Chapter Committees

AFP South Sound (AFPSS) is fortunate to have many engaged members who make our chapter great! The dedicated members of our chapter committees volunteer their time to assure that we are a success. Committee members have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and shape our chapter.

Committees are always looking for additional volunteers, and serving is a great way to give back to your local AFP chapter and get to know others in the chapter more closely. If you would like to join any of the committees below, please contact afpsouthsound@gmail.com.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is made up of past and present leaders of our board and meets as necessary to support the work and mission of our chapter.

  • Members: Past Chair - Emily Mendez-Bryant, CAP®, Tacoma Community College Foundation; IDEA Chair - Jill Rose, CFRE, Amara; Secretary - Robyn Jones, United Way of Pierce County; At Large - Laura Rose, CAP®, CFRE, Washington STEM
  • Chair Elect: Lee Warnecke, CFRE, Southern Poverty Law Center; Jennie Griek, CAP®, CFRE, Pacific Lutheran University; Ruth Tollefson, CFRE

Governance Committee

  • Governance Chairs: Robin Callahan, CFRE, CAP®, CEFL, The Callahan Collaborative; Laura Rose, CAP®, CFRE, Washington STEM; Diane Lyons, CFRE, CAP®, Orion Industries

IDEA/Cohort Committees

The IDEA Committee works to expand inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) in fundraising in the South Sound. Our IDEA Cohort is designed to provide a growth opportunity for those doing fundraising work (paid or volunteer) in our community and who are committed to IDEA principles. 

  • Meeting schedule: Third Friday of the month at 10 am PST
  • Members: Jesse Bohlin, RVC Seattle; Robyn Jones, United Way Pierce County; Jennifer Li Dotson, Fundraise Up; Emily Mendez-Bryant, Tacoma Community College Foundation; Kato Lujan Camacho, TAM, Daniel Ensley, Oasis Youth Center
  • IDEA Co-Chairs: Miranda Beiermann (Martens), Pacific Lutheran University; Jill Rose, CFRE
  • Cohort Co-Chairs: Kato Lujan Camacho, Tacoma Art Museum; Angel Patterson, Lavender Rights Project

Marketing and Communications Committee

The Marketing and Communications Committee shares and promotes chapter opportunities to learn, network and grow; shares resources and information with our members; and increases the visibility of AFP South Sound in our region.

  • Meeting schedule: Third Fridays of the month at 2 pm PST via Zoom
  • Members: Laura Badeaux, Alzheimer's Association; Sarah McAtee, KNKX
  • Chair: Ryan Del Rosario, Pacific Lutheran University

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee attracts, engages, and retains members to the AFP South Sound chapter. We do this by spreading the word about the impact of our chapter and value of membership, and by inviting the fundraising community to get involved.

  • Meeting schedule: Our committee meets monthly, switching coffee hour to happy hour. We like to support local businesses in the South Sound. Please get in touch with Mary or Chris if you'd like to join us!
  • Members: Tyler Barham, ALS Association; Robin Engle, Abundance Catalyst; Celyna Faulkner, Center For Dialog & Resolution; Sally Glover, South Sound CARE Foundation; Jennie Griek, CAP®, CFRE, Pacific Lutheran University Anna Hess, The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County; Sue Loiland, Pacific Lutheran University;  Diane Lyons, Washington Nonprofits
  • Co-Chairs: Chris Baiocchi, CFRE, MAOL Resolute Philanthropy; Mary Brickle, CFRE, MultiCare Health Systems, Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation

Programs Committee

The Program Committee seeks to inspire and inform greater professionalism in fundraising practice by planning a diverse mix of educational programs that appeal to our members and friends. Our committee seeks CFRE-approved topics and presenters on par with those at national conferences. We coordinate with the other committees to ensure that AFP South Sound programming and events complement one another and meet ongoing needs for professional knowledge, networking and development.  We invite you to join one of our meetings should you be considering service to the chapter. Please contact afpsouthsound@gmail.com for details.  
 

  • Meeting schedule: First Monday of each month, 12 pm
  • Members: Amy Geier, Concern for Animals; Jim Hushagen, The Philanthropy Collective; Shannon Michlitsch, Habitat for Humanity Kitsap County; Laura Rose, Washington STEM
  • Co-Chairs: Jennifer Li Dotson, Fundraise Up; Jesse Bohlin, RVC; Rufina Caluya, KNKX Public Radio

Mentorship Committee

The Mentorship Committee oversees our Mentoring program. This program matches well-rounded mentors with individuals who are interested in learning more about fundraising, or who want to co-learn with a trusted colleague. This provides focused discussions, problem solving and sharing the trials and tribulations of working in this dynamic (yet sometimes challenging) industry.
 

  • Co-Chairs: Chris Baiocchi, Resolute Philanthropy; Victor Martin, University of Puget Sound

Summit Planning Committee

The South Sound Philanthropy Summit Committee is a joint project of AFP South Sound (AFPSS) and the South Sound Planned Giving Council (SSPGC) formed to plan and execute the annual South Sound Philanthropy Summit. The goal of the Summit is to bring together development, allied professionals, and philanthropists for a day of education and networking in late September every year.

  • Meeting schedule: First Tuesday of each month
  • Co-Chairs: Robyn Jones, United Way of Pierce County; Jennie Griek, CAP®, CFRE, Pacific Lutheran University
  • Members: Juel Lugo, LILT; Bethany Maines, LILT; Lee Warnecke, Southern Poverty Law Center; Chris Baiocchi, Resolute Philanthropy; Robin Callahan, The Callahan Collaborative; Steve Saalfeld, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation; Patti Recchi, AFPSS

Emerging Professionals Group

Whether you're a young professional or new to the fundraising profession, the Emerging Fundraisers Group serves to create a strong community of colleagues to strengthen our collective future. The EFG will meet every other month via Zoom to discuss relevant issues, share best practices and build community among emerging fundraising professionals in our area.

The purpose of the Emerging Fundraisers Group (EFG) is to create a strong community of new fundraisers within the AFP South Sound chapter. EFG provides educational and networking opportunities with the aim to strengthen the future of the fundraising profession in the South Sound area.

Meeting Schedule: First Wednesday of each month, 9-10 am at Campfire Coffee (1554 Market St #101, Tacoma, WA 98402)

Group Facilitators: Jesse Bohlin, RVC; Chelsea Hunt, YWCA Pierce County

                 

BIPOC Affinity Group

The BIPOC Affinity Group meets at least once per month to allow AFP members to self-identify and have this informal way to connect, network and build relationships with one another. The BIPOC Affinity Group will create casual conversations for you to share stories, ask questions, provide resources and build friendships.  We welcome your participation!
Meeting Schedule: Watch for updates and registration links in each monthly newsletter

Facilitators: Jennifer Li Dotson, Fundraise Up; Emily Mendez-Bryant, Tacoma Community College Foundation; Lindsay Fujimoto, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation