Shows
St. Louis News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!EverTrue Welcomes New COO for Senior Care ExpansionEverTrue, a nonprofit senior care provider, appoints Russ Mast as COO, bringing his operations expertise from HumanGood. Masts arrival strengthens EverTrues leadership, aligning with surging demand for quality caregiving. The company also adds key roles, signaling plans for community programs and expansions. Checkout Solipillow.comDNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-12-2101 min
The PM PodcastThat Kid From Iowa: A Conversation with Brent GrinnaBrent Grinna is the founder and President of EverTrue, a platform reimagining how nonprofits connect with their supporters. Raised on a farm in Iowa, he went on to Brown University, where he captained the varsity football team and chaired the senior class gift campaign, before moving into the private equity and then earning his MBA at Harvard Business School. His early experiences in alumni fundraising led him to see how outdated systems held back meaningful relationships between institutions and donors. In response, he built EverTrue to bring data and digital tools into advancement work in ways that put people...
2025-09-2259 min
RAISE Podcast203: Patrick Hewett, Endicott College.On this episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent welcomes Patrick Hewett, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Endicott College—and one of the first advancement professionals to give EverTrue feedback, way back in 2011.Patrick traces his path from Portsmouth Abbey School to Saint Anselm College, from a short-lived stint in insurance to his first advancement job developing a young alumni program for his alma mater. He shares how his time at Middlesex School and Boston University shaped his approach to building donor relationships and how he's helping Endicott lean into cause-based fundraising, value creation, and a donor ex...
2025-07-2558 min
The Coffee Hour from KFUO RadioLutheran Senior Services Is Now EverTrueHow does Lutheran Senior Services, now EverTrue, serve the community? Rev. Dr. Travis Scholl, Corporate Director of Mission Integration for EverTrue, the KFUO Organization of the Week for March 9-15, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why Lutheran Senior Services made the name change to EverTrue, what a Life Plan Community is, how EverTrue serves its residents and clients, and what makes EverTrue unique among organizations serving older adults. Learn more about EverTrue at evertrueliving.org.As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sa...
2025-03-1115 min
RAISE Podcast182: Jim Zimmerman, The Branson School, Marts & LundySince joining Marts&Lundy in 2016, Jim has provided strategic counsel to many schools and other organizations and conducted numerous campaign planning studies and development program assessments.Previously, Jim served as Chief Evangelist at EverTrue, helping hundreds of organizations understand how technology and innovation can transform their fundraising programs. His frontline experience in campaigns and as a leader of development programs allows him to form strategies that align operations and technology for exceptional results.Jim currently serves as Chief Advancement Officer at The Branson School. From 1993 to 2011, Jim served as Director of Development at Middlesex School...
2024-05-1649 min
Startup DadThree Generations Under One Roof | Eben Pingree (father of 3, founder at Kinsome)Eben Pingree is a serial startup founder who is currently building the startup Kinsome -- a product focused on helping grandkids better connect with their grandparents. He has founded and sold multiple companies over the past 10 years. He's also a husband and the father of three kids. In today's conversation we discussed: * Growing up in the same house (or apartment) you were raised in* What it's like living in a multi-generational building with your parents and siblings* The importance of proximity of family* Eben's earliest memories of fatherhood* Building m...
2024-03-1455 min
Mentorship MattersEp. 42: Navigating big change, feat. Carla Willis, Washburn & McGoldrickCarla Willis joined Washburn & McGoldrick in 2019, following a 25-year campus-based fundraising and consulting in higher education advancement and thought leadership. Carla has worked in just about every area of frontline advancement, including major and principal gifts, planned gifts, corporate and foundations, campaign planning and execution, and began her career in annual giving at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has worked at two Big Ten institutions, other large public universities, both public and private liberal arts colleges, law schools, an HBCU and an academic medical center.Prior to joining the firm, she served in chief advancement roles at...
2024-03-1323 min
Mentorship MattersEp 41: Culture eats strategy for breakfast, feat. Edgar Gonzalez, Seattle UniversityEdgar Gonzalez is an experienced and proven leader, team-builder, and collaborator with almost 20 years of experience in higher education advancement and program development. He currently serves as Vice President of University Advancement at Seattle University. Prior to joining Seattle University, Edgar held leadership roles at Oregon Health and Science University, the University of Washington, and the Alliance for Education. A native of Argentina, Edgar and his family emigrated to the US when he was 9 years old in pursuit of the American dream. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, he has dedicated his en...
2024-02-2751 min
Mentorship MattersEp. 40, "Do we have to spend money to make money?" with Jim LangleyOn this episode of Mentorship Matters, host Kim Nyoni chats with Jim Langley about a money question. The topic on the table is... How much money do we have to spend to raise a lot of money?
Kim and Jim dive into a debate about where the fundraising industry is over- and under-investing. They talk about whether some traditional big spend ticket items are really donor-centric. And they discuss some investments that are well worth their fiscal weight.
Tune in!
2024-01-1841 min
Mentorship MattersEp. 39, Creating an environment where all people thrive, feat. Lishelle Blakemore, UC BerkeleyLishelle Blakemore ‘89 (she/her/hers) is the Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) of Development in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for the University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) department at the University of California, Berkeley.Lishelle has served as the AVC of Development since 2017. Prior to this role, Lishelle established and led the Annual Programs department in UDAR. Before joining UDAR in 1994, Lishelle served as Assistant Vice President for The Pacific Group, where she provided consulting and fundraising services for universities throughout the country.On campus, Lishelle serves on the University Athletics Board, the Executive Ad...
2024-01-1239 min
Missions to MovementsCopy My Video Strategy To Find Warm Leads In Your Email ListThis episode is presented by Evertrue. Set yourself up for higher retention rates all year long by joining my free webinar with Evertrue on January 16th. RSVP at positiveequation.com/thanks.Today's episode is a little sneak behind the feed of my own personal thank you strategy using ThankView, a versatile video platform that goes way beyond just thanking donors. I'll share how I used it to send a breezy 5-minute video to my email list that had a 44.7% open rate (more than double the...
2023-12-1320 minMissions to MovementsUnleashing Direct Mail Power: Tactics & Insights with Lauren Daley from PledgemineThis episode is presented by Evertrue. Set yourself up for higher retention rates all year long by joining my free webinar with Evertrue on January 16th. RSVP at positiveequation.com/thanks.What if you could tap into the power of direct mail to drive success in your nonprofit organization? That's exactly what we're unpacking today with our special guest, Lauren Daley from Pledgemine. We dive into the intricacies of direct mail strategies, revealing how to effectively incorporate it into an omnichannel approach while considering your...
2023-12-0633 min
Mentorship MattersEp. 38, Women & Philanthropy, feat. Sallie-Grace Tate, UC DavisIn this episode of Mentorship Matters, Kim interviews Sallie-Grace Tate, the Executive Director of Women in Philanthropy at UC Davis. The discussion centers around the importance of growing women's philanthropy in higher education. Sallie-Grace shares insights into the history of women's philanthropy, emphasizing its long-standing presence in the United States and the evolving trends in modern women's giving.
Women play in higher education – making up more than fifty percent of undergraduate populations – yet they are largely overlooked as donors and volunteers. Sallie-Grace challenges traditional assumptions and highlights the influence of women in decision-making processes, especially philanthropy.
According to Sallie-Grace, the six...
2023-12-0432 minMissions to MovementsBoost Your Donor Appreciation Game: Creative Strategies from Calgary Zoo, Bentley University, and Cincinnati Children'sThis episode is presented by Evertrue. Set yourself up for higher retention rates all year long by joining my free webinar with Evertrue on January 16th. RSVP at positiveequation.com/thanks.Are you ready to make your donors feel like the rockstars they are? This episode will show you how to ramp up your thank you game, making your donors feel valued, appreciated and most importantly, connected to your cause. We’ll be sharing creative thank you strategies from the Calgary Zoo, Bentley University, and Ci...
2023-11-2912 minMissions to MovementsHow to Scale Personalized Video Thank Yous with JD from EvertrueThis episode is presented by Evertrue. Set yourself up for higher retention rates all year long by joining my free webinar with Evertrue on January 16th. RSVP at positiveequation.com/thanks.Are you craving a dose of gratitude in today's fast-paced world? Join me as I venture into the transformative power of a simple thank you with JD Beebe, the mastermind behind ThankView. This episode is a trove of insights as we explore the role of video when it comes to improving donor retention, how...
2023-11-2233 minMissions to MovementsYour Story is Worthy - 10 Nonprofit Pros Overcoming Fears of Imposter Syndrome & Self-DoubtThis episode is presented by Evertrue.Today is the 100th episode of the Missions to Movements Podcast! And I’m celebrating with a kaleidoscope of eye-opening conversations that will leave you inspired and invigorated.I asked 10 nonprofit professionals this one important question: what has been a highlight moment from their career? We are often so quiet and hold back from telling our own stories. But that's how we connect with our colleagues, donors, board members, volunteers, and our friends, right? It's always around our stories.Tr...
2023-11-2223 min
Mentorship MattersEp. 37, Advancement at HBCUs, feat. Brent Swinton, Bowie State UniversityBrent Swinton brings more than 20 years of fundraising experience in higher education and the non-profit sector to his position as Vice President of Advancement at Bowie State College. Swinton has a variety of first-hand experience in major gift fundraising, development operations and strategic communications, gathered from a career that has been dedicated to helping mission-based organizations achieve their strategic goals.Prior to joining Bowie State, Swinton led fundraising at the national headquarters of Advancement Project and the Children’s Defense Fund. Previously, he was assistant vice president for institutional advancement at Notre Dame of Maryland University and se...
2023-11-2050 min
Mentorship MattersEp. 36, Growing affinity-based scholarships, feat. LaDaniel Gatling, Guilford CollegeOn this episode of Mentorship Matters, we discuss the crucial role of affinity-based scholarship programs in higher education institutions, emphasizing their importance for recruiting underrepresented student populations who may not qualify for merit-based scholarships.
For this convo, Kim is joined by LaDaniel Gatling, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations at Guilford College, to explore how to set up affinity-based scholarships, their benefits for both the institution and prospective students, and the challenges and considerations involved. They also touch on the impact of recent legal rulings and the potential future trends in scholarship programs, particularly in relation to minority-serving institutions...
2023-11-0729 min
Mentorship MattersEp. 35, Building a more inclusive talent pipeline for advancement, feat. David Lieb, Penn StatePenn State has been a leader in championing diversity and inclusion within the field of advancement. From intentional investing in DEIB programming for their staff to proactively recruiting diverse talent, Penn State's commitment to hiring diverse professionals is actively supported by leadership at all levels. This level of focus and intentionality is a crucial factor to weaving inclusivity into both the everyday activities and the long-term strategy on the Penn State team.
On this episode, Kim chats with David Lieb, Interim Vice President of Development & Alumni Relations, to discuss the essentials of building an inclusive community and Penn State's efforts...
2023-10-2329 min
Mentorship MattersEp. 34: Tips for good networking, feat. John ToolanAt EverTrue, our data tells us that it takes an average of 6.5 touch points to earn a meeting with a donor. In the marketing world, a potential customer must see a message from a brand at least 7 times before they'll be provoked to take an action. When it comes to your own personal brand, networking expert John Toolan argues that the rule of 7 applies, too: You should aim to have multiple interactions with someone if you want to get on their radar!
Tune into this episode for more networking tips from John Toolan, executive coach and CEO of All Points...
2023-09-2630 minMentorship MattersEp. 34, Mentoring athletes to navigate NIL, feat. Michael ZoerbName Image and Likeness (NIL) was a result of a court ruling in the Alston v. NCAA lawsuit that challenged the NCAA's ability to limit college athletes from profiting from their name, image and likeness. NIL has revolutionized the college athletics landscape, allowing individual athletes to earn income outside of their educational benefits that are provided by their institution. And – these changes can present challenges for student-athletes as they navigate this new landscape.
Opendorse is a leading athlete marketplace and NIL technology company that serves the full lifecycle of supporting athletes. As a company founded by former student athletes, Opendorse ta...
2023-09-1333 minMentorship MattersEp. 33, Purpose-driven philanthropy, feat. Bathsheba Philpott, CFREBathsheba Philpott, CFRE, serves as the Vice President of Philanthropy for National Medical Fellowships, Inc. (NMF). In this role, Philpott will lead all fundraising and partnership efforts for the organization whose mission confronts, addresses and solves for pervasive inequity in health care.With more than 20 years of experience in development and philanthropy, Philpott has made an impact with many nonprofit organizations, including the Smithsonian Institution and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, as well as health care-focused and serving institutions such as the Children’s National Hospital and The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Ph...
2023-09-0543 minMentorship MattersEp. 32: ROI, metrics, and the intangibles of fundraising, feat. Bill BoldtThe advancement industry has been trying to nail down the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that accurately measure fundraising productivity for a long time now, and they generally include a mix of: Visits. Proposals. Solicitations. Closed gifts. But, do any of these really account for the nuanced long-game of deep relationship building that is a precursor to transformative philanthropy? As the industry grows in its ability to measure portfolio health and fundraiser activity, how can we ensure to honor and acknowledge the "relationship-building long game"? Kim hosts seasoned advancement leader Bill Boldt, who has managed hundreds of fundraisers during his career...
2023-08-0742 minMentorship MattersEp. 31: Intentionally building a talent onramp, feat. Dennis Bonilla, Dean of Wiley Edge Global AcademyHigher ed has a talent problem.
The average tenure for a gift officer is less than 18 months. 51% of all fundraisers plan to leave their jobs in the next two years. (Source: Chronicle of Philanthropy)
And the average direct and indirect cost of losing a fundraiser is about $127,000.
The “disappearing gift officer” has a huge impact on higher ed advancement. So, how can we improve the talent retention rate in higher ed?
One answer is: get better at building talent pipeline. And the way we can do this is by:
1) Intentionally building on-ramp positions for new talent. (i.e. Positions that don...
2023-07-2446 minMentorship MattersEp. 30: Developing a winning mindset, feat. Dr. Amber Selking"It's all about thinking right. About yourself, about others, about opportunities, about failures."
What you think becomes what you are – so we have to start with our thoughts. On this episode, Kim hosts Dr. Amber Selking for an inspiring conversation about developing a winning mindsete. We talk through the thoughts, words, actions, and habits that all string together and build towards guaranteed success.
2023-07-1028 minMentorship MattersMatthew Winston, Binghamton University: How do we engage online degree recipients?
2023-07-0600 minMentorship MattersEp. 29: Mission matters most! Reflections on alignment and purpose from host Kim NyoniWhen considering a next-step in any career, there are lots of factors on the table. Job titles, salary, location, team resources, work load, organization culture.
Of all these factors, Kim is confident in advising that the mission, vision, and values of an organization are most important.
We spend the majority of time, and much of our mental and emotional energy, where we work. So, it matters hugely what you're working towards.
On this episode, Kim shares his thoughts on the importance of aligning with the mission of an organization, and the effects true alignment can have on our longterm happiness...
2023-06-2014 minMentorship MattersEp. 28: Engaging online degree recipients, feat. Matthew Winston, Binghamton UniversityMatthew M. Winston, Jr. joined Binghamton University in May as executive director for alumni engagement and serves as the University’s chief alumni engagement officer, providing leadership to the alumni office team.Winston is founder and principal of The Winston Advisory Pack consulting firm, focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion strategies for institutional advancement organizations. He previously served as the senior associate vice president for alumni relations at Virginia Tech. Prior to that, he spent 15 years as assistant to the president at the University of Georgia, where he also was acting director of the Office of Institutional Di...
2023-06-0539 min
Talking ShopEpisode 5: The love-hate relationship with capacity ratings"You rated this person as having a capacity to give $1.5MM, but I met with them, and they can clearly give upwards of $25MM. What gives?!"
On this episode, Dave and Erin explore a tale as old as fundraising time that costs advancement shops a lot of time and energy: the communication breakdown between fundraisers and prospect researchers.
Dave and Erin have been on both sides of this proverbial fence, and they talk through suggested solutions to the silos based on their experience. They hone in on the junctions in the lifecycle of a prospect where the People, Process, and...
2023-05-2229 minMentorship MattersEp. 27: Moving from mentorship to sponsorship, feat. Steven Barnes, Duke HealthOn this episode, Kim chats with Steven Barnes, Senior Associate Vice President at Duke Health and Alumni Affairs. They talk about how purposeful mentorship can organically evolve into genuine sponsor, and they explore the differentiators between a great mentor and a great sponsor.
2023-05-1543 minMentorship MattersEp. 26: Why we mentor: What advancement can learn from the hospitality industry, featuring David Crory, UpstayUpStay, a leading provider of advanced ancillary upselling technology solutions for the
2023-05-0831 minMentorship MattersEp. 25: The AAPI community and the Advancement talent pipeline, feat. Shane Carlin, Asian Student AchievementShane Carlin's professional career has been in fundraising and Student Affairs where he was the Director of Development for Student Life and Scholarships at Northwestern University, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Advancement at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Shane has also worked as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), as well as in Residence Life and Housing at Miami, Northwestern, and Capital Universities.Shane is a Korean American adoptee where he grew-up in northern Kentucky. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from th...
2023-04-2432 minMentorship MattersEp. 24: The Great Resignation or the Great Realization? Feat. Stephanie Mizer, The Ohio State UniversityIs advancement really experiencing a "Great Resignation," or are more fundraisers just realizing that advancement has overlooked work/life balance and other quality-of-life factors for too long, and now its time to recalibrate?
As of March of 2023, only 1.3% of higher education roles currently allow remote work. And 3 out of 484 - .6% - of the open "annual giving" positions in higher education support remote work.
Yet, advancement is up against undeniable stats like these: when people are given the chance to work in a flexible environment, 87% take it (source: McKinsey). Remote work grew by 159% between 2005 and 2020, and then again by another 59% from 2020...
2023-04-1047 minMentorship MattersEp. 23: Mission-driven, featuring Bart Patterson, Nevada State CollegeBart Patterson was the 7th and longest-serving President of Nevada State College, Nevada's fastest growing and most diverse college. As President, Bart made it his goal to provide affordable, quality, and accessible education that would transform the communities of Southern Nevada. His tenure at NSC fulfilled his WHY.
2023-03-2726 minMentorship MattersEp. 22: The future of WFH, feat. Heidi Lee, Movement Voter ProjectHeidi Lee leads the major donor advising team in building lasting relationships with donors who support MVP and grassroots organizations across the country. As a development professional she knows that lifting the voices of women and women of color in the philanthropy world will make an enormous impact in our society.Her experience includes over twenty years in the philanthropic environment, working with and for social justice organizations, educational institutions and political action committees. She has seen first hand how passionate people can make a difference. Born in South Korea and raised in Las Vegas, NV to...
2023-03-2032 minMentorship MattersEp. 21: Sovereign Leadership, feat. Dr. Chad Warren, Dignity HealthOn this episode, Kim hosts Dr. Chad Warren for a candid conversation about how true leaders empower their team members to fully own their responsibilities and make key decisions – and in this way, every team member becomes a leader, in their own right.
Chad and Kim also explore the important fact that even the folks at the very top of organizations are humans, too, and are exposed to a huge amount of pressure and responsibility (alongside the privilege and freedom that comes with being at the top.) They discuss tactics for leaders to embrace and embody a mindset of resiliency an...
2023-03-1324 minMentorship MattersEp. 20: Mentorship Through the Lens of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging, feat. Jennifer Mora, University of San FranciscoJennifer Mora is the Senior Director, Major Gifts, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Community Initiatives at the University of San Francisco.
2023-03-0639 minMentorship MattersEp. 19: Advancement at Community Colleges, featuring Kenneth Cooper, Las Positas College"Don't sleep on the leadership opportunities at community colleges."
If you're curious about advancement, if you want to dip your toes into what's really going on in the fundraising and non-profit space, if you want to see grassroots philanthropy in action and watch its impact change individuals and families – then the two-year community college realm is a powerful place to start.
This week on the Mentorship Matter podcast, Kim Nyoni hosts Kenneth Cooper, Executive Director of the Las Positas College Foundation, for a conversation on servant leadership, generational change, and the life-changing power of accessible education.
2023-02-2733 minMentorship MattersAdvancement at Community Colleges, featuring Kenneth Cooper, Las Positas College"Don't sleep on the leadership opportunities at community colleges."
If you're curious about advancement, if you want to dip your toes into what's really going on in the fundraising and non-profit space, if you want to see grassroots philanthropy in action and watch its impact change individuals and families – then the two-year community college realm is a powerful place to start.
This week on the Mentorship Matter podcast, Kim Nyoni hosts Kenneth Cooper, Executive Director of the Las Positas College Foundation, for a conversation on servant leadership, generational change, and the life-changing power of accessible education.
2023-02-2733 minMentorship MattersEp. 18: Mentorship gulfills the mentor, featuring Shontel Grumhaus, UNC Kenan-Flagler School of BusinessAs Senior Associate Dean of Development at UNC Kenan-Flager Business School, Shontel Grumhus leads a team of 27 development professionals and reports to the dean of the business school. Under her leadership, the UNC Kenan-Flager has exceeded a $400 million campaign goal for the School, overseen a successful new building campaign; and broke the record for best fundraising year ever at UNC Kenan-Flagler in '21 and '22. She has personally closed more than $33.3 million in gifts and commitments in FY21-22 and $50 million in FY20-21.
2023-02-2116 minMentorship MattersEp. 17: Insights from a Board member: Why I give back, feat. Damon Sununtnasuk, University of FloridaDamon Sununtnasuk is the founder and CEO of two award winning companies - Natural Cure Labs LLC and Sunt Group LLC. He has an internationally decorated career in health, technology, and entrepreneurial leadership. Damon has led business efforts at several technology companies, including Microsoft, Google, and Samsung in London, Berlin, and Seoul, respectively. Damon’s work and travel has taken him to more than 70 countries across six continents. Damon earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and his Master of Business Administration (First-Class Honours) from the University of Ca...
2023-02-1329 min
The Development Debrief119. JD Beebe: The Origin Story of ThankViewIf you are listening to this—it is likely you either have access to ThankView through your organization or have at least seen their unicorn logo. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s the cloud-based platform that lets you easily create and send personalized videos to raise awareness, promote events, update stakeholders, and thank those who matter most.
Today, we will talk with JD Beebe, ThankView’s co-founder and CEO. JD tells us how and why he became an entrepreneur and shares the story of how ThankView was originally created to make completing...
2023-02-0828 minMentorship MattersEp. 16: How HBCUs build the next generation of diverse leaders, feat. Dr. Anthony Jenkins, Coppin StateAnthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D., became the eighth President of Coppin State University (CSU) on May 26, 2020. A respected higher education leader, he is an advocate committed to creating opportunities for all students, especially those from underrepresented communities.He is a champion of public policy issues that foster meaningful dialogue within the landscape of higher education. President Jenkins has delivered keynote addresses to audiences across the United States and internationally. His speeches, research, presentations, and publications have been focused on economic development, crisis management, enrollment and retention, diversity, leadership, African-American male initiatives, social justice, first-generation college students, funding...
2023-02-0628 minMentorship MattersEp. 15: Small team, big impact, featuring Mike Bonnette, University of LynchburgDr. J. Michael Bonnette joined the University of Lynchburg team as the vice president for advancement in 2016. Prior to joining the Lynchburg team, Dr. Bonnette served as the assistant vice chancellor for development at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where he increased the amount of scholarships awarded to students from private funding sources and implemented capital fundraising campaigns, in addition to other accomplishments. Earlier, he served as associate director for development at the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, where he rebuilt the development and stewardship programs. He also served in several development and alumni programming positions at Clemson...
2023-01-3043 minMentorship MattersEp. 14: Lessons from the athletics leadership journey, featuring Erick Harper, University of Nevada, Las VegasErick Harper has worked in university athletics administration for more than 30 years. He joined UNLV as senior associate athletics director for development in 2012 and has overseen fundraising efforts for the department and has served as a sport administrator for multiple sports, including football and women’s golf.Prior to UNLV, Harper was associate athletics director for football operations at the University of Arizona from 2003 to 2011. He began his athletics administrative career at Kansas State University (1990-2003), where he served in development, marketing, and compliance roles and as a sport administrator for multiple sports.Harper received hi...
2023-01-2323 minMentorship MattersEp. 13: The Future of Work, featuring Dayana Falcon, Career CoachWe hear it every day from leaders we are talking to in the industry: Hiring and retaining talent is harder than ever. Some even say it’s the one thing that keeps them up at night. The median cost to replace a gift officer is $20k, never mind the opportunity cost of lost pipeline.
So, the question you should be asking is: how do we invest in and retain our top talent?
On this episode of Mentorship Matters, Kim chats with Career Coach Dayana Falcon to explore the "Culture of Career" concept and how organizations can intentionally address Millenials, GenZ em...
2023-01-1634 minMentorship MattersEp. 12: Becoming an Advancement Leader, featuring Barry Benson, University of Illinois, Urbana-ChampaignOn this episode of Mentorship Matters, Kim is joined by Barry Benson, vice chancellor and senior vice president for advancement at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Kim and Barry share actionable advice for advancement folks who aspire to serve in a position of leadership, and reflect on tips and tricks they both wish they knew as young fundraisers eager to climb the ranks.
A few of the many great takeaways from this episode: Strong leaders know the unsung heroes on their teams. Leaders stand on the shoulders of those who came before them. Leadership is not always positional.
2023-01-0928 min
RAISE Podcast138: Fred and Kathryn Van Sickle, Cornell and The Chapin SchoolFred Van Sickle is the vice president for Alumni Affairs and Development and the university's chief fundraiser, overseeing the team responsible for building alumni engagement worldwide and securing private support from individuals and institutions for the University through the “To Do the Greatest Good” campaign.Before joining Cornell in January of 2016, Fred served Columbia University as executive vice president for Alumni and Development. During his 12 years there, he played a pivotal role in planning, executing, and completing the $6.1 billion Columbia Campaign. Fred also served as chief development officer at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jers...
2023-01-0549 minMentorship MattersEp. 11: Learning Through Change, featuring Cat Comley Adams, UC DavisChange is inevitable. Turnover is high across the board in advancement, and leadership transitions can have a particularly big effect on day-to-day and long-term effectiveness of a fundraising team.
Cat Comley Adams is the Managing Senior Director of Development at UC Davis Health. At one point in her career, Cat reported to 11 different supervisors and saw leadership changes of 6 different chancellors. Meanwhile, she was in the midst of a $1.3BB comprehensive campaign and leading a team of fundraisers to deliver on a $35MM team goal.
The way she navigated leadership change was crucial to her personal and professional growth. Cat...
2023-01-0323 minMentorship MattersEp. 10: Succession planning, featuring Jeff Goldberg, University of ArizonaIn the private sector, leadership transitions are often carefully choreographed to ensure long-term stability for the business.
Advancement sees a lot of turnover too, but it is uncommon to find similar succession planning practices that would set up teams to efficiently weather a staffing shakeup.
In this episode, Kim breaks down succession planning in academia and its implications for advancement work with Jeff Goldberg, emeritus dean of engineering at the University of Arizona.
2022-12-1943 minMentorship MattersEp. 9: Mentoring in a comprehensive campaign environment, featuring Laura Padron, UConn FoundationLaura K. Padron recently joined the UConn Foundation as the new Senior Vice President for Advancement (SVPA). A member of the foundation’s senior leadership team, Padron is responsible for leading the advancement team and will play a crucial role as the foundation embarks on the largest campaign in its history.Padron is an innovative leader with extensive experience in development, donor relations, and campaign planning. She joins UConn from the Florida International University (FIU) Foundation, where she served as associate vice president. Padron led FIU’s $750 million Next Horizon Campaign with major gift officers across the acad...
2022-12-1238 minMentorship MattersEp. 8: From Quarterback to Athletic Director, featuring Nico Yantko, Murray StateNico Yantko (pronounced: Nick-oh Yank-oh) was named the 10th athletics director in Murray State history on Aug. 15, 2022.A Murray State alumnus, Yantko returned to Murray State University as the Racers began their first year in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2022-23 and joined the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2023.Nico is a former Racer quarterback (2007-09). He returned home to Murray State after career stops at North Carolina State, the University of Missouri and the University of Louisiana.
2022-12-0525 minMentorship MattersEp. 7: "It's OK to not Be OK." Mental Health and Advancement, feat. Dr. Noelle Lefforge, University of DenverDr. Noelle Lefforge, Ph.D., is a Clinical Associate Professor & PPC Director of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver.
2022-11-2835 minMentorship MattersEp. 6: DEIB and Student Athlete Development, feat. Dr. Lawrence Chatters, University of NebraskaDr. Lawrence Chatters currently serves as the Executive Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Initiatives. In addition to leading the department's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, Dr. Chatters serves as a senior administrator advising the Director of Athletics. He also provides support to the Human Resources department, directs departmental professional and leadership development, and provides oversight of the implementation and progress of Nebraska Athletics' strategic plan. Chatters is the primary sports administrator for Women's Gymnastics and Swimming and Diving and also serves as the secondary sports administrator for the men's and women's cross country and track and field programs.
2022-11-2124 minTalking ShopEpisode 2: What to do as the new VP of advancementIt can be really tough to come into a new fundraising shop as the new VP. On this episode of the Talking Shop podcast, Erin and David talk about what to do when you’re the newbie at the top of the shop.
Also on the menu during this convo…
What to do about imposter syndrome
Lively’s Theory of Dysfunction
How data is dispassionate
The relevance of Rumsfeldian unknown unknowns
Being hyper aware of your blind spots
Using the 6-month mark to look under the rocks
Tapping into your personal board of directors
As the new VP, you likely don’t...
2022-11-1419 minTalking ShopEpisode 3: How do you eliminate toxic competition between fundraisers?Why does toxic competition exist in some shops, but not others?
How can you tell if you’re working in a toxic fundraising environment or a healthy one?
What factors contribute to toxic competition among fundraisers?
Does incentive pay contribute to or minimize toxic competition?
What role does good data play in promoting a healthy work environment?
How can leaders build an environment of healthy competition that isn’t toxic?
On this episode of Talking Shop, Erin and Dave dig into toxic competition among fundraisers, why it exists, and what we can all do to make our shops more healthy, effe...
2022-11-1420 minMentorship MattersEp. 5: The role advancement leaders play in equitable recruitment, feat. Floyd Akins, Vice President at University of ToledoSo, let's say you are an advancement leader. You lead a team. You have influence at your institution and in the profession. What are actionable things you can do as an advancement leader to promote Diversity, Equity, and Belonging in your fundraising shop?
Kim chats with Floyd Akins, Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Relations at the University of Toledo, about steps every advancement leader can take to improve DEI&B, from recruitment through hiring, onboarding, and training.
Here are some tips from Floyd:
1. Create intentional DEI programs to build a talent pipeline within your organization that have clear measurable...
2022-10-1730 minMentorship MattersEp. 4: Mentoring girls, developing leaders, feat. Jessica Love, Executive Director of AfricAidIn 2001, 16 year old Ashley Shuyler founded AfricAid, following a life-changing trip to Tanzania five years earlier. During that trip, she met many children her age who did not have the opportunity to go to school. She learned that girls, in particular, face significant challenges in trying to obtain an education. Realizing that this leads to a cycle of poverty – and recognizing just how powerful girls’ education can be in changing the futures of individuals and communities – she established AfricAid to help transform the landscape of opportunity for young women in Tanzania.
In its early years, AfricAid focused on providing scholarships and di...
2022-10-1130 minMentorship MattersEp. 3: How to find a mentor, feat. Dexter Bailey, Vice President at CalTechKim chats with Dexter Bailer, Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Relations at CalTech, about actionable steps every person seeking a mentor can take to find a mentor.
They cover practical tips like...
- Use LinkedIn, and be specific about your reason for connecting. Make it easy for a mentor to reciprocate.
- Be proactive, take initiative, and follow-up. It’s on you to ensure that it is worth your mentor’s time to continue investing in you.
- Be a master of your trade. Focus on being a star contributor in your current role before you set sites elsewhere/high...
2022-08-1830 minMentorship MattersEp. 2: The power of radical candor, feat. Dr. R. Bowen Loftin, former Chancellor, University of MissouriKim is joined by former President of Texas A&M University and former Chancellor of the University of Missouri, Dr. Bowen Loftin.
Dr. Loftin shares some highlights of his tenure, including befriending former President and First Lady Mr. and Mrs. Bush and how a former director of the CIA became a President of Texas A&M University.
Kim and Dr. Loftin dig into why being a good listener is vital for leaders, especially in navigating delicate inter-team dynamics and in making and executing on hiring and firing decisions.
Tune in to learn Dr. Loftin’s experience with the power of ra...
2022-08-1840 minMentorship MattersEp. 1: Coaching the best you, feat. Stephanie Balzer, Executive Coach, Mission“If you have a broken leg, you go to a doctor. When you want stronger leg muscles, you go to a coach.”
Stephanie Balzer is the former Associate Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is now an Executive and Leadership Coach for creative and social entrepreneurs. (In her words, it's like R&D of the soul.)
Stephanie joins Kim on this episode of Mentorship Matters to talk about why partnering with an executive coach is a healthy choice for you, your team, and your life.
Sneak peek: coaching helps you envision your...
2022-08-1828 minMentorship MattersWelcome to Mentorship Matters, hosted by Kim NyoniAs higher education evolves amidst the 21st century economy, the field of advancement is a critical lever in helping institutions meet their missions. And who we recruit, promote, and empower as advancement leaders will have a direct effect on the future of our institutions.
On the Mentorship Matters podcast, we will gather insights from top advancement leaders. We'll get inspired by visionaries in other industries. And we'll interview new and aspiring fundraising talent.
The horizon of advancement is bright if we intentionally build it that way - with curious, compassionate, and capable leaders at the helm.
This is the pilot...
2022-08-1818 minTalking ShopEpisode 1: Is there such thing as a bad gift?The answer to the question, and the answer to most questions posed by Erin and David on the Talking Shop, is “It depends.”
On this episode of Talking Shop, Erin and David talk about how to spot a “gift that eats” – as in, a major gift that will cost you millions as you run around trying very hard execute what that gift is trying to achieve.
They discuss when, if, and how to say “no” to a gift that eats.
They talk about why funding a Museum of Wooden Shoes is likely not a great idea, and how to recognize the “Museum of...
2022-08-1815 minTalking ShopWelcome to Talking Shop!David Lively is the Senior Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Development and Campaign Manager at Northwestern University. He has led advancement teams at some of the highest-performing fundraising shops in the country.
Erin Moran is Director of Product at EverTrue. She's a long-time advancement operations professional with a deep love for data.
Dave and Erin have been friends forever. And whenever they meet up for coffee (they love coffee), well – they just can't help it. They end up talking shop.
Advancement leaves Dave and Erin with no shortage of coffee talk these days. So, they've decided to make th...
2022-08-1801 min
The Development Debrief102. Lydia Fenet: Command an Audience and Sell your way to SuccessHello! It’s great to be back. Season 7 was a whirlwind of landmarks for the Development Debrief. We surpassed 50k downloads and 100 episodes, we are officially an LLC, and along the way, I have been working on a partnership with EverTrue which will last the duration of FY23. I am so excited to be part of EverTrue Studios- aligned with colleagues I respect and trust.
My partnership with EverTrue is the reason I am currently at the CASE Summit in Chicago. Check out my instagram @devdebrief for live updates on my story and posts of the amazing le...
2022-07-1836 min
RAISE Podcast109: Bill Kissick, Kent SchoolOn this episode of the RAISE podcast, Brent chats with Bill Kissick, Chief Advancement Officer at Kent School. (Bill was Chief Advancement Officer at Mercersberg Academy when we recorded this episode.)
Brent met Bill within the first few months of founding EverTrue, and Bill has been a source of guidance and perspective for us ever since. He has tons of valuable experience in advancement: he has worked in the Ivy League at Dartmouth and Yale; for a large public higher ed institution at the UCONN foundation; and has spent many years in the independent school world at St. Paul’s, Me...
2022-04-1452 min
RAISE Podcast108: Brent Grinna, EverTrueBrent Grinna began his career in investment banking in Chicago at William Blair & Company and then Madison Dearborn Partners. Prior to founding EverTrue, he received his MBA with honors from Harvard Business School.With Brent’s leadership, EverTrue participated in Techstars Boston, was selected as a winner of MassChallenge, and secured top investors, such as Bain Capital Ventures. Brent serves as a Board Member for the Brown University Alumni Association Board of Governors and Board Director for the Brown Football Association. He lives in Rhode Island with his wife and three boys.
2022-04-0849 min
RAISE Podcast105: Erin Moran, The Solas GroupErin has more than 20 years of experience serving fundraising professionals. She began her career in prospect research and has gone on to oversee areas as diverse as advancement services, operations, donor relations, communications, alumni relations, and annual giving. For eight years, Erin was the campaign director for DePaul University’s largest and most successful fundraising effort, the Many Dreams, One Mission campaign. Having also served as an interim VP for Advancement, Erin has a unique understanding of the pressures faced by campus leaders.Erin holds a BA in theatre with honors from Grinnell College and an MA in...
2022-03-1047 min
RAISE Podcast103: Jay Kahn, Georgia State UniversityOn this episode of the RAISE podcast, Brent chats with Jay Kahn, Vice President for Advancement at Georgia State University. They talk about mentorship, polite persistence, boosting grad rates for underrepresented students, and some unique gift stores.
Never miss a RAISE podcast episode! Subscribe at evertrue.com/raise-podcast.
2022-02-2355 min
RAISE Podcast102: Dexter Bailey, CalTechThis week on the RAISE Podcast Brent sits down with Dexter Bailey. Dexter is a fundraising executive with over 25 years of experience. He is recipient of the 2019 CASE Commonfund Institutionally Related Foundation Award. His expertise includes reengineering comprehensive fundraising programs, complex principal gifts, grateful patients, alumni relations, staff development, and organizational optimization. Dexter often speaks on issues related to campaigns, institutional leadership and the role and experience of minorities in university advancement.
Prior to joining Caltech in July 2019, Dexter served for 8+ years as senior vice president for advancement at Stony Brook University and executive director of the Stony Brook Foundation...
2022-02-1757 min
RAISE Podcast101: Blaire Atkinson, President, Oklahoma State University FoundationOn this episode of the RAISE podcast, Brent breaks it down with Blaire Atkinson, President of the Oklahoma State University Foundation. They reflect on Blaire’s journey from delivering cows at 2am on the family farm to being an entry-level HR professional to running the OSU Alumni Association and the OSU Foundation.
Never miss a podcast episode! Subscribe at evertrue.com/raise-podcast.
2022-02-0957 min
RAISE Podcast99: Jason Patenaude, Schuler Scholar ProjectOn this episode of the RAISE podcast Brent sits down with Jason Patenaude. Jason is the Executive Director and COO of the Schuler Education Foundation and the Schuler Scholar Program. Prior to joining Schuler, Jason served as the Chief Operating Officer of the award-winning education company Cricket Media, and as the Chief Operating Officer of Reading In Motion, a non-profit focused on early childhood literacy.
Jason had an experience in high school very like that of a Schuler Scholar, and it made a profound difference in his life. Having grown up in a low-income household where college was not considered...
2022-01-191h 07
RAISE Podcast97: Brian O'Rourke, Clemson UniversityOn this episode of the RAISE podcast, Brent chats with Brian O’Rourke, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at Clemson University. These two native New Englanders talk athletics scholarships, staff retention, staying “near, dear, and clear” with donors, and lots more.
Subscribe to the RAISE podcast at https://www.evertrue.com/raise-podcast/.
2022-01-0454 min
RAISE Podcast96: Kelly DeGregorio, BC HighOn this episode of the RAISE podcast, Brent chats with Kelly DeGregorio, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Boston College High. She launched her career under Scott Nichols at Harvard Law and has returned to higher ed advancement at BC High after a decade in medical fundraising. This cross-industry experience gives her a unique perspective on how to engage donors and share the vision of the institution.
Subscribe to the RAISE podcast at https://www.evertrue.com/raise-podcast.
2021-12-2956 min
RAISE Podcast94: Jasmine Farrier, University of LouisvilleOn this episode of the RAISE Podcast Brent sits down with Jasmine Farrier. Jasmine is Vice President for University Advancement at the University of Louisville. Before stepping into this role in August, 2020, she was Professor and Chair of Political Science. Jasmine grew up in Brooklyn, New York and earned her degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (BA) and University of Texas at Austin (PhD). She joined the faculty at UofL in 2002. Her courses and research span all three branches of the US government. Her third book was published in December 2019 by Cornell University Press and focuses on inter-branch lawsuits, separation...
2021-12-1455 min
RAISE Podcast92: Derek Dictson, New Mexico State UniversityOn this week's episode of the RAISE Podcast Brent sits down with Derek Dictson. Derek has two decades of professional experience in the public and private sector, including 19 years of nonprofit fundraising and management experience. He has a master’s of public service and administration degree from Texas A&M and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and economics from New Mexico State University. Derek currently serves as the VP of University Advancement and Foundation President at NMSU.
Check out http://evertrue.com/podcast for more episodes!
2021-12-0256 min
RAISE Podcast90: JD Beebe, ThankviewBrent kicks off this special episode of the RAISE podcast by saying, “Brent Grinna is my name, you’re JD Beebe, and you and I recently merged our companies.” But there’s a whole lot more to this podcast conversation than merger talk! Catch the highlights on the blog: https://www.evertrue.com/2021/11/16/raise-podcast-jd-beebe-thankview/
2021-11-1652 min
RAISE Podcast88: Gail WilkinsonThis episode of the RAISE podcast is a bit different. Brent chats with EverTrue’s recently-hired Head of People and Culture, Gail Wilkinson.
Gail is 60 days into her EverTrue journey, and she reflects on her experience being recruited and onboarded to the EverCrew, the aspects of the journey where we’ve done really well, and the areas where we can improve. She talks through the employee lifecycle, the potential blindspots that HR/People Ops teams are susceptible to, and her suggested fixes along the way.
2021-10-2649 min
RAISE Podcast81: Matthew Ewing, Boise State UniversityOn this week's episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent sits down with Matthew Ewing. Boise State University President Marlene Tromp has named Matthew the university’s vice president for advancement.
Ewing was previously the vice president for development and CEO of the Foundation at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where his responsibilities included spearheading the launch of the university’s second comprehensive fundraising campaign, and laying the groundwork for a strengthened culture of accountability, transparency and teamwork in the university’s fundraising and alumni engagement efforts.
But he is familiar to the Boise State campus and community. As the former associ...
2021-09-071h 08
Journey Through The Uplifting Full Audiobook Now, Story Seekers!Evertrue by Jill LondonPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/105638to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Evertrue
Author: Jill London
Narrator: Emma Stansfield
Format: mp3
Length: 1 hr and 31 mins
Release date: 07-07-21
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 2 ratings
Genres: Adaptations
Publisher's Summary:
To save Grandma Crick from being fed to the ravenous Monger turtles, Mila must journey into the underworld to steal the Evertrue Emerald from the demon, Malrook. Joined by a motley bunch of experts through the deadly, dragon-infested caves, they meet Captain Tuna, the accordion-playing walrus, a karate-kicking fairy, and a colony of strange and grumpy troglonomes. As time runs out, Mila discovers...
2021-07-071h 31
Talking Too Loud with Chris SavageLooking for Disconnects with Brent GrinnaEverTrue has been around for 10 years with over 500 partnerships. Brent founded EverTrue after serving as a volunteer fundraiser for his alma mater, Brown University. At Brown, Brent was captain of the varsity football team and was a leader of the Senior Class Gift campaign. Prior to founding EverTrue, he received his MBA with honors from Harvard Business School.Links to learn more about Brent Grinna:Brent’s LinkedInEverTrue WebsiteFollow us: twitter.com/wistiaSubscribe: wistia.com/series/talking-too-loudLove what you heard? Leave us a re...
2021-07-0648 min
RAISE Podcast71: Adam Compton, North Carolina State UniversityOn this episode of the RAISE podcast, Brent talks with an advancement innovator; an inaugural 40 under 40 member; and a long-time EverTrue partner Adam Compton. Adam serves as the Executive Director of Annual Giving at North Carolina State University, a big role at an institution that has allowed him to push the envelope, break through the red tape, and test out new approaches. The freedom to innovate is what has kept Adam at NC State for over 13 years, much longer than the average tenure in the industry. Adam and Brent talk about the importance of donor (and staff) retention, how to...
2021-06-1457 min
RAISE Podcast66: Gregory Perrin, St. Edward's UniversityOn this episode of the RAISE podcast, Brent chats with Gregory Perrin, Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at St. Edward's University. He is also joined by a special guest, EverTrue’s own Jessica Frey, for a conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Gregory is an accomplished fundraiser who is also an actor, artist, and a former ROTC member. He has fundraising efforts and teams in the arts world for the Houston Grand Opera; in the healthcare world for the AIDS Foundation; and in higher education at UT Austin and now at St. Edward's. One constant throughout hi...
2021-05-101h 06
RAISE Podcast48: DeAnna Carlson Zink & Bob Knutson, University of North DakotaOn this episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent is joined by CEO, DeAnna Carlson Zink, and VP of Operations & Engagement, Bob Knutson. DeAnna and Bob have been deeply connected to the University of North Dakota for most of their lives. Their conversation goes from growing up on the farm, to being first-generation college students, and ends on how they are taking their Moon Shot with EverTrue.About DeAnnaDeAnna Carlson Zink is CEO of the University of North Dakota Alumni Association & Foundation.DeAnna has worked in higher-education non-profit for more than 30 years and...
2020-12-1458 min
The Development Debrief41. Brent Grinna: Thanksgiving Special!Happy Thanksgiving! Thank YOU for tuning into this podcast and supporting the Debrief. This week’s episode features Brent Grinna, Founder and CEO of Evertrue. The theme of our conversation is gratitude and we talk about it from several different angles. Brent shares his personal story of going to Brown on scholarship, how that bleeds into his origin story for his company Evertrue, and several other touching stories and ideas he has come across along the way.
Check out his podcast: https://www.evertrue.com/raise-podcast/
The episode we reference is here: https://www.evertrue.com/raise-podcast/?wchannelid=4jq5h5pu...
2020-11-2532 min