Author: mturner

Executive Associate

Kim West is a strategic and compassionate leader with over 30 years of experience driving impactful change across global NGOs and the private sector. Her expertise spans governance, organizational development, program strategy, and volunteer management, with a track record of transforming teams, securing multi-million-dollar funding, and leading inclusive initiatives across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the UK. As a consultant, Kim has advised organizations such as CHRI, DAI Global, and the Danish Refugee Council, delivering solutions in governance, reintegration, and strategic planning. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at African Initiatives, United Purpose, and VSO International, where she advanced inclusive education, gender equality, women/girls, indigenous communities and youth economic and social empowerment. Kim also brings valuable private sector insight from earlier leadership roles at TD Financial Group, Kraft Foods, and Sun Life Financial. She is known for her adaptive leadership, commitment to social justice, and ability to align mission-driven work with measurable outcomes.

Area of Expertise:
Kim’s predominant areas of expertise is in Strategic Planning, Program Management and Board training, Management and Governance.  She also has extensive expertise in Development Program Review and Expansion Strategies. Donor and Constituent Engagement;  and International Fundraising.

Experience:
International Development

Fundraising Must Have:
Successful international fundraising must be informed by donor priorities and the competitive landscape. It should clearly establish the organisation’s legitimacy and credibility, present a well-defined program of work grounded in a logical Theory of Change, and include measurable outcomes that demonstrate both impact and value for money.

Executive Associate

With almost 40 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kate Sheehan is a seasoned fundraising and institutional advancement expert, with almost half her career spent at Northwestern University, where she rose through the ranks to serve as Director of Principal Gifts, followed by seven years as Senior Director of Development, Presidential Activities, supporting the university President in all fundraising work and serving as the liaison between the president’s office and the 300-member Alumni Relations and Development department.

Kate’s experience also includes five years as the Vice President, Principal Gifts for the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She has served in senior roles with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Art Institute of Boston, and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, among others.

Kate graduated from Indiana University/Bloomington with a BA in English. She holds certificates from University of Chicago and Advancement Resources and is the 2008 recipient of the Garfield Award (Northwestern University).

Area of Expertise: Kate’s predominant expertise is in Major and Principal Gifts. Kate also has extensive experience in Fundraising Campaigns and Strategic Planning, Board Training, Management and Governance, Planned and Legacy Gifts, Project Management, and Institutional Advocacy.

Experience: Education, Arts & Culture, International Development

Fundraising Must Have: A donor-centric mindset.

Junior Associate

With more than 5 years of experience in marketing and communications within the nonprofit sector, Helen Grafton specializes in social media management, project/event management and content creation.

Helen’s expertise includes marketing and development of healthcare and higher education institutions. Some of her previous experience includes multiple roles at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, Maryland. She began her nonprofit fundraising career in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.

Helen graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication.

Area of Expertise: Helen’s predominant expertise is in Donor and Constituent Engagement. She also excels in Project Management. Direct Marketing, and Alumni Relations and Giving.

Experience: Education, Healthcare

Fundraising Must Have: A compelling and clear mission and story to share

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helengrafton/

Associate

With more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sterling Garcia has served as Director of Development for Florida State University and the University of Florida, and as Major Gifts Officer for UnidosUS, the largest nonprofit Hispanic/Latino civil rights organization in the United States.  Sterling graduated from the University of Hartford with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and from Florida State University with a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration with a minor in Institutional Advancement.  Sterling also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Board Governance & Community Leadership from Alvernia University.  Sterling is also a decorated veteran, having served as a United Stated Marine, receiving several awards including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal and two Humanitarian Service medals.

Area of Expertise: Sterling’s core expertise is in Major and Principal Gifts, supported by experience in Donor and Constituent Engagement, Fundraising Campaigns and Strategic Planning, Board Training, Management and Governance, Alumni Relations and Giving, Direct Marketing and Annual Giving. 

Experience: Education, Community Based Membership and Advocacy

Fundraising Must Have: A community with a strong culture of philanthropy both inside and outside the organization.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterlinggarcia/