Congress 2007 Speakers

Vanessa Abaya, Director, Major Gifts at Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation, has the responsibility of raising $400 million to help provide Mount Sinai Hospital with the infrastructure to ensure the best patient care and deliver ground-breaking medical research. Previously, she was part the Renaissance ROM Campaign, which supported the Museum’s $200 million capital expansion project. Over the past 12 years, she has spent the majority of her career in the cultural sector, working in both large and small fundraising shops. She has worked with the National Ballet of Canada, the Guelph Spring Festival, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the AIDS Committee of Toronto, and the Vancouver Playhouse.

Tom Ahern, ABC is a recognized expert on the science and secrets behind effective fundraising communications. His workshops earn top scores at AFP fundraising conferences. He is the author of Raising More Money With Newsletters Than You Ever Thought Possible (2005), and How to Write Fundraising Materials That Raise More Money (2007). He co-authored with Simone Joyaux the new Wiley/AFP title, Keep Your Donors. His new book on cases will appear in 2008.

Noshwad Ali, CFRE, CPBA is president and CEO of On Purpose Leadership Inc., Shad Ali works with clients to improve effectiveness, productivity, and results through innovative training, coaching, facilitation, and development programs. Shad’s sessions are described as dynamic, inspiring, and engaging. He has delivered sessions for the Canadian Professionals Sales Association, AFP, and Federated Press. His clients include The Lung Association, Great West Life, CRS Robotics, Amalgamet Canada, Toronto Training Board, and Blackbaud Analytics. Shad’s fund development background includes senior roles at Canadian Diabetes Association, Osteoporosis Society of Canada, and Big Brothers.

Terry Axelrod, founder and CEO of Benevon^™, has worked in the fund development field for over 30 years. In the early 1990s, she served as development consultant to an inner-city school in Seattle, where she designed and implemented the fundraising and marketing programs which raised over $7 million in 2½ years, including a one-hour breakfast event which raised over $1 million. A dynamic, sought-after speaker both nationally and internationally, Terry’s high-energy, standing-room-only trainings take the fear out of individual fundraising and give participants a practical, do-able system for long-term financial sustainability. Benevon trains and coaches nonprofit organizations to implement a mission-based system for raising sustainable funding from individual donors. This system ends the suffering about fundraising and builds passionate and committed lifelong donors.

Stephen Becker, Senior Associate, Ross W. Marsh & Associates Inc., brings a wide variety of skills to the fundraising environment. Steve began his development career in 1985 at Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. He has served as Vice President of a major Canadian consulting firm, and as Foundation Director and COO of an international fraternal association, where he helped design and execute a strategic plan to transform the organization, ultimately raising over $20 million. In over 20 years of fund development experience, and as an active volunteer, Steve has worked with clients in all sectors. He earned a B.Sc. in journalism and broadcasting from the University of Florida, and an M.Ed. in human resources development from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a Certified Association Executive and a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers.

Holly Benson has more than 25 years of experience in advancement, and has served a number of education, arts, and social service organizations in a senior development role. She has started – and led – capital, endowment, annual, equipment, and special campaigns on a local, provincial, and national level. As Vice President of Development for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Holly is part of the team leading the TSO’s ambitious new fundraising campaign. Her experience also includes non-profit board development, strategic planning for the charitable sector, and community resource development. Holly taught Major & Planned Gifts at Humber Institute’s post-graduate Fundraising and Volunteer Management program for three years. She is a frequent guest speaker, panelist, and workshop leader.

Peter Brimacombe, CFRE has worked for more than 30 years in the charitable sector in climates as severe as the Yukon (and Ontario), and as tropical as Trinidad (and Victoria). His research and presentations reflect his passion about relationships in fundraising, and the significant impact fundraisers can have on the lives of donors. He has been active as a volunteer with the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada, and has worked professionally in fundraising in health, education, and humanitarian service charities. He is presently Manager of Major Donor Relations and Planned Giving with the Canadian Red Cross in Victoria, BC.

Pippa Carte is Acting Director of Supporter Relationship Management at WWF-UK. Pippa began her career in commercial direct marketing. She then moved to an agency specializing in fundraising from individual supporters, where she worked with The Salvation Army and The Royal British Legion. Joining WWF in 2006, Pippa focused her attention on conservation, and in 2007 became Acting Director accountable for funding WWF’s programs. She heads the division responsible for understanding WWF’s supporters better, providing intelligent communications, class-leading products, and an excellent service experience.

Terrance Carter, LL.B practices at Carters Professional Corporation in the area of charity and not-for-profit law, and is counsel to and affiliated with Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP. Mr. Carter is a member of the Technical Issues Committee advising Canada Revenue Agency, a past member of Canada Revenue Agency’s Charity Advisory Committee, past Chair of the National Charity and Not-for-Profit Section of the Canadian Bar Association, and a past member of the Uniform Law Conference of Canada Task Force on Uniform Fundraising Legislation. He has been recognized as one of the leading experts in the area of charity, trust, and not-for-profit law in Canada by Lexpert and The Best Lawyers in Canada. Mr. Carter is a frequent writer and speaker in the area of charity and not-for-profit law across Canada and internationally, and is the editor of www.charitylaw.ca, www.churchlaw.ca and www.antiterrorism.ca.

Alan Clayton is Managing Director of Cascaid Group Limited, part of The Good Agency – the UK’s largest agency specializing in good causes, with over 100 charity clients. Alan founded Cascaid after a high-flying career as a fundraiser with two of the UK’s larger charities. He is an internationally renowned motivational speaker and a multi-award winning creative strategist. Alan’s specialism is, “Why people do good things and how to get them to do more of it”.

Rosalie Courage is President of RBR Development Associates Ltd. Rosalie has been involved in the planning and strategic direction of campaigns and major gift programs for a broad range of clients, including independent schools, churches and universities, hospitals, and community facilities. These campaigns cover a wide range of needs, from building and capital renovations to endowments and scholarships. Overall strategic planning, annual fund development, major gifts moves management, sponsorship development and solicitation, executive coaching, working with senior volunteers, planned giving, human resource development, and database and computer tracking systems are other areas in which Rosalie has led the RBR team in assisting clients to achieve their fundraising goals. She is a Past Board Member of the Canadian Special Olympics, Canadian Progress Club – Halifax Cornwallis, and is Past Chair of the Board of the Canadian Progress Charitable Foundation.

Roger Davies is CEO of McLuhan & Davies Communications, Inc., a consulting company that is changing the way people communicate. Born in the UK, Roger came to Canada in 1968. In 1980, Roger partnered with Dr. Eric McLuhan, son of media guru Marshall McLuhan. Their mission: to turn Marshall McLuhan's pioneer work on communication theory into practice. Today, McLuhan & Davies workshops are led in over 20 countries, and in seven languages. Roger's continuing focus on communication skills development led him to develop Think! Leap! Relate!, and his book, PAWTALK!™ – A Guide For Getting What You Want.

Jon Duschinsky was a founding member of the fundraising group Cascaid in the UK before hopping on a boat and becoming an established fundraiser in France. A leading actor on the European fundraising stage and board member of the European Fundraising Association, Jon headed up the French Institute of Fundraising for four years before moving back into the agency world. In 2006, he created Ressources non profit with the TBWA Group to help NPOs across Europe develop and implement strategies for tomorrow’s fundraising challenges. A passionate fundraiser, he is a big fan of throwing away the rulebook and has a special dislike for people who say “it won’t work here”!

Tony Elischer, Finst.F (Cert), FRSA has over 24 years of hands on experience in the not for profit sector globally, including several senior roles within charities. He has been a consultant for the last ten years, working at the highest level across a wide range of causes and organizations, and is the founder and Managing Director of THINK Consulting Solutions. Tony is an internationally regarded expert on fundraising, marketing, and communications having extensive experience of helping charities worldwide with strategy, fundraising, management, and troubleshooting. He is an accomplished presenter, trainer, and author, and writes extensively with regular columns in several magazines. Tony serves on the board of the Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing; is Vice Chair of the International Fundraising Congress; is faculty leader of the International Workshop on Resource Mobilisation; and is a Fellow of the UK’s Institute of Fundraising.

Paul Farthing, F IDM, has worked in charity marketing for 18 years. He joined Cancer Research UK, the UK’s largest charity in 2005, and is their Legacy Fundraising and Corporate Partnerships Director. Previously, Paul was a Planner and then Managing Director with Target Direct, the UK’s leading charity marketing agency, working with many large and small charities on their legacy campaigns, the Poppy Appeal, the cross-charity “Remember A Charity” campaign, and with the British Heart Foundation. As an Account Director at Burnett Associates, he worked with The National Trust, the MS Society, and Greenpeace International.

Maureen Flanagan Pool, RN, MA, CFRE. A leader who is passionate about making a difference, Maureen Flanagan Pool has over 25 years in the healthcare sector as a nursing leader and more recently as a skilled development professional. Maureen is the Director, Development & New Initiatives for the William Osler Health Centre Foundation. Her portfolio in the past four years has been engaging the South Asian Community to work in partnership with the Foundation. Through local and international television and radio programs within the South Asian community, she has made a major contribution in building strong and lasting connections within this community (especially the Sikh, Muslim and Hindu faiths), and has increased their financial and volunteer support. Previously, Maureen was the Corporate Relations Manager at Etobicoke General Hospital Foundation. An active volunteer in her community, Maureen earn her CFRE designation in 2005

Robin Fowler, CFRE is Senior Associate at The Offord Group Inc., a Toronto-based fundraising consulting firm specializing in capacity building for Canadian charities. Previously, Robin worked in fundraising and donor relations at McGill University, Mount Sinai Hospital, the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, and Havergal College. She has also worked in Australia where she coached members of the Australian Gymnastics Team. Robin is a Past Chair of Congress (2002), and has been a Board member/director of several non-profit organizations including the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Toronto Chapter, McGill University Alumni, and RECLAIM (literacy).

Sherri Freedman has been in the fundraising field for the past 20 years. She began her career at United Way of Greater Toronto, working in various capacities within the Fundraising Department, ultimately specializing in analysis and strategic planning as well as volunteer and staff training and development. Sherri subsequently spent four years at the Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation heading up fundraising and donor relations, and is currently the Vice President, Development for The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation where she oversees Major Gifts and Planned Giving – an area that raised close to $28 million this past year.

Alison Gordon - As a founding board member of Rethink Breast Cancer, as well as VP Strategy, Marketing and Communications, Alison Gordon has been integral to the vision and growth of the charity. Using marketing savvy to engage a younger generation of women and men in the cause, Alison has been recognized for “thinking differently” in her approach to education and fundraising, including being named as one of Marketing Magazine’s top ten marketers that mattered. Alison has partnered with some of Canada’s top companies, including Gap, Revlon, Roots, Bliss, and Rogers to create innovative cause marketing programs.

Fraser Green, CFRE is a Principal at The FLA Group, the world’s leaders at using market research to leverage legacy gifts from direct mail donors. Fraser is also the co-author of Iceberg Philanthropy, a new book on legacy giving that has just been published. Fraser is the former CEO of the New Democratic Party of Canada, and was an Advisor to former Ontario Premier Bob Rae. A leading expert in market research, Fraser has used quantitative (polls) and qualitative (focus groups) research for over 20 years to shape winning campaigns in the charitable, political, government, and business sectors. Fraser is the AFP Ottawa Chapter’s Outstanding Fundraising Executive for 2007.

Melanie Green trained and practiced as a family practice lawyer. In 2002, she came to Second Harvest as a volunteer for Toronto Taste, Second Harvest's gala fundraiser. The next year, she started volunteering for Lunch Money Day. In 2004, Melanie was chosen from over a thousand volunteers to win Second Harvest's Volunteer of the Year Award. She subsequently took over the role of Lunch Money Day Manager, and in those few years has increased the revenue of the campaign by 40%.

Mark Harrison, MBA, President and CEO, TrojanOne Inc., brings 17 years of experience in sponsorship, event marketing, and consumer promotions. As the Founder of TrojanOne, Mark is passionate about events, sponsorship, sports marketing and promotion. He has worked with brands such as Coca-Cola, CFL, Philips, Rogers, NFL, BMW, Esso, Hershey, and Johnson & Johnson, and has developed properties with many sport organizations. Mark also created the Canadian Sponsorship Forum to bring Canada’s marketing elite together on an annual basis. He holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Marketing.

Ted Hart, ACFRE, ePMT is considered the foremost expert in ePhilanthropy around the world. He is sought after internationally as an inspirational and practical speaker on topics related to nonprofit strategy both online and offline. Ted is CEO of tedhart.com, a nonprofit management and services firm. Ted is also the founder of the international ePhilanthropy Foundation, where he served as President and CEO for over seven years. He is a certified ePhilanthropy Master Trainer (ePMT), an active AFP volunteer, an editor, and author of four books including Major Donors: Finding Big Gifts in Your Database and Online and Nonprofit Internet Strategies: Best Practices for Marketing, Communications, and Fundraising. His new book, People to People Fundraising: Social Networking and Web 2.0 for Charities, will be released on December 5, 2007.

M. Elena Hoffstein, LL.B. of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP is engaged in personal tax and estate planning, family business succession planning, wills and trusts, corporate reorganizations, marriage contracts, and charities and not-for-profit law. Elena also represents clients in both contentious and non-contentious estate litigation matters. Elena has been ranked by Lexpert as one of the most frequently recommended Toronto private client and charity law practitioners, and as one of the top 500 lawyers in Canada. Martindale-Hubbell has given her a rating of AV. In 2006, she received the Ontario Bar Association Award of Excellence in Trusts and Estates in recognition of her leadership and contribution to estates and trusts law. She is director of the Toronto office’s Wealth Management and Charities practice group.

Susan Horvath, CFRE is President of Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation. Previously, she was Vice President External for Robarts Research Institute. An active volunteer and former university professor, Susan’s 18 years of fundraising experience has included the United Way and University of Western Ontario. Accredited with the CFRE designation in 1995, Susan received the SIRIUS Award for Fund Raising Excellence from the London & Region Fund Raising Executives in 1997. In 2002, the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education honoured Susan for her leadership.

Simone Joyaux, ACFRE specializes in fund development, board and organizational development, management, and strategic planning for all types and sizes of nonprofits. She presents worldwide, and serves as faculty for the Masters Program in Philanthropy and Development at Saint Mary’s University. Simone serves regularly on boards, founded the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, and is a former Chair of CFRE International. She has been honoured as Rhode Island’s 2003 Outstanding Philanthropic Citizen and the 1987 Fundraising Executive. Her book Strategic Fund Development: Building Profitable Relationships That Last is a standard in the profession. Her new book, co-authored with Tom Ahern, Keep Your Donors: The Guide to Better Communications and Stronger Relationships, received rave reviews from advance readers.

Jaskiran Kaur Lachhar is Manager, Development & New Initiatives for the William Osler Health Centre Foundation. The Foundation credits Jaskiran with establishing relationships and building networks of support within the South Asian community (with emphasis on the Sikh, Hindu and Muslim faiths). By outlining the mutually beneficial avenues between Osler’s hospitals, the Foundation, and the healthcare needs of the surrounding population, Jaskiran continues to explore new areas of funding community healthcare into the future. A busy young professional, Jaskiran can be found within the community helping to advance political issues, children’s causes, and faith-based pursuits. Recently, she accepted the role of Executive Logistical Coordinator for the Centennial gala, which honours and recognizes some of the leaders who will shape tomorrow.

Greg Lichti, CFRE is Director, Major Gifts at The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in Toronto. Greg and his colleagues are responsible for raising over $28 million annually in major gifts to support world-leading cancer research. The PMHF team places a particular emphasis on discussing the full range of giving options with major donors, including planned gifts. Greg has an Honours B.A. in History and Applied Studies from the University of Waterloo, and Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Toronto. Greg graduated from the Canadian Association of Gift Planners’ planned giving course, was Co-Chair of the 2004 CAGP national conference, and is a member of CAGP’s national board.

Dianne Lister, LL.B., CFRE currently Vice President, External Relations & Advancement at Trent University in Peterborough. Prior to Dianne joining Trent University in February 2006, Dianne was Principal of The Dianne Lister Group, a national consulting business for the non-profit and philanthropic sectors. Previously, Dianne was the President and CEO of The Hospital for Sick Children Foundation from 1993 to 2003. She has served and continues to serve on a number of Boards. In the past, she served on the Board of Cedara Software Corporation, as trustee of the Ivy Funds, and was the inaugural Chair of the Board of the AFP, Canadian Council. Dianne is a recipient of AFP’s International Outstanding Fundraising Executive of the Year Award, and in 2004 received the AMS/John Hodgson Award for outstanding leadership from the Ontario Bar Association, Charity and Not-for-Profit Law Section.

David Love has been raising money for nearly 40 years. He is renowned as a pioneer in applying donor-based principles to fundraising for the environment. David is currently the Executive Director of the Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto. For 20 years, he worked at World Wildlife Fund Canada where he coordinated all fundraising and communication activities. Before joining the Conservation Foundation, David worked for five years at Stephen Thomas Ltd. with such clients as UNICEF, The Arthritis Society, Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and The Nature Conservancy of Canada. He serves on several boards, and is also on the Planned Giving Subcommittee of the West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation.

Jay Love, ePMT is the President and CEO of eTapestry, and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of this Blackbaud Company. eTapestry serves over 4,500 non-profits daily with their Database/Communication Application Services. Prior to starting eTapestry, Jay served for 14 years as President and CEO of Master Software Corporation. When Master Software merged with Blackbaud in 1997, he served as a Vice-President for Blackbaud. Jay is a well-known speaker for the charity sector around the world. He currently serves on the following boards: the Indiana based Gleaners Food Bank; ePhilanthropy Foundation; and NPower of Indiana. He is also a founding board member of the TechPoint Foundation. A member of AFP and AHP, Jay serves as Chairman of AFP’s Industry Partners Council.

Kate MacDonald has over 18 years experience in the non-profit sector. Currently, Kate serves as Chief Executive Officer for the Ontario SPCA, where her main emphasis is on re-focusing the organization’s cultural vision to concentrate on collaborative service delivery. She is also building a framework for improved communications with donors, stakeholders, and communities – essential to supporting a diversified base of both effective volunteers and sustainable funding. Kate is proud of the contributions she has made to organizations including United Way, Canadian Living Foundation, Sunnybrook Foundation, William Osler Health Centre Foundation, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She is an active volunteer nationally and within her rural community, has taught fundraising at Mount Royal College, and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Theresa L.M. Man, LL.B. practices at Carters Professional Corporation in the area of charity and not-for-profit law, with particular emphasis on tax issues. Ms. Man is on the executive of the Charity and Not-for-Profit Section of both the Ontario Bar Association and the Canadian Bar Association, a member of the Taxation Section of the Ontario Bar Association, a member of the Canadian Tax Foundation, and has been actively involved with numerous charities. She is currently pursuing her LL.M. in tax law, and has been a speaker at various seminars, including the Annual Church & Charity Law™ Seminar. Ms. Man has also written on charity and taxation issues for various publications, including The Lawyers Weekly, The Philanthropist, Planned Giving Pulse, International Journal of Civil Society Law, The Bottom Line, Canadian Fundraiser eNews, and Charity Law Bulletin.

Laura Manning has been active in the charitable sector, in both volunteer and professional roles, for nearly 13 years. Currently, she is Director, Advancement for the Health Sciences Campus and School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo. In this position she has the rare opportunity to help develop a brand new program and campus from the ground up. Previously, Laura was Director, Advancement for the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, where she oversaw major giving, annual giving, communications, and alumni relations. Laura currently serves as a Peer Circle Facilitator with Altruvest Charitable Services’ BoardWorx ED program, and is a mentor with AFP.

Paul Marcus, LL.B., CFRE is the first President and CEO of the York University Foundation. In five years, the York team has more than doubled revenue and pledges, and the donor base has expanded by 70%. In 2006, Paul received the Outstanding Fundraising Award from AFP’s Greater Toronto Chapter, and in 2007 he was chosen to receive AFP International’s Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional, only the second Canadian recipient. Paul is a member of AFP International’s Ethics Committee, a Past Chair of Congress, and a former AFP Greater Toronto Chapter Board Member.

Ross Marsh is President of Ross W. Marsh & Associates Inc., providing senior level, hands-on service to organizations in Ontario and Western Canada. An award-winning fundraiser, Ross has managed and supervised development programs with goals ranging from $500,000 to $200 million. He has worked directly with over 120 clients spanning the education, health, religious, arts and culture, sports, and social service sectors and increasingly is focused on coaching clients to achieve maximum performance in all aspects of their development operations. Ross has served on a number of for-profit and not-for-profit boards, and has been a guest lecturer at Conestoga College and Mount Royal College. He is a regular conference speaker, a mentor through the AFP Calgary Chapter, an active community volunteer, and the author of several published articles on industry issues.

Eleanor McGrath is an Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. Previously, Eleanor was Executive Director of The Ireland Fund of Canada, where she helped undertake a transformation of the Fund which had reached a plateau and took it to over $1 million in annual revenues. From 1996 to 2000, Eleanor was Executive Director of the Rosalie Hall Foundation, a small grassroots organization where she grew annual gross revenues from $250,000 to over $1 million. Currently, she volunteers with St. Anselm’s School, the Famine Walk Committee, and the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. Eleanor is presently writing a book entitled A Story To Be Told: 50 Years of Personal Accounts of Irish Immigration to Canada.

Susan McIsaac joined United Way of Greater Toronto in 1998 as Vice President, Resource Development. She leads the country’s largest annual fundraising campaign, which raised $106.8 million in 2006, and oversees United Way’s $51 million endowment program, The Tomorrow Fund. In the not-for-profit sector since 1989, Susan was most recently employed by Ketchum Canada from 1992 to 1998, where she worked with a wide variety of nonprofit clients as Vice President, Educational Services. Susan is being honoured this year as the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter’s Outstanding Fundraising Professional.

Gillian Morrison, MPA is Vice President, Research Services at KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.). Gillian leads KCI’s research team, which provides clients with up-to-date analysis about prospects, donors and strategic partners, and conducts planning studies and market assessments designed to provide insightful assessments of organizational capacity and customized strategies for moving forward. Gillian also provides strategic direction for KCI’s organizational health practice. Her recent clients include Trinity College School, Ontario College of Art and Design, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Acadia University, Holy Blossom Temple Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and York University. She is the editor of Philanthropic Trends^©, a publication produced by KCI to provide current and expert insight into the philanthropic environment in Canada today. As a dedicated volunteer, Gillian is a member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Track 3 Ski Association for the Disabled.

Jill Nelson, CFRE is the Director of Planned Giving for The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. She has over 15 years of fundraising experience in health and social services, including ten years as Director of Development for the Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario Division, and three years heading up planned giving at the Canadian Cancer Society’s Ontario Division. Jill is currently the Past Chair of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners’ Greater Toronto Area RoundTable.

Rob Peacock, M.A., CFRE is CEO of Peacock Philanthropic Counsel Inc., a non-profit management consulting firm specializing in major gift professional philanthropic counsel. Rob has more than 20 years of fundraising and volunteer management experience with a range of organizations, including University of Toronto, PC Canada, Ryerson University, and Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation. He holds a Masters degree in Philanthropy and served on the faculty of Humber College’s Fundraising and Volunteer Management Program. An active volunteer, Rob is Past Chair of AFP’s International Development Committee, is Past Chair of AFP’s Canada Council, and served on the Board of the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Board of Visitors for the Institute of Charitable Giving in the United States. His new book, entitled Face Time: Relationship Philanthropy, is being released at the Toronto AFP Congress 2007.

Geoffrey Peters, President of CDR Fundraising Group, has consulted or worked in direct response fundraising in North America and around the world for over 15 years. His expertise ranges from capital campaigns to deferred giving, major donor, annual fund, internet, alumni membership and fundraising, government grants and service contracts, corporate sponsorships, special events, cause related programs and, of course, direct response fundraising. Geoff currently volunteers as President of the Direct Marketing Association of Washington, is a Board Member of the AFP-Washington DC Metropolitan Chapter, and serves on the Advisory Council of the DMA-Nonprofit Federation. In 2005 and again in 2006, he was cited by The Nonprofit Times as one of the 50 most influential leaders in the nonprofit sector in the U.S. In 2006, Geoff was recognized by Fundraising Success as one of the top ten men in fundraising.

Stephen Pidgeon is a founding partner and Chairman of Target Direct, a UK marketing agency that counts some of the country’s largest charities as its clients, including British Red Cross, The Salvation Army, The Royal British Legion, and Action for Blind People. Nearly 25 years in the sector, Stephen has worked in a number of agencies, including setting up the Fundraising Unit at Brann. Not one to hold back on his praise and criticism of the charity sector, he speaks widely throughout Europe and the Americas. Stephen is a regular columnist in trade publications and a Fellow of the UK’s Institute of Fundraising.

Jason Potts is widely recognized within the global not-for-profit community as an innovative and pioneering contributor to the development of the e-commerce and e-business marketplace. At THINK Consulting Solutions, Jason is Director of all its digital activities. He has worked in direct response for over 13 years with a wide variety of clients, including Greenpeace International, Cancer Research UK, Oxfam, and World Wildlife Fund. Jason speaks regularly at international conferences, and writes articles for several industry journals. He has been featured in the Wiley book, Direct Response Fund Raising: Mastering New Trends for Results, Jim Greenfield’s anthology of fundraising best practice, and The Worldwide Fundraiser’s Handbook.

Paul Pribbenow, Ph.D., CFRE, is President of Augsburg College in Minneapolis. He is recognized as one of the most thoughtful and engaging teachers on issues of philanthropy and ethics. Previously, Dr. Pribbenow was President of Rockford College in Illinois. He is a member of the Ethics Committee of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), has served as a member of the national Board of Directors of AFP, and is the chair emeritus of the AFP Research Council. Dr. Pribbenow publishes a bi-monthly email newsletter entitled Notes for the Reflective Practitioner, writes a regular column for Contributions magazine, and has edited Serving the Public Trust: Insights for Fund Raising Research and Practice, Volumes 1 and 2.

Leslie Ring, MA. As the Director, Corporate Development, Lesley Ring leads the Corporate Development program for both the National Office and Ontario Division of the Canadian Cancer Society. Working with Canada’s leading corporate citizens, she develops mutually beneficial cause related marketing, sponsorship, corporate, and employee giving programs. Lesley has held a variety of diverse positions within the public, private, and not-for profit sectors. Most recently, prior to joining the Society, she managed sponsorship campaigns for international projects for the British Council in London, UK, and worked as a business analyst in the private sector. She holds an Honours BA from Queen’s University, and an MA in International Affairs from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs.

Abby Robins worked in television production for 15 years, including on such shows as Street Legal, North of 60, Royal Canadian Air Farce, and Studio 2. She also served as President of the Toronto West Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society, as well as a counsellor through the CanSurmount program. For the last six years, Abby has worked at Second Harvest as the Communications Manager, incorporating her television experience as a writer, editor, and publicist.

Bernard Ross is one of Europe’s leading authorities on fundraising and management in the non-profit sector. Currently, Bernard is a Director of The Management Centre (=mc), an international training and consultancy organization. His recent projects include consultancy for Save the Children to raise $500M US with an integrated campaign across 27 countries; helping to organize the first telethons and direct mail campaigns in Ethiopia; helping to create a fundraising campaign response to the 2005 London Bombings in 12 hours; and developing an innovation strategy for Greenpeace worldwide. Bernard is a keynote speaker at international fundraising workshops, and has written and published widely on strategy, leadership, creativity, and fundraising.

Susan Sommers is an award-winning journalist, author, trainer, educator, speaker, and coach with 30 years of experience in marketing and media relations. Since 1982, Susan has developed marketing strategies and programs for hundreds of organizations and companies across Canada through her public relations firm, Susan Sommers + Associates. She is the Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Susan is the author of three books on Canadian media, and teaches marketing and media relations courses and workshops through the Schulich School of Business (York University), the University of Toronto, Sprott School of Business (Carleton University), Humber College, and Canadian Fundraiser.

George Stanois began his fundraising career in 1984 with an international consulting firm. After gaining further experience with two additional national consulting companies with an emphasis on capital campaigns, he joined The Goldie Company in 1996. As Managing Director of the firm, George has worked with a wide range of healthcare, education, religious, community service, and heritage organizations. He has been an active participant with the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Over the years, George has been a volunteer and board member of many charities, most recently with Grandview Children’s Centre in Oshawa, YWCA Durham, the Station Gallery in Whitby, St. John’s Mission in Toronto, and the Foundation for Rural Living.

Barbara Talisman is President of The Management Center USA (=mc|USA). The firm provides management consulting, coaching, training, and fundraising expertise to the independent sector. Since 1988, Barbara has worked with organizations to build their capacity to raise more money and empower their board and staff to make meaningful change in their communities. Her expertise ranges from corporate sponsorships and annual campaigns to board development and major gift solicitation. A guest speaker at fundraising conferences around the world, Barbara received the President’s Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Chicago Chapter for outstanding service to the chapter and fundraising profession, and is a member of the AFP Chicago and DC Chapters.

Connie Taylor - Writer, facilitator, executive coach and business leader, Connie Taylor is CEO of Compelling Concepts, a consulting firm aimed at maximizing and achieving sustainable growth for its clients. Connie serves non-profit clients across the country with strategic planning, governance, policy, and organizational development issues. She installs efficient infrastructures and communication systems that successfully implement mission, vision and goals. Connie holds a BComm with post-graduate studies in Economics, Econometrics and International Marketing. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, and the Canadian Centre for Ethics & Corporate Policy.

Steve Thomas, CFRE has been described as both the ‘guru’ and the ‘godfather’ of Canadian direct response fundraising. Steve is Chairman and Creative Director of Stephen Thomas Ltd., Canada’s first direct response fundraising agency, and is also the Fundraiser in Residence at York University Foundation. Steve is one of the original founders and a Past Chair of the Canadian Fundraising Congress, is a Past President of the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter, and is a Past Chair of the International Fundraising Congress in the Netherlands. Steve won a lifetime achievement award from the CMA in 1998, and the 2002 Outstanding Fundraising Executive of the Year Award from the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter. He is also a basketball coach at Malvern Collegiate.

Colette Thomson has invested 17 years with William Osler Health Centre Foundation. During her employment with the Health Centre, she has held a number of progressive positions, and is currently Director, Community Giving. She leads a team responsible for direct response, third party events, special events, tribute giving, and the internal hospital family campaign. Through her volunteer management skills and strong knowledge of the communities served by William Osler Health Centre, she has played a key role in turning ordinary golf tournaments, community walks, and galas in to extraordinary events with a steady increase in attendance and financial results. William Osler Health Centre is currently in the fourth year of its $120 million “Here for you…caring for you” Community Campaign.

Daryl Upsall has 23 years experience of successfully founding and leading fundraising, communications, and advocacy operations in over 42 countries. He is known for his leadership and innovation in fundraising. In 1990, Daryl launched the first professional fundraising for HIV/AIDS in Europe, and has had a successful career in lobbying and advocacy for development NGOs, women’s rights, advocacy organizations, and liberation movements. In the 1990s, he was International Fundraising Director for Greenpeace International. Daryl leads an international consultancy based in Spain whose clients include many of the world’s leading NGOs and UN agencies. He is a regular speaker at international conferences, and is Board Chair of EUConsult.

Mal Warwick has been raising money professionally since 1979, and has gained worldwide recognition as an author, consultant, and trainer. He has written or edited eighteen books, including the standard texts How to Write Successful Fundraising Letters and Revolution in the Mailbox. Mal is founder and Chairman of Mal Warwick Associates (Berkeley, California), which specializes in direct mail, and has founded or co-founded three other companies that furnish data processing, telephone fundraising, and online fundraising and marketing services to nonprofits. A popular speaker throughout the world, Mal is Chair of the Resource Alliance, which organizes the annual International Fundraising Congress in the Netherlands.

Karen Willson, CFRE, Senior Vice President of KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.), is one of the firm’s most accomplished senior leaders, providing clients with expert strategic counsel and direction that’s individualized to meet their needs, as well as leading staff and volunteer training. Her focus is to provide clients with custom solutions based on each organization's needs, their donors, and the culture in which they exist. Under her direction, many of Karen’s campaigns have surpassed their fundraising goals. As a volunteer, Karen has served as a Board member for Toronto Youth for Christ, and as an advisory Board member for the Sanfilippo Foundation.