In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we explore the transition from top-performing fundraiser to effective manager. Inspired by their upcoming session at AFP ICON, Leveling Up: Navigating the Transition into Management, our guests LaDaniel "Danny" Gatling II and P. Kevin Williamson share strategies for developing leadership skills, understanding different management styles, and soliciting honest feedback. They share actionable tips for stepping confidently into your next leadership role.
Guest:
LaDaniel "Danny" Gatling II is an innovative and results-driven leader with over 22 years of experience in development and alumni relations. Most recently, he served as the Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. Danny has a proven track record of strategic leadership in fundraising, and has served in roles at Bennett College, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Elon University School of Law, and North Carolina A&T State University. Gatling earned a B.S. degree in Architectural Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and a M.A. in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University.
P. Kevin Williamson has over 26 years of frontline fundraising experience, leading campaigns from $6M to $181M with the Boy Scouts of America and higher education. A Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, he advises clients and offers strategic counsel with Kinetic Fundraising. He excels in securing major gifts, leading frontline fundraising teams, and fostering cross-campus partnerships. Kevin is skilled in board development and expanding donor diversity across PWIs, HBCUs, and MSIs. A sought-after speaker, he presents at AFP, Academic Impressions, and UNC System events. He holds a BA in English from North Carolina A&T State University.
Hosts:
Jarrod Williams, MBLI, CFRE, is a courageous, strategic, and results-oriented fundraising leader with over a decade of experience driving revenue growth, donor engagement, and organizational visibility. He is committed to building cultures of philanthropy within mission-driven organizations and brings a proven track record across major gifts, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, event strategy, and data-informed decision-making within both social justice and arts organizations.
He serves as a Client Experience Leader for Veritus Group, where he educates and coaches fundraisers across the country on innovative mid-level and major gift strategies. In this role, he partners with organizations nationwide to strengthen donor pipelines, elevate fundraising performance, and build sustainable revenue models.
Jarrod has been recognized for his leadership and influence and remains actively engaged in advancing the fundraising profession. He serves on the AFP Global Emerging Leaders Committee and the AFP LEAD Education Committee, supporting the development of the next generation of fundraising professionals. In 2020, he was named a Top 30 Under 30 Young Professional by 101.1 The Wiz in Cincinnati. He is also a graduate of the Urban Leaders Institute through the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, where he earned the Best-in-Class Award for Best Connector—recognizing his ability to build meaningful relationships and mobilize others around a shared vision. He is a proud Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a graduate of the AFP Global Faculty Training Academy.
Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, CFRE, ACNP, GPC, CAP, Founder & CEO, AQP Consulting & Executive Director, ENP: Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier has fourteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has collectively raised approximately $5 million for over 75 organizations. She serves as Executive Director of ENP and runs her own nonprofit consulting firm, AQP Consulting, where she helps grassroots nonprofits with fundraising strategy, strategic planning, board development, and grant writing.
Allison is a vocal advocate for gender parity, closing the wage gap, and ending the motherhood penalty. With accolades such as AFP’s Outstanding Young Fundraising Professional, NBJ’s 40 Under 40, NBJ’s Women of Influence, a National Latino Leader, and the Women Who Rock Nashville Social Justice Award, Dr. Quintanilla Plattsmier strives to serve and better her community every day. A dedicated AFP member for the last seven years, Allison currently chairs the Women's Impact Initiative (WII) Mentorship Program and serves on the LEAD Education Advisory Committee. When she is not out serving her community, she is spending time with her three kids, Quintan, Karina, and Kamren.
