ANDREW BARLOW
Senior Counselor, Legend Labs
MAKE YOUR BOSS SHINE
Andrew has spent his career in the ear of significant leaders in higher education, government, politics, the military, nonprofits and business, helping them navigate the communications challenges that can make a career or break an organization. Known for his calming presence and incisive reasoning, he excels at writing for the spoken work and out-of-the-box creativity that helps leaders move people. A Notre Dame graduate and former U.S. Navy officer, Andrew has served as a speechwriter to the Texas governor, communications director to the lieutenant governor, director of external affairs at the Public Utility Commission of Texas and senior counselor at a crisis communications firm.
DAVID BESHEAR
President, The Beshear Group
CAPITAL TO CAMPUS: LEGISLATIVE STRATEGIES TO APPLY DURING THE SESSION AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
David is a public affairs consultant with more than 25 years of experience providing communications counsel to elected/appointed officials and executives on high-profile issues. He specializes in helping clients manage the intersection of business, legislative and regulatory interests through media, policy and crisis communication support. David has a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Baylor University and began his career working for successful Texas political campaigns.
JOSH BIRKHOLZ
CEO, BWF
MODERN ADVANCEMENTS IN PROSPECT DEVELOPMENT | YOU RECEIVED A GIFT—NOW WHAT?
Josh is the CEO of BWF, an international fundraising company providing consulting, services, and technology to leading nonprofits, universities, and health care centers around the globe, including several organizations in the University of Texas System. Josh is widely regarded as a leader in big philanthropy from his frequent speaking and his writing. An instructor at the Rice University Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, Josh has received the Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence from CASE and the prestigious Apra Visionary award for his innovation in applying data science to fundraising.
ROBIN BOWLUS
Vice President/Consultant, Ruffalo Noel Levitz
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS: WE’RE RAISING MORE MONEY BUT HAVE FEWER DONORS
Robin is focused on providing strategic consultation and critical market insights to help partners develop strategies that drive enrollment, engage donors, support student success, enhance lead generation, optimize recruitment efforts and improve student retention. Robin has more than 20 years of experience in higher ed advancement and enrollment, and specializes in communication and marketing, crisis management, enrollment strategies, financial aid, student success, strategic planning, campaign strategy, annual giving and alumni relations.
SARAH CLOUGH
Vice President for Philanthropy Insights & Analytics and Senior Consultant & Principal, Marts & Lundy
ADVANCING THE FUTURE OF FUNDRAISING THROUGH AI
Sarah leads the Philanthropy Insights & Analytics team. Specializing in data-driven philanthropy, prospect strategy, campaign planning and change management, she has guided over 100 organizations globally on million- and billion-dollar campaigns. Known for transforming complex goals into actionable strategies, Sarah frequently speaks at national and regional conferences, sharing insights on leveraging data and analysis for strategic decision-making, impactful fundraising and engagement, and emerging trends in philanthropy.
Jaclyn Corr
Jaclyn Corr, VP, Client Development, 16over90
PAY TO PLAY: USING DIGITAL ADVERTISING TO GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT
Jaclyn is a seasoned brand leader with 20+ years in the industry being a thought partner to some of the world’s most iconic brands across a variety of categories. She’s worked at top creative agencies, including Crispin Porter + Bogusky, TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles and Publicis. Brands include the American Legacy Foundation’s “truth” campaign, Burger King, Citibank, Gatorade, INFINTI, as well as a plethora of hospitality and higher-education brands such as Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, The Roosevelt Hotel, Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University), Texas Tech University, and UT-McCombs School of Business to name a few.
HEATHER CRUZ
Vice President/Consultant, Ruffalo Noel Levitz
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS: WE’RE RAISING MORE MONEY BUT HAVE FEWER DONORS
Heather is a seasoned higher education leader who helps fuel the strategic success of institutions across the country with enrollment, student success and fundraising. She brings a wealth of insight and strategy from a career in which she made transformative change in higher education. Heather has over 18 years of enrollment experience and served as Dean of Enrollment at the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Prior to joining RNL, she led the higher education team in the South and Southwest for the College Board, analyzing nationwide data sets to help develop key strategies for institutions to meet their enrollment goals.
MEGHAN DAVISON
Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising
PASSING THE TORCH: REALIZING THE POTENTIAL OF A NEW GENERATION OF PHILANTHROPISTS | CAMPAIGN READINESS AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Meghan leverages her philanthropic landscape expertise to foster strategic partnerships with nonprofits. Meghan specializes in data analytics, strategic planning, major gift programs and campaign communications. She loves partnering with nonprofits to find innovative ways to meet their extraordinary goals and has advanced projects with aggregated fundraising targets exceeding $1 billion. Meghan holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Arts from Cornell University.
MARY DeLAY
Vice President, CCS Fundraising
PASSING THE TORCH: REALIZING THE POTENTIAL OF A NEW GENERATION OF PHILANTHROPISTS | CAMPAIGN READINESS AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Based in Houston, Mary provides daily project leadership of key client engagements, with a specialized focus on partnerships across Texas. Mary’s areas of expertise include principal and major gift strategy, sustainable growth planning and leadership engagement. Recent client partners include UT Southwestern Medical Center and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a minor in Sociology from Texas A&M University.
TINA DUNK
Director of Digital Media, talkStrategy
CREATING IMPACT THROUGH INTEGRATED MULTIMEDIA CONTENT
Tina brings extensive expertise in digital, social and paid media to the table. With a decade-plus track record in advertising, Tina consistently delivers impactful work with measurable results, driving success for clients like VIA Metropolitan Transit, Pre-K 4 SA, San Antonio River Authority, Texas Health and Human Services, Lovelace Health System, UT Health East Texas, New Mexico Health Connections, Dallas Water Utilities, Texas Secretary of State and Santa Fe Tourism.
CHRIS EBMEYER
SVP/Director of Media Services, 160over90
PAY TO PLAY: USING DIGITAL ADVERTISING TO GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT
With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Chris has always embraced the idea of bringing brands and people together in whatever shape that may take, and loves the challenge of trying to find an elusive audience through media. His experience has provided for a strong background in media planning and buying, marketing communications, digital marketing and social media across a wide variety of industries and clients. As the SVP, Director of Media Services at 160over90, Chris oversees a media services team that supports the global footprints of some of the world's most influential storytellers, institutions, events and experiences.
CHAS ELLIS
Senior Engagement Manager, Advent
TELL AND SHOW ME A STORY
As Advent’s “Diplomat,” Chas seeks opportunities for new markets and digital experiences and offers current clients guidance through his international sales background. A graduate of the University of Mississippi, he has spent the last several years in sales and management roles, leading him to his new role as Senior Client Engagement Manager. An Atlanta native, he has lived and worked in three different countries, but most recently has settled in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington.
CHRIS FERRIS
Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy, Pierpont Communications
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS STATEGIES THAT WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE
Chris expertly melds academic insight with practical strategies in digital marketing. With over 25 years of experience, his leadership drives innovative online campaigns and strategic partnerships that yield measurable outcomes for his clients. Chris holds a Ph.D., in health policy and a master’s in communications. He also teaches digital marketing strategy to MBA students at Rice Business in Houston.
CATHERINE FLAATEN
Associate Vice President of Prospect Development, BWF
MODERN ADVANCEMENTS IN PROSPECT DEVELOPMENT
Catherine partners with clients to develop creative solutions to their prospect development challenges. Previously, she held leadership roles at The George Washington University and worked with organizations like Share Our Strength and the National Psoriasis Foundation. An active speaker and author, Catherine serves on Apra’s Board of Directors and several committees. She holds a BA in International Affairs and an MPH in Maternal and Child Health from The George Washington University.
BEN GOLDING
CEO, Advancement Resources
LEADING THROUGH CHANGE | HIGH TIDES RAISE ALL SHIPS: CREATING A HIGH TIDE OF ENGAGEMENT
Ben consults with many of the nation’s leading academic, healthcare and nonprofit organizations on donor-centric development practices that drive transformational philanthropy. He passionately elevates organizations’ mindsets toward philanthropy utilizing his experience and the extensive research that Advancement Resources conducts. Ben enjoys sharing his insights with his peers and has been honored to introduce Advancement Resources’ breakthrough concepts at a number of conferences and events.
BOB GUITTARD
Executive Vice President, Engagement and Donor Experience, BWF
YOU RECEIVED A GIFT: NOW WHAT?
As executive vice president, engagement and donor experience at BWF, Bob leads the division that helps clients articulate and achieve their vision for growth and impact. Prior experience includes serving as assistant vice president for donor engagement at UT Austin, where he oversaw campuswide partnerships, strategic growth and development integration, including digital strategy, marketing and communications, annual giving and donor relations. Bob holds a bachelor’s degree from UT Austin and a master’s degree from UT Dallas.
GRETA HAYS
Senior Vice President, Higher Education, Edelman
DON’T BRING ME DOWN: PROTECTING YOUR INSTITUTION’S GOOD REPUTATION
Greta advises colleges and universities on reputation management, communications strategy and leadership positioning. With over a decade of experience, she has supported clients including Stanford, Yale, Vanderbilt, University of Virginia, Michigan State, Clemson University, University of Notre Dame, Louisiana State University, and the University of Oklahoma on issues like free speech, Title IX and DEI. Previously, Greta was associate vice president of communications and external relations for an international higher education trade association of 180 private colleges and universities.
ELIZABETH HORMANN
Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising
PASSING THE TORCH: REALIZING THE POTENTIAL OF A NEW GENERATION OF PHILANTHROPISTS | CAMPAIGN READINESS AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Elizabeth brings operational and strategic leadership to CCS’s more complex engagements and partnerships across higher education and healthcare. Her areas of expertise include assessments and growth plans, strategic planning and principal gift programs. She has led the planning and management of campaigns over $1 billion, directed the formation of collaborative models and guided clients in securing multiple nine-figure gifts. Elizabeth earned her bachelor’s degree from Columbia University.
LAURA HOTTEN
Chief Creative Officer and Chief Digital Officer, talkStrategy
CREATING IMPACT THROUGH INTEGRATED MULTIMEDIA CONTENT
Laura is a rare find in the creative industry. She is an experienced creative director and strategist and a front-end web designer and developer. With a talent for developing creative campaigns that drive traffic and increase brand engagement, Laura has spent more than 30 years leading marketing campaigns for major brands in the United States and Latin America, seizing opportunities for her clients in the ever-expanding world of digital marketing.
GRACE JOHNSON
Engagement Manager, Advent
TELL AND SHOW ME A STORY
Known as “The Commissioner” at Advent, Grace uses her extensive background in the education sector to help market to and support all collegiate clients across the United States to help them solve their business problems. Grace spent nine years in the visit experience field and undergraduate recruitment, most recently serving as the Director of the University of Kentucky Visitor Center. She was selected as the Outstanding Staff Member of the Year in 2021.
Kevin Johnson
Senior Vice President, Crisis & Risk, Edelman
DON’T BRING ME DOWN: PROTECTING YOUR INSTITUTION’S GOOD REPUTATION
Kevin Johnson is a senior vice president and lead of Edelman’s Washington D.C. Crisis & Litigation Practice with over a decade of experience in crisis communications, issues management, legal affairs, public affairs, executive and workforce communications, cybersecurity, labor relations, employee engagement and media relations. He regularly counsels the C-Suite on live, sensitive matters, guides board-level discussions and supports organizations to communicate high-level announcements while coordinating media strategy and stakeholder communications, including conducting media and message trainings with key leaders and executives.
ASHLEY LOMERY
Consulting Director, Higher Education, Huron | GG+A Global Philanthropy
THE FOUNDATION(S) OF GIVING
Ashley supports clients with philanthropic management, such as fundraising program assessments, feasibility studies, campaign planning, major gifts program planning, fundraising training and other strategic areas. She brings more than 25 years of experience to the firm from institutions including the University of Arizona and Temple University, with expertise in major and principal gifts fundraising, strategic planning, fundraising coaching, fundraising team management, stewardship and annual giving.
JANET LORIN
Higher Education Finance Reporter, Bloomberg
PITCH PERFECT: BROADENING YOUR MEDIA COVERAGE
Janet writes about higher education finance, including endowments, fundraising, student loans and college admissions. She frequently appears on radio, television and podcasts. Janet and a colleague won the George Polk Award for national reporting for a 2012 series about student debt. Her stories have prompted several Congressional inquiries. She also ran the Newark, New Jersey, bureau for the Associated Press, wrote about urban sprawl for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and started at the Akron Beacon Journal. She holds two degrees from Columbia University.
BOB PEARSON
Lecturer, UT Austin McCombs School; Chair, The Next Practices Group; CEO, The Bliss Group; Chair, Next Solutions Group
THE MOST IMPORTANT AI TRENDS FOR UT
Bob is an author, investor, lecturer for UT Austin McCombs School of Business and a consultant who often supports the public and private sector in understanding how technology will shape their future. He has helped build two of the leading media firms worldwide (GCI Health and Real Chemistry) and is chair of The Next Solutions Group, which specializes in supporting the C-suite, ranging from crisis management to building brand value. Bob was a member of a working team that studied the global semiconductor industry in support of the recent CHIPS act. His next book, The Compass, will discuss how today’s leader can navigate an AI-driven world.
CHRISTINE RASHMAN
Vice President, Pierpont Communications
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS STATEGIES THAT WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE
Christine leads Pierpont Communication’s Austin office and drives growth in its education and consumer verticals. With nearly 20 years of PR and integrated marketing experience, she delivers results for clients like The University of Texas at Austin and BigCommerce. Before Pierpont, Christine spent a decade at Coyne Public Relations in New York City. A graduate of the UT Austin, she holds a bachelor's in public relations.
JOHN ROBERSON
CEO, Advent
TELL AND SHOW ME A STORY
Advent’s “Chief Cheerleader” and executive leader, John guides the company’s vision and innovation. In that role, he listens closely to client needs and shepherds internal teams in their work to meet and surpass those needs. John and his family purchased Advent in 1999, growing the company one part-time and one full-time employee, to a talented team of almost 50 people. He is passionate about marketing, brand, and engaging audiences. He earned his MBA from Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management with a concentration in Marketing and Service Quality.
MARCELA RODRIGUES
Education Reporter, The Dallas Morning News
PITCH PERFECT: BROADENING YOUR MEDIA COVERAGE
Marcela is a higher education reporter whose coverage of the Texas DEI ban, also known as SB 17, won a 2023 Education Writers Association's National Award for Education Reporting. Rodrigues has previously reported for The Chronicle of Higher Education, Chalkbeat and The New York Times. She graduated from Smith College and Columbia Journalism School.
KRISTINE SMITH
Chief Strategy Officer, talkStrategy
CREATING IMPACT THROUGH INTEGRATED MULTIMEDIA CONTENT
Kristine Smith is an expert at helping brands succeed, in roles including event marketing, digital strategy, brand management and strategic planning. Her methodology has been honed through decades of experience including the San Antonio Express-News, DonJoy/DJ Orthopedics, Harland Clarke, Toshiba, San Diego Metropolitan Transit Authority, Toaster Strudel, Old El Paso, Totino’s, USAA, VIA Metropolitan Transit, San Antonio River Authority, Pre-K 4 SA, UTSA, The Holdsworth Center, Communities in Schools Texas and H-E-B.
DEB TAFT
CEO, Lindauer
It’s a Talent: Attracting and Keeping the Best Development Officers
Deb Taft is CEO of Lindauer, a leading global search and talent firm in the nonprofit sector. Her expertise includes governance, strategic and growth planning, organizational management and talent, and fundraising, marketing, and communications. Deb chairs the Board of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, is chair-elect of the Giving Institute, serves ex-officio on the Board of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education as chair of its CASE Industry Advisory Council, and serves on the Board of the Human Rights Campaign Fund.
ELISE YATES
President, The Digital Advance
CAPITAL TO CAMPUS: LEGISLATIVE STRATEGIES TO APPLY DURING THE SESSION AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR | SOCIAL NORMS: STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
Elyse offers more than two decades of strategic planning, public relations, digital advocacy and data analytics experience and expertise in arenas as diverse as politics, tech, public affairs, nonprofits and entertainment. Her vast experience in how technology changes communication has evolved into her current expertise — creating campaigns and research methodology in the political/public-policy arena. Elyse currently serves as a board member for UT Austin’s School of Natural Science and the Wittliff Collection at Texas State University.
RIANE YATES
Product Manager, The Digital Advance
SOCIAL NORMS: STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
Riane is responsible for managing the development, vision, strategy and execution of client products and internal research and public opinion tools. Riane has extensive public policy research, data analytics, digital advocacy and product management experience, which she has utilized as a manager at Indeed and on research and policy campaigns for various nonprofit and public clients. Her skills include product design, data analysis, public opinion advocacy, digital campaign management and web development.
