2009 Spring Conference and Workshop
Reaching Across the Aisle:
New Partners and Prospects During Difficult Times

Conference Agenda
Conference Accommodations and Directions
CFRE Credit
Conference Speakers
Conference Scholarship (download scholarship application)
Conference Sponsorship
Conference Photos
Prior Conferences

OPRN currently offers a Spring Conference and Fall Regional Gatherings.  All researchers and development professionals, whether members of OPRN or not, may attend. Contact the Conference Chair for more information.

Conference Agenda

Thursday, April 2nd

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS:
Introduction to Data Mining Workshop w/ Marianne Pelletier
This interactive workshop is designed for beginners in prospecting using statistics and will demonstrate the techniques used in donor modeling and data mining. The following concepts coupled with in-session Excel exercises will be addressed: understanding what data says and how to read it; using mean, median and mode to spot trends in prospect behavior and characteristics; key charting techniques for pattern finding among best donors; developing a correlation score (basic statistics) for modeling top prospects; and implementing a simple score plan that works.

Or

New Researchers’ Workshop w/ Kimberly Elahab and Craig Kahn

Friday, April 3rd

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Conference Accommodations and Directions

Accommodations

OPRN has reserved a block of rooms at the Embassy Suites Columbus for $129 per night.  The newly renovated Embassy Suites Columbus hotel offers attractive accommodations in a thriving area, ideal for anyone traveling to Columbus on business or for pleasure. The hotel is conveniently situated amongst some of the most exciting tourist attractions in the area and offers complimentary transportation to nearby Easton Town Center.

Attendees are responsible for their own reservations. Please refer to Ohio Prospect Research Network when making your reservations. Individuals are requested to call (614) 890-8600 by March 2, 2009 to reserve suites.  Reservations received after this date will be honored on a space available basis at the prevailing corporate rate.

Check-in time is after 3:00 PM.  If your schedule requires an early check-in time, please advise the hotel in advance.  Payment for guest suite is due upon check-in, either by cash or credit card.  Checkout is 12:00 Noon.  Arrangements can be made for luggage storage beyond 12:00 noon.

NOTE:  Please dress in layers.  Heating and cooling may fluctuate in a room setting of this size.

Conference Directions

Embassy Suites Hotel
2700 Corporate Exchange Drive, Columbus, OH  43231
Phone:  (614) 890-8600
FAX:  (614) 890-6768

Located at I-270 and Cleveland Ave-on the north end of Columbus. 

Parking is free.

From the North: Enter I-270 eastbound to the Cleveland Ave. Exit (Exit 27).

From the South: Follow I-71 to I-270, and enter I-270 east-bound to the Cleveland Ave. Exit (Exit 27).

From East or West: Follow I-70 to I-270, and enter I-270 Northbound toward Cleveland.  Take the Cleveland Ave. Exit (Exit 27).

After exiting I-270: After exiting onto Cleveland Ave., immediately get into the far left hand lane. Turn left at the first traffic light onto Community Park Drive. Proceed one block to the first stop sign and turn left onto Corporate Exchange Drive. The hotel is one block ahead on the left side of the street.

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CFRE Credit 

Full participation in the OPRN Spring Conference is applicable for 7.75 points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.  For those wishing to receive CFRE credit, Continuing Education Points Trackers will be made available at the conference registration table. This credential is the only internationally recognized baseline professional credential for philanthropic fundraising executives. To learn more, visit the CRFE International Web site.

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Speaker and Panelist Biographies

Speaker Biographies

Elizabeth Crabtree is the Director of Prospect Development at Brown University where she manages a team of professionals that provide advice, counsel and analytical support to several areas critical to Brown’s fundraising effort, including:  campaign planning and management, prospect identification and research, data mining, modeling and market research, relationship management and volunteer engagement.  Elizabeth is the President of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA), the international professional society of fundraising research and relationship management professionals.  She is also a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the New England Development Researchers Association (NEDRA).  In 2007, Elizabeth was the recipient of the prestigious Ann Castle Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements and contributions to the fundraising research profession.  She is a frequent, nationally recognized speaker, industry expert and advocate.  Elizabeth is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and is currently an Executive M.A. candidate in the in Philanthropic Studies program at Indiana University.

Kimberly Elahab is a professionally trained journalist who received a master's degree from Columbia University in New York and a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati.  She has years of experience working in the nonprofit sector in fundraising and administrative capacities.  She currently works at Wright State University in the Development department as a prospect research specialist. Kimberly provides leadership to the grants profession as a local American Association of Grant Professionals board member in Dayton, Ohio. She is a member of the Ohio Prospect Research Network, the Association of Independent Information Professionals, the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement and Generation Dayton.

Craig D. Kahn is Senior Director of Research Services for the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF).  He joined UCF in 1994 as Assistant Director of Research and was part of their successful $300 million campaign.  He was named Associate Director of Research in 1999, Director of Research in 2005 and Senior Director in July 2008.  In his current position, he manages a staff of five researchers and one data entry/file clerk and all aspects of the Research Department as it relates to the current $1 billion University of Cincinnati capital campaign.  Prior to joining UCF, Craig served as Research Associate for Miami University’s successful $100 million campaign. Craig has been a member of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) and the Ohio Prospect Research Network (OPRN) since 1989.  He has served on the OPRN Board of Directors since 1993.  Since 2003, he has served as OPRN’s newsletter editor.  Craig graduated from Miami University with a BA in Political Science and also did graduate work in Political Science at Miami.   

Marianne Pelletier, CFRE, has been in the fundraising field since 1988, when she joined the research team at Harvard's University Development Office. She has served as a researcher for Harvard, Lesley University, Carnegie Mellon University, and now Cornell University where she is Director of Advancement Research and Data Support, assisting with Cornell's $4 billion campaign. She was also Director of Annual Giving and Development Services for Southern New Hampshire University, where she oversaw an increase in annual giving by an average of 27% for each of five years. Before joining Carnegie Mellon, Marianne worked with Datatel's clients on the Benefactor product. She has a bachelor's degree from Rockford College and an MBA degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Marianne is president of the board of APRA-UNY, APRA's Upstate New York chapter. She is also an associate with the Helen Brown Group, and serves as a key member of the Group's data mining services team.

Katherine Swank, J.D., an experienced consultant with Target Analytics, guides customers on using customized data modeling and wealth identification information. Through presentations and written materials, she leads nonprofit staff and leadership through the appropriate steps to craft targeted fundraising campaigns that will generate maximum returns. Katherine authors white papers on planned giving topics that provide thought-leadership to the nonprofit industry. She is currently based in Denver, Colorado. With more than 20 years of legal and nonprofit management experience, Katherine has raised approximately $215 million for national healthcare and public broadcasting organizations, as well as an independent law school. Prior to joining Target Analytics in May 2007, she was the national director of gift planning at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where she provided fundraising consulting services to the Society’s chapter leadership and development staff for six years. She is an affiliate faculty member of Regis University’s master of nonprofit management degree program in Denver. She holds an independent studies degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a law degree from the Drake University School of Law in Des Moines, Iowa.

Panel Biographies
 

Jan Hillman

Assistant Vice President for University Initiatives, Wright State University

Jan Hillman is responsible for developing and implementing multi-year and annual goals and action plans for fundraising in support of Wright State University. As chief development officer for the campus, Hillman supervises central and academic unit development officers, cultivates major gifts to the university, assists in shaping institutional fundraising strategy and campaigns, and has helped raise $100 million in private support. Previously, Hillman served as executive director of the Marquette General Foundation in Marquette, Michigan, where she established the foundation’s first-ever comprehensive campaign. She also previously served as CEO of Hillman Associates, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in higher education and health care; has been director of grants and research development for the Kettering Medical Center Foundation; and director of institutional research and development for Clark State Community College. Hillman was named a 2003 Top Ten Women in the Miami Valley by Dayton Daily News.

Nancy Koerner, J.D.

Director of Planned Giving, The University of Toledo

Nancy joined UT as the Director of Planned Giving in March 2007. In that role, Nancy manages and coordinates deferred giving strategies and techniques for The University of Toledo and the Health Science programs, home to the University Medical Center hospitals and clinics.  She works with individuals and their legal and financial advisors to select and structure the gift planning vehicle that most effectively achieves the individual's intent and gift planning needs and objectives. Prior to joining UT, Nancy served as the Associate Director of Planned Giving at The Columbus Foundation, a community foundation serving central Ohio. Previously she spent more than 15 years in private legal practice in the areas of estate planning and creditor rights. Nancy is a graduate of Capital University Law School and Ball State University with a Bachelor Degree in social work. Prior to attending law school, she worked several years in the child welfare and medical social work fields. As a new resident of Toledo, Nancy looks forward to resuming involvement in professional organizations and community service activities.

Tom Konkoly

Director of Development for Gift Planning, Baldwin-Wallace College

Tom is in his 40^th year serving his alma mater.  Following a decade in Admission, Tom moved to Alumni Affairs as director, then his next 20 years in development focused on planned giving and stewardship. His masters in applied communication theory and methodology from Cleveland State University allowed him to serve as an adjunct faculty member in communication at B-W for several years.  His 1988 thesis title is, “Applying the Theory of Reasoned Action to Charitable Intent.”  A founding member of The Northern Ohio Planned Giving Council, Tom served as its president in 1997-98.  He is a member of CASE, NCPG (now Partnership for Philanthropic Planning), and The Estate Planning Council of Cleveland. 

Midge Stulberg, Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts – Eastern States, The Ohio State University

Midge Stulberg is Senior Director of Major Gifts for the northeastern states and Executive Director of Women & Philanthropy at The Ohio State University.  She has worked in philanthropy for over 30 years, 10 which have been at Ohio State. Formerly, she has been head of Development at both Barnard College and Fordham University in New York, and Vice President of Development at Cranbrook Educational Community in Michigan. Midge has also served as a board member for numerous non-profit organizations throughout the country.

Sean Thompson, Director of Alumni Affairs, College of Education of Human Ecology, The Ohio State University

Sean Thompson assumes responsibility for alumni activities and fosters relationships with specific internal and external audiences of the College of Education and Human Ecology.  As the director, he coordinates efforts to establish innovative approaches to encourage alumni engagement.  Sean has spent nearly 10 years working in higher education advancement, previous holding the positions of Prospect Research Coordinator and Phonathan Supervisor at the University of Toledo.  A former member of the OPRN Board of Trustees, he has served as President, Secretary, and Conference Chair.  Sean received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Toledo.

Katie Webster
Annual Giving Officer, OhioHealth Foundation
Katie has over 10 years of diverse development experience. In particular, Katie has expertise in annual and major gift fundraising, board and volunteer management, donor relations and stewardship, and organizing fundraising events. Currently, she serves as the Annual Giving Officer for the OhioHealth Foundation. Her previous experience includes leadership positions with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio chapters) and Prevent Blindness Ohio. Katie currently serves on the board of the Central Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and is a past chair of the National Philanthropy Day celebration. Katie is also a member of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) and volunteers for the non-profit organization A Kid Again. Katie holds a BS degree in Communications from John Carroll University.

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Eileen Fitzgerald OPRN Conference Scholarship

By providing this scholarship to the OPRN annual conference, or towards the attendance of an APRA conference, we hope to:

• Encourage participation by organizations and individuals whose resources for staff development are limited.
• Promote a baseline skill set in prospect research skills within the Ohio region nonprofit community regardless of the size or affluence of a participant's organization.
• Promote networking opportunities for new development professionals.
• Increase awareness of OPRN and build a more diverse membership base.

In 2008, the OPRN Conference Scholarship was named in honor of Eileen Fitzgerald, a long-time board member of OPRN who served as the organization's president, conference chair, and membership chair, as well as many other roles. Eileen is an exemplary member of our profession.

OPRN will award up to two scholarships each year, each for up to $200, reimbursing, in this order, membership/conference registration, transportation, and lodging expenses. Scholarships will be announced a few weeks before the annual OPRN spring conference. Download the application form and submit it today!

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must have five years or less experience in the prospect research field.
• Candidates for each conference scholarship must submit a formal application at least six weeks prior to the OPRN conference date.
• Applicants are expected to conduct prospect research as part of their job duties.
• Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to the prospect research and fund raising fields.
• A demonstration of passion for the profession may be a consideration in the selection process.

Send questions or comments to the Scholarship/Awards Chairperson.

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Prior Conferences

SPRING 2008 CONFERENCE: Our first two-day conference held on Thursday, May 29 and Friday, May 30 at Hilton Columbus at Easton Town Center. Our Thursday workshop on Data Mining was presented by Peter Wylie of Margolis-Wylie Associates. Our Keynote Speaker was Christina Pulawski, an independent consultant and the winner of APRA's 2005 Distinguished Service Award; her presentation was entitled The Future of Prospect Research and How We'll Get There. In addition, David Lamb and Lawrence Henze, both from Blackbaud Analytics, served as speakers. Eileen Fitzgerald received this year's OPRN Distinguished Service Award, and the annual scholarship was named in Eileen's honor. Thanks to Blackbaud Analytics for serving once again as our title sponsor.

SPRING 2007 CONFERENCE: Held on Friday, March 30, 2007 at Marriott North in Columbus, Ohio. Our Keynote Speaker was Bobbie Strand, Consultant, Bentz Whaley Flessner, presenting Informatics and Prospecting: Metrics, Analysis, and Application. In addition, David Lamb from Blackbaud Analytics and Glenn Blair served as speakers. Anne Mayer received this year's OPRN Distinguished Service Award, which will now be named after her. Thanks to Blackbaud Analytics for serving once again as our title sponsor.

SPRING 2006 CONFERENCE: Held on Friday, April 21, 2006 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. Our Keynote Speaker was Joshua M. Birkholz, Bentz Whaley Flessner. Additional speakers were Lawrence Henze from Blackbaud Analytics, Mackensie Wittmer, and Georgie "Jo" Swanson. The OPRN Distinguished Service Award was presented to Bev Robertson. Thanks to Blackbaud Analytics for serving once again as our title sponsor.

SPRING 2005 CONFERENCE: Held on Friday, April 1, 2005 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. Our keynote speaker was Jon Thorsen, Senior Director of Development Resources at American Red Cross National Headquarters, presenting Games Without Frontiers. In addition, David Lamb from Blackbaud Analytics discussed privacy issues, and the OPRN board presented breakout sessions on several topics. OPRN Scholarship winners were Christie Weiner, Ohio Dominican, and John Selzer, Bowling Green University, and the OPRN Distinguished Service Award Winner was Jackie Robbins from Kenyon College! Thanks to Blackbaud Analytics for serving once again as our title sponsor.

SPRING 2004 CONFERENCE: Held on Friday, April 30, 2004 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbus, OH. Our Keynote Speaker was Cecilia Hogan, author of the new book Prospect Research: A Primer for Growing Non-Profits, presenting Around the Research Campfire: Stories of Dismal Failure, Near Misses, and Great Success. An additional presentation was made by Lawrence Henze, Managing Director of Blackbaud Analytics, entitled Applications of Market Research to Promote Fundraising Success. The conference concluded with afternoon Concurrent Multi-topic Sessions with the OPRN Board. Sponsored by Blackbaud Analytics

SPRING 2003 CONFERENCE: Featuring: Christina Pulawski, Director of Development Research, Northwestern University - Sessions on: Prospect Identification & Prospect Management - Friday, May 2, 2003 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbus, OH. Sponsored by Blackbaud Analytics

SPRING 2002 CONFERENCE: Friday, April 26, 2002 Ohio Historical Center  Columbus, OH - The Role of The Internet In University Advancement & The Sticky Web Has a Hold of Prospect Research Presented By Carl Brown - The Prospect Researcher As Change Agent - Presented By Dr. Rick Dorman

Fall 2001, Regional Gatherings:
MIAMI VALLEY OHIO October 22, 2001 Dayton Art Institute - Free tour of famous glass artist Dale Chihuly's exhibit, "Form from Fire" Contact: Rob Boley or Mackensie Clark
NORTHEAST OHIO November 9, 2001 Oberlin University Development Office Contact: Beverly Robertson  

Spring 2001, Regional Gatherings:
NORTHWEST OHIO Friday, April 27 Mileti Alumni Center, Bowling Green State University Contact: Gail Hanson
NORTHEAST OHIO Friday, April 20th Student Center at Kent State University Contact: Beverly Robertson
CENTRAL OHIO Friday, May 4 Fawcett Center on Ohio State's campus. Contact: Lisa Miller
SOUTHWESTERN OHIO Thursday, May 10 610 University Hall, University of Cincinnati Contact: Craig Kahn
MIAMI VALLEY OHIO Tuesday, April 17th E157B Student Union at Wright State University Contact: Rob Boley  

November 3, 2000 "Advanced Research Methodologies" & "Strategic Prospecting" Diane R. Crane, Managing Associate, Bentz Whaley Flessner

April 28, 2000 "Research for Beginners" Jackie Robbins of Kenyon College and Lisa Hornick of Wright State University. "Planned Giving for Researchers" Robert F. Conrad and Kelli L. Bell, Director and Assistant Director of Development, respectively, in Planned Giving at The Ohio University Foundation.

October 26, 1999 "Privacy and the Right to Know."  Neil Reisner, journalist for the Miami Herald

April 30, 1999  "Applying Technology in the Research Office" and "Internet Research 1-2-3" Joe Boeke, Director of Advancement & Information Services, Bucknell University

November 13, 1998 " Moves Management and Document Imaging" and " Prospect Research for Beginners" Kathleen Foley, Director of Development Services, Carleton College, Beck Sittason

May 1, 1998 "Information Overload:  Death of the Research Profile." Jim Bennetts, Development Officer, Prospect Information & Management, Mayo Clinic

November 7, 1997 "Houston, we have a challenge!" Commanding the Development Research Module through the Information Explosion Jon Thorsen, Director of Development, Princeton University

May 8, 1997 "Targeting Donor Markets - 2000 and Beyond" Judith E. Nichols, PhD, CFRE

October 25, 1996 "Ethics in Fund Raising" Marilyn Fischer, PhD, Assistant Professor Philosophy, University of Dayton

April 26, 1996 "Finding that Magic Number" (A step-by-step discussion for estimating net worth and giving ability) Robert G. Millar, III, Director of Development Research Services, Boston College

October 6, 1995 "Prospecting" Debra Johnson,  Bentz Whaley Flessner

April 28, 1995 "Planned Giving" Joseph O. Bull, Director of Planned Giving, OSU

October 14, 1994 "Understanding the Internet" Christopher D. Felker, Sr. Research Officer, Mass. Institute of Technology

June 17, 1994 "Researching Special Constituencies" Ann Castle, Director of Development Research, Harvard University

October 22, 1993 "Cen$us: Surveys Simplified" Gerlinda S. Melchiori, President, Melchiori Consulting

May 14, 1993 "The Paper Chase: Effective Records Management Techniques" Irene Szmania and Jill Tatem, Case Western Reserve University

October 23, 1992 "Bridging the Gap: From Research to Solicitation" Michael J. Ferin, V.P. Development, Wittenberg University & Joyce Dean Van Vactor, Director of Research, Wilmington College

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