Our Program

The success of a development officer is greatly dependent on the relationships they build with donors, staff members, volunteers, and stakeholders. One of those relationships that we do not always talk about is the one we have with our Development Committee Chair. Whether you inherited the one you have now or selected them personally, this relationship is like any other relationship - bound to have its ups and downs, challenges, and successes. 

In this VAFRE program you will have the opportunity to hear about the experiences of three development executives with their development committee chairs, and how they have managed their relationships through both good and hard times to ultimately operate a successful development committee.

Pending approval for 1 hour of CFRE credit.

Our Presenters

Moderator: Suzanne Hogg, Vice President for Development, The Faison Center. Suzanne brings over thirty years of experience in the corporate, government and nonprofit sectors to bear on her work in building the fund-raising capacities of nonprofit organizations. Her career in development began at St. Andrews Presbyterian College and Salem Academy and College, both in North Carolina. She then spent 18 years as President of DSG Consulting before joining The Faison Center in Richmond, Virginia in 2016 as Vice President for Development.

Suzanne is a brilliant tactician and able to create and drive practical achievable plans for the most ambitious strategies. At Faison she was charged with planning and launching Forward into the Future - a $24,000,000 capital campaign for campus expansion and capacity building. She is a past President of the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives and an active local volunteer.  Suzanne graduated from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, NC.  A passionate horsewoman, she rode competitively for many years and now volunteers for the Central Virginia Show Jumping Association.

Panelists:

Nicole Jones, Deputy Director, ART 180. Nicole Jones has over 20 years of experience as a business development and management professional. While specializing in procurement at the state level and in university settings, Nicole set herself apart as a progressive leader who truly understands the importance of managing relationships and business. In her role as Deputy Director, Nicole is responsible for donor development and retention, special events, programs and operations management. Her resilience and leadership in fundraising stems from her core belief that lived experiences can drive action and advance equity, diversity, and inclusion practices in fundraising. Known as a detailed oriented event planner and strategic thinker, she is often tapped for planning and advisory capacities for some of the most progressive non-profits in the area. As a native New Yorker, Nicole has made Richmond home for the last 22 years and has enjoyed affecting the creative landscape of the city. Beyond her technical expertise, she is extremely passionate about her community, education and all things creative.

Nell Nutaitis, Vice President of Development & Communications, ChildSavers

Ms. Nutaitis joined ChildSavers two years ago to lead the Development team during a $15 million comprehensive fundraising campaign, the largest in ChildSavers’ history. Prior to her role at ChildSavers, Ms. Nutaitis was the Chief Development Officer for the Red Cross’ National Capital Region and held fundraising positions at George Mason University, The East Harlem School in New York City, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Nutaitis graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Mary Washington and a master’s degree in educational policy from the University of Pennsylvania. Originally a native of New Jersey, Ms. Nutaitis has adjusted nicely to the more temperate Virginia climate as has her two daughters, Tess and June, husband, Matt, and dog, Jack.

Ty Toepke, Executive Director, Richmond Public Schools Foundation

Ty Toepke has been the Executive Director of the RPS Education Foundation since 2017. In that role, he works to raise money to support the strategic initiatives of Richmond Public Schools and to connect partners and resources for the benefit of RPS students. Prior to joining the Education Foundation, Ty worked in various fundraising roles with organizations including NextUp RVA, the Valentine, and the YMCA. In addition to his professional non-profit work, Ty serves on the board of Blue Sky Fund and the development committee of Richmond Habitat for Humanity. Outside of the office, Ty enjoys anything outdoors, live music, and building things large and small.

Important Statement on COVID Protocols

For the safety of all of our members and guests, VAFRE strongly encourages all individuals attending our programs in-person to be fully vaccinated. Virtual registration is available for those who are not vaccinated or who do not feel comfortable meeting in person.

Masks will be required for all participants and we will be practicing social distancing. In-person registration will be limited to 40 individuals. Box lunches will be available for in-person registrants at the end of the program to eat on-site or take with you.

Our Schedule

• 11:30 a.m. In-person Registration begins
• 12 p.m. Program begins
• 1:15 p.m. Adjourn

Registration Fees

In-person registration is $20 for members ($0 for those with a Season Pass), $25 for nonmembers who work at a member organization, and $30 for guests. All in-person registrants should select their meal during the registration process.

Virtual registration is $8 for members, $11 for nonmembers who work at a member organization and $15 for nonmembers. The virtual registration fees help support the technology costs associated with offering a hybrid event.

• If you are not a VAFRE member and do nor work in the office of a VAFRE member, consider becoming a member of VAFRE in order to access reduced registration fees.