James P. LaRose, CFRE, CNC
Phone: (803)808-5084 Email: jimmy@development.net
James P. LaRose, CFRE, CNC known around the world as “Jimmy LaRose the Fundraiser's Fundraiser," continues to transform nonprofit executives tasked with the raising of money in a tumultuous 21st Century economy. His passion for the nonprofit sector is without bounds and his love for the leaders who serve is unparalleled. His heroes are those men and women of the charitable world who lay down their lives daily for the hurting and the hopeless. He’s spent the last twenty years supporting executives, volunteers, staff and board members across six continents who spend themselves in service to others. Jimmy is fond of sharing with professionals that, "Money chases after ideas, and there will always be generous people who will amply support a great dream backed by a sound plan." Jimmy is the founder of the National Development Institute, Development Systems International and ProPlatforms.com. He is the author of the internationally recognized fundraising series MAJOR GIFTS RAMP-UP and is the designer of the MAJOR GIFTS RAMP-UP CLOUD, a complete back-office for nonprofit executives. Jimmy led the design team that established Certified Nonprofit Consultant (CNC), a credentialing process that supports nonprofit executives committed to sharing their management experience with their peers. He is the co-founder of the CauseCause.com platform, an online social media community network that supports citizens of the world committed to advancing the common good. He is the co-founder of DonorScope.com, a web-based research portal that identifies philanthropists, altruists, and leaders and their capacity to give to causes for which they personally care. Jimmy has been credentialed by the National Development Institute as a Certified Nonprofit Consultant (CNC) and holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification. He is the founding President of the Western Maryland Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and is a graduate of AFP's Faculty Training Academy (FTA) and has been named by the AFP as a “Subject Matter Expert” on the raising of money. Jimmy has also served as a specialist with the U.S. State Department's Speakers Bureau and has traveled the world working with embassies, foreign governments, and leaders to promote philanthropy and civil society in developing countries. He is a graduate of Indiana University's Executive Leadership Program, Indianapolis, IN, the National Planned Giving Institute, Memphis, TN, Tennessee Temple University, Chattanooga, TN and the Word of Life Bible Institute, Schroon Lake, NY. Rev. LaRose was ordained as minister of the gospel by the Ecumenical Church of Christ in 2010 to further support his service to the hurting and the hopeless around the world. Jimmy and his wife Dianne make their home in Columbia, SC and are blessed with three children and three grandchildren.
John Curtis, Ph.D., CNC
Phone: (828) 246-0459 Email: john@development.net
Dr. Curtis is a Certified Nonprofit Consultant and trainer. His experience spans nearly 40 years and involves providing a wide array of consulting services to nonprofits organizations nationwide. He began working in the charitable sector in 1973 and has developed a proven track record in bringing sound organizational principles and leadership practices to hundreds of nonprofit executives and their boards. For 24 years, John’s firm has ensured that organizations properly identify, engage, cultivate, and invite individuals of means to stand with their respective organizations. DSI has worked with over 400 nonprofit organizations around the world ensuring that their leadership accomplishes the mission and vision entrusted to their care. When a nonprofit organization sets new and challenging goals, careful planning and Implementation of strategy are required. Ultimately, DSI’s Major Gifts Ramp-Up Program will result in real dollars raised through effective gift solicitations. MGRU assists new and existing donors to accomplish their personal goals by investing financially in your cause. In addition, John also teaches for the Rollins College Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center in Winter Park, FL and the Duke Nonprofit Management Program throughout N. Carolina.
Hall Powell, MBA, CFRE, CNC
Phone: (910)458-8433 Email: hall@development.net
Hall has more than 30 years of fundraising experience, including 13 as a fundraising consultant. He has provided campaign and development counsel to a wide variety of institutions throughout the Southeast, with special emphasis in the healthcare field. Prior to joining PAX Global, Hall was a partner with the fundraising consulting firm Alexander Hass of Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, Hall served as the Executive Vice President of the Memorial Health Foundation, Inc. in Savannah, Georgia, and the founding Executive Director of the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation, Inc., in Wilmington, North Carolina. He spent more than four years as the founding Director of the Amethyst Foundation in Charlotte where he played a significant role in the development of a nonprofit management seminar for Winthrop University. He also served as Director of Graduate Administration at Winthrop and was responsible for directing the Executive MBA Program as an Associate Professor in the Management Department. A seasoned lecturer in the nonprofit sector, Hall has also been an instructor with the Duke University Nonprofit Management Seminar. A Certified fundraising Executive, Hall has served on the national board of directors of the National Society of Fundraising Executives, now known as the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). He has also been instrumental in forming two AFP chapters. He holds an undergraduate degree from Guilford College and an Executive MBA from Winthrop University.
Bob MacConnell has served as a development professional for nearly 40 years, raising more than $300 million for nonprofit organizations across the country. After graduating from The Ohio State University, Bob started his professional fundraising career with the Boy Scouts of America in 1970. He served chapters in California, Kentucky and Arizona until he was recruited into the United Way system in 1984. Bob began his service with the United Way in Cleveland, Ohio, and became President and CEO in Griffith, Indiana before being recruited to serve as President and CEO of the United Way of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bob was able to double giving to the annual campaign from a stagnant $7 million campaign to a robust $14 million annually by the time he retired in 2004.Bob relocated to Myrtle Beach upon his retirement in 2004, and has stayed active in the nonprofit field with responsibilities with the Myrtle Beach Golf and Yacht Club HOA and the American Heart Association. In 2007, Bob was recruited by Brookgreen Gardens to serve as its Manager of Major Gifts where he was responsible for Corporate Relations and Sponsorships, implementation of a new Business Membership Program and assisted with the new Legacy Council program, individual membership development and other development initiatives. Bob joined Development Systems International in 2010 to provide consulting and training for nonprofit organizations in the field of fundraising and advancement.Bob lives in Myrtle Beach with his wife Beth Anne MacConnell and has three grown boys and two college-age daughters.
Bob Harris, Ph.D, CNC
Phone: (770)815-9078 Email: bobharris@development.net
Dr. Bob Harris, President of Christian College of Georgia since 1996, has served in higher education and ministry for thirty-five years. Christian College of Georgia serves the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the state of Georgia through educational programs for lay ministers, continuing education for ordained and commissioned clergy, and campus ministry for students on various college campuses. Through his leadership, this educational ministry has been self-supporting through its permanent funds since 1998, and the College continues to increase its endowment and special projects funding even during seasons of financial challenge. An active non-profit volunteer, Bob Is the District Commissioner for the Cherokee District of the BSA in Northeast Georgia, and he is Chair of the Boards of two international ministries. His gift of “bridge building” has led to notable collaboration between “for-profit” and “non-profit” ventures, and he enjoys conceiving and implementing effective strategies with motivated volunteers and entrepreneurs. Bob is co-owner/manager of two commercial real estate ventures, National Sales Representative of the a group purchasing organization serving non-profits and faith-based organizations, co-owner of Lifetime ProSports, LLC, serving retired professional athletes, and a founding partner in an international business development firm comprised of cause-driven entrepreneurs. He is an Ordained Minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) , a specialist in the prevention of clergy misconduct, and an expert resource in building and sustaining campus ministry, religious education, and Christian missions. He has started two non-profit organizations himself, each reflecting very distinctive aspects of his personal and professional interests. Bob is the father of three sons and a daughter, and grandfather of four. He and his wife enjoy the “sanctuary” of their home in Athens, Georgia, with two special dogs, a lovely garden for their outdoor living, and a growing collection of Disney experiences and memorabilia. Bob’s educational background includes Centre College (KY), the University of Georgia, Southern Baptist Seminary (KY), Central Baptist Seminary (KS) and Michigan State University. He has worked in public and private universities and church-related colleges.
Aimee Vance, CNC
Phone: (615)415-6726 Email: aimee@aimeevance.com
Aimee Vance, a Certified Non-Profit Consultant, began her non profit career in 1989. Beginning her career in the local church, she helped developed strategies to increase giving and engage a larger portion of congregations in service to the community. In 1997, Aimee joined Esther Ministries. During her tenure there, she served as the Director of Client and Donor Relations and eventually Executive Director, where she increased the donor base by 52% and donor revenue by 65%. Her duties included overseeing the direct mail campaign, major gifts development, major event planning, volunteer recruitment, staff and volunteer training, and board development. Aimee also served Prison Fellowship as the State Director for Tennessee where she worked with government agencies, non profits and volunteers serving the prison and ex-offender population and their families. Aimee oversaw volunteer recruitment, training and retention of over 150 volunteers, development and oversight of the state and local boards, special event planning and fund raising, and program management. Aimee also served to help develop new non profits, guiding them through the start up process, including strategic planning, business plans, and fund raising strategies. Aimee’s greatest joy comes in assisting others and seeing them attain their goals to become successful in serving “the least and lost”.
Debi Frock, CNC
Phone: (443)974-8520 Email: debi@development.net
An accountant by trade, Debi has more than twenty years of experience in the nonprofit industry. She served on the Board of Directors for Maryland Episcopal Cursillo for 16 years, serving in many positions. During her service she was able to develop and implement the accounting system, as well as building a strong infra-structure. She has also served on The Executive Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, The Bishop Claggett Center Board and the Vestry for Ascension Episcopal Church, Westminster, Maryland, developing internal audits, feasibility studies, and Capital Campaigns. Working with the Diocese of Maryland, Debi helped develop and implement the Millennium Development Goals Grants Process which has given small grants totaling over $100,000 during the last four years. As a strong leader and advocate for African children, Debi left her CPA job in 2005 to found Ghanaian Mothers’ Hope, Inc., and has grown this nonprofit into a forerunner among charities serving children in Ghana. In 2009 when most nonprofits saw a major decrease in funds, through creative marketing, fundraising and donor cultivation, Ghanaian Mothers’ Hope saw a 27% increase in general donations, as well as receiving three major grants. She received the Bishop’s Award for Outstanding Ministry in the World, as well as the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award from Stevenson University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Stevenson University and has done Graduate Studies in Nonprofit Administration and is an Associate Member of the AICPA. She is a past Rotarian. She and her husband, Scott, live in Sarasota, FL. They enjoy time with family and friends while developing mission trips to Ghana.
Elizabeth Caulk, CNC
Phone: (803) 351-7286 Email: elizabeth@development.net
A Certified Nonprofit Consultant, Elizabeth Caulk began her nonprofit career at the South's largest children's museum, EdVenture Children's Museum in Columbia, S.C. Elizabeth was part of the team that introduced the world's largest child to the south, and was responsible for marketing and sales for group visits and private rentals. She worked with the local school districts to launch various contests promoting the museum as well as assisted in major gift fundraising events and grand opening. Before joining DSI, Elizabeth most recently served as Director of Development to Carolina Children's Home, a 100 year old nonprofit organization serving vulnerable South Carolina children and families with severe emotional and behavioral disturbances. While working for the Home, Elizabeth secured the Home's largest estate gift of more than $900,000. Responsible for direct mailings, signature fundraising events, volunteer recruitment, media liason, editor of quarterly newsletter, and donor cultivation and development. Elizabeth was also responsible for achieving a yearly budgetary goal of more than $400,000. Having passion for the arts, children, and education, Elizabeth's energy and motivational skills ignite those around her to pursue excellence through clear and positive communication. A graduate of East Carolina University, Elizabeth earned a BA in Communication with a multidisciplinary minor. While attending college, Elizabeth interned for David Letterman in New York, at The Late Show with David Letterman. As a talent intern, she worked with entertainers, publicists, and musicians to secure performances and ensure personal and professional needs were met. Elizabeth believes donors support ambitious goals and dreams, and with proper preparation and thorough detail, financial support is sure to follow.