This program is offered in partnership with the AFP Central Virginia Chapter.

Have you ever wondered about the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential and exam, and whether or not it’s right for you? Join this program to learn from CFRE certified fundraising professionals and AFP Master Trainers as they cover topics about the CFRE, including how the certification can help your career, how to make a case to your employer to cover the costs of the exam, and tips and tricks to getting started on the application and studying for the exam. This session will leave plenty of time for questions at the end, so come prepared to ask yours!

Approved for 1 hour of CFRE credit.

Our Presenters

Jessica Cocciolone, CFRE, has spent the past 18 years connecting communities to missions. As the Executive Director for the Shenandoah National Park Trust Jessica serves as the bridge to connect the community to Shenandaoh to become stewards that protect, preserve and enhance our public lands.  She has previously worked as the Chief Development Officer for Elk Hill in Goochland, VA.

She has also held leadership positions at High Achievement in Richmond, VA; JDRF in Albuquerque, NM; Alabama CASA in Birmingham, AL; and has served as an Adjunct Professor with the University of Richmond, Institute of Philanthropy. She has been actively involved in the Central VA Chapter, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and was part of the founding team for The Inclusive Fellows Fundraising Fellowship.

Amanda Kennedy, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer, meets people where they are. She has over 20 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit management. From founding organizations to leading capital campaigns, she brings a wealth of experience to any room and cares deeply about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. She currently serves as Chief Advancement Officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond (BGCMR). Prior to serving BGCMR, she invested ten years at St. Andrew’s School, collaboratively growing annual revenue from $500,000 to over $2,000,000 and overseeing two capital campaigns.  

Amanda is a lifelong learner and has earned an AB from Bryn Mawr College and a MA from University of the Pacific. She holds several certifications from IUPUI’s Lilly School of Philanthropy and O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. 

Danielle Ripperton, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer, believes in the power of fueling the next generation and has spent her 20+ year career with non-profit organizations that focus on children, arts, and education. As the Executive Director for the Children’s Museum of Richmond, Danielle is focusing on our region’s youngest citizens and creating an equitable environment with no barriers to accessing the Museum’s learning playground. Prior to CMoR, Danielle spent more than eight years as Director of Development for Peter Paul, a community organization serving youth and families in Richmond’s East End. She is delighted to return to children’s museums, having served as the Director of Development and Marketing and then Interim Executive Director for the Children’s Museum of Evansville prior to moving to Richmond from Evansville, Indiana. 

Danielle serves as a Board member for Thrive Birth to Five (formerly Smart Beginnings of Greater Richmond), ACTS (Area Congregations Together in Service), and Richmond Region Tourism. As the mother of two awesome kids and partner to another non-profit professional, life is never dull!