Online registration for the in-person event has closed. To register for the virtual session, click here. To register for the in-person session, e-mail admin@vafre.org to determine availability.

4 Past Presidents + 125 Years of Experience = 1 Hot Conversation

Join us for a fireside chat with former VAFRE presidents, Barbara Wells (‘91), Maureen Neal (‘99), and Dan Stackhouse (‘16), as moderator James Wasilewski (‘19) asks those burning questions to seasoned leaders with decades of fundraising experience.  Prepare for a different style of program as we engage you (the audience) in this more intimate conversation sure to light up your thinking and spark ideas for 2023!

Our Presenters

Maureen Neal. After 14 years at Daily Planet Health Services as COO, Advancement, Maureen left in December 2019 to create her own nonprofit consulting practice. Throughout a 40-year career in the nonprofit world she’s worked with organizations and people from diverse aspects of the nonprofit industry. Maureen finds joy in volunteering and mentoring especially with those who are new to this sometimes-perplexing and always challenging world of fund development. She is a self-described life-long learner and often finds that she learns as much as she teaches. In addition to many leadership and board roles, she proudly co-created, ADVANCE, a coaching and assessment program for seasoned fund development professionals.

She was honored with VAFRE’s Nina Abady Award in 2011 and was recognized in 2016 by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Richmond Metropolitan Chapter, with the inaugural Phenomenal Woman Presidential Award for excellence in service in the areas of anti-poverty, mental health, and domestic violence.

Dan Stackhouse is the Director of Development at The New Community School, which empowers bright, talented students who are challenged by dyslexia and related learning differences. He has dedicated his professional life to creating capacity for not-for-profits in the Richmond region, including TheatreVirginia, the Community Idea Stations (now VPM), and the Library of Virginia Foundation. He also currently serves on the board of Richmond Triangle Players. Dan is a graduate of the University of Richmond and lives in South Richmond with his husband and many leaves still left to rake.

James Wasilewski has served in various fundraising, constituent engagement and student recruitment roles in higher education for 20 years - currently the Senior Director of University Advancement within VCU's Development and Alumni Relations. At VCU for over 14 years, he has also served in roles with the Massey Cancer Center and in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.  When provided the opportunity, he facilitates workshops and delivers keynote addresses based on his experiences in fundraising as well as with his improvisational comedy experience over the past 20 years.  He is also a community advocate and volunteer – including current and former support with VAFRE, AFP, Children’s Museum of Richmond, and Yes, Balloon (ComedySportz RVA).

Barbara Wells has devoted her career to the non-profit sector, with primary focus on organizational management and resource development, and currently serves as Director of Development for SPARC. Prior to joining SPARC in 2007, Barbara served as Director of Development for several prominent arts organizations and educational institutions, as well as in a consultant role providing guidance on organizational management, board governance, annual fund campaigns and capital campaigns. Barbara also spent close to a decade in Florida as a development professional before returning to Richmond (and SPARC) in 2018.

Barbara has held every officer position within VAFRE, is currently serving as a P3 mentor, and was awarded the prestigious Nina Abady Award in 2009. She has been privileged to serve on numerous boards, committees, and commissions as well as grant review panels over the course of her career.

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 vaccinated. Virtual registration is available for those who are not vaccinated or who do not feel comfortable meeting in person.

In-person registration is currently limited to 80. Masks are optional, but are encouraged. Box lunches will be available for in-person registrants at the beginning of the program to eat on-site or take with you.