Every data point tells a story, and when nonprofits listen, lives change. Join us to explore how Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee uses data analytics to strengthen relationships, sharpen program strategies, and expand its impact across the region. Through compelling case studies, you’ll learn how to harness data not just as numbers, but as a powerful storytelling and decision‑making tool for your own fundraising work.

Light lunch will be provided.

Speaker / Presenter

Kristi Rule, CFRE
Chief Development Officer
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee

With nearly two decades of public service and leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising, operations, and higher education, Kristi Rule serves as Chief Development Officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, leading strategy, donor engagement, and revenue growth to advance the organization’s mission.

In recent leadership roles, Kristi has guided fundraising efforts that generated over $5 million in philanthropic revenue in FY25, including a 262% year-over-year increase in major gifts, supported by a comprehensive donor qualification and 12-month stewardship system. She also launched a legacy giving society, partnering with wealth management, financial planning, tax, and estate professionals to strengthen long-term philanthropic investment.

Kristi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and earned the Certified Fund-Raising Manager designation from the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy (2025). Kristi has been active with the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals since 2022, including Board service as Membership Chair (2025). She is serving on the Education Committee of the Farragut West Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and the Simply Smart Foundation for Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union. She participated in the Leadership Sevier program (Class of 2016).

Outside of work, Kristi enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and hopes to explore Ireland and Scotland soon.

Joe Stabb, PhD, APR
Assistant Professor of Practice
Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Joe Stabb, Ph.D., APR is an assistant professor of practice in the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations and an administrative fellow in the College of Communication and Information at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he teaches courses in public relations and data analytics. Stabb has worked with clients/companies in a variety of industries to utilize their traditional and digital resources to meet and exceed their revenue goals. He has experience in marketing communications, public relations, fundraising, business management, and leadership development.

Joe is a graduate from Utica University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, a Master of Science degree from Keuka College in Management, and has a Doctoral degree in Leadership and Policy from Niagara University.  Stabb also holds an advanced certificate in international trade and commerce (TE) from the World Trade Center Association, accreditation in public relations (APR) from the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and an advanced certificate in effective college teaching (ACUE) from the Association of College and University Educators.

Joe also believes in giving back to the community. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Volunteer Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the Great Smoky Mountain Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the American Advertising Federation (AAF) chapter in Knoxville, The GIRL Institute, and leads several committees for the Rotary Club of Knoxville. He is also an active member of Shriners International.

In his free time, Joe Stabb stays active with family and friends, enjoys camping and traveling, attending the theater or opera, and cooking at home or eating at local diners.

Parking

Complimentary parking is available in the Blount Mansion lot. The lot entrance is located on the side street between Blount Mansion (the yellow frame house) and the Craighead-Jackson House (the historic brick building). Follow the drive as it curves behind the mansion to reach the Visitor Center, where all programs will be held.

Additional street parking is available along the side street in front of the Craighead-Jackson House.

Proud Sponsors of AFP Great Smoky Mountain Chapter