a master's degree in taxation law from Washington University in St. Louis. He also has an undergraduate degree from Indiana University, Bloomington and a master's degree from the University
of Chicago, both in English literature. For more than twenty years, Russ practiced law in St. Louis, Missouri, with a concentration in transfer tax planning and in particular charitable gift planning. He chaired the steering
committee of the probate and trust law section of the local bar association and served for years on a legislative drafting subcommittee of the probate and trust law committee of the state bar. As an adjunct member of the
faculty at the St. Louis University school of law, he taught courses in future interests and tax-driven estate planning.
Craig C. Wruck
Craig Wruck has more than 40 years of experience in charitable giving in both non-profit and for-profit settings. He is Vice President for University Advancement at Humboldt State University in California. He is past Government
Relations Chair for the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning.
A frequent speaker and writer on charitable giving topics, Craig is the author of Planned Giving in a Nutshell. In 2011 he was honored by the Minnesota Planned Giving Council with a distinguished service award.
He earned an MBA from the University of St. Thomas (MN) and his Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Utah.
Agenda
Tuesday, November 15
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Brisk Walk Through the Basics
Wednesday, November 16
7:30 - 8:30 am
Registration, Continental Breakfast & Exhibitors
8:30 - 10:00 am
Planned Giving: A Retrospective Over the Years Clinton Schroeder, Susan Hommes, Jean Vukas Roberts, and Michael P. Vinyon, CTFA
View Videos from Clinton Schroeder
10:00 - 10:15 am
Break with Exhibitors
10:15 - 11:15 am
Breakout Series A
1.1 Donor-Centered Leadership(Dev. Mgmt., L) Peneolope Burk In this highly anticipated engagement, Penelope Burk expands on her breakthrough Donor-Centered philosophy by tackling the high turnover rate among professional fundraisers. In plain language,
and backed by compelling research with over 12,000 Development professionals, CEOs, Board members and Donors, Penelope exposes mistaken beliefs and out-of-date practices that make it harder for fundraisers to raise money and
much easier for them to move on. She then unfolds a win-win solution that extends loyalty – even among young fundraisers where short job stays are the norm — while improving bottom-line performance. Penelope also examines a
critical issue sitting just below the surface – the role that Leadership Volunteers play in fundraising. Attendees will be inspired by her practical case for focusing Board members’ time and talent on the things that they do
best and which donors agree could unleash their philanthropy at a whole new level. While this session speaks to decision-makers, Donor-Centered Leadership will be highly valuable to fundraisers at any level, including those
working in or aspiring to management and leadership positions.
1.2 Hot Prospects on a Silver Platter(PG-Nov) Inez Bergquist and Jennifer Kahlow Does your organization have access to volunteers? These volunteers could be an effective way to maximize your planned giving efforts by identifying prospects and rating their
interest. Segmentation and marketing efforts can then be customized based on the results of the Donor Interview/Survey Program Background: Identification is critical to any gift planning effort. Once an individual is identified,
can they be rated according to the likelihood of completing and documenting a planned gift for the organization? One strategy your organization may want to consider is the Donor Interview/Survey Program. Initially started by
John Ryan, planned gifts officer at the University of Minnesota Foundation in the 90s, the program has application to today's environment. The concept is to utilize volunteers who conduct in-depth interviews or surveys with
likely planned giving prospects to identify and rate these prospects. Inez Bergquist of St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral and Jennifer Kahlow of Dunwoody College of Technology will speak from experience in conducting successful
programs. This session will describe the method of the survey, and involve clients who have experienced positive results.
1.3 The Renewed Relevance of the Investment Policy Statement (Dev. Mgmt., L, Tech.) Gerald Brennan and James R. Seidel The Investment Policy Statement (IPS) has taken on new relevance in recent years: providing guidance to those in fiduciary roles, assurance to sophisticated donors,
marketing support to development professionals and instruction for best practices in the management of an organization's investment assets. This presentation will demonstrate, through the review of the purpose of the components
of an Investment Policy Statement, the critical importance of each of the noted aspects with a particular focus on how a well-designed IPS can be used by planned giving professionals to build their confidence in their organizations
and to share that conviction with current and prospective donors.
1.4 Everything you Ever Wanted to Know About Donor Advised Funds. (Spec.) Eric Joranson and Dana Holt What IS a Donor Advised Fund? How does it work? Are there different kinds, and why are they so popular? Please join us for a session that will answer these questions and many more.
Learn how donor advised funds can help your organization, grow a professional practice, and raise more money for charity than you ever thought possible. We will discuss this hot topic from A to Z, top to bottom, inside and
out.
11:15 - 11:45 am
Break
11:45 am -12:15 pm
Annual Meeting
12:15 - 1:15 pm
Being Donor Centered in Changing Times Penelope Burk In a rapidly evolving world, fundraising cannot shield itself from change. But making the right choices when resources are so limited and competition is so fierce is the challenge that every development
office faces. Luckily, today's donors are much more specific about what it will take to win their support and inspire them to give more generously. The job of development professionals, then, is to recognize which things are
worth investing in and what skills and resources are needed to increase fundraising profit.
Join author, speaker and fundraising futurist, Penelope Burk, as she discusses the findings of her new research conducted with thousands of American donors and relates those findings to her breakthrough fundraising philosophy
-- Donor-Centered Fundraising. Penelope will talk about what donors want from their philanthropic relationships in 2016, what that means for your bottom line, and how to apply a Donor-Centered Fundraising approach in an ever-evolving
environment.
1:15-1:45 pm
Break
1:45 -2:45pm
Breakout series B
2.1 Non-Deductible Philanthropy (PG-Exp., Tech.) Sarah Duniway Last December, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife announced that they had formed an LLC, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, as a vehicle to give away 99 percent of their wealth. The initial structure
is not tax exempt; it's a limited liability company owned by the couple. The LLC is not constrained by tax law restrictions on foundations, nor able to take the benefits, yet it was formed explicitly to give money to social
causes. Other corporate forms and structures including the public benefit corporation, certified B Corp, and L3C are also emerging as alternative vehicles for individual and corporate giving, and have been embraced by a
new generation of philanthropists. This session will provide the legal background for these alternative structures and discuss the opportunities and pitfalls they offer to would-be philanthropists.
2.2 Planned Giving Essentials - Where To Begin (PG-Nov., Tech.) Stephanie Pommier and Dawne Brown White Your Board wants to start a planned giving program, a logical question you may have is, "Where do I begin?". Are you in a one person shop responsible for all the assets
of Fund Raising and stressed out where to begin? Planned giving has many facets. To some planned giving may be very complex, technical and detailed. To others it is as simple as introducing basic planned giving principles.
This workshop will help you to identify the right questions to ask when structuring a planned giving program and utilizing volunteers to create a planned giving committee. With multiple hands on samples you will create
a planned giving road map for your organization. Learn the key components and detailed advice needed to start a planned giving program from scratch when working in a small organization. It is a rewarding journey when you
take the time to learn the basics. Learn from others with hands on advice on how to avoid the pitfalls.
2.3 From Data to Design: A practical application of how market research can help drive your organization's creative process(Gen. Dev. - Adv.) Nathan Stelter This presentation will provide a multi-dimensional view from the new 2015 U.S. Healthy Aging Database® study on elements of healthy aging and how market adjacencies may impact the how, when and why
of charitable giving marketing communications. We'll look at how donors prefer to learn about organizations and the vehicles best suited to communicate by nonprofit sector. In the presentation we'll also provide data from
the study that will drive strategic direction and demonstrate how some simple changes that any organization can make to their marketing communications materials can improve the chance of resonating with donors. We will
show before and after examples of print and digital materials.
2.4 Why Are You Listening?(Gen. Dev., Gen.) David Thesing Experience has proven that most fiduciary or suitability complaints and E&O claims are the result of miscommunication. What was said by one person was not the same thing heard and understood by
the other person. This course challenges you to use the listening skills that you have already developed to do a better job of prospecting, qualifying and serving your client’s needs. You will learn how to apply what you
already know about listening to: Attract more prospects; Discover needs; Recommend appropriate solutions; Close more sales with confidence; and Earn more referrals.
2:45-3:00 pm
Break with Exhibitors
3:00 - 4:00 pm
How Minnesota Courts are Working to Protect Elderly and Vulnerable Adults from Financial Abuse Chief Justice Lori Gildea and Cate Boyko With the development of the Conservator Account Auditing Program (CAAP), Minnesota has become a national leader in the fight against the financial abuse of
elders. Through CAAP, the Minnesota Judicial Branch has modernized and improved the way the state oversees the work of conservators; those who are appointed by the court to manage the affairs of elderly and vulnerable adults.
In this session, the Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and the manager of the CAAP program will discuss the growing issue of financial abuse, and detail how Minnesota’s court system is working to protect vulnerable
individuals from fraud and mismanagement by conservators.
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Cocktail Reception at RiverCentre
Thursday November 17
7:30-8:30 am
Continental Breakfast, Networking & Exhibitors
8:30-9:30 am
Values-based Planned Giving Eddie Thompson
9:30-9:45 am
Break with Exhibitors
9:45-10:45 am
3.1 Who Are Your Best Prospects?(PG - Gen.) Eddie Thompson This presentation will describe your best prospects. We will also suggest the five easiest gifts for them to give and for you to manage. We will review the three important
questions donors ask and answer before they make an estate gift to charity and discover how these questions impact the gifting process.
3.2 The Gift Officer Apprenticeship(Gen. Dev. - Adv.) Cynthia Cashman and Amy Alch In 2012, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota established the Major Gift Apprenticeship Program. The CFANS Major Gift
Officer Apprenticeship was designed after having several difficult searches to fill major gift officer positions. An entire program was established and has produced its first major gift officer. After one year she was building
and cultivating her portfolio AND closing major gifts! Meet the program architect and the first apprentice and learn how you can duplicate this program in your own shop. The apprenticeship works for a large team or can
be adapted for someone who is new to the field and working in a one-person shop or for someone who has had a hard time breaking into major gifts and wants to leverage it to get your first major gifts job.
3.3 Why the Nonprofit Sector Should Care About Transfer Tax Reform (PG-Exp, Tech.) Russell Willis In recent years, the nonprofit sector has been vocal in advocating for and against a handful of tax proposals. Due in large part to these efforts, the so-called charitable IRA "rollover" has
now been made permanent -- but the sector continues to lobby to lift the dollar limit, to allow "rollover" transfers to donor advised funds or even private foundations, and to allow younger taxpayers to make "rollover"
transfers to split interest trusts or in exchange for gift annuities. In opposing proposed ceilings or floors on the income tax charitable deduction, the sector has insisted any weakening of the incentive in roughly its
present form will cause a significant drop in contributions. The sector has not extended this logic to proposals to increase marginal rates or to restore the estate and gift tax exemptions and marginal rates to 2009 levels.
In this session, we will talk about the public policies that inform transfer taxes as well as the policy rationale for allowing a deduction for transfers to what are broadly called "charities." We will focus particular
attention on a proposal to limit the interval over which a trust may be exempted from the generation-skipping transfer tax to ninety years. Since the enactment of the GST tax in its present form in 1986, more than two dozen
states have abrogated the common law rule against perpetuities, allowing settlors to remove large pools of assets permanently from the transfer tax system -- and from the reach of beneficiaries' creditors. Abrogating the
rule will have far-reaching effects on the stability of the experiment in representative democracy launched here only a couple of hundred years ago. By positioning itself as an advocate for a narrow range of tax breaks
for higher income donors while remaining silent on other, deeply regressive features of the tax code, the sector not only runs the risk of being perceived as beholden to the what has been called "the one percent," but also
fails the opportunity to participate in correcting the trend toward more extreme wealth inequality.
3.4 So You've Decided to Become an Independent Consultant - Now What?(Spec.) Mary Ellis Peterson, Lisa Simer, Patti Lazarus, and Jennifer Santini There are many considerations to take into account before you can hang out your own shingle - Legal issues, marketing, accounting, payroll, contracts, business plan, pricing, taxes, registration - the
list is endless. Don't go it alone! A panel of independent consultants will lead an interactive discussion on practicalities, tips, and lessons learned.
10:45-11:00 am
Break with Exhibitors
11:00 am-12:00 pm
4.1 CORN, CELLOS AND CRUDE:
Charitable Gifts of Unusual Assets(PG-Exp, Tech) Sheryl Morrison and Robert Harding Donors and charitable institutions usually prefer gifts of cash and publicly traded securities. Both are easy to transfer and value, and publicly traded securities are easy
to convert to cash. But institutions that focus only on these types of gifts may be missing out.
An unusual asset, such as a painting or stored crops, may be the donor’s first choice for a gift to charity. Some donors may not have substantial publicly traded securities or cash to give. A donor’s most highly appreciated
asset may not be a publicly traded security. A particular asset, such as a painting, may be the most appropriate asset if the gift will go to a particular type of institution, such as an art museum.
We will discuss funding of outright gifts and CRTs with unusual assets that charities and their development officers encounter from time to time. Our list will include farm commodities and machinery, livestock, artwork, valuable
musical instruments, coin collections and mineral interests. We will discuss what issues an institution should address in deciding whether to accept a gift of one of these assets. This session will also cover the sometimes
unusual tax consequences of outright and CRT gifts of these kinds. Finally, we will discuss appropriate (and inappropriate) ways of converting gifts of these assets to cash.
4.2 Gifts of Retirement Plan Assets(PG-Exp) Bill Laskin As of the end of 2014, Americans held nearly $25 trillion in their retirement plans. That's "trillion" with a "t." Not only is the value of the assets Americans hold in retirement plans almost
unimaginably huge, but these assets can be among the most tax-efficient and therefore attractive sources of charitable gifts. They also raise tax issues that most other types of assets don't. This presentation will first
answer the question: What are retirement plan assets? It will then explore the possibilities for giving retirement plan assets during life and at death, including the tax considerations in each case. It will conclude with
the latest on the status of efforts to expand the scope of the charitable IRA rollover to life income plans, donor advised funds, and private foundations.
4.3 Work Smart: Effective Partnering with Prospect Development(Gen. Dev., Gen.) Stacie Haugen and Marcy Cheeseman Learn how partnering with prospect development can help you secure more planned gifts by giving you the gift of time. We will show you how prospect development partners can
help with the time-consuming work of planning, prospecting, researching, and managing your portfolio and proposal pipeline. All this will help you do more of what you do best – building relationships with potential donors!
This session will explain how prospect development can effectively: 1. Assist you with developing a multi-year prospecting plan 2. Identify prospects for all planned gift types • Provide relevant biographical and financial
information on your prospective donors 3. Help you to rank and prioritize your portfolios, stay on top of your work and track progress towards your goals
4.4 "PG 101" : An Introduction to Planned Giving(Gen. Dev. - Adv.) Frank Robertson and Jane Townsend Planned Giving 101 “ An Introduction to Planned Giving provides an overview of what constitutes a "planned gift" and the role planned giving can play in any development program.
It includes an overview of the basic features and applications of the most common deferred gifts “ both revocable and irrevocable (testamentary bequests from wills and revocable trusts, beneficiary designations and other
transfers on death, charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts). There will also be a brief discussion of other types of "non-deferred" planned gifts such as charitable lead trusts, real estate, tangible
personal property and other assets.
12:00-12:30 pm
Clinton Schroeder Award
12:30-1:30 pm
Lunch Plenary
Giving 3.0:
Embracing the New Diversity in 21st Century Philanthropy Jackie Copeland-Carson Changing demographics and a global economy demand that contemporary fundraisers understand how to be successful in increasingly multicultural communities. Over the past 30 years, the philanthropy field finally has recognized that all
communities have some form of philanthropy. However, inclusion of people of color donors still remains the elusive last frontier of American fundraising. Furthermore, there are new social identities that challenge conventional
notions of diversity defined in broad ethnic or racial terms.
Drawing on her recent philanthropy research, practice, and advocacy, Dr. Copeland-Carson will share new trends in American giving and ways that nonprofits can better attract diverse donors of all backgrounds in our rapidly
changing society.
As Chief Operations Officer of Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, she is responsible for effective operations and services for a $34 million faith-based organization wtth 60 locations, 520 staff and 54,000 clients annually. For the more than 30 years, Dr. Jackie Copeland-Carson has worked with community-based organizations, foundations and corporations to promote social change and responsibility in the U.S. and worldwide. A frequently sought
after keynote speaker and Huffington Post blogger, she is also an award-winning author and evaluator.
1:30 -1:45 pm
Break with Exhibitors
1:45-2:45 pm
5.1 Wills That Won’t: A 22 year national study of charitable planning additions, deletions, and ultimate estate transfers (PG-Exp) Russell James This session reviews results from a national longitudinal study tracking charitable estate plans among older adults across many years. Participants will learn about new and emerging trends,
and how to best take advantage of them. Additionally, this study tracks the post-mortem estate distributions for over 12,000 decedents whose lifetime planning was tracked across many years. Learn what was really important,
and what wasn’t, in generating actual dollars transferred to charity, and how this information can improve your results in marketing to potential bequest donors.
5.2 Government Relations Update: The 2016 Election, or “Where to now St. Peter?”(Spec.) Craig C. Wruck As we pick up the pieces from the election, it seems as if—just maybe—we have weathered the worst of the storm. But what’s that on the horizon? Storm clouds! There’s renewed talk of curtailing
the value of the charitable deduction in the name of tax revenue. And that looks like a lightning strike! Calls more IRS oversight and increased scrutiny of non-profits. This session will review historic data to understand
the past impact of elections, the economy, taxes, and Federal regulations on charitable giving. We will take a look at the makeup of the new 116th Congress, review the process of creating legislation, and speculate on what
might be in store. Then we will consider the implications of a Congressional Budget Office study which indicates that the charitable deduction is very costly in relation to its real impact on giving. Finally, we will conclude
with a discussion of possible actions to protect and preserve tax incentives for charitable giving.
5.3 Leadership in 4D(Gen.)
Katherine Olson Leadership isn't a position title, it's the actions you take to coach, recognize, guide and activate people towards a clear and meaningful goal. Too often, strong performers get promoted into leadership positions
without adequate leadership skill development, and struggle to transfer their work ethic and success factors into actionable development in their direct reports. Doing a great job implementing takes a different skillset
than doing a great job leading others. This session will provide an overview of key skills that successful leaders cultivate throughout their career, and provide interactive practice activities to explore and try out these
skills. Participants will learn the core elements of effective leadership using resources like Strengthsfinder, Stephen Covey's 8th Habit, Switch by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, and The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes &
Posner, and will receive resource lists for building leadership skills, and a "take-home and share" Leadership in 4D reflection worksheet to bring the conversation back to your colleagues and peers.
5.4 Planned Giving in a Capital Campaign (PG-Exp, Spec.) Marie Ruzek, Sara Sternberger, and Bill Roche Under Marie Ruzek's leadership, Greater Twin Cities United Way raised $36 million new planned and endowment gift and commitments during its recently completed
Centennial capital campaign, @100 Good for Generations, effectively doubling United Way's endowment. Marie will address getting buy-in from organizational leadership – including board members and the finance office – in
creating a focused goal for planned giving within a capital campaign. You will hear about how to put best practices in place for data management, documentation, counting vs. accounting, gift acceptance, and recognition.
Central to success, was engaging key volunteer leadership for both internal and external relationship-building, and ultimately solicitations.
2:45-3:00 pm
Break with Exhibitors
3:00 - 4:00 pm
Inside the Mind of the Bequest Donor: What the latest neuroimaging and experimental psychology results tell us about donor decision making. Russell James Reporting results from his research at the Texas Tech Neuroimaging Institute, Dr. James reveals the latest insights into how donors engage in charitable bequest decision-making. These findings come
together to reveal the deep processes of donor decision-making in planned giving. Not just an academic presentation, this session presents practical, effective, and tested approaches to encourage generosity among planned giving
donors.
4:00 pm
Adjourn
Conference Commitee
Co-Chairs, 2016 MPGC Conference
Dawn M. Fish, Dunwoody College of Technology
Dawn Fish is director of development for Dunwoody College of Technology, a 100-year-old private, non-profit technical college. Her career spans more than 25 years in institutional advancement, major gift fundraising and consulting
within the higher education and health care sectors. She has held previous positions at Abbott Northwestern Hospital Foundation, the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, the Minnesota Medical Foundation,
Scholarship America and a private family foundation.
She has served on the boards of the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, JDRF, Housing Link, and currently serves on the Citizens League Board of Directors, in addition to serving as MNPG 2015
conference co-chair. She and her husband live in St. Louis Park, where she has served as a community block captain for 10 years.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Metropolitan State University, a master’s degree in organizational leadership from St. Catherine’s University, a master’s degree in legal studies from Kaplan University,
and completed a Policy Fellowship at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She also holds the CFRE credential.
Alex D. Bakkum, U.S. Bank Charitable Services Group
Alex D. Bakkum joined Wells Fargo in 2007 and is currently and Assistant Vice President and Specialist with Philanthropic Services. Alex provides customized solutions and advice to nonprofits, private foundations, and individual
philanthropists.
Prior to joining Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services, Alex worked directly for nonprofits including, St. John’s University, The River Keepers, and College Possible. In addition to his efforts on behalf of nonprofit organizations,
Alex is an active member of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council where he serves as Treasurer and sits on the Conference Committee and Finance Committee.
Alex is a Notary Public and is a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Specialist.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. John's University, a master’s degree in public administration from Hamline University, and a juris doctorate from Hamline University School of Law.
Conference Committee Members
Linda Carlson, Hamline University
Deborah Hanson, American Public Radio
Robert Heuermann, Catholic United Financial Foundation
Jacob LaCroix, United Hospital Foundation
Tara Mattessich, Larkin Hoffman
Sheryl Morrison, Gray Plant Mooty
Mary Ellis Peterson, Next Level Giving
Lynn L. Praska, University of Minnesota Foundation
Christine Pulkrabek, Regions Hospital Foundation
Frank Robertson
Bethel Ruest, Mayo Clinic
Marie Ruzek, Greater Twin Cities United Way
Chuck Semrow, Regions Hospital Foundation
Jane P. Townsend, J.D., University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development
39th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Speakers
Featured Plenaries
Bill Dedman, co-author of "Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune"
Bill Dedman is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist and co-author of the No. 1 New York Times bestselling book "Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune."
Dedman uncovered the case of the reclusive copper heiress Huguette Clark in 2010, documenting her life in a series of reports for NBC News. Dedman and Clark's cousin, Paul Clark Newell, Jr., co-wrote the nonfiction
"Empty Mansions" about Clark and her father, the Gilded Age industrialist and senator William A. Clark. In 1989, Dedman received the Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting for The Color of Money, a series of articles
in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on racial discrimination by mortgage lenders in middle-income black neighborhoods. He is a senior staff writer for Newsday, the Long Island newspaper.
Kathleen E. Loehr, Principal; Kathleen Loehr and Associates
Kathleen Loehr has a three-decade career in the nonprofit sector that includes leadership within the fields of fundraising, disaster fundraising, women’s philanthropy, international non-governmental organizations, early
childhood education, and nonprofit effectiveness. Her fundraising background includes leading the development for the American Red Cross, Save the Children, the International Crisis Group, and key departments at Cornell
University.
She is a member of the Advisory Council for the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University Lily School of Philanthropy. Her women’s philanthropy expertise results from her work across twenty years with the President’s Council of Cornell Women,
American Red Cross’ Tiffany Circle, and leading the strategies for Duke, Drexel, University of San Francisco, William & Mary and National Geographic to more deeply engage with women. She is also a skilled leadership
coach, giving her the ability to understand what is preventing individuals or teams from achieving their goals. Kathleen@KathleenLoehr.com 202-494-9227 KathleenLoehr.com
Martha A. Taylor, Vice President of the University of Wisconsin Foundation; UW Madison
Martha Taylor is a pioneer in the international women’s philanthropy movement. She was a leader in creating the fields of women’s philanthropy and fundraising from women. Co-author of the first and then two more major books
on the subject, Taylor co-founded the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, a 23-year-old organization that is now part of the Indiana University Lily School of Philanthropy.
For almost forty years, she has served the UW Foundation and became the Big Ten’s first woman vice president in 1981. Taylor focuses on major and principal gifts. In 1988, Taylor co-founded the UW Foundation’s Women’s Philanthropy
Council, the first women’s major gift program at a co-ed university. In addition to her three award-winning books with Sondra Shaw-Hardy, she has written scores of articles for journals and popular publications around
the world. A respected teacher and scholar, she has given more than 100 presentations on women’s philanthropy and other aspects of fundraising.
In an additional new role, she has recently become the Senior Advisor for the Women’s Leadership Initiative of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s new 4W program: Women Wellbeing Wisconsin and the World, established in
2014. martha.taylor@supportuw.org 608-263-5762.
Jay Frost, Senior Partner of Jerold Panas, Linzy & Partners
Jay Frost brings to his position as Senior Partner over twenty-five years experience in discovering and exploring major fundraising opportunities for thousands of nonprofits. Yes, thousands!
He has played a leadership role in a number of companies serving the fundraising world. These include serving as President and CEO at FundraisingInfo.com; Chief Strategy Officer at WealthEngine and President and CEO at
WealthID. Jay was also Vice President and Director of Global Philanthropic Markets and Wealth Training at Thomson Financial Wealth Identification. These are all firms providing donor research and analysis for the fundraising
world.
He is a dynamic, witty, and engaging speaker. He is a highly regarded trainer on fundraising, social media for nonprofits, international philanthropy, wealth identification, and prospect research.
He is the author of chapters in Across Frontiers: Educational Fundraising and Globalisation, International Fund Raising for Not-for-Profits; Emerging Civil Society in the Asia Pacific Community; and The American Prospector.
Mr. Frost is also a former member of the CASE Industry Advisory Council and a past national board member and Metro DC Chapter President of the Association of Professional Research for Advancement (APRA).
Jay Frost is regarded as one of the nation’s leaders on Social Media. Best of all, he helps organizations transition this into major gifts and campaign support.
He has been described by industry leaders as “a beacon of light and inspiration in the increasingly critical field of international fundraising and philanthropy” and “a consummate professional whose expertise across several
disciplines in the fundraising and nonprofit sectors make him a valued speaker and consultant.”
Jay is the consummate consultant. The clients he serves feel he brings great value and expertise to the relationship. He is an extraordinary strategist and visionary.
Jay is an active industry leader, educator, and author. He speaks frequently at local, national, and international conferences on wealth and philanthropy, fundraising research, social media, and transnational giving.
Jerold Panas, Linzy & Partners is one of the world’s largest firms in the field of campaign services and financial resource development. It is a major force in the industry. The firm has served over 3600 client-institutions
since its founding in 1968.
Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page
Alan C. Page was born August 7, 1945, in Canton, Ohio. He graduated from Canton Central Catholic High School in 1963, and received his B.A. in political
science from the University of Notre Dame in 1967 and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1978.
After graduating from law school, Alan Page worked as an attorney for a law firm in Minneapolis, then served seven years as an attorney in the office of the Minnesota Attorney General.
He sought election to the Minnesota Supreme Court in 1992 and won, becoming the first African American on the court and one of the few associate justices ever to join the court initially through election, rather than appointment
by the governor. When Justice Page was reelected in 1998, he became the biggest vote-getter in Minnesota history. He was reelected in 2004 and 2010 and served until he reached the mandatory retirement age of 70
in 2015.
Law was Alan Page’s second career; he was first known for his skills in football both in college and in the NFL. At Notre Dame, Alan Page led the school’s storied football program to the 1966 national championship,
and in 1993 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Alan Page was a first-round draft choice of the Minnesota Vikings in 1967 and he played for the Vikings until 1978. The last three years of his football career were with the Chicago Bears, 1978–1981. During
his career, Alan Page played in 218 consecutive games, earning All-Pro honors six times, and was voted to nine consecutive Pro Bowls. In 1971 he was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, becoming only the second
defensive player in history to be named MVP. In 1988 Alan Page was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Also in 1988, Justice Page and his wife Diane founded the Page Education Foundation, which assists students of color in their pursuit of post-secondary education. To date, the foundation has awarded over $12 million
in grants to more than 6,000 individuals.
Justice Page and his daughter, Kamie Page, have written two children’s picture books, The Invisible You (2014) and Alan and His Perfectly Pointy Impossibly Perpendicular Pinky (2013).
Bruce Flessner, Principal; Bentz Whaley Flessner Management Consulting
Bruce W. Flessner is a principal at Bentz Whaley Flessner, an international fundraising consulting firm serving colleges, universities and major medical centers in Asia, Europe and North America. During his 30 years of
consulting experience, he has served clients such as American University of Beirut, Boston College, Michigan State University, Purdue University, UCLA, UC San Diego, University of Chicago, University of Illinois, University
of Michigan, University of St. Thomas, University of Sydney, and many others.
Mr. Flessner is a recognized expert on new wealth philanthropy and has been quoted in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, Star Tribune, Dallas Star, Detroit Free Press, Chronicle
of Philanthropy, Chronicle of Higher Education and many other major newspapers. He is the first male on the board of the Indiana University School of Philanthropy’s Women’s Philanthropy Institute and served on the founding
board of RAG’s New Ventures in Philanthropy. He is lifelong Detroit Tigers fan.
Breakout Speakers
Scott Lloyd Anderson, Shareholder; Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, P.A.
Scott Lloyd Anderson is a shareholder in the law firm of Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, P.A., and chair of the firms private business practice group. Mr. Anderson is a practicing attorney who works with closely-held
businesses and their principals dealing with acquisitions, financial structures, compensation, estate and succession plans. In the past thirty years Mr. Anderson has worked on hundreds of sale of business transactions
including asset purchase, stock purchase and merger transactions on both taxable and tax-free basis. He has been involved in all aspects of sale of business transactions including preparing businesses for sale, negotiating
investment banking agreements, evaluating and structuring transactions, advising on charitable gift giving alternatives, assisting with the preparation and evaluation of due diligence materials, negotiating transaction
documents with parties and their related lenders as well as assisting in bringing transactions to a successful closings. The size of these transactions ranged from a few million dollars to over one billion dollars.
Mr. Anderson earned his J.D. degree, cum laude, from William Mitchell College of Law and his B.A. degree from Augsburg College. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Minnesota State Bar Association and the
Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants.
With his 25 years of experience in trust, tax, and philanthropic financial planning, Greg Baker works directly with clients' attorneys, other advisors and Renaissance staff regarding interpretations of federal and state
laws applicable to charitable gifts. He has consulted on over 18,000 charitable remainder trusts, over 800 charitable lead trusts, numerous private foundations, supporting organizations, donor-advised funds and charitable
gift annuities. Greg is in his second tenure with Renaissance.
Prior to boomeranging back in 2002, Greg was Vice President, Manager of Charitable Account Services in Princeton, N.J. for Merrill Lynch Trust Company and the Merrill Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Management.
As Merrill's Charitable Fiduciary Risk Manager, Greg identified and managed account compliance projects for over $4 billion in planned gift instruments under administration. Greg was the Senior Staff Attorney with Renaissance
Inc. for seven years before joining Merrill Lynch. Widely sought as a speaker on the local, state and national level, Greg also served as a panelist on a webinar for the Hudson Institute. He addressed the Partnership
for Philanthropic Planning, the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, the International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy and numerous other groups. His presentations are most noted for his comedic timing
with corny jokes. Co-author of the popular CRT Handbook and CLT Handbook, Greg's published work also can be seen in various industry publications, including Planned Giving Today, the Estate Planning newsletter of the
Society of Financial Service Professionals, Perspectives, and various broker/dealer publications. A past President and current Board Member of the Planned Giving Group of Indiana, Greg also is an Advisory Board member
for the CAP program at the American College, a member of the Indiana Bar, the Indiana State Bar Association, the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and the Financial Planning Association. Greg received his undergraduate
degree from Wabash College and his Juris Doctorate from Indiana University. Although he resides in Brownsburg, Ind., with his wife Marcia and sons Grant & Matt, he is easier to find in a bleacher watching his boys
play football or the xylophone.
Kimberly Crockett, Attorney, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President; Center of the American Experiment
Kim Crockett is the COO, EVP and General Counsel for Center of the American Experiment, a Minneapolis-based public policy and educational institution that brings conservative and free market ideas to bear on the hardest
problems facing Minnesota and the nation. The Center’s mission is the build a culture of prosperity. Kim wears a variety of organizational hats from operations, to development to policy. Her current research and writing
focus on public pensions, the Metropolitan Council, transportation and other state tax and budget issues. She regularly consults with state and national policy makers on these issues and contributes commentaries to
the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, and other local newspapers across Minnesota. She is a frequent guest at area chambers and business groups--and on radio and television, explaining the impact of state policy to Minnesotans.
Kim received her B.A. in philosophy from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School where she was a member of the Journal of Law and Economics.
Catherine Day, MA, CEO and Founder; Storyslices LLC
Catherine Reid Day, CEO of Storyslices LLC, is a producer, author, coach and consultant who uses stories to help people get to the more they want - more revenues, recognition, and relevance. Catherine's passion for stories
and advising leaders and their businesses grew out of more than 20 years executive experience leading advancement programs for Carleton and Macalester Colleges, the University of Minnesota and Public Radio International.
Listening to families share their histories, their disappointments and aspirations, shaped her work guiding transitions, honoring legacies and building thriving organizations and people. Later, turning her focus to
media and innovation, she developed distinctive public radio programs including "Marketplace" and "The World" and co-produced the acclaimed and award winning national public television series ˜Mental Engineering.
As an organizational consultant she guided large scale transformation processes including the Front Door Initiative for Hennepin County. She founded her consulting and production company Storyslices in 2009. Her clients
range from Fortune 500s to entrepreneur-led companies, foundations and nonprofits. A graduate of Beloit College, she completed her Master of Arts in Leadership Coaching and Consulting at Adler Graduate School where
she developed the innovative Story coaching tool. She teaches a series of workshops on 'Identity, Longing and Desire: Four Pathways to a Larger Life. Active in her community, she chairs a volunteer community effort
to form a Creative Enterprise Zone located along the new light rail transit Green Line with a vision to make it a recognized center of creativity and enterprise. She also hosts a TV public affairs program on SPNN.
Robert W. Dietz, CFA, VP - Associate Director of Wealth Planning; Bernstein
Robert W. Dietz is an Associate Director in Bernstein’s Wealth Planning and Analysis Group and is responsible for wealth management research. He provides customized advice on complex financial issues for private clients
and their advisors on wealth transfer strategies and asset allocation decisions. He has been the author of and a contributor to the firm’s published research on several topics. Dietz joined Bernstein in 2006, became
an analyst in the Wealth Planning and Analysis Group in 2011. He earned his BA in finance from Augsburg College of Minneapolis, cum laude. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder since 2011, he is a member
of the CFA Society of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Estate Planning Council.
Kenneth Chaim Fink, President and CEO; Tamar Fink, Inc. and Family Wealth Counselors, LLC
Kenneth Chaim Fink is President and CEO of Tamar Fink, Inc. and Family Wealth Counselors, LLC. These are national consulting firms which represent many of America's wealthiest families. Ken's family wealth counseling process
helps clients structure their estate plans based on their fundamental values “the family mission. Tamar-Fink, Inc., established in 1986, is a boutique financial services firm that has brokered over a billion dollars
of insurance transactions. Ken has implemented plans that will generate more than $800 million dollars for charities. Recently he helped design a plan that resulted in a $42 million dollar gift to the United Hospitals
in Cleveland-the largest gift in their history. Ken was also the recipient of the 2006 Preston Hotchkis Distinguished Achievement Award for his generous charitable and business contributions to the community. In addition
to being a popular national public speaker, Ken has published numerous articles on tax, estate and charitable giving in leading national and regional publications. He is a co-contributor to the book, Getting to the
Heart of the Matter, which has received critical acclaim nationwide. Ken has been featured in Forbes magazine and quoted in many of the nation's newspapers as an expert in the field of insurance and charitable planned
giving. Ken is a lifetime and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table and is a member of the prestigious Forum 400 and Top of the Table organizations, which are limited to approximately 500 of the leading
insurance agents in the world. Family Wealth Counselors, LLC. has consulted for more than a dozen local, national and international charitable organizations such as United Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, Fairview Hospitals,
Cuyahoga Community College, Aish HaTorah, Ohr Somayach International, Torah Day School of Atlanta, Cleveland Academy, the Alzheimer's Association, Children's Home Society, Dollars for Scholars, and the Shalom Foundation.
Ken has served as President of his Synagogue and has sat on the boards of countless charities such as Hasbara Fellowships, the Jewish Community Relations.
Tom Glass, Director of Planned Giving; University of St. Thomas
Tom is the Senior Director of Planned Giving at the University of St. Thomas. Prior to joining St. Thomas in 2009, Tom was a partner in the financial services firm of Deegan & Glass, LLC. The firm provided specialized
wealth management and estate planning for affluent individuals and corporations. He is a frequent speaker on charitable planning and family wealth management. Tom has extensive experience serving in a leadership capacity
on many nonprofit boards. He is currently serving on the Edina Tax Referendum Committee, the Social Justice Board at St. Patrick’s Church in Edina, and the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Planned Giving Council,
where he also serves on the Program and Education committees. A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Tom resides with his wife CoCo and four children in Edina, Minnesota.
Chad Halbur, CFA, CTFA, AAMS, President and Shareholder; Cornerstone Private Asset Trust Company, LLC
Chad M. Halbur is President and a shareholder of Cornerstone Private Asset Trust Company, LLC. He is responsible for establishing procedures and the development of day to day operations. Chad oversees all accounts and works
with clients on strategies to help meet their financial goals and is involved in the implementation and daily management of those strategies. He is a CFA Charter holder, Certified Trust and Financial Advisor, Accredited
Asset Management Specialist, and Registered Investment Advisor. He is also an actve member of the Twin Cities Society of Security Analysts, Twin Cities Financial and Estate Planning Council, Minnesota Financial Planning
Association and is a member of the firm’s Investment Committee. He was born and raised in the Twin Cities and completed his undergraduate work at St. Cloud State University. After obtaining a B.S. in finance and a minor
in economics, he worked for a large insurance company for several years before joining Boeckermann, Grafstrom & Mayer Wealth Management, LLC in 1999. As Assistant Investment Advisor, Chad handled investment research,
due diligence, portfolio design and implementation of all investment strategies. Chad is married with two children. Chad enjoys hunting, fishing and vacationing at his family’s cabin.
Josh Hanson, Marketing Consultant; The Stelter Company
Josh Hanson is a marketing consultant for The Stelter Company, a leading source for strategic marketing for the nonprofit community. Josh currently serves more than 300 organizations in the Midwest. Josh's responsibilities
include planning, facilitating and executing strategic marketing programs for Stelter Company clients in the Midwest region. His primary concentration is to understand each nonprofits history, mission and fundraising
goals in order to develop strategic marketing solutions to best support the short and long term goals of the organization. Prior to joining The Stelter Company, Josh owned a sales and consulting company that worked
with Fortune 500 companies in the areas of leadership training, sales training and coaching and small business owners. Josh is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a B.B.A. in finance. When not on the road seeing
clients, Josh enjoys spending time with his family, coaching youth sports, golfing, skiing and being a loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan. He and his wife, Michelle are the proud parents three boys.
Robert Harding, J.D., Principal Attorney; Gray Plant Mooty
Bob is a principal at Gray Plant Mooty and practices in the area of charitable gift planning. He represents colleges, universities, churches, health care organizations, social service agencies, arts organizations, and other
nonprofit entities in developing and implementing gift plans for their donors. Bob chairs the firm’s Charitable Gift Planning team. He is a regular speaker at regional, national, and international conferences on planned
giving.
Adam Hennen, CPA, CFE, CITP is an audit manager in the St. Paul Office of Olsen Thielen with extensive experience in accounting, auditing and consulting. Adam graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2004 and has since
been fully employed with Olsen Thielen, working closely with companies in the not-for-profit, commercial, and telecommunications industries providing services such as audit and accounting, fraud investigation, forensic
accounting, and litigation support, in addition to general business consulting services. Adam works with company management and staff, performing fraud risk assessments and internal control evaluations, which have been
instrumental in reducing the organization's fraud risk.
Sandra Henningsen, CGPA, Assistant Vice President; Crescendo Interactive, Inc.
Sandra Henningsen, CGPA, Assistant Vice President for Crescendo Interactive, Inc., oversees Gift Legacy Planned Giving eMarketing services. She mentors charities in establishing planned giving websites and marketing planned
gifts using the Internet, eNewsletters, social media and royalty-free literature. She speaks and teaches seminars in the area of eMarketing and gift planning. She has presented at MPGC, AFP International, CASE International,
AHP International, ALDE, and various Regional Conferences. Sandra has been part of the Crescendo staff for over 22 years. Her Bachelor of Science degree in education is from South Dakota State University. She may be
reached at her Crescendo Interactive office at 800-858-9154 and by email at Sandra@CresMail.com.
As part of Gray Plant Mooty’s Trust, Estate & Charitable Planning Group, Jessica Johnson works with clients to meet their estate-planning goals. She provides peace of mind for clients in many situations, for families
creating an estate plan for the first time to those with more complex business, tax, and trust planning needs. Some areas of her expertise include:
• Tax reduction planning for individuals seeking to minimize their income, gift, and estate tax payments.
• Legacy planning for those looking to divide their wealth among family members and charity organizations.
• Business succession planning for business owners looking to establish a clear path for the future.
• Estate planning for individuals and families at any stage of life.
• Estate and trust administration advice for individual and corporate fiduciaries.
• Gift and estate tax audit assistance for individuals, families, and estates facing IRS scrutiny.
• Charitable gift strategies and implementation advice for individuals, families, and charitable organizations.
While every client has different financial or legal needs, their personal needs matter as well. Jessica gives clients a sense of confidence—confidence that they understand their estate-planning solution or estate
administration from top to bottom, and confidence that their family or business situations are being handled with sensitivity. Jessica first became interested in personal finance while she was in college, and after
graduation, she became a financial advisor at a local wealth management firm. In addition to developing a general fluency with financial matters that informs every aspect of her practice, Jessica has also established
lasting relationships with former colleagues in the field, many of whom she continues to work with. Yet while Jessica can speak the language of a financial planner, at heart she sees herself as a teacher. Her clients
trust her to translate complex financial arrangements into effective, common-sense solutions. 2 Jessica has also served as a judicial clerk and attorney advisor at the United States Tax Court in Washington, D.C., for
which she researched and wrote about complex income, business, estate, and gift tax issues.
Bill Knox, Director, Planned Gift Technical Consulting, Kaspick & Company
Mr. Knox joined KASPICK & COMPANY in 2012 after serving for more than seven years as vice president of legal services at Crescendo Interactive, Inc. In this role, he advised clients on all aspects surrounding planned
gifts, including legal, tax, and administration issues. He has presented on a variety of planned giving topics at both regional and national events. Mr. Knox has a BA from the California State University, Chico. He
received his JD from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and his LL.M. in tax from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, CA.
Mark Ladendorf, CFRE, Senior Relationship Manager; Kaspick & Company
Mark Ladendorf, Senior Relationship Manager. Prior to joining KASPICK & COMPANY in 2008, Mr. Ladendorf was President and CEO of The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation and Director of Advancement for Lutheran Hour Ministries
in St. Louis, MO. He has over 20 years of experience in gift planning and fundraising management. He has served on the national board of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives and as co-chair of the 2007
International Educational Conference. Mr. Ladendorf received a BA in Economics and International Studies from American University, Washington, DC and an MA from Washington University, St. Louis, MO.
Lindsay Lapole, President & Chairman of the Board of Directors, American Council on Gift Anuities; Sr. Consultant, Lindsay Lapole & Associates, LLC
Mr. Lapole is a native of West Virginia and a graduate of Marshall University. Lindsay began his career in fund raising and volunteer management with the Boy Scouts of America in 1969 in Louisville, KY.
In 1979, Mr. Lapole began his 35 year career with The Salvation Army, serving as the Planned Giving Director in the Louisville, KY and Tampa, FL. Beginning in August 1986, Mr. Lapole became the Territorial Planned
Giving Director of The Salvation Army, USA Southern Territory, a position he has held for 27 years until his retirement in July 2013. He is responsible for recruiting, training, and technical consultation for the professional
staff of 34 in the 15 Southeastern states as well as the administration, marketing, and quality control for the program across the territory.
Mr. Lapole has served on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Chapter of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals and received his Certified Fund Raising Executive credential in 1985. He is a past board
member and President of the Georgia Planned Giving Council. He also served for fifteen years as Chairman of the National Planned Giving Consultants Committee of The Salvation Army.
Lindsay was elected to the Board of Directors for the American Council on Gift Annuities in 1999. He served as the Conference Chair of the 2004 Conference on Gift Annuities, Chair of the State Regulation Committee
and Secretary to the Board. Since 2008, Mr. Lapole has served as President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Council on Gift Annuities.
Mr. Lapole has been a frequent speaker on topics related to planned giving, and fund raising management throughout the country. In 2012, he was invited by the Republic of Korea to speak at the 2nd International
Conference on Sharing in Seoul, South Korea.
Since retirement, Lindsay continues to serve the charitable community as a consultant through his own firm of Lindsay Lapole & Associates, LLC.
Marc Littlecott, CAP(R), CGPP, Director of Gift Planning; South Dakota State University Foundation
Marc Littlecott is the Director of Gift Planning at the South Dakota State University Foundation, in Brookings SD. He is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® and a Certified Gift Planning Professional. He has worked
in the field of non-profit development for over two decades, working for the Boy Scouts of America, The Salvation Army, and for the past year, the SDSU Foundation. He has specialized in the discipline of Planned
Giving since 1999. A past board member of the Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Council, Marc is presently on the 10-member board of the Charitable IRA Initiative (a.k.a. “The Rollover Rangers”), which is presently
endeavoring to secure passage of the All-American Charitable IRA Act, an expanded version of the Charitable IRA Rollover that would allow tax-free transfers to charitable remainder trusts and charitable gift annuities
for donors as young as 59½.
Mark Marshall, MBA, Practice Leader; Bentz Whaley Flessner
Mark J. Marshall leads the firm's healthcare practice. With over 20 years of fundraising and nonprofit leadership experience, he brings a strong background in major and planned gifts, grateful patient programs, annual giving,
and campaign strategy to clients. He has particular interests in major and principal gift strategies, and strengthening development teams through coaching of leadership. Prior to joining the firm he served as vice president
for development and alumni relations at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. Prior to that, he served for over ten years at the University of Minnesota's Medical Foundation as director of development
for special programs and as director of alumni relations and special projects. During that time he was part of the university's $1.5 billion campaign. He began his career a member of the advancement team at Marian Catholic
High School in Chicago. Mr. Marshall holds a bachelor of arts from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and has completed his MBA. He has been a presenter and has served in volunteer capacities for AAMC, CASE,
APRA, AHP, AFP, and the Minnesota Planned Giving Council.
Brenda Moore, Owner; Brenda Moore and Assoc.
Brenda Moore’s experience spans 30+ years of professional resource development, gift planning, campaign fundraising, and philanthropic consulting work.
As a gift planner for Lutheran Planned Giving, Minneapolis and Saint Paul (2008-2013), Brenda provided charitable gift planning and asset stewardship education services for individuals, congregations, and ministries,
securing more than $20 million in planned and current gifts. As vice president for advancement at Gustavus Adolphus College (2000-2007), she led the college’s successful $100 million Building a Greater Gustavus campaign.
Now, in the role of independent contractor and consultant, Brenda’s recent gift planning clients include Augsburg College, Avinity Senior Living, Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp, and Lutheran World Relief.
She is a past president of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives (ALDE) and is a recipient of its Virgil Anderson Award for lifetime achievement and service. She holds the Certified Fund Raising
Executive (CFRE) professional practice credential, and her masters degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School is in Public and NonProfit Management.
Sheryl Morrison, J.D., Attorney; Gray Plant Mooty
For more than 25 years, Sheryl Morrison has focused her practice in the areas of estate and wealth planning, transfer tax strategies, business succession planning, estate and trust administration, creation and administration
of charitable trusts and nonprofit organizations, and guardianships and conservatorships. She helps clients accomplish their objectives for management, protection, and preservation of their wealth through strategies
which minimize taxes and promote effective ongoing family management of assets, including wills, revocable trusts, testamentary and inter vivos irrevocable trusts, generation-skipping trusts, charitable trusts, and
other charitable gift entities, gifts and sales to grantor trusts, GRATs and QPRTs, family partnerships, and other business entities. Her experience enables her to advise clients about the many issues affecting the
administration and operation of their trusts, estates, partnerships, and other business entities, including the unique business succession planning issues and strategies for business owners. Sheryl’s practice also focuses
on philanthropy planning through creating, qualification, and operation and administration of nonprofit and tax-exempt entities, as well as counseling higher education institutions and health care organizations about
their charitable gift acquisition programs and administration practices.
Peter Nelson, Director of Public Policy; Center of the American Experiment
Peter J. Nelson is the Director of Public Policy for Center of the American Experiment, a Minneapolis-based public policy and educational institution that brings conservative and free market ideas to bear on the hardest
problems facing Minnesota and the nation. The Center’s mission is the build a culture of prosperity. As the Director of Public Policy, Peter provides strategic direction and coordinates the development and promotion
of American Experiment’s public policy research. His current research and writing focus on health care, energy, and state tax and budget issues. He regularly consults with state and national policy makers on these issues
and contributes commentaries to the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, and other local newspapers across Minnesota. He is a frequent guest at area chambers and business groups-- and on radio and television, explaining the
impact of state policy to Minnesotans. Peter received his B.A. in economics from Wheaton College and a law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School where he was a member of the Minnesota Law Review.
Scott Nelson, Director Gift Planning; Benedictine Health System
For 30 years Scott has worked with donors to help them make personally significant gifts to achieve their charitable goals. As Director, Planned Giving for Benedictine Health Systems Scott works with BHS 31associated foundations
in greater Minnesota to coach administrators and directors of development to manage campaigns that secure major and planned gifts from individuals.
Joanne Pipkin, MAS, Principal - Senior Relationship Manager; State Street Global Advisors
Joanne is a Principal of State Street Global Advisors and is a Senior Relationship Manager and Team Leader in SSgA's Charitable Asset Management Group, responsible for the relationship management of planned giving programs.
Prior to joining State Street, Joanne worked at Mercantile-Safe Deposit & Trust Company in Baltimore, Maryland, Bank of Boston and Fleet Bank in Boston, Massachusetts as a portfolio manager and closely-held securities
analyst. Joanne earned an MAS-Finance degree from Johns Hopkins University and a BA from Goucher College. Joanne served as past President of the Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association, Boston Chapter and past President
of the Boston Chapter of Financial Women International. She has been an instructor for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Massachusetts Chapter and presenter at regional planned giving conferences. Joanne
is also an active member of the Georgia Planned Giving Council, and is currently on the Planned Giving Committee for the MA Arthritis Foundation. For the past few years, Joanne has been a judge at the Johns Hopkins
University Business Plan Competition.
Frank Robertson, Former Senior Director of Planned Giving; University of Minnesota Foundation
Frank Robertson served as a planned giving professional at the University of Minnesota Foundation for more than 17 years and led the Foundation's planned giving program for 10 years until his retirement in January of 2015.
Prior to joining the Foundation in 1997, he served five years as director of alumni relations and development officer in the University's Institute of Technology (now the College of Science and Engineering). Before
entering the development profession, Frank served 25 years on active duty as a U.S. Army officer retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a master's
degree in history from the University of Iowa.
Terry Trogdon, J.D., Attorney; Gerlach Beaumier & Trogdon, Attorneys at Law
Terry A. Trogdon is a partner and attorney with Gerlach Beaumier & Trogdon, LLP, Duluth, MN. She practices primarily in the areas of estate planning, probate, guardianships, mediation and participating in the management
of the firm. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Trogdon was a family law attorney in Superior, Wisconsin specializing in domestic abuse. Ms. Trogdon received her Bachelor of Arts Degree, Cum Laude from the University of
Minnesota at Duluth and her law degree, with distinction, from the University of North Dakota School of Law.
Ms. Trogdon is licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin and is a mediator and Better Business Bureau Arbitrator. She had been a trainer of law enforcement in domestic abuse law and has taught at University of Minnesota-Duluth
and at University of Wisconsin – Superior in several areas including philosophy, elder law, mediation, and business law.. She also serves as a guardian ad litem and volunteer. Her community/volunteer activities include:
past president and former member of the Duluth City Charter Commission, member of Douglas County self-represented litigant project and as a UWS mock trial judge. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Judicare,
Inc, the advisory board of Minnesota Lawyers, and is the vice chair of the governing advisory board of the Duluth Salvation Army. She has been a speaker at continuing education seminars in both Minnesota and Wisconsin
on a variety of topics.
Grant Wacker, CIMC, CTFA, Senior Vice President, Senior Fiduciary Advisory Specialist; Wells Fargo Private Bank, St. Paul
Grant coordinates fiduciary investment management and other financial services for tax exempt organizations, and provides integrated estate and financial planning services for affluent individuals including philanthropic
planning and foundation support. Grant has twice served as a nonprofit board chair, and has ten years of experience on nonprofit boards. He is a graduate of the inaugural class of the Leaders Impacting the Nonprofit
Community program sponsored by the Hennepin County Bar Association.
Thomas Wesely, CPA, Managing Partner; Wesely & Wesely, CPAs
Tom graduated from the University of St. Thomas in 1979 and then worked for 15 years as tax manager with a regional accounting firm, including extensive work with charitable trusts for the firm's large nonprofit client
base. Since starting his own firm with his wife Gloria in 1994, Tom has been very involved in the planned giving community and has expanded his specialty in that area. During the past 20 years, Tom has presented over
40 tax and charitable planning seminars for many organizations, including planned giving conferences, continuing education for the legal, financial planning and insurance professions, and charitable organizations. He
has also been an instructor in MPGC's two-day course on planned giving, and the charitable estate planning course at William Mitchell College of Law. Tom volunteered as Director of Planned Giving for Westwood Lutheran
Church Foundation in St. Louis Park, MN from 1993 to 2003 and has served on planned giving advisory boards for several charities, currently for Catholic Charities and Children's Hospitals. He was a director of the Minnesota
Planned Giving Council and served on its education committee for many years after chairing the committee from 1998 to 2003. He also served on the planning committee for PPP's National Conference on Philanthropic Planning
in 2009 and 2011.
Randi Yoder, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer; Minnesota Public Radio
Yoder is the senior vice president and chief development officer for Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media and oversees all major individual, planned and institutional giving.
Prior to joining the organization in March 2011, Yoder was senior vice president of Donor Relations for the Greater Twin Cities United Way. Yoder also served as president of Yoder Henley Development Resources, vice president
of Institutional Advancement at St. Catherine University, and associate dean for External Affairs at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.
In recognition of her work, Yoder received the of the 2011 Outstanding Professional Fundraiser award from the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the 1995 Woman of Distinction award, sponsored
by Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business Journal.
She received a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Michigan University and an MBA in international marketing and management from the American Graduate School of International Management.
Yoder serves on the advisory boards of the WomenVenture and Minneapolis Junior League; and the boards of trustees of EARTH University in Costa Rica and EARTH University Foundation.
Agenda
Tuesday, November 17
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Registration
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Brisk Walk Through the Basics A Brisk Walk Through the Basics of Planned Giving is an enriching, one-day seminar that leads participants through the nuts and bolts of planned gift instruments. Please
note: Brisk Walk is a pre-conference event and there is an additional registration fee.
Wednesday, November 18
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Registration, Continental Breakfast, and Exhibitors
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Opening Plenary - Empty Mansions
Bill Dedman, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and co-author of the No. 1 bestselling book "Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune," gives a photo and
video tour of the world of copper mining heiress Huguette Clark, a shy artist who lived in a hospital for 7,364 nights while her fabulous mansions sat unused. His book is a story of wealth and loss, featuring an enigmatic
daughter who held tickets on the Titanic and was still living in New York City on 9/11. Bill leads a discussion of the estate planning blunders that led to a challenge by her disinherited relatives, seeking all of her fortune
worth at least $300 million. What lessons can we learn from this story of American aspiration, excess, and generosity?
Bill Dedman, Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist and co-author; senior staff writer for Newsday, the Long Island newspaper
10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Break with Exhibitors
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Breakouts A
A1. Stump the Experts Sheryl Morrison, J.D., Attorney; Gray Plant Mooty
Bob Harding, J.D., Principal Attorney; Gray Plant Mooty
For the past decade, Sheryl Morrison and Bob Harding have shared with Conference attendees their experiences with the trials, tribulations and tax laws associated with charitable gift planning. This year they are inviting attendees
to shape their presentation. During this highly interactive session, Sheryl and Bob will address questions from the audience. Participants have the opportunity to pose their own perplexing charitable gift planning questions
to the speakers. The most interesting and difficult questions will be selected in an effort to try to stump our experts. Often, the most interesting questions are posed to the speakers after a session has ended. This time,
attendees have a wonderful opportunity to hear answers to their questions that are shared with the entire audience and may generate follow-up questions. Please be sure to provide your expert-stumping charitable gift planning
questions during registration.
A2. Fraud in Non-profit Organizations: What You Need to Know NOW Adam Hennen, CPA, CFE, CITP, Audit Manager; Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd.
In today's world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to successfully develop and maintain a trusting connection between donors and non-profit organizations. Years of work can go into building relationships and developing
good programming in order to assure your donors that their dollars will get put to good use. Yet all of that hard work can come crashing down as a result of just one instance of fraudulent deceit. In this session, explore
the various types of fraud that can impact non-profit organizations as we review recent fraud cases that have sent some organizations down the road of hardship. Discover low-cost preventative measures you can implement
in your organization to help protect you from becoming the next victim.
A3. When is a Gift Not a Gift? Terry Trogdon, J.D., Attorney; Gerlach Beaumier & Trogdon, Attorneys at Law
Not all gifts are desirable or what they appear to be. A collection of unusual testamentary gifts (some with strings attached) of famous and not so famous decedents.
A4. Minimizing Financial Risk in Your CGA Program Lindsay Lapole, President & Chairman of the Board of Directors, American Council on Gift Anuities; Sr. Consultant, Lindsay Lapole & Associates, LLC
This presentation will attempt to clarify the misunderstandings and misconceptions surrounding the “financial risk” of managing a charitable gift annuity program. Consideration will be given to the risk that actually exists
and how that risk can be mitigated through wise internal processes on the part of the charity. Following that discussion an effort will be made to demystify several of the claims made in the promotion of one or more of
these approaches through a definition of terminology and clarification of the regulatory, charitable tax implications and donor relationship issues.
Recommendations of the American Council on Gift Annuities regarding situations where one or more of these alternatives may be useful will give charities and their advisors a well-rounded summation of this rather confusing situation.
These recommendations and the presentation will give charitable leadership solid information upon which to make informed decisions when the need arises.
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Break with Exhibitors
12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Annual Meeting
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch Plenary - Perspectives in Philanthropy
MN Supreme Court Justice Alan Page
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Break with Exhibitors
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Breakouts B
B1. 5 Ways to Use CRTs and Donor-Advised Funds with Small Business Owners Gregory Baker, J.D., ChFC, CFP, CAP, Executive Vice President; Renaissance Administration, LLC
Small businesses represent nearly one-third of the value of affluent decedents’ estates. Every gift planning shop needs to understand how to apply and discuss CRT, DAF and Endowment Fund planning for small business owners.
This advanced session will use a Case Study approach to describe several CRT and Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) options available to any gift planner that benefit the small business owner by providing one or more of the following:
increasing lifetime cash flow, transferring business control to the new owners (including the next generation), and increasing charitable gifts.
B2. How Can Generosity Improve Family Business Transitions and Generate Personal Happiness Catherine Day, MA, CEO and Founder; Storyslices LLC
Brenda Moore, Owner; Brenda Moore and Assoc.
Scott Lloyd Anderson, Shareholder; Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, P.A.
Kenneth Chaim Fink, President and CEO; Tamar Fink, Inc. and Family Wealth Counselors, LLC
Family businesses hold most of the wealth in America, and yet 87% of them have no formal succession plans. There's a tsunami of unplanned wealth transfer looming on our horizon and a lost opportunity to generate philanthropy.
We need to understand: what gets in the way of successful business transitions and greater personal satisfaction? Often owners and their advisors ignore the why of a transition. Then the process stalls leading to frustration,
unplanned transfers, lost valuation and money left on the table. Resources that could be used for greater good--especially for philanthropy. It's not just the owners who need education. So do their advisors. Could a systematic
exploration of key legacy questions lead to improved business succession planning, increased company valuation and expanded personal happiness? Host Catherine Reid Day will facilitate a panel of expert advisors through
a conversation about ways to work with owners of privately held companies and farms and surface their succession goals on the way to generating greater generosity. We'll explore ways to uncover the "why" questions underlying
all transitions. We'll hear from leading advisors from different disciples (a lawyer, a wealth management advisor and an advancement professional), each of whom have leveraged philanthropy as a tool for business succession.
Bring your questions to add to the discussion.
B3. Prospect Tracking and Activity "Points" Marc Littlecott, CAP(R), CGPP, Director of Gift Planning; South Dakota State University Foundation
Presentation is based upon two articles Marc authored in Planned Giving Today Magazine, a trade journal for the gift planning community. The first part of the presentation is based upon Marc's December 2011 article Daily Calls and Daily Points.
This will be a short presentation designed to help gift planners set realistic activity goals on both a daily and weekly basis emphasizing quality over quantity. The second, and longer part of Marc's presentation
is based upon his article in the October 2013 issue titled Seven Stages to Gauge Your Progress. Borrowing from the financial services industry, these seven stages help gift planners (and supervisors) to effectively
gauge where a prospective donor is in the gift planning journey. By identifying the correct stage with a prospective donor, the gift planner is less apt to get stuck or even worse, hurry the gift planning process. Disciplining
(as best as one can) a conversation to its proper stage can prevent buyer's remorse, a smaller planned gift, or perhaps no gift at all. As he has done at his own employer, Marc will share how these seven stages
can easily fit into a development shop's overall tracking system without confusing colleagues who are not on the charity's gift planning staff.
B4. Planned Giving is a Team Sport! Building Internal Relationships to Enhance Your Program's Effectiveness Frank Robertson, Former Senior Director of Planned Giving; University of Minnesota Foundation
An important focus of any planned giving program is building and maintaining relationships with donors, prospects and their advisors. However, without the active support and cooperation of organizational leadership and internal
partners, a planned giving program can never reach its full potential. This presentation will discuss ideas and techniques that can be used to enhance the effectiveness of any program through formal and informal education
and positive relationship building with organizational leadership and other key internal partners. Specific attention will be devoted to the areas of marketing and communications, finance and accounting, gift administration,
and donor stewardship/events.
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Break with Exhibitors
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Afternoon Plenary - The Changing Face of American Philanthropy: Winners and Losers in the Decade Ahead
Bruce Flessner, Principal; Bentz Whaley Flessner Management Consulting
In the years following the Great Recession, giving has risen to new highs. In this session, Bruce Flessner will look at the changing profile of donors and where they give are shifting. He will review how geography, organizational
mission, aging baby boomers, disruptive technologies and globalization will shift planned giving work and results for the next decade.
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Cocktail Reception at RiverCentre
Thursday, November 19
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast, Networking and Exhibitors
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Morning Plenary - Women’s Philanthropy– Refocus, Reframe, & Recharge for Increased Results Martha Taylor, Vice President of the University of Wisconsin Foundation; UW Madison
Kathleen Loehr, Principal; Kathleen Loehr and Associates
Women are earning, investing and inheriting significantly more money today, yet non-profits and universities are not leveraging the considerable resources that women bring to philanthropy. A systemic approach that integrates
women in all facets of the organization’s engagement strategy will raise more money as well as improve decision-making, enrich leadership, grow long-term donors, and transform the fundraising culture. Given that women lead
or influence 90% of family philanthropic decisions, it is an economic imperative to refocus, reframe and recharge our work with women.
9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Break with Exhibitors
9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Breakouts C
C1. Women’s Philanthropy: A Practical and Holistic Approach Martha Taylor, Vice President of the University of Wisconsin Foundation; UW Madison Kathleen Loehr, Principal; Kathleen Loehr and Associates
Gift planning professionals understand best the potential of women’s philanthropy – intentional planning is how women approach philanthropy! Learn women’s preferences for communication, engagement, solicitation and stewardship
plus practical fundraising approaches to incorporate into your work.
C2. CRTs: They're Back But Are They Worth It? Robert Dietz, CFA, VP - Associate Director of Wealth Planning; Bernstein Global Wealth Management
This presentation will share Bernstein's latest research into the economics and optimal use of charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) for both donors and their charitable beneficiaries today. Specific topics covered in this presentation
include: How CRTs work and the basic income tax rules governing them, How CRTs can fit into a donor's overall financial plan and how to analyze the impact, Why CRTs can be so compelling today from a financial and
estate-planning standpoint, The impact of the payout rate on the donor's personal wealth and their charitable objectives, How the tax basis of assets contributed to a CRT impact a donor's personal benefit, CRUTs as beneficiaries
of individual retirement accounts (IRAs), Investment management of CRTs The presentation includes several case studies quantifying these key concepts, and much more.
C3. Beyond Basic Demographics, Attitudes and Behaviors Related to the Dimensions of Healthy Aging Josh Hanson, Marketing Consultant; The Stelter Company
This presentation will provide a multidimensional view from a new U.S. study on elements of healthy aging and how market adjacencies may impact the how, when and why of charitable giving. We will not only examine charitable
giving as a whole, but also examine the significance of these findings on charitable gift planning.
C4. Building Power Planned Giving Cultivation Strategies - 7 Habits Mark Marshall, MBA, Practice Leader; Bentz Whaley Flessner
Great gift officers work with donors to "create" gifts through powerful cultivation strategies. This session will look at how you can partner with your prospects and donors to make planned giving an important part of their
giving efforts. This process helps you build individual prospect strategies that enable them to advance the giving relationship. This session will look at the 7 habits of great cultivation.
10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Break with Exhibitors
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Breakouts D
D1. Minnesotans on the Move to Friendlier Tax Climates Kimberly Crockett, Attorney, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President; Center of the American Experiment
Peter Nelson, Director of Public Policy; Center of the American Experiment
This presentation will familiarize the class with current tax policies (with a focus on the estate tax) that affect decisions on where to live and where to give– and our research and policy recommendations aimed at retaining
Minnesotans in our great state.
D2. Blueprint for Bequest Success: What Strategies Bring Real Results? Sandra Henningsen, CGPA, Assistant Vice President; Crescendo Interactive, Inc. Tom Glass, Director of Planned Giving; University of St. Thomas
Do you want to see whether your bequest marketing measures up? Learn how to launch an effective bequest campaign using your website, print, e-mail and social media to reach your donors and motivate these transforming gifts.
Case study strategies and successes shared.
D3. Risky Business - Is it All in the Numbers? Joanne Pipkin, MAS, Principal - Senior Relationship Manager; State Street Global Advisors
Gift annuity funds can account for a majority of assets in an organization's deferred income program. This presentation presents an in-depth analysis of the various risk components when reviewing the overall position of your
organization's gift annuity fund.
D4. Charitable Planning: New Twists on Old Favorites Thomas Wesely, CPA, Managing Partner; Wesely & Wesely, CPAs
Most of us are familiar with the common ways to use CRTs, CGAs and IRAs in charitable planning. For many donors who chose these vehicles, life has changed and their needs and objectives are different today. Since these arrangements
are often irrevocable, do they have any options? How is public information on individual CRTs leading to direct mail and creative ideas from prospective vendors? What circumstances may motivate CGA beneficiaries to end
their annuity payments. How can life insurance multiply the amount a donor may be willing to direct to charity from retirement plan assets? This session will explore some of these new strategies along with related tax issues.
12:00 p.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Break with Exhibitors
12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Schroeder Service Award
Lunch Plenary– Jay Frost, Senior Partner of Jerold Panas, Linzy & Partners | bio
Stand Out! Is your daily work bringing you closer to your big hairy audacious goal? Do you need a big dream reboot? In the battle for our most precious resource and nonrenewable resource — time — knowing what
we want may be our most important consideration. Jay Frost leads an exploration to rediscover our biggest dreams, confront our darkest fears and push beyond the daily obstacles and temporary economic setbacks to shine at
the office and beyond!
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Break with Exhibitors
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Breakouts E
E1. Twenty Questions! Jay Frost, Senior Partner of Jerold Panas, Linzy & Partners
If you could ask any questions of your donors, what would they be? What do you really want and need to know? Some questions bring us deeper, more revealing, and more pertinent answers. There are some questions that are designed
to provide the most revealing and powerful answers. Our inquiries are be even better when informed by solid research. In this fun opening session, we will compare notes on the top twenty questions that will take you from
guessing to knowing about your donor and within inches of asking for transformational support.
E2. Fine-Tune the Approach, Strategy, and Implementation of Charitable Giving to Maximize Donor Potential Chad Halbur, CFA, CTFA, AAMS, President and Shareholder; Cornerstone Private Asset Trust Company, LLC
Jessica Johnson, Estate Planning Attorney; Gray Plant Mooty
Many variables can impact the success or failure of a planned gift. Jessica Johnson, Estate Planning Attorney from Gray Plant Mooty, and Chad Halbur, President of Cornerstone Private Asset Company will apply their experience
working with high-net-worth donors to help attendees focus on three important aspects of the giving process. They will talk about: factors to consider when approaching the gift proposal, how to identify the best gift strategy
for a particular donor, and the aspects of successful gift implementation. They will also discuss case studies to illustrate techniques.
E3. Gifts Involving LLCs Mark Ladendorf, CFRE, Senior Relationship Manager; Kaspick & Company Bill Knox, Director, Planned Gift Technical Consulting, Kaspick & Company
Sometimes a prospective donor describes a potential gift asset that, upon further investigation, you learn is held in a business entity such as a partnership or a limited liability company (LLC). Navigating the additional issues
involved in the planning, funding, and administration of a gift funded with an asset held in a business interest can be challenging. This session will delve into the myriad of issues involved with structuring such gifts,
using case study examples and shared experiences from participants.
E4. Leave a Legacy Minnesota Grant Wacker, CIMC, CTFA, Senior Vice President, Senior Fiduciary Advisory Specialist; Wells Fargo Private Bank, St. Paul
Scott Nelson, Director Gift Planning; Benedictine Health System
We'll share concepts and ways to begin and enhance efforts for successful planned giving. Also, we'll be learning about Minnesota Leave A Legacy's ways of increasing awareness on leaving planned gifts for organizations.
3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Break with Exhibitors
3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Closing Plenary - Donor Panel: Moderator: Randi Yoder, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer; Minnesota Public Radio
Donors who have established a planned gift and professional advisors who work with donors on their planned gifts will share with us their experiences in the journey of estate planning. We will explore how donors’ estate plans
evolve over time and how changes in their lives influence their decision making. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of estate planning with philanthropy in mind and how stewardship of planned gifts is an essential
component to assisting a donor fulfill their philanthropic intentions and leave a lasting legacy.
4:15 p.m.
Adjourn
Conference Commitee
Conference Co-Chairs
Chuck Semrow, University of Minnesota Foundation (Chair)
Chuck serves as a senior development officer at the University of Minnesota Foundation, where he works closely with volunteer leaders and faculty to communicate the Medical School's organizational vision and mission to grateful
patients, alumni, and other external audiences. He has fourteen years of experience in higher education and medical philanthropy.
The most gratifying aspect of his job is helping donors make a difference with their money, time, and talents in a way that is most meaningful to them and their families. He contributes to the profession of fundraising by volunteering
with the Minnesota Planned Giving Council and mentoring newcomers to the profession. He is a member of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy and serves as vice president
of the Minneapolis Ambassadors Lions Club. In 2010 he was named to the President's Emerging Leaders Program at the University of Minnesota.
Chuck graduated magna cum laude from the University of Connecticut and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, Epsilon Chapter (1993). In October, he and his wife welcomed their first child to the family.
They are active members at Redeemer Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake, Minn.
Dawn M. Fish, Dunwoody College of Technology (Co-Chair)
Dawn Fish is director of development for Dunwoody College of Technology, a 100-year-old private, non-profit technical college. Her career spans more than 25 years in institutional advancement, major gift fundraising and consulting
within the higher education and health care sectors. She has held previous positions at Abbott Northwestern Hospital Foundation, the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, the Minnesota Medical Foundation,
Scholarship America and a private family foundation.
She has served on the boards of the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, JDRF, Housing Link, and currently serves on the Citizens League Board of Directors, in addition to serving as MNPG 2015
conference co-chair. She and her husband live in St. Louis Park, where she has served as a community block captain for 10 years.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Metropolitan State University, a master’s degree in organizational leadership from St. Catherine’s University, a master’s degree in legal studies from Kaplan University,
and completed a Policy Fellowship at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She also holds the CFRE credential.
Conference Committee Members
Alex Bakkum, Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services
Linda Carlson, Hamline University
Leah Dixon, Ordway
Robert Heuermann, Catholic United Financial Foundation
Martha Kunau, American Public Media
Sheryl Morrison, Gray Plant Mooty
Lynn L. Praska, University of Minnesota Foundation
Christine Pulkrabek, Regions Hospital Foundation
Frank Robertson
Michael Russell, Minnesota Philanthropy Partners
Bethel Ruest, Mayo Clinic
Marie Ruzek, Greater Twin Cities United Way
Nick Scheibel, The Minneapolis Foundation
Jane P. Townsend, J.D., University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development
38th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Speakers
Featured Keynotes
Keith Ferrazzi, Best-Selling Author of Never Eat Alone and Who's Got Your Back
As founder and CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight, Keith Ferrazzi transforms behaviors that block global organizations from reaching strategic goals into new habits that increase shareholder value. The firm’s Greenlight
Research Institute has proven the correlation between practices that improve relationships and business success, particularly in sales performance and team effectiveness in an increasingly virtual world.
Greenlight’s behavior engineering methodology for diagnosing and instilling the highest ROI behavior change is based on a decade of field engagements with iconic global organizations. Keith is the author
of the bestsellers Who’s Got Your Back and Never Eat Alone. Ferrazzi has been published in The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Inc., and Fast Company. He was the
youngest person to make partner and hold the position of Chief Marketing Officer at Deloitte Consulting, where he raised Deloitte’s brand recognition from lowest to a primary position, spurring the highest
growth rate in the industry.
Pamela Jones Davidson, J.D., President of DAVIDSON GIFT DESIGN and perennial favorite with MPGC attendees
Pamela Jones Davison, Consultant and Charitable Gift Planner. Pamela Davidson, is a 1979 magna cum laude graduate of the Indiana University School of Law. She is a talented charitable gift planner and nationally
recognized dynamic public speaker with more than 16 years experience in the planned giving field. From 1984 through 1996, she served at the Indiana University Foundation, leaving as its Executive Director,
Planned Giving and Associate Counsel. She and the planned giving staff there annually closed on more than $10 million in new planned gift commitments. Previously, she was an examiner in the Gift and Estate
Tax Division of the IRS and in the private practice of law in Indianapolis. She is a past president and board member of the Planned Giving Group of Indiana and past treasurer and board member of the Indiana
Chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives. She served on the Board of Directors of the National Committee on Planned Giving for six years beginning in 1994, and was Chair of its Education
Committee in 1995 and Secretary in 1996. She was the 1998 President-Elect of NCPG, served as its President in 1999 and, as a former president now serves on its ethics committee. She is a member of the Indiana
State Bar Association, and a former Leadership Bloomington participant. She is actively involved in her community, and currently serves on the board of her community's women's shelter.
Chris Farrell, Senior Economics Contributor at Marketplace
Chris Farrell is senior economics contributor at Marketplace, American Public Media’s nationally syndicated public radio business and personal finance programs. He is also economics commentator for Minnesota
Public Radio. An award winning journalist, Chris is a columnist for Bloomberg BusinessWeek, the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Next Avenue. He has written for a number of other media outlets. The author
of several books, his latest is Unretirement: How Baby Boomers are Changing the Way We Think About Work, Community and the Good Life.
Bob Harding, J.D., Gray Plant Mooty
Bob is a principal at Gray Plant Mooty and practices in the area of charitable gift planning. He represents colleges, universities, churches, health care organizations, social service agencies, arts organizations,
and other nonprofit entities in developing and implementing gift plans for their donors. Bob chairs the firm’s Charitable Gift Planning team. He is a regular speaker at regional, national, and international
conferences on planned giving.
Gregory S. Jordan, CFA, Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services
Gregory Jordan is a Senior Vice President and National Philanthropic Investment Officer. He is the thought leader for philanthropic investment management across Wells Fargo and partners with the investment thought
leadership and fiduciary leaders in the development of investment strategies and solutions for charitable and nonprofit clients. Mr. Jordan has more than 22 years of experience in the financial services
industry with an emphasis on investment and portfolio management for institutions and high-net-worth clients. Previously, he served as a Regional Investment Manager for The Private Bank in Chicago, IL and
Jacksonville, FL. Mr. Jordan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Wayne State University. He is a Chartered
Financial Analyst (CFA) and a member of the CFA Institute and the Investment Analyst Society of Chicago. Mr. Jordan works closely with regional wealth partners and their philanthropic clients and prospects
to communicate and foster Wells Fargo's philanthropic investment philosophy and approach.
Sheryl Morrison, Gray Plant Mooty
For more than 25 years, Sheryl Morrison has focused her practice in the areas of estate and wealth planning, transfer tax strategies, business succession planning, estate and trust administration, creation and
administration of charitable trusts and nonprofit organizations, and guardianships and conservatorships. She helps clients accomplish their objectives for management, protection, and preservation of their
wealth through strategies which minimize taxes and promote effective ongoing family management of assets, including wills, revocable trusts, testamentary and inter vivos irrevocable trusts, generation-skipping
trusts, charitable trusts, and other charitable gift entities, gifts and sales to grantor trusts, GRATs and QPRTs, family partnerships, and other business entities. Her experience enables her to advise clients
about the many issues affecting the administration and operation of their trusts, estates, partnerships, and other business entities, including the unique business succession planning issues and strategies
for business owners. Sheryl’s practice also focuses on philanthropy planning through creating, qualification, and operation and administration of nonprofit and tax-exempt entities, as well as counseling
higher education institutions and health care organizations about their charitable gift acquisition programs and administration practices.
Gregory W. Baker, J.D., ChFC®, CFP®, CAP, is Executive Vice President of Renaissance, the nation’s leading third-party administrator of charitable gifts. Mr. Baker is a past President of the Planned Giving Group
of Indiana. For the past 25 years, he has provided trust, tax and philanthropic financial planning advice to over 4,000 attorneys and 8,000 development officers and financial planners in all 50 states regarding
more than 18,000 charitable remainder trusts, more than 800 charitable lead trusts, and numerous foundations, charitable gift annuities and donor-advised funds. Mr. Baker has helped donors to contribute
over $6 billion to charitable gift plans.
Rick started the firm in 1997 after more than a decade with a local CPA firm. His credentials include being a CPA, Accredited in Business Valuations (ABV), a Certified Business Appraiser (CBA), a Certified Valuation
Analyst (CVA), Accredited in Business Appraisal Review (ABAR), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). He has been involved in hundreds of business valuations
involving companies with revenues from $100,000 to over $600,000,000. Rick is a frequent speaker locally and nationally on business valuation and divorce related topics. He has developed courses for the
Minnesota State Bar Association, Hennepin County Bar Association, the Institute of Business Appraisers, the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accounts, the National Association of Certified Valuation
Analysts and the College for Financial Planning. He has acted as a court-appointed neutral expert and has provided expert witness testimony on more than 100 occasions.
Joshua Birkholz, Bentz Whaley Flessner
Joshua is a principal at Bentz Whaley Flessner, where he oversees specialty consulting services. His team includes experts in development operations, prospect development, social media, constituent engagement,
and analytics. Josh is founder of the BWF analytics division, DonorCast. He has streamlined fundraising infrastructure and ushered organizational change for leading non-profits in higher education, healthcare,
the arts, and human services throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim. He is widely regarded as a leading innovator in 21st-century development strategies, and, he is the author of the
sought-after book, Fundraising Analytics.
Mauria Brough, Advancement Resources
Mauria is vice president of design at Advancement Resources. She has delivered hundreds of workshops for development professionals, academic and healthcare institutions, and other non-profit organizations. In
addition, she leads the team that has designed Advancement Resources' curriculum of more than 80 highly impactful philanthropy workshops. Among the institutions Mauria is privileged to serve are University
of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Boston, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Penn State University, Oregon State University, and the Smithsonian Institution. Mauria and her husband, Bryon Winn, reside in
North Liberty, IA. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Weber State University.
Susan Cornell Wilke, Global Horizons for Women
Susan Cornell Wilkes is co-founder and President of Global Horizons for Women, which provides retiring/retired professional women with opportunities to use their time, expertise and assets supporting
economic opportunity for women in developing countries. Susan advises family foundation on effective international grantmaking as well as leading Global Horizons for Women into the future. Educated at Harvard,
Susan was a co-founder of internationally acclaimed Up With People Inc. Working with the Clintons, Susan founded the Arkansas International Center. She then led the San Francisco Education Fund and subsequently spent two years collaborating with Rockefeller family members in an innovative effort to stimulate the creation of social venture capital funds in Africa and Latin America. Susan is co-author
of The Miracles of Barefoot Capitalism, the story of microfinance on three continents. Susan is past Vice-President of Women Thrive Worldwide, has served on the Board of Microcredit Enterprises and is currently on the Boards of Freedom from Hunger, Compatible Technology International and the Harvard Alumni Club. Susan is a 2013-2014 featured professional of the
National Association of Professional Women and Continental Who’s Who. Susan has been happily married for twelve years to her husband, Jim Klobuchar, and they have five children: Sam, Thomas
and Katharine Wilkes, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Meagan McGlade. Find out more about Global Horizons for Women and Susan’s work at: www.globalhorizonsforwomen.org.
Patrick Costello, Costello, Carlson & Butzon, LLP
Patrick K. Costello is a partner in the law firm of Costello, Carlson & Butzon, LLP. He is a graduate of Hamline University and Creighton University School of Law. His law practice involves large and complex
estates, agricultural law, real estate, probate and trust, estate and gift tax, business and charitable entities, estate planning, and commercial transactions. Costello is a member of the American College
of Trust and Estate Counsel, the American Bar Association, and the Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska State Bar Associations. He is a director of the Minnesota State Bar Foundation. Costello is the president of
the American Agricultural Law Association.
Charles M. Denny
Charles M. Denny was raised in Minnesota, attended Stanford University, and spent his career working for Honeywell and ADC Telecommunications, from which he retired in 1991 as Chairman and CEO. He has been engaged
as a civic volunteer in a variety of local organizations, including, Chair of the Board of Trustees, College of Catherine, Chair and founder, Minnesota High Technology Council, among numerous other non-profit
and for-profit boards. He recently chaired the Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group charged by the Minnesota Legislature to make recommendations for policies and programs that would prepare Minnesota for the
future. The resulting report and implementation via the ACT on Alzheimer’s collaboration, are garnering national attention as a model to follow. Currently, Mr. Denny is a member of the Humphrey Institute
of Public Affairs Advisory Committee and the Wallin Educations Partners.
Claudine Donikian, J.D., MBA, Pentera, Inc.
Claudine A. Donikian, JD, MBA, is the president, chief executive officer, and chief marketing officer of Pentera, Inc., and is regarded as one of the foremost experts in planned giving marketing. She is a frequent
speaker on the national planned giving and AFP circuits and writes and conducts training modules for Pentera training seminars. As Pentera's Chief Marketing Officer, she is the editor-in-chief for Pentera's
corporate marketing content and client marketing content — and she personally consults with a select group of Pentera's clients on their marketing strategy and execution. Claudine's professional area of
interest is women in philanthropy, and she serves as a member of the Advisory Council for the prestigious Women's Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University School of Philanthropy. Claudine oversees
all aspects of Pentera's business and marketing strategies, as well as new product development, with an emphasis on digital marketing, and she recently served on the Direct Marketing Association's Digital
Innovation Committee.
Prior to becoming Pentera's president and CEO, Claudine directed Pentera's integrated marketing department, which includes both the interactive Web and print departments. Under her leadership, the interactive
department and client base tripled in size in two years. Claudine graduated with highest distinction from Indiana University, received an MA in French from New York University, and holds a JD and an MBA
from Boston College. She serves on the board of directors of the Planned Philanthropy Group of Greater New York in Manhattan (PPGGNY), the Massachusetts Children's Trust Fund (child abuse prevention agency),
and the Brookview House (provides housing for homeless women and children). She is an active member of PPP, PGGNE, and PPGGNY. Fluent in French, Claudine has also taught French for colleges, corporations,
and adult education centers, where she was regarded as one of the top motivational teachers.
Nathan Dungan, Share Save Spend
Nathan Dungan is the founder and president of Share Save Spend®. For over 20 years, Nathan has been an industry thought-leader, on helping individuals and families align their values with their money decisions.
Nathan speaks and consults with families and organizations on the topic of money and the effects of our consumer culture on money habits. Money Sanity U® is Nathan’s newest resource for organizations. This
subscription-based virtual learning library is designed to improve individuals' and families' financial well-being by addressing a variety of money topics in a simple and interactive format.
Nathan is also the author of three books and numerous resources including Prodigal Sons and Material Girls: How Not to Be Your Child’s ATM, Money Sanity Solutions: Linking Money + Meaning and a
textbook for high school students — PersonalFinance: A Lifetime Responsibility. A study utilizing Nathan’s tools showed that teaching youth about money can decrease their materialism and increase
their self-esteem. The study, published in the journal Motivation and Emotion, is the first experimental evidence to demonstrate that decreasing focus on materialistic goals can cause long-lasting
improvements in the well-being of youth.
Nathan has been widely quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Business Week, and TIME magazine, and has been a featured guest on CBS, CNN, PBS and public radio’s
Marketplace Money and On Being with Krista Tippett. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood and Youth Frontiers. Nathan also has served as the Chair of the Board
of Trustees of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Foundation and as the Board Chair of YouthCARE. Prior to founding Share Save Spend, he was a top-performing financial advisor and vice president of marketing
for a Fortune 500 financial services company.
Susan Dunlop, Luther Seminary
Susan has an M.B.A. with a Strategic Planning focus from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. She has extensive experience working with donors
to cultivate and develop strategic gift plans and solicit planned and major gifts. She collaborates with organizational leaders and donors to raise significant philanthropic support. She manages the gift
planning effort for Luther Seminary. Previously, as Director of Development of the American Brain Foundation, a national medical foundation, she worked to raise funds to cure Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Multiple
Sclerosis and other brain diseases. At the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN, she managed the gift planning effort. And prior to that, she was part of a seven person major planned giving team at the
Minnesota Medical Foundation, University of Minnesota, for 20 years. She has worked with over 26 donors who have made personal commitments in excess of $1 million each and managed an average of 300 prospect
visits/yr. and $8 million raised annually.
Susan effectively uses major gift planning in comprehensive development efforts including capital campaigns. She has extensive knowledge about gift planning techniques, the role of taxes and other financial
considerations in planning gifts, the gift potential of various assets, the integration of charitable gifts into overall estate planning, and working with donors' professional advisors. She has organized
and presented at three to five planned giving seminars annually, and managed volunteer gift planning committees. She established a planned giving recognition program and an annual recognition stewardship
banquet. She also has managed planned giving marketing and communications. She frequently teaches and gives development seminars and offers consultation on how to initiate and manage a major/planned giving
program.
Susan is a member of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council (MPGC), was an instructor at the University of St. Thomas Center for Business Excellence in its Fundraising track, past instructor of at The Brisk Walk
through the Basics Planned Giving Training Program for the Minnesota Planned Giving Council (MPGC), an MPGC Annual Conference Presenter in multiple years, as well as a past MPGC regular meeting presenter.
She was 1997–1998 President, a Board member from 1994 to 1999, and the Membership Committee Chair from 1994 to 1997, and Council member from 1987 to the present. She is a recipient of the Clinton A. Schroeder
Distinguished Service Award. She currently is the Hennepin Ave United Methodist Church Foundation Board Chair. She has been a Hamline University planned giving presenter and an MPGC Leave A Legacy Trainer.
Elaine Eberhart, Mayo Clinic
Elaine Eberhart currently serves as Associate Chair for Gift Planning at Mayo Clinic. She earned a B.A. at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and also graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law and
Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She has over 24 years of experience in gift planning.
Prior to coming to work at Mayo Clinic, she worked most recently as Senior Director of Development for Planned Giving at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She also led the planned giving programs at the University
of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Pennsylvania and began her career at Emory University.
Kim Embretson, CFRE, West Central Initiative
Kim Embretson is the Vice President of Development for West Central Initiative. He has responsibility to design, implement, and evaluate the overall development plan to grow the $30 million WCI unrestricted
endowment and build strong donor relationships throughout the nine counties served by WCI in west central Minnesota. Kim began his duties with West Central Initiative in August 2002.
Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College, a Certificate of Fund Raising Management from The Fund Raising School at Indiana University, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. Kim’s background
includes over 20 years experience in fund development. He serves on the board of the Minnesota Council of Foundations, where he chairs the task force on Endow Minnesota. Endow Minnesota is legislative action
inspired by the Minnesota Generational Transfer of Wealth Study. Kim and his wife, Deborah, make their home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. They enjoy antiques, making rustic willow furniture, and relaxing at
their cabin in Canada.
Sidney W. Emery, Jr., Supply Chain Services
Sidney “Chip” Emery is CEO and owner of Supply Chain Services of Oakdale, MN, a barcode equipment solutions supplier to commercial businesses nationwide. In 2008 Chip retired after 10 years as Chairman
and CEO of MTS Systems (NASDAQ - MTSC), the world’s leading manufacturer of mechanical testing solutions and high performance industrial sensors. During Emery’s tenure, MTS grew its global market share while
concentrating on its core competencies, consistently delivering double digit earnings growth while expanding its customer base across Asia and Europe. Prior to joining MTS, Emery held management positions
at Honeywell and Bendix including European Honeywell leadership based in Brussels, Belgium. Emery is a 1968 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served in gunboats in Vietnam and attained the rank
of Lt. Commander as special assistant to the Secretary of the Navy in the Carter administration. He holds a masters degree in Operations Research and a PhD from Stanford University in Industrial Engineering.
He is a director of Allete (NYNEX – ALE) the parent company of Minnesota Power, the medical device manufacturer Urologix (NASDAQ – ULGX) and Field Solutions, a privately held provider of field service
technicians. He chairs the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering Board of Governors, serves as a mentor for charter school principals and is an enthusiastic director of the Minnesota Opera. He and Vicki, being happily married since 1971, enjoy supporting the performing arts in the Twin Cities.
Carolyn Freeman, State Street Global Advisors
Carolyn is a Principal of State Street Global Advisors and is a Relationship Manager and Team Leader in SSgA's Charitable Asset Management group, responsible for the client service and administration of planned
gifts. Carolyn joined State Street Global Advisors in 1990. She has served as chairman of the Charitable Asset Management Training Committee and is currently a member of our Work/Life Initiative Committee
and our Thought Leadership Committee. Carolyn received her BA from Fordham University. She is a past member of the Planned Giving Group of New England (PGGNE) and PPP. She is a member of the Tufts Medical
Center's Gift Planning Advisory Council. She regularly speaks at conferences across the country.
Phil Hansen, American Red Cross
Phil Hansen has served in the nonprofit sector as a strategic leader, successful executive and emergency services professional for more than 25 years and is currently the Regional Chief Executive Officer for
the American Red Cross Northern Minnesota Region based in Minneapolis. Hansen began as a District Executive with the Boy Scouts of America-Gateway Area Council in La Crosse, WI. During his career with the
American Red Cross, he has successfully served as a Director of numerous programs including disaster services, health and safety services, regional development and as a Chapter CEO in Madison and LaCrosse,
WI. As the Service Area Executive for the national American Red Cross, he was responsible for overseeing 140 Red Cross chapters in eight northeastern states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He has
responded to hundreds of disasters across the country, serving in a variety of leadership roles — including a recent deployment to provide executive leadership for the Red Cross' response to Superstorm Sandy.
From board room to disaster shelter, Hansen is known for his integrity, boundless passion and commitment to the mission. He is the recipient of the Red Cross Presidential Award for Employee Excellence, one of
the highest honors in the organization. A frequent presenter at industry forums, civic organizations and professional associations, Hansen embodies and champions servant leadership, relationship-based fundraising
and the vital work of the American Red Cross. Hansen holds a B.S. in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and a Master's in Nonprofit Management from Hamline University in St.
Paul, MN. He's a member of the Minneapolis Rotary Club, Downtown Council and the Minneapolis and St. Paul Chambers of Commerce, among other organizations. In addition, Hansen shares his skills as an instructor
in board member development at MAP for Nonprofits. He and his wife Linda live in St. Paul.
Josh Hanson, The Stelter Company
Josh Hanson is a marketing consultant for The Stelter Company, a leading source for strategic marketing for the nonprofit community. The Stelter Company, which was founded in 1962, currently serves more than
2,000 organizations nationally with a staff of over 90 individuals. The home office is located in Des Moines, IA, with regional offices in Dallas, TX; Chicago, IL; Atlanta, GA; and Denver, CO. Josh's responsibilities
include planning, facilitating and executing strategic marketing programs for Stelter Company clients in the Midwest region. His primary concentration is to understand each nonprofit's history, mission and
fundraising efforts in order to develop strategic marketing solutions to best support the short and long term goals of the organization. Prior to joining The Stelter Company in 2011, Josh owned a sales and
consulting company that worked with Fortune 500 companies in the areas of leadership training, sales training and coaching and small business owners. Josh is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a B.B.A.
in finance. When not on the road seeing clients, Josh enjoys spending time with his family, coaching youth sports, golfing and being a loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan. He and his wife, Michelle are the proud parents
three boys, 11-year-old Drake, 9-year-old Cooper and 6-year-old Nash.
Gary Hargroves, Thompson & Associates
Since 2007, Gary has worked as a Planned Giving Consultant; since 2011, as a Vice President for Thompson & Associates — which provides values-based estate planning services for nonprofit organizations. From
1986 to 2007, Gary was the Director of Gift Planning for the University of Minnesota Medical Foundation. During those years, the gift planning staff grew from one to seven, raised more than $20M per year
and assisted hundreds of couples and individuals discover their legacies and implement their charitable and estate planning goals. From 1976 to 1986 he worked on a state-wide church fundraising project;
prior to that, for private liberal arts colleges in admissions. He has been a frequent presenter, especially at the Minnesota Planned Giving Council fall conferences. He has been an active member of the
Minnesota Planned Giving Counsel — serving as President in 1998, Annual Conference Chair in 1997 plus additional board and committee assignments. In 2009 he was awarded The Clinton A. Schroeder Distinguished
Service Award. He is active in his church and serves on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Council of Churches Foundation and Chairs the Development Committee. He lives in Minnesota and has two children,
Karin and John. Gary is a native of Iowa with a B.A. from Morningside College, Sioux City, IA and a Rel.D. from the School of Theology, Claremont, CA. When not working in charitable estate planning, involved
with family or volunteer activities, Gary enjoys his hobby farm located in the Loess Hills of west central Iowa.
Jessica Johnson, J.D., Gray Plant Mooty
Jessica Johnson practices in the Trust, Estate & Charitable Planning group. She helps individuals, families, family businesses, and charitable organizations plan and prepare for the future. This includes
drafting wills and trusts, advising clients on tax law and tax saving strategies, and guiding families through the estate administration process. Jessica’s practice also focuses on advising individuals and
entities through tax and fiduciary dispute resolution. She has assisted clients through the gift and estate tax audit process and authored private letter ruling requests on clients’ behalf. Jessica served
as a judicial clerk and attorney advisor at the United States Tax Court in Washington, DC. As part of her role at the court, she researched and wrote about complex income, business, estate, and gift tax
issues. Additionally, Jessica speaks regularly about financial, tax, charitable, and estate planning matters. Prior to law school, she worked as a financial planner at a local wealth management firm.
Mark Ladendorf, CFRE, Kaspick & Company
Mark Ladendorf, Senior Relationship Manager. Prior to joining KASPICK & COMPANY in 2008, Mr. Ladendorf was President and CEO of The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation and Director of Advancement for Lutheran
Hour Ministries in St. Louis, MO. He has over 20 years of experience in gift planning and fundraising management. He has served on the national board of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives
and as co-chair of the 2007 International Educational Conference. Mr. Ladendorf received a BA in Economics and International Studies from American University, Washington, DC and an MA from Washington University,
St. Louis, MO.
Greg Lassonde, CFRE, Legacy Giving Consultant
Greg Lassonde, CFRE, has been working as a legacy giving specialist since 1992. He launched a legacy giving professional services consulting practice in 2007 and has built a diverse client base of nearly 40
organizations nationally, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area. A native of Minnesota, he is expanding his business here as well. His fund development experience since 1982 covers the full spectrum of
programs, executed in a wide variety of nonprofits, from KPFA Radio to the San Francisco Symphony. He is a board member of the Oakland Zoo Foundation. He is a past board member and officer of the Northern
California Planned Giving Council, Silicon Valley Planned Giving Council, Development Executives Roundtable, Association of Fundraising Professionals Golden Gate Chapter, Development Exchange, and Youth
Radio.
Dave Lewis, Advancement Resources
With more than two decades of experience in instructional design and delivery, Dave brings extensive expertise to training presentation, primarily for development professionals.
In addition to full-time Advancement Resources facilitation responsibilities, Dave led the team that has introduced computer- and video-based programs for onboarding and certification of hospital employees in
appropriate and ethical philanthropic practices.
Brianna Mooty, J.D., LL.M, Gray Plant Mooty
Brianna Mooty helps individuals and families prepare for the future through the preparation of estate planning, business succession and charitable giving plans, and related documents. She assists families with
probate, estate administration, and the preparation of estate and fiduciary tax returns. Brianna also works with charitable organizations to structure and administer planned gifts, endowments, and donor
advised funds. She served as a summer associate with the firm in 2009.
Kate Mortenson
Kate Mortenson is a civic-engaged volunteer, project leader and philanthropist with more than 20 years of community leadership experience. Successful projects include cross-sector collaborations and major fundraising
initiatives. Kate is a hands-on philanthropist who has organized and led coalitions to: improve opportunities for youth in the after-school hours, broaden stakeholder support for high-quality early
childhood education, and make college possible for youth living in urban poverty. A hallmark of these efforts is the involvement of policy makers, business representatives and community leaders. A
graduate of Boston University, Kate’s professional background is in journalism and she worked as a Managing Editor in television news after serving in the Comoros Islands with the United States Peace Corps.
As an active community member, Kate serves on four non-profit boards of directors, including Greater Twin Cities United Way and Minnesota Public Radio. In 2012, Social Venture Partners and The Minnesota
Community Foundation acknowledged Kate with their Engaged Philanthropy Award, recognizing her strategic and multi-faceted approach to philanthropy.
Candace Riordan, Costello, Carlson & Butzon, LLP.
Candace L. Riordan is an associate in the law firm of Costello, Carlson & Butzon, LLP. She is a graduate of Minnesota State University and Hamline University School of Law. Her law practice involves probate
and trust, estate and gift tax, charitable entities and estate planning.
Riordan is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association and serves on the governing council of the Outstate Practice Section. She has extensive experience with private charitable foundation, exempt organizations
and nonprofit entities.
Alison Roberts, Bentz Whaley Flessner
Alison is a project associate at Bentz Whaley Flessner. As the lead project manager for the Specialty Services team, she provides a full range of operations counsel, engagement coordination, and financial management
for clients throughout the US and Europe. With a strong knowledge of effective fundraising strategies and operational structures, Alison offers great insight and creativity for clients in diagnostics, service
enhancement, and change management. Prior to joining the firm, Alison coordinated efforts for annual giving, planned giving, and research at the Minnesota Orchestra. She is an active fundraising volunteer
for the Minnesota Zoo Foundation and a member of APRA Minnesota, the Minnesota Planned Giving Council, and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College
in Northfield, Minnesota.
Jon Ruzek, University of Minnesota Alumni Association
Jon Ruzek is the senior director of alumni networks for the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. He connects with the expertise of more than 445,000 alumni and friends worldwide to support alumni
and student career aspirations, employment opportunities, corporate outreach, and mentoring programs. Jon has worked in admissions, registration, student affairs, and alumni relations at the University
of St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota. He holds a B.A. from Concordia College- Moorhead, and a M.A. in education from the University of St. Thomas.
Jesse Stremcha, The Foundation of Children's Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota
Jesse Stremcha helps nonprofits build connections and fundraise more efficiently and effectively. Currently, Jesse leads the foundation operations team at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota,
overseeing data management, ePhilanthropy, information systems, finance, gift processing, research and revenue support. Previously, he led internal and external partnerships to develop and implement
aggressive fundraising strategies to increase online giving, social media engagement, and web usage by donors and prospects. In three years, the team increased online gifts over 250% and established
a nationally recognized online fundraising program. Jesse is a voracious consumer of content, loves St. Paul, works at being a good husband and dad, has a passion for food and drink, and tries to stay
fit biking and running (not necessarily in that order).
Tom Struthers, MBA, TurnKey Direct Marking, Inc.
Tom Struthers, MBA, has 17 years of exclusive service to charities and hundreds of millions of dollars in gifts. He consults on donor acquisition, cultivation, appeal package design, letter content, and donor
prospect lists. Tom specialized in using the latest in print and database technologies with best practices to maximize response.
Jen Swanson, The Foundation of Children's Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota
Jen Swanson is a consumer of culture, a kitchen warrior, a mama to wild boys and also happens to be the Director of Digital Marketing at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. She’s fashioned herself
as an innovative customer experience strategist, specializing in developing and delivering exceptional digital experiences to help organizations engage their customers in a sustained relationship of unparalleled
loyalty. But really, she just comes to work every day with a simple goal: make the web a more interesting place, one page, app, and post at a time. She’s earned her stripes in jobs that mostly come with
the word “relations” in the title at organizations including the Carlson School of Management, the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, and Capella University. In her spare time, she’s a passionate
advocate for and mentor of women in leadership roles in business, non-profit, and social enterprises. And she makes a mean red pepper and onion relish.
Grant Wacker, Wells Fargo Wealth Management
Grant coordinates fiduciary investment management and other financial services for tax exempt organizations, and provides integrated estate and financial planning services for affluent individuals including
philanthropic planning and foundation support. Grant has twice served as a nonprofit board chair, and has ten years of experience on nonprofit boards. He is a graduate of the inaugural class of the Leaders
Impacting the Nonprofit Community program sponsored by the Hennepin County Bar Association.
Craig Wruck, Humboldt State University
Craig C. Wruck’s experience in charitable giving spans more than 30 years in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. He is Vice President for University Advancement at Humboldt State University in
California and has served the University of Minnesota, Saint Paul Community Foundation and US Bank. He is past president of the National Committee on Planned Giving. Craig is the author of Planned Giving in a Nutshell,
a practical guide to planned giving for development generalists now in its fourth edition.
Randi Yoder, Minnesota Public Radio
Yoder is the senior vice president and chief development officer for Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media and oversees all major individual, planned and institutional giving.
Prior to joining the organization in March 2011, Yoder was senior vice president of Donor Relations for the Greater Twin Cities United Way. Yoder also served as president of Yoder Henley Development Resources,
vice president of Institutional Advancement at St. Catherine University, and associate dean for External Affairs at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.
In recognition of her work, Yoder received the of the 2011 Outstanding Professional Fundraiser award from the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the 1995 Woman of Distinction
award, sponsored by Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business Journal.
She received a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Michigan University and an MBA in international marketing and management from the American Graduate School of International Management.
Yoder serves on the advisory boards of the WomenVenture and Minneapolis Junior League; and the boards of trustees of EARTH University in Costa Rica and EARTH University Foundation.
Agenda
Monday, November 3
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Registration
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Brisk Walk Through the Basics Joe Thiegs, Senior Planned Giving Officer; Minnesota Public Radio
A Brisk Walk Through the Basics of Planned Giving is an enriching, one-day seminar that leads participants through the nuts and bolts of planned gift instruments. Please note: Brisk Walk is a pre-conference event
and there is an additional registration fee.
Tuesday, November 4
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Opening Plenary - The Lasting Legacy of Gift Planning: Why We Do What We Do Pamela Jones Davidson, J.D., Davidson Gift Design
We are indeed fortunate to be gift planners, to make a difference that will last far beyond a career at an organization. But what does this privilege mean in terms of our responsibilities? What does our role as
gift planners mean in terms of ethics, and serving donors maybe more than the charity that pays us? What is our duty to be educated about options, and to seek the advice of others for what we do not know? And
relationships— both internal and external— how do we utilize those to ensure that the "forever goal" of endowment fundraising continues long past our tenure at the charity? Yes, it is a privilege to be a gift
planner, a donor, and so much more.
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Break with Exhibitors
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Breakouts A
A1. Attributes of Life Income Charitable Plans and Profiles of Their Most lIkely Users, Featuring Chartiable Gift Annuities (Around Since 1831) Pamela Jones Davidson, J.D., Davidson Gift Design
Many donors rely on income from assets in their portfolios, and are often surprised to learn that certain charitable plans can provide income to themselves or others. Charitable remainder trusts are again enjoying
popularity due to market appreciation in real estate and stock— but for many older donors, the simpler charitable gift annuity, around since 1831, rules the day. Smaller charities may be able to offer these,
the most repeated gift plan, through their local community foundation. Attributes of individuals most likely to fund such plans and which assets are used will be discussed.
A2. Gifts of Farmland to Charitable Organizations: "Please Don't Sell My Farm" Patrick Costello, Costello, Carlson & Butzon, LLP
Candace Riordan, Costello, Carlson & Butzon, LLP
The focus is on donors' desires for the future of their farms. The presentation begins with the motivations of donors, with the choice of using a private non-operation foundation or a donor-advised fund with a community
foundation.
A3. Back to the Future: Print and Mail Appeals Tom Struthers, MBA, TurnKey Direct Marking, Inc.
Most nonprofits have invested heavily in their database. Tom's presentation will help show how to use this data in print appeals to increase response (both size of gift and number of gifts), and to move donors into
greater levels of support. Appeal concept development, content, and design ideas will be included.
A4. Tools of the Trade Craig Wruck, Humboldt State University
What’s the bare minimum you need to know? What if you don’t have the time or the inclination to dive into the details of charitable gift planning — but you need to be prepared enough to carry on a donor conversation?
If so, this session is for you. In a jam-packed hour we will hit the highlights of charitable bequests, retirement plan assets, and life income gifts. You won’t come away an expert, but you will feel a little
more confident that you can take the next step with your donors.
Using concepts first introduced to audiences in Keith’s groundbreaking book, Never Eat Alone, he is tailoring his message to focus on the mindsets of authenticity and generosity for his keynote. Keith will
weave in personal experiences with fundraisers to illustrate these mindsets. What works and what doesn’t. Our intentions create a sense of purpose, and a sense of meaning not only for ourselves, and our work,
but for those we are reaching out to. He’ll show us how to add value to a conversation by finding mutually beneficial connections that move a relationship forward. Finally, with the increasing professionalization
of fundraising, and the tendency for technology to make interactions less personal, Keith will turn these threats to relationship-building into intimacy- accelerators. It’s sure to be on-point and memorable!
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Break with Exhibitors
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Breakouts B
B1. Combining CLTs and CRTs to Benefit Donors and Charities Gregory Baker, J.D., ChFC, CFP, CAP, Renaissance Administration, LLC
Often, the CLT or CRT is an island and its impact on the rest of the donor's estate plan is disregarded. We will use three donor and charity case studies to illustrate the benefits of combining CLTs and CRTs to
meet the goals of donor and charity. While the handout material will include a 20-page summary of the basics of CLTs and CRTs, the meat of the presentation will highlight the charitable gift planning issues
that were important to the donors and charities in the case studies. Those issues include GST calculation and avoidance, testamentary funding options, and selection of the proper CLT and CRT structure.
B2. The Money Journey of Millennials and Gen X Nathan Dungan, Share Save Spend
The money habits and values of the Millennial Generation have been influenced by the consumer culture in ways that are almost beyond comprehension. In fact, no other generation has experienced, since birth, the
nonstop barrage of marketing messages like the Millennial Generation. In this interactive learning experience, Nathan Dungan (president and founder of Share Save Spend) will shed light on how the consumer culture
is shaping their money narrative and impacting their financial well-being. As with every challenging situation, there are also opportunities. Nathan will offer practical and actionable ideas to engage, educate
and equip this generation for a lifetime of financial health and success.
B3. Business Valuations in the Planned Giving Context Richard Berning, CAP/ABV/CFF, CBA, CVA, ABAR, CMA, Berning & Heidebrecht, Ltd.
Operating companies and holding companies provide substantial opportunities for planned giving opportunities. However, these non-marketable assets must also be understood by both the donor and donee. Determining
and documenting the value are crucial to effective utilization of these assets.
B4. Marketing Legacy Gifts: Strategies That Work Claudine Donikian, J.D., MBA, Pentera, Inc.
With this timely and informative presentation, you will take an in-depth look at current donor and marketing research and learn how one national marketing expert shapes established marketing theory into strategies
that work for marketing legacy gifts. Drawing also from research, testing, and feedback from Pentera's client base, Pentera CEO and Chief Marketing Officer Claudine Donikian will share Pentera's innovative and
proven strategies used by a growing number of today's charitable organizations, and explain why they succeed. You will leave with a solid foundation in marketing legacy gifts to various target markets and with
tips that you will be able to implement as soon as you get back to the office.
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Break with Exhibitors
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Afternoon Plenary - Ambidextrous Gift Policies: Getting the Right and Left Hands to Work Together Sheryl Morrison, Gray Plant Mooty
Bob Harding, J.D., Gray Plant Mooty
A charity's development program has a number of moving parts. Among them are gift acceptance policies, procedures for complying with restricted gifts, operation of endowment funds, and administration of planned
gifts. In many cases, these components of the development program interact. For example, should a charity accept trusteeship of a proposed CRT, or does it lack the expertise to administer the trust properly?
This session will discuss how to keep these various parts of a development program working together as a well-oiled machine.
Greg Jordan, National Philanthropic Investment Officer for Wells Fargo, will provide an Economic and Market Update. In his presentation, Greg will provide information on where recent performance in the markets
has come from, what the current landscape looks like from an economic and market perspective and provide what the risks and opportunities are going forward.
9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Break with Exhibitors
9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Breakouts C
C1. Gifts of Real Estate and How They Can Work for Your Organization Carolyn Freeman, State Street Global Advisors
This presentation will review why an organization should consider accepting gifts of Real Estate — and what to do when a gift of Real Estate arises plus initial steps to follow. Questions to ask at the get-go: What
are the donor's objectives and motivations; what are the specifics of the property? Learn responsibilities of the key players involved. Learn gift vehicles that we recommend for Real Estate (FLIP CRT) and which
gift vehicles we suggest you carefully evaluate (CGA and Retained Life Estates). The speaker will review three examples of Real Estate gifts that her group helped clients successfully close and fund. Review
the final steps to follow once the decision has been made to go forward with the gift of real estate and the various materials that must be collected and documented. Learn about checklists to use pre- and post-sale
of the property.
C2. Driving Greater Commitment Through Return on Philanthropic Investment Mauria Brough, Advancement Resources
Dave Lewis, Advancement Resources
This highly interactive session will present concepts and practices for delivering effective stewardship that drives deeper donor commitment and inspires larger legacy contributions. Participants will explore the
principles of donor motivation, loyalty giving vs. passion-based philanthropic investment, and donor commitment as a foundation for understanding how to provide a meaningful return on philanthropic investment
to donors and their families.
C3. Pursuing Blended Gifts Mark Ladendorf, CFRE, Kaspick & Company
Elaine Eberhart, Mayo Clinic
With the decline in public funding for education and charitable causes, institutions are launching larger and more frequent campaigns to raise private support. At the same time, many donors remain cautious about
the economic environment and their ability to make large outright gifts. As we visit with clients across the country, we hear of many institutions that are successfully inspiring donors to fund large passion
projects through the use of "blended gifts." Blended gifts typically consist of a large outright gift combined with a bequest or a life income gift and utilize the combined skill sets of both major and planned
gift officers. In this session, we will explore some basic types of blended gifts and discuss the role they play today in charities' fundraising efforts, particularly capital campaigns. We will also discuss
some of the valuation and recognition issues that come up in the negotiation of blended gifts and discuss the variety of ways institutions have resolved them.
C4. How to Use Social Media in Your Work-life More Effectively Jesse Stremcha, The Foundation of Children's Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota
Jon Ruzek, MA, University of Minnesota Alumni Association Jen Swanson, The Foundation of Children's Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota
This dynamic session will use real examples and will help you answer questions like: What has social media changed about how we build and maintain relationships? How do you tell your organization’s story and the
story of how philanthropy impacts your organization? How do you work with your fundraising colleagues (collectively and as individuals)? How do you personally use social media to advance your work and
career? How do people get started?
10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Break with Exhibitors
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Breakouts D
D1. Gifts of Black Gold: Charitable Giving with Oil, Gas and Mineral Interests Brianna Mooty, J.D., LL.M, Gray Plant Mooty
Jessica Johnson, J.D., Gray Plant Mooty
In the last decade, the production of oil and gas has increased dramatically throughout the Midwest. That increase has created new wealth and new opportunities for charitable giving. This presentation will help
charities navigate gifts of oil, gas, and mineral interests by providing an overview of these types of gifts, offering insight on the types of interests that are most attractive for charitable gifts, and explaining
how traditional charitable planning tools can be used in connection with a gift of an oil, gas, or mineral interest.
Increasingly, nonprofits understand that relying only on marketing to secure qualified leads and confirmed gifts is narrow thinking. Yet many gift planners, let alone other staff and volunteers, are making the one-on-one
ask infrequently at best. This presentation covers the spectrum of the legacy ask cycle. Whether you work full time in this field or are only an occasional dabbler in legacy giving, you will take away ideas
you can incorporate into your relationships.
D3. Uncovering Donor Passion: Advancing the Conversation Josh Hanson, The Stelter Company
What is the key to getting a donor to give to your organization now and for years to come? Passion for your cause. To uncover that passion, you'll need to take a close look at your audience and how you are communicating
with them. Through the use of practical tips and real-life case studies, this presentation will help you evaluate your program and get a leg up on the competition.
D4. Building Highly Engaged Boards Phil Hansen, American Red Cross
Are you looking for a new way to build board member excitement, energy, and participation? Each year smart, enthusiastic, connected people join our boards of directors and, quite often, we horribly underutilize
their talents and networks. This unique session will cover a novel approach to developing and engaging board members in high-impact activities including fundraising. The fast-paced session will cover topics
such as: building board priorities, developing individual board member plans, creating supportive and effective committees, building the ultimate-high energy board retreat, creating board challenges, creating
and executing highly engaging board meetings, the ladder of engagement, tracking and recognizing participation, and training the board to be ambassadors. This system will help you create board members who are
concerned about the impact of the work of your organization and are willing to champion your cause, invite others to get involved, and personally invest time, talent and funds.
12:00 p.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Break with Exhibitors
12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch Plenary & Schroeder Service Award
"Unretirement" Chris Farrell, Marketplace
"Unretirement” starts with the insight that the “work longer and prosper” movement will make a huge difference in personal well-being. Tapping into the talents and abilities of older workers and aging entrepreneurs
will benefit the American workplace, enrich communities and dramatically ease financing worries about entitlements. Still at the early stage, there’s a lot of experimentation going on, including semi-retirement,
encore careers, part-time work, contract jobs, and entrepreneurship. Unretirement is gathering momentum — and the movement will have implications for everything from financial planning to planned giving.
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Break with Exhibitors
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Breakouts E
E1. Profiling the Planned Gift Donor Joshua Birkholz, Bentz Whaley Flessner
Alison Roberts, Bents Whaley Flessner
Every organization has unique characteristics driving diverse populations to give planned gifts. However, many qualities apply to planned gift donors regardless of the organization. After a decade of building predictive
scoring algorithms for planned giving, Joshua Birkholz, author of the popular book, Fundraising Analytics, has observed several commonalities of these donors. Alison E. Roberts has conducted research
on the characteristics of planned giving donors in the USA and abroad. In this session, Josh and Alison will provide a profile of the planned gift donor. Prepare to both confirm some ideas you may already have
and discover some new ideas to help you expand your deferred donor population.
E2. Leave a Legacy Minnesota: New and Improved Kim Embretson, CFRE, West Central Initiative
Grant Wacker, Wells Fargo Wealth Management
Learn about the new and improved Leave a Legacy Minnesota platform and find out how nonprofit leaders are creating coalitions to improve the way they promote charitable estate giving. Leave a Legacy Minnesota (LAL-MN)
will create a new social networking platform that will allow every nonprofit organization in Minnesota to access and customize sample content about legacy giving marketing materials. The internet platform will
also take advantage of social media sites to communicate success stories in among nonprofits. Specific training opportunities will be delivered through the LAL-MN site with webinars and video conferencing technology.
E3. Charitable Gifts of IRA/IRD Assets: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Gary Hargroves, Thompson & Associates
Susan Dunlop, Luther Seminary
For many donors today, the most tax advantaged and recommended asset to give to charity is the gift of qualified pension assets, i.e., IRD (Income in Respect of the Decedent). The most common IRD assets are IRAs
(Individual Retirement Accounts). There are several ways to make charitable gifts of IRD assets; each has distinct benefits, procedures, and challenges.
3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Break with Exhibitors
3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Closing Plenary - Donor Panel: In Their Own Words Moderator: Randi Yoder, Minnesota Public Radio
Susan Cornell Wilkes, Global Horizons for Women Charles M. Denny Sidney W. Emery, Jr., Supply Chain Services Kate Mortenson
Donors will share their philanthropic stories. What inspires their generosity, what factors influence their giving and how their approach has changed over time, if it has. They will share their most compelling
experiences with organizations and those experiences when organizations missed the opportunity to engage them. You will be inspired by their stories and leave with a tip or two of how to work with your
most generous donors.
Conference Commitee
Conference Co-Chairs
Marie Ruzek, Greater Twin Cities United Way
Chuck Semrow, University of Minnesota Foundation
Conference Committee Members
Alex Bakkum, Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services
Christine Pulkrabek, Regions Hospital Foundation
Dawn Fish, Abbott Northwestern Hospital Foundation
Dominic Lawrence, St. Mary's University
Eric Tvedt, St. Olaf College
Kent Spaulding, North Memorial Health Care
Kim Bowman, Lutehran Social Service of Minnesota
Martha Kunau, American Public Media
Mary Beth Iverson, St. Catherine University
Nick Scheibel, The Minneapolis Foundation
Robert Heuermann, Catholic United Financial Foundation
Walter Bond made it to the NBA, but he didn’t stop there. Where many would consider a career with the Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons
and Dallas Mavericks some of life’s greatest achievements, Walter saw it as a jumping off point. A catalyst that launched him into what he was made to do. His experience on and off the court prepared him for a thriving career
in business coaching, mentorship, and public speaking.
M. Gasby Brown is the Founder & CEO of the Have Faith Institute (HFI), and has an unparalleled passion for the non-profit
industry. After experiencing the privilege of working with thousands of nonprofit organizations, philanthropists and leaders she is crystal clear that regardless of your faith, every nonprofit leader must have faith. Faith
in donors. Faith in the mission. Faith in themselves. She believes that philanthropists must have faith that their gifts will be well managed and make a difference.
Andrew Dayton is the founder and CEO of the Constellation Fund, a Minneapolis-based grantmaking organization created to fight
poverty by raising the living standards of individuals living below the poverty line. Constellation uses data, research, and predictive analytics to identify, fund, and partner with the people and organizations making the biggest
demonstrable impacts in the fight against poverty in the Twin Cities. He is also a co-founder and co-owner of North Corp, an award-winning retail and hospitality group.
Pamela Jones Davidson, JD is President of DAVIDSON GIFT DESIGN, Bloomington, Indiana, a consulting firm specializing
in gift planning, planned giving program design and implementation, and training. She is also a Senior Vice President for THOMPSON & ASSOCIATES, offering estate planning services to nonprofits; she has earned its FCEP designation.
Before forming her own company in 1999, she was a charitable gift planner and consultant for three years with Laura Hansen Dean and Associates, Indianapolis, Indiana. From 1985 through 1996, she was with Indiana University
Foundation, leaving that organization as its Executive Director of Planned Giving and Associate Counsel, and quadrupling its planned gift expectancies under her directorship. 
Shanna Hocking is the Associate Vice President, Individual Giving at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, providing
strategic leadership and direction to a team of 30+ across annual, major, planned, principal, and international giving. Previously, Shanna was the Senior Director of Major and Planned Gifts at the Wharton School at the University
of Pennsylvania, where she led the major and planned gifts program, and served as a senior fundraiser for the institution, engaging alumni primarily in New York City and London. In addition, she developed and directed
Wharton Women in Leadership, an initiative to engage senior executive alumnae as volunteer and philanthropic leaders with the School. Shanna also co-taught the Penn Professional Practices in Development series for all major
gifts fundraising staff at Penn. She previously worked in development at The University of Alabama, Duke University, and the Jewish Theological Seminary. Over her career, Shanna has personally solicited and closed
more than $75 million.
Ross Levin is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Accredited Investors Wealth Management®. His book, Implementing the Wealth
Management Index: Tools to Build Your Practice and Measure Client Success, expands upon Mr. Levin’s groundbreaking Wealth Management Index™ tool. His third book, Spend Your Life Wisely®: The Deeper Meaning of Money, shares
his humorous and thoughtful approach to life and money. Mr. Levin launched the CCH Journal of Retirement Planning and served as Editor for two years. He is a regular columnist for the Star Tribune and Financial Advisor magazine
and a sought after speaker on financial matters.
As Director of the Center for Family Philanthropy, he works exclusively with nonprofit organizations, private foundations, and
individual philanthropists. Prior to joining U.S. Bank Alex gained extensive experience assisting nonprofit organizations address their strategic resource and planning issues, private foundations form and realize their missions
and visions, and individual philanthropists fully express their values. He also has direct experience working for nonprofit organizations including, the RiverKeepers, St. John's University, and College Possible.
Claudine A. Donikian, JD, MBA, is the president/CEO and chief marketing officer of Pentera, Inc., and is regarded
as one of the foremost experts in planned giving marketing. She is a sought-after speaker on the national planned giving and AFP circuits and writes and conducts training modules for Pentera training seminars. As Pentera's
chief marketing officer, she is the editor-in-chief for client marketing content and personally consults with a select group of Pentera's clients on their marketing strategy and execution. One of Claudine's professional areas
of expertise is women in philanthropy, and she serves as a member of the advisory board for the prestigious Women's Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and as a member of the
board of directors of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP). Claudine oversees all aspects of Pentera's business and marketing strategies, as well as new-product development, with an emphasis on digital
marketing, and she recently served on the Direct Marketing Association's Digital Innovation Committee. Under her leadership, the interactive department and client base has increased by 500 percent. Claudine graduated Phi Beta
Kappa and with highest distinction from Indiana University, received an MA in French from New York University, and holds a JD and an MBA from Boston College. She serves on the board of directors of the Philanthropic Planning
Group of Greater New York in Manhattan (PPGGNY), the Massachusetts Children's Trust Fund (a child abuse prevention agency), and the Brookview House (which provides housing for homeless women and children). She is an active
member of CGP, PGGNE, and PPGGNY. Fluent in French, Claudine has also taught French for colleges, corporations, and adult education centers, where she was regarded as one of the top motivating teachers.
Casey Fuerst has worked with nonprofits and small businesses to give them the messaging, strategic marketing plans and collateral
materials to support their work for 20+ years. For 18 of those 20+ years, she served as the Director/Marketing & Leadership Development at Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. Casey is a certified StoryBrand Guide and
uses this framework to create marketing messaging, plans and collateral to increase impact and grow business. Casey owns and provides lead consultation for Tic Tac Toe Marketing.
Tom Glass is a Senior Major and Planned Giving Officer at St. Catherine University. Prior
to joining St. Catherine University in 2017, he was the Director of Planned Giving at the University of St. Thomas. Tom was a partner in the financial services firm of Deegan & Glass, LLC. The firm provided specialized
wealth management and estate planning for affluent individuals and corporations. He is a frequent speaker on charitable planning and family wealth management. Tom has extensive experience serving in a leadership capacity on
many nonprofit boards. He is currently serving on the Edina Tax Referendum Committee, the Social Justice Board at St. Patrick’s Church in Edina, and the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Planned Giving Council, where he
also serves on the Program and Education committees. A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Tom resides with his wife CoCo and four children in Edina, Minnesota.
Sandra Henningsen, CGPA, Assistant Vice President for Crescendo Interactive, oversees GiftLegacy Planned Giving eMarketing
services. She mentors charities in establishing planned giving websites and marketing planned gifts using the branded website, eNewsletters, social media and royalty-free literature. She speaks and teaches seminars in the area
of eMarketing and gift planning. She has presented at MPGC, CASE International, AFP International, AHP International, CPGR, GHPGC, ALDE, CLA and various Regional Conferences. Sandra has been part of the Crescendo staff for
over 26 years. Her Bachelor of Science degree in Education is from South Dakota State University.
Nicki has more than 15 years of experience in fundraising, program development and project management. She has held corporate,
major and planned gift fundraising positions in health care, higher education and social service. Nicki holds a master's degree in organizational leadership from St. Catherine University and an undergraduate degree in sociology
from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dana is a charitable gift planning educator, coach, and professional speaker. She teaches fundraisers how to
raise millions more by accessing wealth, not just cash - and teaches advisors how to grow their practice with the power of philanthropic planning.
Eric Joranson, JD is the Senior Director of Advanced Strategies for National Philanthropic Trust, the nation's largest independent
donor-advised fund sponsor. Eric is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is a former practicing attorney with 12 years of combined experience in advanced philanthropic planning and law practice. Eric has extensive technical
experience with donor-advised funds, private foundations, split-interest trusts, gifts of complex assets (e.g., privately held stock, real estate and other illiquid interests), investing gift proceeds in alternative and private
investments, specialized grantmaking services, and legacy planning.
Prior to joining TIAA Kaspick in 2008, Mark Ladendorf was President and CEO of The Lutheran Hour
Ministries Foundation and Director of Advancement for Lutheran Hour Ministries in St. Louis, MO. He has over 25 years of experience in gift planning and fundraising management. He has served on the national board of the Association
of Lutheran Development Executives and as co-chair of the 2007 International Educational Conference. Mr. Ladendorf received a BA in Economics and International Studies from American University, Washington, DC and an MA from
Washington University, St. Louis, MO.
Andrew has more than 10 years of experience in fundraising, strategic communication and project management. He has held
major and planned gift fundraising positions in health care, higher education and social services. Andrew holds a master's degree in organizational leadership from St. Catherine University and is a member Certified Fund Raising
Executive (CFRE) International. He has an undergraduate degree from St. Norbert College. He has been a contributing writer to various publications, including the Star Tribune. Additionally, he has served as a source for The
Atlantic on national service and social justice.
For over 30 years, Sheryl Morrison has focused her practice in the areas of estate and wealth planning,
transfer tax strategies, business succession planning, estate and trust administration, and charitable giving and nonprofit organizations. She helps clients accomplish their objectives for management, protection, and preservation
of their wealth through strategies that minimize taxes and promote effective family management of assets, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, generation skipping planning, charitable trusts and corporations,
and various grantor trusts (QPRTs, GRATs, IDGTs). She advises clients about the many issues affecting the operation of their trusts, estates, and businesses.
Marie Ruzek serves as Vice President and Philanthropic Specialist for Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services
within The Private Bank. Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services helps charitable individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations work toward their unique goals by providing specialized advisory services. Ms. Ruzek helps individuals
and families to define and achieve their charitable objectives as part of their overall wealth plans. This may include gift and tax planning, multi-generational planning, estate planning, and the creation and management of
donor advised funds, private foundations, charitable trusts, and other charitable planning strategies. She also works extensively with nonprofit organizations, where she advises in the areas of gift planning, endowment management,
board governance, and other management issues. She collaborates with her clients and their other advisors to leverage their resources to maximize the impact of their philanthropic activities. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Ms.
Ruzek worked in the nonprofit sector for 20 years, most recently at Greater Twin Cities United Way for three years, where she was the Director of Planned Giving and Endowment. Her background includes experience in healthcare,
higher education, and human services philanthropy. Ms. Ruzek earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, and a Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, St. Paul, MN. She
hold the Certified Fund Raising Executive designation and is also the Chair of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council and a member of the Nonprofit Financial Group, Twin Cities Estate Planning Council, MN Women Lawyers, National
Association of Charitable Gift Planners, and Leave a Legacy Minnesota.
Nathan Stelter is vice president for The Stelter Company, a leading source for gift planning marketing solutions for the
nonprofit community. The Stelter Company, which was founded in 1962, currently partners with more than 1,500 organizations nationally with a staff of over 100 individuals. While Nathan wears many hats at Stelter, his primary
concentrations and passions include overseeing Stelter's consulting and marketing teams while working with his amazing leadership team to forge the way with new research, new innovations and smarter ways for charities to raise
planned gifts.
Fred leads the Central Region Estate Settlement Services team at Northern Trust Company, which handles death-related administration
of estates and trusts when Northern Trust acts as fiduciary for clients who have died. Before he became a professional fiduciary, Fred practiced law as a trust and estate attorney, and he worked as a planned giving officer
for a large charity. Before law school, Fred worked for the late U.S. Senator Paul D. Wellstone (D-MN). A frequent speaker, Fred has presented for the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, the Chicago Estate Planning
Council and the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, and he developed and taught a course on post-death administration at John Marshall Law School. Fred received his B.A. from the University of Minnesota and his
J.D. from DePaul University.
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