
Illuminate Conference
Tuesday, July 14, 3-5 pm
All Missional Philanthropy Conference Events Take Place at Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Registration (Main Entrance / North Atrium)
Tuesday, July 14, 4:30-5 pm
Mix and Mingle (Fellowship Hall)
Tuesday, July 14, 5-6:30 pm
Dinner (Fellowship Hall)
tuesday, july 14, 7-8:30 pm
“Money-Getter” to Ministry: How the Biblical Role of the Fundraiser Leads to Larger Gifts (plenary, sanctuary)
Presenter: Russell James, JD, PhD, CFP, is a chaired professor in the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University where he directs the on-campus and online graduate program in Charitable Financial Planning (planned giving). Prior to his career as an academic researcher, James worked as the director of Planned Giving for Central Christian College in Moberly, Missouri. He later served as the school's president, during which the college successfully completed two major capital campaigns, built several new debt-free buildings, and more than tripled enrollment.
Wednesday, July 15, 8-9 am
Light Breakfast (South Atrium)
wednesday, july 15, 9-11 am
Building and Enhancing Personal Solicitation Skills (Plenary, Sanctuary)
Presenter: Arthur Criscillis has worked with Alexander Haas for 23 years and serves as the managing partner for the firm’s higher education practice. Before joining Alexander Haas, he led the advancement programs for Rhodes College and Centre College, as well as the Purdue University College of Science. Criscillis moved into consulting for the opportunity to assist a variety of colleges and universities, and his work for clients runs the full range: assessments, feasibility studies, consulting, and training for staff, academic leaders, and volunteers. He has been part of successful campaigns ranging from $20 million to more than $1 billion.
wednesday, july 15, 11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Four Skills That Increase Nonprofit Fundraising Leaderhsip Impact (Plenary, Sanctuary)
Presenter: 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.
Wednesday, July 15, 1-2:15 pm
Lunch and Moderated Q&A session with speakers (fellowship hall)
Wednesday, July 15, 2:30-3:20 pm
Each Breakout Session in Separate South Atrium Room; Click on Title for Topic Details
From Passive to Powerful: Optimizing Boards for Mission ("Fundamentals" Session)
Presenter: Gayle Pottle, MS, CFRE, leads philanthropic strategy for AdventHealth’s Rocky Mountain Region, supporting eight foundations encompassing hospitals, international missions, and hospice. She brings a distinctive blend of Fortune 100 technology experience and nonprofit leadership expertise to her work, with a passion for building mission-centered, high-performing cultures of philanthropy. A Milton Murray Fund Executive Leadership Fellow, she is committed to developing nonprofit leaders and strengthening the capacity of organizations that serve their communities both locally and around the world.
The Insight Engineer: How One Fundraiser Can Do the Work of a Whole Team ("Fundamentals" Session)
You'll learn how to:
- Research any donor in minutes instead of weeks, and let AI do the digging for you
- Turn messy donor records into something that actually tells you what to do next
- Where you reconcile the differences between expectations & reality.
- Stop reporting and start acting, because action beats data every time
- Run a one person shop with the leverage of ten, and watch it show up in your numbers
Presenter: J.J. 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.
From Conversation to Commitment: Facilitating Meaningful Giving Experiences ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Presenter: Marisa Ogles, MPA, CFRE, 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 — guiding clients through the personal, relational, and legacy dimensions of philanthropy that numbers alone cannot capture. Ogles’ career spans roles as senior director of Donor Services at the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, executive director, and development director.
The Socratic Ministry of Christian Fundraising: Guiding Donors with Questions ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Presenter: Russell James, JD, PhD, CFP, is a chaired professor in the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University where he directs the on-campus and online graduate program in Charitable Financial Planning (planned giving). Prior to his career as an academic researcher, James worked as the director of Planned Giving for Central Christian College in Moberly, Missouri. He later served as the school's president, during which the college successfully completed two major capital campaigns, built several new debt-free buildings, and more than tripled enrollment.
Wednesday, July 15, 3:30-4:20 pm
Each Breakout Session in Separate South Atrium Room; Click on Title for Topic Details
From Passive to Powerful: Optimizing Boards for Mission ("Fundamentals" Session)
Presenter: Gayle Pottle, MS, CFRE, leads philanthropic strategy for AdventHealth’s Rocky Mountain Region, supporting eight foundations encompassing hospitals, international missions, and hospice. She brings a distinctive blend of Fortune 100 technology experience and nonprofit leadership expertise to her work, with a passion for building mission-centered, high-performing cultures of philanthropy. A Milton Murray Fund Executive Leadership Fellow, she is committed to developing nonprofit leaders and strengthening the capacity of organizations that serve their communities both locally and around the world.
The Insight Engineer: How One Fundraiser Can Do the Work of a Whole Team ("Fundamentals" Session)
You'll learn how to:
- Research any donor in minutes instead of weeks, and let AI do the digging for you
- Turn messy donor records into something that actually tells you what to do next
- Where you reconcile the differences between expectations & reality.
- Stop reporting and start acting, because action beats data every time
- Run a one person shop with the leverage of ten, and watch it show up in your numbers
Presenter: J.J. 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.
From Conversation to Commitment: Facilitating Meaningful Giving Experiences ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Presenter: Marisa Ogles, MPA, CFRE, 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 — guiding clients through the personal, relational, and legacy dimensions of philanthropy that numbers alone cannot capture. Ogles’ career spans roles as senior director of Donor Services at the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, executive director, and development director.
What Donors Wish You Knew: A Candid Conversation on Relationship, Recognition, and Getting it Right ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
This intimate live dialogue offers rare, unfiltered donor perspective on the art of relationship-based fundraising. Attendees will leave with practical insight into how to strengthen donor stewardship, elevate their acknowledgment practices, and build the kind of trust that deepens giving over time — not just closes a gift.
Presenter: David Earles has more than 30 years of experience in executive management, fundraising, and marketing at the local, state, national, and global level. He has now consulted with more than 35 organizations and led strategic planning for more than 15. Earles has provided fundraising training for graduate students, professional certification courses, and organizational gatherings.
Wednesday, July 15, 4:45-6 pm
2,000-year-old best practices: The Science and Scripture of Major Gift Fundraising (Plenary, Sanctuary)
Presenter: Russell James, JD, PhD, CFP, is a chaired professor in the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University where he directs the on-campus and online graduate program in Charitable Financial Planning (planned giving). Prior to his career as an academic researcher, James worked as the director of Planned Giving for Central Christian College in Moberly, Missouri. He later served as the school's president, during which the college successfully completed two major capital campaigns, built several new debt-free buildings, and more than tripled enrollment.
Thursday, July 16, 8:30-9 am
Light breakfast (South Atrium)
Thursday, July 16, 9-9:50 am
Each Breakout Session in Separate South Atrium Room; Click on Title for Topic Details
Expanding Opportunities for Generosity ("Fundamentals" Session)
This presentation will provide a practical overview of how organizations can begin accepting and benefiting from gifts of appreciated assets, including stock, cryptocurrency, real estate, and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Attendees will learn the advantages these gifts offer donors, the
basic processes involved in accepting them, and the key considerations for creating a successful gift acceptance strategy.
Participants will leave with actionable ideas to remove barriers for donors, diversify fundraising opportunities, and position their organizations to capture a growing source of charitable giving.
Presenter: 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.
The Four Pillars of Philanthropy and the Power of Your Annual Fund ("Fundamentals" Session)
Presenter: LuAnn Davis, CFRE, is vice president for Advancement at Union Adventist University, a position she accepted in 1992 at her undergraduate alma mater where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. Davis went on to receive an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1996.
How to Work with Your Community Foundation ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Presenters: Maria Kain Matthews, director of Donor Relations for The Generosity Trust, has worked in the nonprofit field for 35+ years, including various development and fundraising roles with Girls Preparatory School, her alma mater. Stephany Skaggs Pedigo joined The Generosity Trust in 2025 as director of Family and Business Philanthropy. She has practiced law in Chattanooga for the past 25+ years
Understanding and Managing Change ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Presenter: 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.
one-on-one meetings with gayle pottle or david burghart
Thursday, july 16, 10-10:50 am
Each Breakout Session in Separate South Atrium Room; Click on Title for Topic Details
Expanding Opportunities for Generosity ("Fundamentals" Session)
This presentation will provide a practical overview of how organizations can begin accepting and benefiting from gifts of appreciated assets, including stock, cryptocurrency, real estate, and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Attendees will learn the advantages these gifts offer donors, the
basic processes involved in accepting them, and the key considerations for creating a successful gift acceptance strategy.
Participants will leave with actionable ideas to remove barriers for donors, diversify fundraising opportunities, and position their organizations to capture a growing source of charitable giving.
Presenter: 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.
The Four Pillars of Philanthropy and the Power of Your Annual Fund ("Fundamentals" Session)
Presenter: LuAnn Davis, CFRE, is vice president for Advancement at Union Adventist University, a position she accepted in 1992 at her undergraduate alma mater where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. Davis went on to receive an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1996.
How to Work with Your Community Foundation ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Presenters: Maria Kain Matthews, director of Donor Relations for The Generosity Trust, has worked in the nonprofit field for 35+ years, including various development and fundraising roles with Girls Preparatory School, her alma mater. Stephany Skaggs Pedigo joined The Generosity Trust in 2025 as director of Family and Business Philanthropy. She has practiced law in Chattanooga for the past 25+ years
Panel Discussion: Leadership, Boards, and Volunteers ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Moderator: David Burghart is a fundraising professional with more than 35 years of experience. His philanthropic career covers secondary education, higher education, and healthcare. The past 15 years have been dedicated to leading the fundraising efforts of Adventist and non-Adventist hospital foundations. During this time, he has given oversight to significant growth in foundation operations and led numerous capital campaigns for new buildings, expansions, and equipment purchases.
one-on-one meetings with JJ Reynolds or Marisa Ogles
Thursday, July 16, 11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Leadership As a Social Process: Direction, Alignment, Commitment (Plenary, Sanctuary)
While formal accountability for achieving results may rest with a designated leader or a select leadership cohort, the process depends on the active participation of all group members collaborating effectively toward collective outcomes. CCL’s extensive research has defined these outcomes as:
• Direction: Shared consensus on overarching goals, objectives, and mission
• Alignment: Efficient structuring and synchronization of work efforts
• Commitment: Readiness to prioritize collective interests above individual agendas
During this session, leaders will interact with the framework through experiential
activities that bring its principles to life. They will also receive practical tools
and structured opportunities to evaluate current DAC levels within their teams and
organizations, along with resources for initiating and guiding conversations that
strengthen DAC at every level.
Presenter: 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.
Thursday, july 16, 1-2:15 pm
Lunch and Moderated Q&A session with speakers (fellowship hall)
Thursday, July 16, 2:30-3:20 pm
Each Breakout Session in Separate South Atrium Room; Click on Title for Topic Details
Building a Fundraising Program from the Ground Up ("Fundamentals" Session)
Presenters: 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.
when offerings become gifts: Capital and comprehensive campaigns ("Fundamentals" Session)
Presenter: Ava Willis-Barksdale, MA, serves as the vice president of Advancement at Oakwood University. She returned to her alma mater to serve after amassing more than 30 years of experience as a medical professional, faculty member and educational program leader, and advancement leader in educational and healthcare settings.
Building a Fundraising Plan: Strategies for Sustainable Growth ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Presenter: 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.
Small Gifts, Big Impact: Unlocking the Power of Crowdfunding ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Presenter: Sandra Araújo-Delgado is associate director of Annual Giving at Southern Adventist University, leading multi-channel fundraising that connects alumni, friends, and the campus community in support of students and the university’s mission. She brings more than 15 years of nonprofit experience across public relations, development, alumni relations, and fundraising.
one-on-one meetings with luanne davis or maria matthews
Thursday, July 16, 3:30-4:20 pm
Each Breakout Session in Separate South Atrium Room; Click on Title for Topic Details
Building a Fundraising Program from the Ground Up ("Fundamentals" Session)
Presenters: 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.
When Offerings Become Gifts: Capital and Comprehensive Campaigns ("Fundamentals" Session)
Presenter: Ava Willis-Barksdale, MA, serves as the vice president of Advancement at Oakwood University. She returned to her alma mater to serve after amassing more than 30 years of experience as a medical professional, faculty member and educational program leader, and advancement leader in educational and healthcare settings.
Building a Fundraising Plan: Strategies for Sustainable Growth ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Presenter: 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.
Small Gifts, Big Impact: Unlocking the Power of Crowdfunding ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Presenter: Sandra Araújo-Delgado is associate director of Annual Giving at Southern Adventist University, leading multi-channel fundraising that connects alumni, friends, and the campus community in support of students and the university’s mission. She brings more than 15 years of nonprofit experience across public relations, development, alumni relations, and fundraising.
one-on-one meetings with adam straub or david burghart
The Missional Philanthropy Conference is made possible by generous support from event sponsors. Thank you!
