
XXXXXX
Invest In your fundraising Skills!
JOIN US JULY 14-16, 2026, as we invest in our time together through lectures, plenaries, workshops, and networking. This special gathering will benefit fundraisers working in multiple mission areas, including educational, ministerial, and community-based nonprofit work.
Conference presentations are divided into three distinct tracks: Fundamentals, Fine-Tuning, and Leadership. Guests are welcome to alternate between tracks based on their personal interests and needs.
CFRE credit may be available for this conference; more details available closer to the event. Email advancement@southern.edu for details.
2026 Conference Plenary Presenters

Russell James, III
Russell James, PhD, is a Texas Tech University professor who teaches graduate courses in charitable planning and behavioral economics. His research has been published in Journal of Philanthropy & Marketing, Financial Services Review, and other periodicals.
Learn More
arthur criscillis
Arthur Criscillis, EdD, is managing partner at Alexander Haas and leads the firm’s higher education consulting practice. With 30 years of experience, he has worked with advancement programs for Purdue University College of Science, Rhodes College and Centre College.
Learn More
Greg Cameron
Greg Cameron, MA, Education Sector director of the Center for Creative Leadership, uses a research-based approach to design and facilitate programs that assist organizations who believe leadership isn’t about titles or roles. It’s about growth, purpose, and the ripple effect that starts with self-awareness.
Learn More2026 Conference Session Leaders
The Missional Philanthropy Conference brings together a wealth of industry knowledge to improve your fundraising efforts. Click on the images to learn about just a few of the experts presenting for conference guests.

Gayle Pottle
Gayle Pottle, MS, is a Milton Murray Fund Executive Leadership Fellow who leads regional philanthropic operations for a $20B national nonprofit health system with multi-site foundations.
Learn More
Adam Straub
Adam Straub, MBA, CSPG, vice president of Western Adventist Foundation, oversees the organization’s investments, financial operations, and long-term fiscal strategy. With almost 16 years of experience at the Foundation and just under five years serving in executive leadership, Straub plays a key role in advancing the mission of planned giving and trust services.
Learn More
Marisa Ogles
Marisa Ogles, MPA, is a philanthropic advisor and nonprofit strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals, families, and organizations transform their generosity into lasting community impact. As principal of Compass Consulting, LLC, she partners with donors and nonprofits to align values with meaningful giving strategies.
Learn More
JJ Reynolds
Reynolds’ company, Vision Labs, helps businesses build strong internal data teams that leaders can rely on and trust. With experience in media buying, PPC, and advanced custom solutions, Reynolds is able to see the whole picture and take a predictive approach, answering the clients “next questions” in initial implementations. The goal is always to deliver meaningful visualizations on which anyone can take action.
Learn More
Greg & Nancy Gerard
Greg Gerard, EdD, has been a director of development and vice president of advancement, as well as a school principal. He enjoys being part of teams that bring change and improvement to a school. A teacher by training, Nancy Gerard, EdD, entered the world of fundraising in 2002 after accepting a role with Georgia-Cumberland Academy. She enjoys helping donors connect their values with the mission of Adventist education.
Learn More
Ava Willis-Barksdale
Willis-Barksdale, MA, has held philanthropy leadership positions at Earlham College, Loyola University Medical Center, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Ursinus College, and Lincoln University. Her areas of expertise include: gift solicitation and stewardship, CFR and grant writing, alumni relations, annual giving, and advancement services.
Learn More
Scot Coppock
Scot Coppock, MA, is ADRA’s senior director for Development, leading initiatives to inspire and grow support from private donors for ADRA’s global humanitarian work. He previously served as associate director of Planned Giving & Trust Services for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Learn More
Maria Matthews & Stephany Pedigo
Maria Kain Matthews, director of donor relations for The Generosity Trust, has worked in the nonprofit field for 35+years, including 29 years in various development and fundraising roles with Girls Preparatory School, her alma mater. For her conference session, Matthews will be joined by Stephany Pedigo, The Generosity Trust's director of family and business philanthropy.
Learn More
LuAnn Davis
LuAnn Davis, MBA, is the vice president for Advancement at Union Adventist University and specializes in building foundations from which to grow successful philanthropy programs.
Learn More2026 Conference Topics
A sample of the topics to be covered during the 2026 Missional Philanthropy Conference include:
- AI, Software, and Data Mining
- Board of Trustees Engagement
- Capital Campaigns
- Crowdfunding
- Foundation Relationships
- Gifts-In-Kind
- Leadership Development
- Leveraging Connections
- Major Gift Asks
- Stewardship
- The Four-Legged Stool
- and Much More!
Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality.”
-A.W. Tozer, from The Transmutation of Wealth
The Missional Philanthropy Conference is made possible by generous support from event
sponsors. Thank you!