July 22 | Our Evolving Industry: Trends  

Session 1: Modernizing Advancement with New Practices

Mark Walcott | Emory University, Assistant Vice President, Technology and Business Intelligence

Dr. Mark Walcott has over 20 years of experience in technology-related and advancement services roles focused on Data Analytics, Data Management, and technological innovation.  He serves as the Assistant Vice President of Technology and Business Intelligence within the division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement at Emory University.  Dr. Walcott actively speaks on a variety of topics and has served on Blackbaud Higher Education Executive Advisory Board, Multicultural Leadership Institute (MCLP) Board, and other organizations focused on community and technological Advancement.  As a Vice President of aasp, Dr. Walcott is focused on continuing to build the profession through the strategic growth of aasp.

Wayne Combs | CHOC Children's Foundation, Associate Vice President, Operations

Dr. Wayne Combs is leader in campaign and advancement management with 30 years of experience supporting higher education and healthcare. He serves as Associate Vice President of Operations and Administrative Services for CHOC Children's Foundation. At USC Rossier School of Education, Dr. Combs teaches courses in Creativity and Innovation, Strategic Communications and Change Management, and Economics and Finance in the Organizational Change and Leadership doctoral program. In support of philanthropy, Dr. Combs delivers presentations on emerging trends while serving as Past-President for the Association of Advancement Services Professionals, Faculty for AHP Madison Institute and Chair/Faculty for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Anita Lawson | Cal Poly SLO, Director of Gift Administration

Anita Lawson has been a dedicated non-profit professional for almost 30 years. She is passionate about supporting non-profits and higher education to identify strategy and implement infrastructure to increase fundraising capacity and donor relations.

Since February 2025, Anita has been Director of Gift Administration at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in beautiful San Luis Obispo. Prior to Cal Poly, Anita held advancement services leadership positions with Southwestern Law School and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The RAND Corporation, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, and Art Center College of Design – all in the Los Angeles area. She also held similar leadership positions with Communities Foundation of Texas and Susan G. Komen For The Cure headquarters, both in Dallas, TX.

Anita is a Founding Member, former Board Member and a past President of the Association of Advancement Services Professionals (aasp).

Mike Fischer | Trust for Public Land, Associate Vice President, Philanthropy Operations

 Mike Fischer is an accomplished nonprofit leader with more than 15 years of experience in fundraising operations, technology strategy, and data-informed decision-making. He leads teams that run philanthropy information systems, CRM, data operations, business intelligence, gift administration, prospect development, training, and knowledge management.

Mike's strategic leadership is a rare blend of experience as both a direct response and major gift fundraiser, coupled with deep technical expertise. This unique combination makes him a strategic advisor to executive leadership and a trusted colleague to fundraisers, operations, and technical staff. His accomplishments include leading enterprise-wide technology roadmaps, improving cross-functional collaboration, advancing data governance, developing reliable forecasting for major gift revenue, and implementing well-loved dashboards to visualize key performance indicators.

Mike's passion for mission-driven work and the individuals who do it is evident in his dedication to aligning people, systems, and strategy to increase generosity and impact across the social sector.

Session 2: Practical Applications That Show Strength in Outcomes

Andrew Gutierrez | Cleveland Clinic, Data Scientist, Philanthropy

Andrew Gutierrez is a Chicago-based philanthropy data scientist who has worked in the advancement services space since 2018. His roles have included Lead Systems Analyst and Data Scientist at Cleveland Clinic's Philanthropy Institute, and Associate Director of Development Operations at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. His main professional focus has been on leveraging data, technology, and computer programming skills to streamline advancement processes and drive fundraising totals at major healthcare and higher education institutions.
Andrew is a member of aasp’s Education Committee, and he is also the Vice President of Illinois’s regional chapter of Apra. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor's in Arts Administration & Policy and is currently pursuing his Master's in Data Science at Northwestern University.

Torey Calvert | Archdiocese of Chicago, Director, Development Information Systems

Torey Calvert is the Director of Development Information Systems at the Archdiocese of Chicago. She has worked in advancement since 2010 and began her career at Latin School of Chicago as their development associate, followed by a stint in annual giving. Torey’s data-oriented mindset and problem-solving aptitude finally landed her in advancement services, her true home. Having held many roles in one advancement office, she has a deep understanding of the nuts and bolts of development office operations and their evolution. Torey has a BS in Community Health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was a founding member of the Chicago Area Independent School Development (CAISD) Conference and served on its planning and host committee for seven years.

Session 3:  How Does Advancement Services Respond to New Technology Trends?

Terry Callaghan | Zuri Group, Associate Vice President, Management Consulting

Terry Callaghan is a seasoned advancement professional with over 20 years of experience. She is currently the Associate Vice President, Management Consulting at Zuri Group where she leads the Data Governance Practice. Terry consults on a wide-range of subject areas including CRM selection and implementation, data quality, technology governance and gift administration.
Prior to Zuri Group, Terry was Associate Vice President, Information Technology, Analytics and Gift Processing for Rutgers University Foundation where she oversaw all IT needs for the foundation as well as gift and biographic data maintenance. Her prior experience includes leading data quality efforts at a Fortune 100 investment company.
Terry is Director of Strategic Partnerships for the aasp Executive Board. She holds Certified Information Management Professional (CIMP) - Data Governance designation.

Pam Rollins | Temple University, Director, Advancement Analytics

Jennifer Shimp-Bowerman | Bucknell University, Director, Campaign and Prospect Development

Eric F. Valdescaro | Kennesaw State University, Executive Director, Advancement Services, Division of University Advancement

Eric is executive director of advancement services at Kennesaw State University. He has served in operational support of fundraising for higher educational institutions and private foundations for over 32 years, serving the first half of his career in information technology roles, then moving on to expanding administrative leadership roles in advancement services. He began his career in 1993 as an applications specialist for alumni and development at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Over three decades, Eric has sought to infuse technology into advancement services while overseeing many facets of advancement operations at several institutions of various sizes and legacies. He has a wide spectrum of experience having worked at small private colleges, mid-sized public and private institutions, Ivy League, and large public Carnegie R1 university systems. During his career, he has supported seven capital campaigns and is currently working on his eighth while helping KSU surpass its ambitious goals. Eric has presented at AFP and aasp and has been actively involved with aasp for well over a decade. Eric received his BA in applied mathematics at the University of Connecticut in 1992, and his MPPA from California Lutheran University in 2013.

July 29 | Supporting Philanthropy: Strategies   

Session 1: Reports and Dashboards for Optimizing Self-Service

Zachary Spurlin | University of the Pacific, Senior Director Analytics and Reporting

Session 2: Empowering Advancement: Leveraging Content Management Tools to Drive Operational and Philanthropic Success

Mark Longo | Caltech, Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives and Development Administrative Management

With a career spanning more than 25 years, Mark Longo is one of our industry’s most trailblazing advancement professionals. Mark was recently awarded the 2025 Distinguished Service Award from CASE District VII. Mark has presented at more than 30 conferences (including AASP, CASE, Meeting of the Minds, ADRP, and Academic Impressions) on topics as diverse as benchmarking, metrics, administrative professionals, dashboards, project management, internal communications, change management, campaigns, board management, stewardship, and prospect management. Mark is the Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives and Development Administrative Management at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). His accomplishments since joining Caltech in 2013 include: developing Caltech’s first board-approved gift policies; creating and maintaining a best-in-class staff intranet; and developing an executive summary dashboard suite for leadership. The latter project received the 2023 CASE Grand Gold Award and the 2023 AASP Aspire Sapphire Award. Previously, Mark worked at Georgetown University, where he focused his efforts on providing fundraisers with the tools that they needed to be successful in achieving their goals, including: launching a new prospect management system; developing new fundraiser metrics; creating and managing Georgetown’s first centralized donor agreement office; and establishing the university's U.K. Foundation.  Mark began his career in advancement as the first development services director for both the National Geographic Society and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Mark earned a bachelor’s degree in economics-finance from Bentley University (where he currently serves on the Global Alumni Board) and a master’s degree in leadership from Georgetown University. Mark has also received a project management certificate from Caltech and is a certified Prosci® change management practitioner.

Jose Valdez | Caltech, AV/IT Specialist

Jose Valdez has been with Caltech’s Advancement team for two years. His focus is AV/IT day to day operations. He also supports Caltech’s divisional council meetings and donor visits. Leveraging Microsoft’s Power Platform and online collaboration tools, he improves procedures and cross team collaboration. Prior to Joining Caltech, he held positions at Twitch as a Collaboration Services Technician and at Synergy Academies as an IT Coordinator.

Grace Brock | Caltech, Gifts and Records Specialist

Grace Brock is a Gifts & Records Specialist at California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where she has spent the past three years supporting gift administration and data integrity efforts for the Data & Business Intelligence unit. She plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy of alumni and donor data within the Institution’s CRM systems. A newcomer to the advancement field, Grace has quickly developed a solid understanding of its practices. She is also a certified Associate Project Manager (CAPM) through the Project Management Institute (PMI), bringing strong organizational and project management skills to her role and master data management projects.

Corinna Ho | Caltech, Gifts and Records Specialist

Corinna Ho has worked in advancement services for over 5 years. She is currently part of the Advancement Information team at Caltech as a Gifts and Records Specialist where she ensures donor data consistency, assists in API integration, and enhances reporting efficiency for the Data & Business Intelligence unit. She built her foundational experience at a Los Angeles based non-profit as a development associate where she managed gift administration, implemented and streamlined business processes, and directed integral fundraising campaigns.

Session 3: Educating Users to Utilize Self-Service Tools - Building Technology Resiliency and Data Literacy

Heather Kutzman | Georgia Tech Foundation, Manager of Strategic Operations and Learning

Heather Kutzman, Manager of Strategic Operation and Learning for the Georgia Tech Foundation is dedicated to advancing enterprise systems that support data integrity, user engagement, and organizational success. In her role supporting the CIO, she leads initiatives that drive user adoption, enhance data quality, and ensure the effective delivery of strategic technology projects for the Foundation. Heather oversees a comprehensive Blackbaud CRM training and documentation program tailored to diverse learners and leadership levels, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices. She facilitates stakeholder engagement and project execution and collaborates with cross-functional teams to maintain a robust knowledge base. With a focus on continuous improvement, Heather also leads the Constituent Management team in acquiring, maintaining, and optimizing constituent data, while providing operational insights and metrics to support advancement decision-making. Heather has worked at the Georgia Tech Foundation four years and enjoys traveling in her free time.

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August 5 | Managing Change: Tactics 

Session 1: Project Management Implementation for Everyone

Lori Stirling | BWF, Associate Managing Vice President of Implementation Services

Lori Stirling is the Associate Managing Vice President of Implementation Services at BWF, bringing over 30 years of experience in advancement and nonprofit technology. Having led more than 100 CRM implementations, Lori has seen it all—from tangled data migrations to under-scoped integrations—and she’s developed a sixth sense for spotting problems before they become full-blown fires. Known for her calm, collaborative style, she brings clarity, empathy, and just the right mix of strategy and pragmatism to help teams feel confident, capable, and genuinely supported as they navigate big transitions.

Sandy Fisher | Chapman University, Executive Director, Advisory Services

Karen Hook | Wesleyan University, Advancement Salesforce Administrator

Jill Steward | Oregon Health Science University, CRM Product Manager

Session 2: Determining Success Metrics for Sustainable Outcomes

Sabre Leek | Sleek Consulting, CEO

Sabre Leek is the founder of Sleek Consulting with more than 19 years of direct consulting experience working with higher education institutions and non-profits across the country. Ms. Leek's background includes 25 years of experience in fundraising operations including Director and Executive Director level positions.

Neiger N. Patrick, MBA, MS, MIDP, PMP, RPCV | Morehouse School of Medicine Vice President Philanthropy Operations

Brent Swinton | Bowie State University, Vice President for Philanthropic Engagement, Executive Director of the BSU Foundation

Session 3: Change Management Adoption and Practices

Necie Liggeons | Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chief Development and Alumni Engagement Officer

Liggeons works as the Chief Development and Alumni Engagement Officer at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), where she is responsible for providing comprehensive leadership and strategic support for all fundraising and alumni engagement efforts. In addition to helping PCOM achieve its frontline fundraising goals by establishing and directly managing prospects, Liggeons also has responsibility for campaign management, database administration and reporting, gift processing, stewardship and donor relations, fiscal management, and prospect development. 

Dwight Dozier | The Georgia Tech Foundation, Chief Information Officer

Dwight D. Dozier currently serves as the CIO of the Georgia Tech Foundation. Prior to Georgia Tech, he served as senior associate vice president of advancement at the George Washington University, responsible for the areas of alumni relations, advancement services, constituent relations, and markets. Prior to his work at GWU, Dwight served as the associate vice president of university advancement and advancement services at the University of Louisville, assistant executive director of alumni services at The Pennsylvania State University, and as manager of biographical records and systems analyst at Washington State University. With more than 40 years of experience in higher education advancement, Dwight has been a faculty member, presenter, and institute and conference chairs for CASE and has served as a CASE Philanthropy Commissioner. Dwight was involved with CASE Kentucky as a board member, conference chair, and CASE KY president.
Dwight recently served on the CASE District III Board of Directors, as well as serving as a co-chair of the 2023 CASE District III Annual Conference. Additionally, he is on the board of directors of the Association of Advancement Services Professionals (aasp) and has served as the chair of the Blackbaud CRM Higher Education Product Advisory Group.
Dwight is a graduate of Washington State University and an active jazz musician.

Vicky Medlock | Emory University, Sr. Associate Vice President, Operations and Advancement Strategy (Interim)

Jessica Schrider LaBorde | University of California, Davis, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Advancement Services

Jessica Schrider LaBorde is the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Advancement Services for the University of California, Davis. Jessica and her team develop and provide advancement services solutions with the front-line fundraiser in mind.

With nearly 25 years of experience in corporate sales, political and nonprofit fundraising, and philanthropy operations, Jessica is passionate about improving both internal and external processes to drive a leaner, more efficient business while supporting the UC Davis philanthropic goals and priorities.

Jessica is active in CASE as both a speaker and an awards judge for Advancement Services Programs. She holds a BS in Mass Communications and a BA in English Literature from Appalachian State University and has completed her Executive MBA. When not fearlessly leading her team to new professional heights, she takes pleasure at home and abroad by gardening with her tween twins, supporting farm-to-fork initiatives, and sampling family-owned wineries and microbreweries with her charming husband. She is also a voracious reader who enjoys napping nearly as much as turning pages.