2025 ADRP NEMA Regional Session Details 

Keynote  |  Plenary  |  Sessions

Keynote - “IN”powered for Impact: Living Purposefully During Times of Uncertainty

Dr. Shai Butler | Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, and Strategist

A self-described recovering “Hot Mess” Dr. Shai knows what it takes to navigate uncertainty and succeed personally and professionally. Using her life and career experiences, she shares with audiences how to traverse the fault lines and keep moving forward during times of disruption. Dr. Shai reminds us that we have everything we need withinto power through many of the challenges life brings. She will address personal growth and strategic self-leadership to help build professional resilience, purposeful living, and strategic thinking.

Dr. Shai is also the founder and CEO of StratHERgies LLC, an Executive Leadership Development consultancy that works with current and aspiring managers on setting strategy, developing goals, change management, conflict resolution, teambuilding, and retreat facilitation to establish or enhance a healthy & productive workplace culture. 

Learn more about Dr. Shai Butler at www.drshaibutler.com 

Plenary Session

Surviving and Thriving Through Unexpected Career Transitions

Kathleen Diemer | Former ADRP President and Board Member
Debbie Meyers | Writer/Editor, Rutgers University Foundation | Chief Inspiration Officer, EDiT

Nothing lasts forever. No matter how long you have been in your current role and working at your current organization, your career can be upended in an instant due to budget cuts, loss of funding, restructure, toxic culture, or other reasons you may (or may not) ever see coming. Join former ADRP board members who have been through it and learn how to navigate the challenging waters of sudden job loss and transition. In this session, attendees will learn: 

• How to spot red flags that indicate a change may be coming. 

• What you should be doing now so you are prepared in the event of sudden job loss. 

• What to make sure you know in the moment. 

• How to use ADRP and other sources to help you survive and thrive.

Learning Objectives:

(1) How to spot red flags that indicate a change may be coming.

(2) What you should be doing now so you are prepared in the event of sudden job loss.

(3) What to make sure you know in the moment.

(4) How to use ADRP and other sources to help you survive and thrive.

Kathleen Diemer started her career in philanthropy almost three decades ago. Since then, she has worked at two universities, on four comprehensive campaigns, and through the tenures of countless university leaders and colleagues. She has successfully built and led multiple behind-the-scenes fundraising units including Donor Relations, Advancement Communications, Strategic Advancement Services, and Gifts and Records Processing. From 2013 to 2018, she served on the board of ADRP, including time as both Secretary-Treasurer and President. A native New Yorker who became a proud Terrapin, Kathleen holds both a B.A. in Journalism and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Maryland. When she’s not working, she enjoys travel (12 countries and 49 states visited), live music, good books, photography, and completing the occasional 5k or half-marathon.

Debbie Meyers has worked in advancement for more than 40 years, much of that time in higher education. She has created or enhanced operations, communications, donor relations and stewardship programs at Chautauqua Institution, the University of Maryland, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Florida. She also built communications and development programs for a Catholic high school, an art museum, and a health center development office. She works part-time for Rutgers University Foundation, writing feature stories on alumni and donors, and proofreading and editing to her heart’s delight. A donor relations consultant and freelancer, she is also chief inspiration officer at EDiT!, providing editorial direction, inspiration and training to advancement professionals. A founding board member of the Association of Donor Relations Professionals, Debbie has a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in journalism. She lives in southwest New York with her high school drum major husband, with whom she shares four grown children and three goofy dogs.

Sessions

Recognition Society Roadmap: From Strategy to Relaunch

Amber Alexander | Senior Director, Donor Relations, Lehigh University
Debbie Meyers | Writer/Editor, Rutgers University Foundation | Chief Inspiration Officer, EDiT
Casey Sharkey | Director of Donor Relations and Principal Gift Stewardship, Lehigh University

Is your donor recognition program as effective as it could be? Lehigh University transformed its societies from a traditional benefits-based model to a community-centric approach. This session reveals how we successfully shifted our focus to celebrating philanthropic impact at all levels, even navigating the first threshold increase for our flagship leadership annual giving society in over 50 years. Learn how Lehigh partnered with a consultant to relaunch its societies, implementing key changes, including new giving levels, streamlined qualifications, and a refreshed brand identity. We'll share our communication strategies for these changes, ensuring transparency with our donors and alumni. Discover how strategically designed recognition societies can identify and target key constituencies, serving as a powerful stewardship tool. Gain practical insights you can apply to your own program, including navigating threshold increases, rebranding, and effective communication. Join us and reimagine your recognition societies for greater impact!

 Learning Objectives:

(1) Attendees will learn about the strategic use of recognition societies to identify key giving patterns and donor audiences to maximize engagement and cultivate future support.

(2) Attendees will understand the role of recognition societies in stewarding a broad donor base, particularly unmanaged donors, maximizing the impact of donor relations efforts.

(3) Attendees will learn how one organization successfully navigated the challenges of relaunching its recognition program, gaining insights into problem-solving and strategic decision-making in this context.

Amber Alexander is a higher education advancement professional with nearly two decades of experience, primarily in donor relations. She has a proven track record of driving impactful change and building high-performing teams at both Arizona State University and currently at Lehigh University, where she serves as Senior Director of Donor Relations. Amber is a champion for continuous improvement, exploring emerging technologies, and refining all aspects of the donor experience. A first-generation college student, she is passionate about the transformative power of higher education and enjoys mentoring and teaching.

Debbie Meyers has worked in advancement for more than 40 years, much of that time in higher education. She has created or enhanced operations, communications, donor relations and stewardship programs at Chautauqua Institution, the University of Maryland, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Florida. She also built communications and development programs for a Catholic high school, an art museum, and a health center development office. She works part-time for Rutgers University Foundation, writing feature stories on alumni and donors, and proofreading and editing to her heart’s delight. A donor relations consultant and freelancer, she is also chief inspiration officer at EDiT!, providing editorial direction, inspiration, and training to advancement professionals. A founding board member of the Association of Donor Relations Professionals, Debbie has a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in journalism. She lives in southwest New York with her high school drum major husband, with whom she shares four grown children and three goofy dogs.

With 15 years of experience in higher education, Casey Sharkey began her career in student affairs, focusing on campus programming and residence life. After transitioning into development and discovering the field of donor relations, she knew she had found her niche in a career rooted in gratitude. Over the past decade, Casey has worked in the annual fund for two years before focusing fully on donor relations. She now serves as the Director of Donor Relations and Principal Gift Stewardship. Casey is a passionate snail mail enthusiast who finds her greatest joy in being a mom.

Maximizing Impact: Reinventing Your Donor Relations Program

Amber Alexander | Senior Director, Donor Relations, Lehigh University 
Rachel Frisch | Director of Gift Administration and Compliance, Lehigh University

Donor relations is evolving. Increased compliance scrutiny, the demand for impact reporting, and personalized stewardship for top donors require a new approach. This session explores how to reinvent your program, staffing, and even yourself to meet these challenges. We'll examine key trends, including compliance, comprehensive stewardship, and individualized stewardship. Participants will learn practical strategies in: 

• Balancing compliance with other responsibilities. 

• Providing comprehensive stewardship to all levels of giving. 

• Creating personalized stewardship plans that deepen relationships with top donors. 

• Restructuring teams and roles to maximize efficiency and expertise. 

• Cultivating the skills and mindset necessary to lead in a changing environment. 

This session offers actionable takeaways and real-world examples, empowering attendees to reinvent their programs for greater impact in today's philanthropic landscape.

Learning Objectives:

(1) Attendees will learn about a range of stewardship strategies tailored to different giving levels, demonstrating an understanding of donor motivations and preferences.

(2) Attendees will learn about integrating stewardship planning with team structure and efficiency.

(3) Attendees will learn how one organization is reinventing its program, gaining insights into leadership development for a changing environment.

Amber Alexander is a higher education advancement professional with nearly two decades of experience, primarily in donor relations. She has a proven track record of driving impactful change and building high-performing teams at both Arizona State University and currently at Lehigh University, where she serves as Senior Director of Donor Relations. Amber is a champion for continuous improvement, exploring emerging technologies, and refining all aspects of the donor experience. A first-generation college student, she is passionate about the transformative power of higher education and enjoys mentoring and teaching.

From coordinating complex corporate meetings to ensuring the impactful use of philanthropic gifts, Rachel Frisch's career has taken some fascinating turns. She's navigated multiple professional reinventions, moving from a Fortune 500 company to the world of higher education development, where she directed events at two different institutions. For the last ten years, she's been at Lehigh University, progressively moving from development events to principal gift stewardship, and has now entered the gift administration and compliance space. Her diverse experience gives her a unique perspective on navigating career transitions and finding fulfillment in unexpected places.

Beyond the Gift: Mastering Agreements & Donor Intent

Matthew Cotty, CFRE | Senior Associate Director, Fund Management, Northeastern University

A well-crafted gift agreement ensures that donor intent is honored while allowing institutions to adapt over time. This session explores key principles of drafting effective agreements, UPMIFA considerations, and best practices for stewarding restricted funds. Drawing from Northeastern University’s transformation, we’ll highlight how evolving fund terms protect institutions from legal risks while ensuring donor impact. Participants will explore critical fund language nuances that foster donor trust and sustainability. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will gain practical strategies for working with fundraisers, donors, and stakeholders. The session concludes with an open forum for questions, story sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.

Learning Objectives:

(1) Drafting Strong and Adaptable Gift Agreements - Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the essential components of a well-structured gift agreement, balancing donor intent, fund terms, and institutional priorities. By recognizing the role of UPMIFA and exploring key language nuances, participants will leave with practical strategies to craft agreements that ensure long-term sustainability while safeguarding donor expectations.

(2) Navigating Legal and Financial Implications of Fund Terms - Participants will learn how evolving fund terms can protect their institution from legal and financial risks. Through real-world examples, they will explore the impact of terminology - such as distinctions between tuition and cost of attendance - on fund compliance and sustainability. These insights will help professionals mitigate risks and maintain the integrity of restricted funds.

(3) Addressing Common Challenges in Donor Stewardship - Attendees will engage in a discussion on navigating complex stewardship challenges, including balancing donor expectations with legal constraints such as FERPA regulations and institutional policies. Participants will explore real-world scenarios and learn strategies for managing sensitive donor requests while ensuring compliance and ethical fund oversight.

Matt Cotty brings over a decade of nonprofit expertise, specializing in diversity fundraising, corporate and foundation relations, fund management, data analytics, and nonprofit leadership. He currently serves as Senior Associate Director of Fund Management at Northeastern University, where he oversees fund compliance, reporting, and gift agreement development. Previously, he led development at Revolutionary Spaces, navigating a merger and pandemic-era challenges. His consulting work with CCS Fundraising helped organizations craft strategic campaigns and maximize impact. Earlier, Matt revitalized giving models at Reaching Out MBA, strengthening individual and corporate philanthropy, and enhanced alumni engagement at Babson College. A SUNY Potsdam Trustee and President-Elect of its Alumni Association, Matt leads regional alumni engagement efforts. A CFRE and former AFP Massachusetts IDEA Fellow, he holds a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from Northeastern University and a BA in Psychology from SUNY Potsdam.

Reimagining Donor Engagement: Data-driven Program Development

Gavin Green | Assistant Director of Stewardship, Dartmouth Health, Geisel School of Medicine
Beth Wood | Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship, Dartmouth Health, Geisel School of Medicine

Imagine building a donor engagement program from scratch to retain more donors and grow their giving. We did it! The Stewardship team for Medical & Healthcare Advancement at Dartmouth Health and the Geisel School of Medicine employed an evidence-based, data-informed approach to launch our inaugural comprehensive Stewardship Engagement and Communication program aimed at retaining donors and increasing giving. The methodology focused on understanding donor behavior, using past giving data to inform future strategy, and identifying high-potential donor behavior groups. Through data modeling, we analyzed giving patterns, entrance points, and donor motivations, which helped us create targeted Donor Behavior profiles. This analysis guided our strategic resource investments. With leadership buy-in and tailored programs for first-time, tribute, and mid-level donors, we were able to offer multiple engagement pathways for our complex blended donor base. Our first-time donor program has already improved donor retention, with tribute donor initiatives launched in 2024 and a Loyal Donor protocol in development for 2025.

Learning Objectives:

(1) Data-Driven Engagement Strategies: Attendees will learn how to plan to analyze donor behavior through data modeling. By understanding giving patterns, participants can tailor outreach and engagement strategies, leading to improved donor retention and increased giving.

(2) Donor Behavior Audience Identification: We will cover how to identify and organize Donor Behavior audiences for stewardship success. Behavior audiences will help to prioritize donor segments, enabling you to develop strategic programs that resonate with specific groups and maximize return on investment.

(3) Sustainable and Inclusive Donor Protocol Development: We will share our success in developing thoughtful, strategically aligned, sustainable and inclusive donor engagement plans and protocols to alleviate annual 'refresh' workloads and to deliver key messaging to your donors where they are.

Gavin Green is the Assistant Director of Stewardship at the Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine and Dartmouth Health, and he has a passion for donor relations and stewardship which started all the way back during his undergraduate studies at Susquehanna University. Having experienced small shops, medium shops, and large state school shops, Gavin demonstrates his deep understanding of donor relations best practices and trends while managing the multi-branded and complex nature of working between a regionally renowned academic medical center and an internationally recognized Ivy League university. From non-profit universities to private healthcare, Gavin is helping to redefine modern donor relations and create sustainable and inclusive donor engagement and communication programs.

Beth Wood serves as the Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship at Dartmouth Health and the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Her passion for this work began in childhood, inspired by her grandfather, who emphasized the importance of expressing gratitude through written thank-you notes. Over the years, Beth has evolved her passions into an evidence-driven practice that instills gratitude, fosters trust, and demonstrates impact across diverse audiences. Beth strategically oversees stewardship, donor relations including major and principal gift cultivation. She is committed to investing in the teams she leads, championing employee engagement initiatives and manager training to empower individuals to reach their full potential. Before her current role, Beth held development positions at St. Paul’s School, the University of New Hampshire, and the University of San Francisco (USF). She earned a Master of Nonprofit Administration from USF and a Bachelor’s degree in geography, political science, and environmental studies from Augustana College.

Reignite Your Donor Pipeline with a Shared Engagement Strategy

Corinne Green Endres | Director of Strategic Engagement and Communications, Rochester Institute of Technology
Megan Cheever | Senior Director of Strategic Engagement, Rochester Institute of Technology

Over the past two years, members of Rochester Institute of Technology's advancement team launched a highly innovative approach to building a comprehensive engagement plan with the ultimate goal of matching strategy across teams. This divisional approach to understanding and prioritizing both individual and university fundraising priorities transformed a simple fiscal year calendar into a robust plan of dynamic and creative engagement strategies that extend beyond traditional events. Learn how the realignment to shared goals and purposeful activity can propel your entire team through a year's worth of high-value engagement opportunities that strengthen the donor pipeline and unite your organization within a shared strategy.

Learning Objectives:

(1) Participants will be able to conceptualize how an advancement team can collaboratively build an engagement plan driven by a strong shared donor pipeline strategy.

(2) Participants will be exposed to strategies that encourage a culture of inclusivity and transparency within engagement planning, including the realignment of shared goals to support organizational change.

(3) Participants will be prepared with the tools to highlight effective prioritization of activities to enhance the donor experience within the divisional engagement plan.

Corinne Green Endres is the Director of Strategic Engagement and Communications at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). A passionate engagement strategist and continuing student of the profession, her approach to her work is rooted firmly in building vertical models of meaningful engagement, utilizing increasingly creative and personalized communications, investing in strong partnerships, and advocating for the critical role of data in developing transformational strategies. Corinne has volunteered with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for the past five years, most recently serving as a member of the CASE District II Cabinet and co-chairing the 2024 District II Annual Conference in Baltimore, MD. She is the 2023 recipient of the CASE District II Rising Star Award. She earned her BA in English Literature from the State University of New York at Geneseo in 2014.

As Senior Director of Strategic Engagement at RIT, Megan Cheever plays a pivotal role in providing leadership and strategic guidance in alumni engagement strategy. With two decades of experience in higher education, Megan has dedicated her career to reimagining alumni engagement by building distinct and evolving strategies to maintain lifelong connections between alumni and their alma mater. Her expertise extends across key areas, including campaign programming, alumni board management, and the formulation of comprehensive engagement strategies for regional chapters, colleges, parents, volunteers, and annual giving. Her tenure at RIT reflects a dedication to fostering creative and meaningful connections between alumni and the institution, enriching the overall experience for graduates and contributing to the continued success of the university. Previously, Megan held key roles at RIT, SUNY Geneseo and Columbia University. She is also a proud graduate of SUNY Geneseo.

Special Thanks: Transforming the Acknowledgement Process

Danyte Reisinger Tampellini | Donor Relations Associate, Stony Brook University
Debbie Meyers | Writer/Editor, Rutgers University Foundation | Chief Inspiration Officer, EDiT

As Donor Relations professionals, we strive to make our acknowledgements timely, meaningful, and authentic. Ideally, gift officers are an integral part of the process and offer their input to make letters personal and effective. However, other priorities, limited staffing and logistics can get in the way. Over the past year, our team at Stony Brook University has transformed our ACK letters process using effective project management tools, sending over 1400 personalized letters to donors within 1-2 weeks of making their gift with only two dedicated staff positions. By leveraging technology and partnering effectively with gift officers and advancement leadership, you also can transform your acknowledgement letter process.

 Learning Objectives: 

(1) Streamline their acknowledgement process and obtain input from their advancement colleagues.

(2) Generate both templated and highly personalized letters that intentionally move donors through the stewardship cycle.

(3)Track metrics and progress on a weekly basis.

Danyte Reisinger Tampellini is a Donor Relations Associate at Stony Brook University. Danyte has a strong background in nonprofit operations, programming and fundraising. In her current role, she manages SBU's acknowledgement process, Legacy Way program and student organization crowdfunding initiative. Danyte holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stony Brook University and a Master of Public Administration from NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

Debbie Meyers has worked in advancement for more than 40 years, much of that time in higher education. She has created or enhanced operations, communications, donor relations and stewardship programs at Chautauqua Institution, the University of Maryland, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Florida. She also built communications and development programs for a Catholic high school, an art museum, and a health center development office. She works part-time for Rutgers University Foundation, writing feature stories on alumni and donors, and proofreading and editing to her heart’s delight. A donor relations consultant and freelancer, she is also chief inspiration officer at EDiT!, providing editorial direction, inspiration and training to advancement professionals. A founding board member of the Association of Donor Relations Professionals, Debbie has a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in journalism. She lives in southwest New York with her high school drum major husband, with whom she shares four grown children and three goofy dogs.