Conference Session Topics and Speakers 

Blackbaud Benchmarking Debrief and Retention Discussion 

Erick Weber, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Annual Giving, University of Tennessee 

Young Alumni and Student Philanthropy Programs 

Alyssa Roberts, Assistant Director of Digital Fundraising, University of Tennessee 

Lauren Herbstritt, Senior Director of Advancement, Annual Giving, University of Tennessee 

Digital Engagement Centers – Utilizing Digital Ambassadors and Gift Officers  

Angela Floyd, Director of Annual Giving and Membership, University of Missouri 

Joe Montante, Associate Director for Donor Experience, University of Virginia

Artificial Intelligence for Fundraising Roundtable Discussion 

Cameron Hall, Executive Director of Annual Giving, University of South Carolina 

Crowdfunding – Choosing the Right Projects and Implementing Best Practices 

Kristen Blanchard, Assistant Director of Annual Giving, University of Arkansas 

Robyn Riggins, Annual Giving Specialist, University of Arkansas 

Merging Annual Giving with Alumni Engagement 

Kara St. John Tompkins, Executive Director of Philanthropic Engagement, Syracuse University 

Adam Compton, Executive Director of Annual Giving, NC State University 

Yoon Van Hout, Executive Director of Annual Giving, University of Florida Alumni Association 

CRM Conversion – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 

Georgia Banes, Director of Annual Giving, Mississippi State University Foundation 

Heather Andrews, Director of Development Strategy, Mississippi State University Foundation 

Annual Giving Dashboards – Utilizing Data to Make Decisions 

Kim Bowden, Vice President of Annual Giving, Georgia Tech Alumni Association 

Heather Duiser, Executive Director of Annual Giving and Communications, University of Georgia 

Leadership Annual Giving 

Jake Strang, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Alumni Annual Giving, University of Pittsburgh 

Jeff McGinn, Executive Director of Annual Giving and Membership, University of Missouri  

Direct Mail 

Logan Smart, Senior Associate Director of Annual Giving, University of Kentucky 

Jess Gagnon, Director of Annual Giving Direct Marketing, Boston College 

Giving Days 

Angela Atkins, Annual Gifts Officer, University of Mississippi 

Lisa Lofland, Assistant Director of Digital Marketing, Auburn University 

Brittany Staggers, Associate Director of Digital Annual Giving Programs and Strategies, University of South Carolina 

Philanthropic Commerce and Incentives 

Alexis Allen, Director of Annual Giving, University of Louisville 

Megan Poole, Director of Direct Marketing, University of Virginia 

Katherine Leatherman, Associate Director of Direct Marketing, University of Virginia 

Mary Finnerty, Project Associate for Direct Marketing, University of Virginia 

Phonathon 

Andrew Palmer, Director of Annual Giving, University of Kentucky 

Erick Weber, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Annual Giving, University of Tennessee 

Utilizing Athletics to Drive Donations 

Yoon Van Hout, Executive Director of Annual Giving, University of Florida Alumni Association 

Sherry W. Abrams, Senior Director of Annual Giving, University of Georgia 

Roxanne Combs, Annual Giving Specialist, Auburn 

Lisa Lofland, Assistant Director of Digital Marketing, Auburn