Best Selling Author, Co-founder at Ron Clark Academy, and National Teacher Hall of Fame; Organization Culture / Climate and Communication Specialist

Kim Bearden is the cofounder, executive director, and language arts teacher at the highly acclaimed Ron Clark Academy. More than 145,000 educators from around the world have visited Kim's classroom and have attended her workshops to learn better ways to engage students, promote academic excellence, build relationships, foster creativity, and create a climate and culture for success.

Throughout her career, Kim has received numerous accolades, such as being honored at the White House for being inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. She was chosen from over 70,000 nominations to be honored as the Disney American Teacher Awards Outstanding Humanities Teacher, and the Milken Family Foundation selected her to receive the Award for Excellence in Education. She is the winner of the InfluencHer Award, the University of Georgia Outstanding Educator Award, and the Turknett Character Award for Servant Leadership. Mercedes-Benz recognized Kim in their Greatness Lives Here campaign, and Women Works Media Group named her one of Georgia's Most Powerful and Influential Women.

With a career that has spanned thirty-nine years, Kim has been a teacher, instructional lead teacher, curriculum director, school-board member, staff-development trainer, and middle-school principal. Kim is also a bestselling author of four books: Fight Song, Talk to Me, Crash Course and The House Where We Belong. Her newest book, I Really Need You to Hear This, will be released on June 3rd.

Kim resides near Atlanta with her husband Scotty, and she is also a mother of four. Her three sons and daughter are now adults who all reside in the metro Atlanta area.

Talk to Me: Find the Right Words to Inspire, Encourage, and Get Things Done

BARRY MOLINE

Executive Coach & Ethical Influence Practitioner

With 29 years as a CEO, Barry has learned a lot about successful teamwork, management, negotiation, leadership, and influence. He is an award-winning author, who tracks trends and new ideas to work better, together. His award-winning book, CONNECT! How to quickly collaborate for success in business and life, divulges the secrets to developing great company culture and engaging teams.

There is power in sharing our personal stories as a means of connection. From his work with the U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala to his leadership of associations, businesses, government, and non-profits, Barry has strived to solve the issues of communication stagnation, siloed information, and unfounded assumptions, to help his colleagues better relate to one another and create highly impactful organizations.

With a vast depth and breadth of experience, Barry helps individuals and organizations accomplish their goals. While there’s no precise formula for leadership and success, effective people and organizations take similar actions that position themselves for opportunity. Barry is eager to share the keys and secrets that will lead to your success.

The Future of Work: AI, Teamwork, and Leadership

Kristi's journey into nonprofit work began in 2011 with a pretty amazing challenge—fundraising for and running the Nike Women's Marathon with Team in Training. What started as a personal goal turned into a passion for making a difference in her community.

Over the years, Kristi has worn many hats in the nonprofit world, climbing her way from Development Associate to her current role as Development Manager at Millard Public Schools Foundation. Along the way, she's become a go-to person for donor relations, knows her way around event planning like a pro, can navigate sponsorship deals with ease, and has mastered the art of CRM management.

Whether she's connecting with donors, orchestrating events, or diving into the details of relationship management, Kristi brings the same energy and commitment that got her across that marathon finish line back in 2011.

Breakout Session 304 - Women's Giving Circle Grant Program

Chad Barger helps nonprofit professionals fundraise more efficiently and effectively. He is the chief strategist and owner of the firm Productive Fundraising, which focuses on bringing actionable, research-based fundraising tactics to small and mid-sized non-profits. He is a top-rated conference speaker and webinar presenter as well as a master trainer of nonprofit boards that “don’t want to fundraise.” He teaches fundraising at both Temple University and Messiah University and is one of only 117 fundraisers in the world to achieve the Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE) credential. Chad is also a strategic advisor and coach to many non-profit fundraisers, executive directors and board members.

Breakout Session 404 - Cutting Through the Noise - What’s Working NOW to Spur Donor Engagement

Rebecca Beebe serves as the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Arizona School Administrators, where she advocates for Arizona’s public schools and education leaders at the state level. With nearly a decade of legislative experience, she is recognized for her expertise in K-12 education policy and public affairs. Previously nominated by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the Toughest Lobbyists to Go Against (2021), Rebecca is known for her collaborative, policy-driven advocacy.

Breakout Session 602 - Exploring A Collaborative Advocacy Model

David Blyer is the Co-Founder, CEO, and President of Arreva, a leading provider of nonprofit software and services specializing in virtual fundraising, donor relationship management, and auction solutions.

He founded DonorCommunity in 1999, the first all-in-one fundraising software for nonprofits, and co-founded Arreva through its 2017 merger with Telosa. Previously, he co-founded Vento Software, acquired by SPSS and later IBM. With an MBA from Nova Southeastern University and a BA from the University of South Florida, David also serves on NonProfit PRO’s Editorial Advisory Board.

Breakout Session 504 - Harnessing the Power of Team Fundraising: How Schools Are Raising More, Together

Kelley Brunner serves as the Executive Director of School Effectiveness, with over 40 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and educational leader. A lifelong public educator, Kelley is dedicated to improving student outcomes through strategic leadership and collaboration. Her expertise includes instructional effectiveness, school improvement, and program development. Kelley holds a Master of Education from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Northern Iowa University.

Breakout Session 104 - The Impact of ESA Vouchers in AZ Schools and Implications for Other States

Joe Callahan, CFRE, joined the Education Foundation of AACPS in June 2024, where he has led a comprehensive re-branding effort, launched a new website, and crafted a new 3 year strategic plan. An award-winning nonprofit professional, he has more than 20 years of experience in K-12 schools, nonprofit management, marketing, fundraising, and youth development. Joe is a proud AACPS parent, and lives in Arnold, MD, with his wife and two children.

Breakout Session 202 - Setting a Vision for Impact and Transformation

For more than 25 years Robin has served in a variety of nonprofit leadership roles which have provided her with unique insights, and a wide array of tools to help nonprofits and their leaders thrive. She is the co-author of the recently released book, Roadmap for Education Foundations, a practical guide to building and growing K-12 support. She led the Issaquah Schools Foundation (WA) for 16 years, and NSFA (precursor to NAEF) from 2016-2019. She founded the Callahan Collaborative to equip nonprofits and their leaders with the clarity, capacity, and confidence to build resilient organizations and create lasting change in their communities.

Breakout Session 103 - Harnessing the Collective Power of Your Board

Kim Caughell

Kim Caughell is the Marketing & Development Director for Dorchester Two Ed Foundation. With extensive marketing and business development experience through roles at the YMCA and local Chamber of Commerce, Kim is an innovative leader in the local Summerville, SC nonprofit network. She successfully led the largest event in our county for 15 years (YMCA Flowertown Festival - 250k attendees annually) and is a business engagement guru.

Breakout Session 102 - Stop the Sponsorship Rat Race - How Creating Annual Partners Benefits You and Your Sponsors

Elsa P. Chagolla is Executive Director of the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation, bringing over 25 years of leadership across nonprofit, public, and private sectors. A first-generation college graduate, Elsa’s personal story fuels her passion for advancing equity and opportunity for underserved communities. Her prior roles include leadership positions at Glendale Educational Foundation, LA Promise Fund, and the U.S. Department of Education. She leads Lynwood’s innovative alumni-centered initiatives, including the creation of a dedicated Alumni Center.

Breakout Session 204 - Alumni in Action: How Two Foundations Are Turning Engagement into Impact

Anna Corman serves as the President & CEO of the Hillsborough Education Foundation, where she leads efforts to strengthen public education in Hillsborough County. Since joining HEF in 2017, she has advanced through key leadership roles, including Chief Program Officer, bringing over nine years of nonprofit experience in education, youth development, and community impact. A former Peace Corps volunteer, Anna holds degrees from the University of South Florida and Arizona State University.

Breakout Session 402 - Mapping Impact: A Strategic Approach to Program Evaluation

Alice Finley has served as the Executive Director of the UA+Ed since 2018. Alice has a background in psychology and education, teaching special education for ten years. She stayed home to raise her two boys during which time she began volunteering and serving on several nonprofit boards. Her involvement with UA+Ed started at the foundation's annual fundraiser, Golden Bear Bash (GBB) which began in 2007. Since this time, she has participated in every possible role: guest; volunteer, board member, event chair, foundation board chair; part-time staff member; Executive Director.

Breakout Session 101 - The Life Cycle of Fundraising Events

Chris Fink

Chris Fink is the Chief Operating Officer at Arreva, bringing over 25 years of experience in nonprofit technology and fundraising. He oversees Product Development, Services, and Marketing, guiding innovative solutions that empower nonprofits to advance their missions. Having worked with thousands of organizations of all sizes, Chris combines deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of fundraising.

Before joining Arreva, he managed IT operations and served as a Senior Software Trainer in the retail industry, shaping his user-focused approach to software design.

Breakout Session 504 - Harnessing the Power of Team Fundraising: How Schools Are Raising More, Together

Sylvia Gastelbondo

Throughout her 25-year career as an IT professional, Sylvia has specialized in the development and delivery of cost-sensitive solutions for mission-critical environments. She has held executive management positions with firms in a number of industry sectors, including insurance, financial services and information technology.

Sylvia also plays an active role in community life as a donor, volunteer and advocate.

Breakout Session 504 - Harnessing the Power of Team Fundraising: How Schools Are Raising More, Together

Danielle Gilmore is a Certified Nonprofit Professional dedicated to storytelling and demonstrating impact through effective data strategies. She serves as the Senior Director of Strategy & Engagement for the Arizona Educational Foundation.

Breakout Session 603 - The Power of Local Partnerships & Sustainable Relationships

Pam Glasgow has been Executive Director for Bexley's Education Foundation since 2011. She has extensive background in annual and capital fundraising campaigns, led special events planning and cultivated relationships with donors that have resulted in gifts as large as $1.8 million. She has served in leadership positions on multiple nonprofit boards including being the President of the Central Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Breakout Session 101 - The Life Cycle of Fundraising Events

Kim Graham serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF), where she leads statewide efforts to celebrate and support excellence in education. Since joining AEF in 2018, she has advanced programs that elevate teachers and schools across Arizona. A 2024 Piper Fellow, Kim previously held leadership roles with Louisiana A+ Schools and The Phoenix Symphony. She holds master’s degrees in Theatre and Speech Communications and English, and a B.A. in Communication Arts.

Breakout Session 602 - Exploring A Collaborative Advocacy Model

Ralph Hayes is ED of Dorchester Two Ed Foundation in beautiful Summerville, SC. He has established a rapport as an imaginative leader that has infused creative and impactful resources to his district of 27,000 students and 4,000 teachers and staff. From solar panels to bringing in artists in residence (fiddles from Appalachia; steel drums from Trinidad; etc) to Fork Farms hydroponic gardens for special needs students to Lu interactive indoor playgrounds to sending their district TOY on an all-inclusive vacation each year, Ralph is always seeking unique ways to support and new revenue to accomplish his crazy ideas. He is a proud CEFL.

Breakout Session 102 - Stop the Sponsorship Rat Race - How Creating Annual Partners Benefits You and Your Sponsors

Dr. Carl Hermanns

Dr. Carl Hermanns serves as President-Elect of the Horace Mann League and is a Clinical Professor at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, where he teaches leadership and organizational change. A former teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent in California and Oregon, Carl brings extensive experience in educational leadership and equity. His research focuses on best practices for English language development. He earned his Ed.D. from Harvard University in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy.

Breakout Session 602 - Exploring A Collaborative Advocacy Model

Dr. Lynette Henry is Executive Director of Educate Fairfax, where she leads strategic initiatives aligned with Fairfax County Public Schools to support student success through alumni engagement, community partnerships, and resource development. With over 30 years of experience in education leadership, philanthropy, and stakeholder engagement, Dr. Henry is known for building inclusive, high-impact programs that expand equity and opportunity. Her passion is rooted in: “Imagine the Best for Every Child—and Make it Happen!”

Breakout Session 204 - Alumni in Action: How Two Foundations Are Turning Engagement into Impact

Jennifer Hewitt serves as the Executive Director of the Chandler Education Foundation, where she leads programs that provide scholarships, classroom mini-grants, and crisis funding to support students, teachers, and families. With extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and youth development, she is dedicated to strengthening educational opportunities through community collaboration. Jen is recognized for her strategic leadership and passion for building partnerships that drive measurable impact across the Chandler Unified School District community.

Breakout Session 601 - Power in Partnership: When Foundations and Districts Lead Together

With nearly two decades of dedicated service in nonprofit management and fundraising, Kiersten Hill has raised over $20 million to strengthen Nebraska’s nonprofit sector.

At Firespring, Kiersten enables organizations, their leaders and boards of directors to achieve their mission through education and empowerment. A dynamic thought leader and speaker, she captivates audiences with her expertise on marketing, fundraising, board development and organizational transformation. Her insights spark inspiration and change at conferences and webinars across the country.

Breakout Session 201 - RSVPs to ROI: Event Marketing that Builds Buzz, Raises Funds, and Grows Community

Kim Jowell serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Pinellas Education Foundation, bringing more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a strong commitment to public education. Before joining PEF, she led the Hillsborough Education Foundation as CEO, where she expanded programs and nearly doubled revenue to support students and teachers. A dedicated community leader, Kim also chairs the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations and is an active member of the Athena Society.

Breakout Session 402 - Mapping Impact: A Strategic Approach to Program Evaluation

Matt Leighty is the founder of GrantFlow, a firm that has raised over $250 million for nonprofits through strategy, storytelling, and AI-assisted tools. With experience spanning policy, lobbying, and philanthropy, he helps organizations build the infrastructure to compete for grants and scale impact. A frequent speaker and writer, Matt brings a systems-based approach to grant writing that combines clarity, narrative, and technology to make funding more accessible and sustainable.

Breakout Session 604 - Grants for Education Foundations

Dr. Marianne Lescher

Dr. Marianne Lescher serves as the Principal of Kyrene Traditional Academy, bringing more than 40 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and leader in public education. A two-time Kyrene Administrator of the Year and Maricopa County Exemplary Principal, she is recognized for her commitment to academic excellence and student success. Marianne holds a Ph.D. from Boston College, an M.Ed. from the University of Massachusetts, and a B.A. from Boston College.

Breakout Session 104 - The Impact of ESA Vouchers in AZ Schools and Implications for Other States

Danielle Nadler has served as the Loudoun Education Foundation's Executive Director since 2021, following a 16-year career in journalism. She continues to leverage her community relationships and love of storytelling to spur people to make a difference in the lives of students and educators. She saw this generous spirit modeled by her parents — one a public school teacher and the other a youth pastor — who dedicated their lives to helping young people reach their full potential. Danielle was named Loudoun County's Nonprofit Executive of the Year in 2023.

Breakout Session 501 - Story First: Demystifying Marketing for Education Foundations

Frank Narducci serves as the Superintendent of the Chandler Unified School District, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience within the district as a principal, director, and assistant superintendent. Under his guidance, Chandler schools have earned national recognition for academic excellence and innovation. A champion of early childhood education and community partnerships, Frank holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from the University of Arizona.

Breakout Session 601 - Power in Partnership: When Foundations and Districts Lead Together

As Executive Director of the Seguin Education Foundation, Jillian Nash leads the comprehensive grant program that has distributed thousands of dollars to innovative classroom projects. With extensive experience in education foundation governance as a former board director, she brings unique insight to sustainable funding strategies. Currently serving dual roles as Director of Community Outreach for Seguin ISD, Jillian Nash bridges the gap between district needs and community support, ensuring maximum impact for student learning and teacher innovation across all campus levels.

Breakout Session 203 - Grant Programs That Go Viral: How to Create Buzz, Build Community, and Fund Innovation

Barbara Raymond has been a funder and fundraiser. At major organizations such as the RAND Corporation and The California Endowment (14^th largest U.S. foundation), Barbara directed over $160M in grantmaking, led major policy campaigns moving public dollars from prisons to schools, and built winning communications and community engagement strategies. These days, Barbara is most passionate about helping small mission-driven teams use smart strategies to punch above their weight and do more good.

Breakout Session 401 - Million Dollar Impact on an Ed Foundation Budget

Jonathan Rivera is CEO of Alumni Nations, where he leads national efforts to help K12 districts and education foundations build impactful alumni programs. With over 15 years in edtech leadership, Jonathan has driven multi-million dollar growth, strategic partnerships, and product innovation across the K12 landscape. A former educator and community-builder at heart, he brings a passion for helping schools activate alumni as lifelong supporters, donors, and mentors to strengthen student success.

Breakout Session 204 - Alumni in Action: How Two Foundations Are Turning Engagement into Impact

Gail Rothman, CEFL, is a Senior Consultant with The Callahan Collaborative who, over her 25-year career, has helped nonprofit enterprises grow, develop and thrive. Gail led the Decatur Education Foundation for 14 years and built it into a high-impact organization with $2 million in assets. She currently serves as the Consulting ED of the Newton Education Foundation in Georgia. She is passionate about coaching and supporting education foundation leaders and boards who seek to increase their impact and engage more deeply with their community. Gail was part of the first cohort of the National Education Foundation Certification Program and served as the Chair of the NAEF Industry Leadership Council. She is a frequent presenter at NAEF Conferences and is known for her authentic and highly collaborative leadership style. She co-authored Roadmap for Education Foundations: A Practical Guide to Building and Growing K-12 Support, with Robin Callahan.

Breakout Session 301 - Mission, Vision, Values & Brand: Critical Components of your Identity

After an award-winning teaching career and obtaining her National Board certification, Jennifer left the classroom with a heavy heart and found her way to the nonprofit sector where she has flourished. She won a fundraising award with the American Heart Association before returning to her beloved home school district as its foundation executive. There, she doubled the annual operating budget, built a diverse and effective board, and expanded the profile throughout the city. After moving to the east for love, Jennifer joined the Bill of Rights Institute where she raised over $1M in her 1st year and doubled that in her 2nd year.

Breakout Session 302 - Building a Board that WORKS

Tailer Shadron

Tailer Shadron is the Sustainability Program Coordinator at Local First Arizona, specializing in waste diversion and organizing community cleanups events across the state for the Keep Arizona Beautiful initiative. Tailer engages schools across Arizona to increase programming and funding.

Breakout Session 603 - The Power of Local Partnerships & Sustainable Relationships

Emi Kniffin Simmons serves as Director of Community Relations and Maize Education Foundation, where she bridges the goals of the school district, community, and Foundation. Emi's dual role gives her a unique perspective on navigating competing priorities, and she is passionate about aligning missions to create meaningful impact. Emi's leadership has helped launch a parent forum for sharing ideas, and streamlined the educator grant process to better align District and Foundation goals.

Breakout Session 502 - Listening, Learning, Leading

Savannah Stamates is the Development Director for Anchorage School District, overseeing discretionary grants, fundraising, and donations. She holds a Master’s in Social Work and brings 10 years of experience in K–12 education and funding management. Savannah has secured over $100 million in federal, state, and local contributions. Her expertise in strategic planning, grant management, and navigating complex education systems has driven transformation in two of the nation’s largest school districts.

Breakout Session 403 - Academies of Anchorage: A Case Study for Surviving Changing Priorities

Mike Taylor, MPA, CFRE, CEFL, serves as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Education Foundations (NAEF) and Executive Director of the Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation.

With more than 30 years in nonprofit leadership and 17 in the education foundation sector, Mike has helped raise over $43 million in support of public education. A respected national voice, he champions policy, advocacy, and collaboration to strengthen education foundations nationwide.

Breakout Session 602 - Exploring A Collaborative Advocacy Model

Blake R. Thompson, MA, CEFL, serves as the Executive Director of the Bennington Public Schools Foundation, leading initiatives that strengthen community partnerships and expand educational opportunities for students and educators.

A former teacher and administrator, Blake holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education and Administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He also serves on the boards of Bennington Community Theatre, I Love Public Schools, and the Nebraska Association of Public School Foundations.

Breakout Session 503 - Creating a Staff Committee — What It Is and Why It Worked!

Brian Tinsman is Founder and Senior Storyteller at POUNCE Solutions, a strategic marketing, communications and problem-solving firm serving mission-driven organizations. Since 2021, he has partnered with the Loudoun Education Foundation on storytelling, marketing, and community engagement. A former marketing leader in economic development, nonprofits and sports media, Brian specializes in turning complex missions into clear, compelling narratives that inspire action among donors, businesses, and community stakeholders.

Breakout Session 501 - Story First: Demystifying Marketing for Education Foundations

Kenya Vasquez is a media, marketing and communications strategist with over ten years of experience, having overturned the image of numerous struggling school districts across the state. Through her strategic and effective approach, Kenya has helped clients transform their reputation, recover from crises, and strengthen both internal and external communications. Her strategies have led to national awards, stronger community trust, and measurable growth in enrollment and retention. Kenya specializes in positioning districts as modern, trusted brands—guiding them to connect with Millennial and Gen Z parents through innovative marketing, authentic storytelling, and effective communications.

Breakout Session 303 -Building Trust Like Nike: Reimagining School Branding for Millennial & Gen Z Families

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Kim Bearden

Keynote Session:

BARRY MOLINE

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Kristi Anthis

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CHAD BArger, ACFRE, ACNP

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Rebecca Beebe

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David Blyer

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Kelley Brunner

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Joe Callahan, CFRE

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Robin Callahan, CEFL, CAP, CFRE

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Elsa P. Chagolla

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Anna Corman

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Alice Finley

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Danielle Gilmore, NP, MPA, CEFL

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Pam Glasgow

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Kim Graham

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Ralph Hayes, CEFL

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Dr. Lynette Henry

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Jennifer Hewitt

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Kiersten Hill

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Kim Jowell

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Matt Leighty

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Danielle Nadler

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Frank Narducci

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Jillian Nash

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Barbara Raymond, MA

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Jonathan Rivera

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Gail Rothman, CEFL

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Jennifer Seal, NBCT

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Emi Simmons

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Savannah Stamates, MSW

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MIKE TAYLOR, MPA, CFRE, CEFL

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Blake Thompson, MA, CEFL

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Brian Tinsman

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Kenya Vasquez

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