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.
Development Committee
The Development Committee strives to support the AFP South Sound 23-25 Strategic Plan by discovering opportunities for sponsorship and giving from the community.
- Meeting schedule: Second Mondays of the month
- Members: Laura Rose, Emily Happy, Jill Rose
IDEA Committee
The IDEA Committee works to expand inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) in fundraising in the South Sound.
- Meeting schedule: Third Friday of the month at 10 am PST
- Members: Miranda Beiermann (Martens), Director of Annual Giving, Pacific Lutheran University;
Jesse Bohlin, Fund Development Manager, YWCA Pierce County; Kyle Franklin, Good Samaritan Foundation | MultiCare Health System; Jennifer Li Dotson, Classy & GoFundMe; Emily Mendez-Bryant, United Way of Pierce County
- Chair: Jill Rose CFRE
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 Thursdays of the month at 2 pm PST
- Members: Jim Hushagan, The Philanthropy Collective; Laura Badeaux, Safe Streets Campaign; Kaitlin Bauer Huynh
- Chair: Sabina Ibragimova Bartlett
“AFP has been an incredible networking and educational resource for young and seasoned fundraising professionals. I am very fortunate to join such an amazing and diverse community and be able to gain new skills that are crucial for a nonprofit sector and share my own fundraising journey”
— Sabina Ibragimova Bartlett, Marketing and Communications Committee Chair
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee aims to attract, engage and retain members to AFP South Sound. We do this by spreading the word about the impact of our chapter, asking people to participate, and offering opportunities to be involved.
- Meeting schedule: Second Fridays of the month from 9-10 am PST
- Members: Jenn Brink; Sally Glover, South Sound Care; Sue Loilland, Pacific Lutheran University; Teddy Wingo, Pacific Lutheran University
- Co-Chairs: Jennie Griek, CAP®,CFRE, Greentrike: Teddy Wingo, Columbia Land Trust
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: Anquida Adams, ALA Consulting; Jan Brazzell, Advancement Consulting; Amy Geier, Peace Community Center; Jim Hushagen, The Philanthropy Collective; Shayla Miles, Foothills Rails to Trails; Laura Rose, Charles Wright Academy; Ruth Tollefson, Amara; Missy Zenczak Candler, Greentrike
- Co-Chairs: Lee Warnecke, Southern Poverty Law Center; Audrie Jones, eliseo
“I am grateful to be part of the South Sound community and AFP South Sound since 2014. Serving on the Programs Committee provides meaningful connection with fundraising leaders and rising stars at the local and national level. I volunteer my time as I owe my professional success to the relationships I have formed through this chapter.”
— Lee Warnecke, Programs Co-Chair
“I’ve been a part of AFP since I started my fundraising career in 2013. I love the comradery and support from my fellow chapter members and am grateful for the opportunity to get to serve the community and to help plan educational programs for the chapter. There is always so much to learn in fundraising!
-Audrie Jones, CFRE, Programs Co-Chair
Summit Committee
The South Sound Philanthropy Summit Committee is a joint project of AFP South Sound (AFP SS) 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
- Members:
Jennifer Li Dotson, Co-Chair
Robin Callahan, Co-Chair
Jenn Brink, Fundraising Professional
Shelley Buck, Foundations of MultiCare
Rick Oldenburg, Oldenburg & Associations
Doug Page, Pacific Lutheran University
James Plourde, JP Fundraising Solutions
Tom Ryan, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Emily Happy, The Philanthropy Collective
Todd Blodgett, Eisenhower Carlson
Emerging Professionals Group
AFP South Sound is excited to introduce the Emerging Fundraisers Group (EFG). 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: Second Wednesday of each month, 8:30-9:30 am
Facilitator: Ali Bessee, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound
"As someone new in their organization and new to the South Sound area, launching this group of like-minded emerging fundraisers to build community and share best practices is my number one goal."
— Ali Bessee, EFG Facilitator
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, Classy & GoFundMe and Emily Mendez-Bryant, United Way of Pierce County
"In my work as a fundraiser, I struggle to find others that share my same ethnic background and lived experiences in the philanthropic world. But when I do, it’s a cause for celebration! I love the comfort of speaking Chinese, honoring my ancestors’ rich histories, comparing citizenship stories, or cheering for another barrier broken by a BIPOC trailblazer."
— Jennifer Li Dotson, BIPOC Affinity Group Facilitator
“Sharing our cultures, lived experiences, communities we have served and represent are all beautiful ways to uplift philanthropy. The ability to be honest, brave, and proud about being a BIPOC fundraiser, within an industry that has a small BIPOC percentage, positively contributes to the overall advancement of our profession. I especially appreciate AFP South Sound Chapter’s lead in empowering this affinity group.”
— Emily Mendez-Bryant, BIPOC Affinity Group Facilitator
