About Our Chapter & Leadership

about us and leadership



About Our Chapter

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Indian River Chapter has been serving the nonprofit community of Indian River County for more than two decades. Established in 2000 as a chapter of AFP Global, the chapter was created to provide local fundraising professionals with access to education, networking, mentorship, and resources that strengthen philanthropy throughout our region. Originally part of the Treasure Coast chapter, the growing number of fundraising professionals in Indian River County led to the formation of a dedicated local chapter focused on advancing ethical and effective fundraising practices. 

Today, AFP Indian River brings together nonprofit leaders, development professionals, consultants, and community partners who share a commitment to strengthening the charitable sector. Through professional development programs, networking opportunities, scholarships, leadership development, and the annual National Philanthropy Day® celebration, the chapter continues to promote the highest standards of ethics and professionalism while recognizing the extraordinary generosity that shapes our community. AFP Indian River has earned national recognition, including AFP's Ten Star Gold Chapter designation, reflecting its dedication to excellence and service within the fundraising profession.

As part of the global AFP network, AFP Indian River remains committed to advancing philanthropy by empowering those who raise charitable support and by fostering a culture of generosity that benefits Indian River County for generations to come.



Our Leadership

Kerry Bartlett, CFRE, MBA | President

Managing Director

CARTER

kbartlett@carter.global

Taylor Farnsworth | President-Elect/Professional Development

Senior Director of Development

Indian River State College

tfarnsworth@irsc.edu

Allison Cloughley | VP, National Philanthropy Day

Marketing & Development Coordinator

Vero Classical School

allison@veroclassicalschool.org

Robyn Orzel | Secretary & Treasurer

Executive Director

Senior Resource Association Foundation

rorzel@sramail.org

Elizabeth Thomason | Immediate Past President

CEO

Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County

ethomason@bgcirc.org

Melissa Depriest, MPA, CFRE | Director

Chief Development Officer

Indian River Land Trust

mdepriest@irlt.org

Jennifer Downes, CFRE, BAS | Director

Chief Philanthropy Orchestrator & Co-Founder

From the Heart Fundraising

jennifer@fromtheheart-fundraising.com

Tina Jensen | Director

Chief Development Officer

Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County

tinajensen@bgcirc.org

Ashley Marshall, MS, CFRM | Director

Director of Philanthropy 

Childcare Resources

ashley.marshall@childcareresourcesir.org

Heidi Leone Royals | Director

Director of Philanthropy

Environmental Learning Center

heidi@discoverelc.org

Bev Shea | Director

Assistant Director of Development

Vero Beach Museum of Art

bshea@vbmuseum.org