Our Program

In the daily grind of development, it’s easy to overlook the stories that can spark real support.

But how you communicate your mission is one of your strongest fundraising tools. And the best stories are already inside your organization.

Join us at the Virginia War Memorial for lunch on Sept. 9 as a panel of marketing pros shares how to make an impact through content marketing and story-driven messaging. This program is presented in partnership between the Virginia Association of Fund Raising Executives (VAFRE) and American Marketing Association (AMA) Richmond.

You’ll leave inspired to engage your audience more consistently, share your mission in meaningful ways, and grow your fundraising success through smarter, more strategic communication.

Pending approval for CFRE credit.

Our Panelists

Dean Browell leads Feedback’s research as resident PhD with a passion for how generations interact online. He is co-founder of Hidden In Plain Site and on the boards of The Poe Museum and Firehouse Theatre. Dean teaches courses at VCU’s School of Business and University of Richmond’s Institute on Philanthropy.

Romina Newman is a marketing and communications leader with a passion for turning complex missions into meaningful stories that drive action. As Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at World Pediatrics, she led the organization’s rebrand from World Pediatric Project—a transformation rooted in the belief that delivering care to children around the world is no longer a project, but a standing commitment. She now oversees global storytelling strategies that connect donors to impact and support an organization that has historically reached over 27,000 children in more than 30 countries.
With a background in brand development, higher education, government, and artistic/commercial photography, Romina brings both strategic insight and creative execution to her work. Her professional experience includes roles with the U.S. State Department in Thailand, academic program development in Portugal, and creative consulting for private companies in Peru. At World Pediatrics, she has contributed to campaigns that supported record-breaking fundraising in the past two years, working as part of a dedicated team advancing the organization’s mission. She also leads the production of the organization’s podcast, further expanding its storytelling platform.
She believes storytelling is not just a tool for awareness—it’s a catalyst for change.

Beth Vann-Turnbull is an accomplished nonprofit leader driven to support people in overcoming challenges and financial adversity. With 27 years of experience as an executive director, she excels at developing new leaders, implementing innovative programs, and fostering collaboration to maximize impact. Currently the Executive Director at Housing Families First, she has led the organization as it tripled its budget, upgraded its shelter and campus through a successful capital campaign, and expanded its impactful programming.
Beth holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Richmond and a Certificate in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School Social Enterprise Initiative. She serves on various Boards, including Homeward, the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care, and Richmond Animal League, and is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond.
She is the 2025 honoree in Nonprofit Management from the YWCA’s Outstanding Women Awards and a University of Richmond Alumni Association awardee for Distinguished Service. When not at work, Beth enjoys studying Spanish, yoga, and traveling with her husband Scott.

Our Moderator

A native of Roanoke Virginia, Jay Lugar possesses a wide range of development and marketing experience.  He began his career as Marketing Director for the State Fair of Virginia (SFVA) organization. While with the State Fair, Jay served on the Richmond Chapter of the American Marketing Association board of directors for five years, including serving as Board President.
Jay joined the VCU Massey Cancer Center development team in 2012. In leading cause marketing efforts at VCU Massey Cancer Center, Jay led the team to raise nearly $2M, then a record. In late 2014, Jay began work on a capital campaign for the Heart of Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America. Completed in 2019, the campaign raised $5.5M for a new headquarters and STEM Center at Camp T. Brady Saunders. Jay served as Vice President of Development & Marketing for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond, where he managed a team of five.
In 2023, Jay and his CEO worked together to complete a $1.5M capital campaign in one year. In 2024, Jay earned his Certified Fund Raising Executive designation and most recently launched the $40M capital campaign for the new Ronald McDonald House in 2025.
In May, 2025, Jay joined the staff at Elk Hill, where he serves as Chief Philanthropy Officer. Jay lives in Richmond with his college sweetheart and three lovely children. In his free time, he goes fishing, pretends to garden with dubious results and plays live music in local dive bars.

Our Schedule

• 11:30 a.m. In-person Registration & Networking begins
• 12 p.m. Lunch 
• 12:10 Program begins 
• 1:30 p.m. Adjourn

Registration Fees

• In-person registration is $20 for members  of VAFRE or AMA Richmond ($0 for those with a Season Pass or $12 for those with a Virtual Season Pass), $25 for nonmembers who work at a member organization and for members of the Central Virginia Chapter AFP, and $30 for guests. All in-person registrants should select their meal during the registration process.
• Virtual registration is $8 for members ($0 for those with a Virtual Season Pass), $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 or AMA member and do not work in the office of a member, consider becoming a member of VAFRE in order to access reduced registration fees.