Board of Directors

2025 Officers

Jennie Griek, CAP®, CFRE, Pacific Lutheran University

Co-President, Membership Co-Chair, Summit Co-Chair

Jennie is responsible for increasing financial support for her alma mater, Pacific Lutheran University, alongside alumni, parents, and friends to "educate students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care - for other people, their communities, and the earth." Before joining PLU, Jennie worked in the early learning and museum sector for over fifteen years, focusing on raising support for everything from memberships to major gifts. Jennie credits much of her learning to the resources and network of development professionals AFPSS, "I joined AFPSS as a new Development Director in 2015 because of the stellar professional development AFPSS provides. I am happy to volunteer and grateful to learn with a community of development professionals."

Ruth Tollefson, CFRE, MultiCare Health System

Co-President, Programs Co-Chair

Mary Brickle, CFRE, MultiCare Health Systems, Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation

President-Elect

Shannon Michlitsch, CFRE, Habitat for Humanity Kitsap County

Treasurer

Robyn Jones, United Way of Pierce County

Secretary, Summit Co-Chair

"As a Tacoma native, I seek out to be a driving force behind connecting with companies, donors, and volunteers to supercharge our corporate giving campaigns and engagement projects. I have been a member of AFP since 2017. Last year, I Co-chaired the SSPS in the South Sound and thrilled to carry on the work this year again.

I bring a strategic edge and a deep passion for mobilizing support and inspiring our youth to help care for and give back to our local community. Lastly, I am pioneer member of UW’s internal JEDAI Team, and proudly incoming Secretary for the AFP South Sound."

Lee Warnecke, CFRE, Southern Poverty Law Center

Past President

Lee came to fundraising following time as an Americorps*VISTA and today serves as AFP South Sound Program Chair and President Elect. He credits his fundraising successes to mentorship and professional development. His service to the AFP South Sound board is done in appreciation for the incredible philanthropic community that exists in Washington’s South Sound region.

Miranda Beiermann, Pacific Lutheran University

IDEA Chair

Miranda serves as the Director of Donor Communications at Pacific Lutheran University and the Executive Director of the Franklin Pierce Foundation, where she specializes in annual giving and strategic messaging to raise funds for scholarships and student success. She believes that education opens doors, and she is committed to promoting access and removing barriers for students through fundraising. Equity-oriented and community-centered fundraising practices have been a special interest for Miranda throughout her career. Miranda joined AFP South Sound during her very first fundraising role in 2018, and has been so grateful to have this supportive community to share ideas and encourage each other's important work.