We are a group of seasoned professionals from across the broad spectrum of non-profits, located all across the United States, with a common interest … leaving a legacy of helping great organizations engaged in education, health and human services, arts and culture, community service, and all of the not-for-profit arenas, reach their full potential in building out their missions.  We build from a global perspective, while ensuring and appreciating a local awareness.

Keeping in mind that there truly are only three ways to possibly lower costs associated with consulting in the external affairs arena, the Institute has assembled an extraordinary team of professionals who wholly embrace the concepts of providing a fee structure consistent with a not-for-profit model, who are committed to swiftly assessing needs and opportunities and taking appropriate actions, and who are geographically located and savvy to the culture of the regions they seek to serve.

Marvin R. LeRoy, Jr.   *   President & Founder                                                                                                      

“I don’t know of anyone else in our profession who brings more of the Jeffersonian Virtues of a knowing head and honest heart than Marv LeRoy.”

Jim Eskin, President & Founder, Eskin Fundraising Training (San Antonio, TX)

Marv has committed his entire 40+ year career to leading not-for-profit organizations in professional, volunteer, and consultant capacities.  He has helped to advance the missions of dozens of entities in the education, health, human services, and arts and culture arenas, and has assisted with the raising of more than $500 million for wonderful causes.  He is also an adjunct professor in the Institute for Higher Education Leadership at the College of St. Rose, and regularly presents at conferences and workshops in the areas of fundraising, strategic planning, and legislative affairs.  In addition to his degrees from Siena College (BA, Political Science) and Sage Graduate School (MPA), Marv has also earned graduate certificates in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University’s School of Philanthropy and in Executive Nonprofit Leadership from the Mendoza School of Business at the University of Notre Dame.  Beyond his work in the nonprofit world, he has also served in elected office for four terms as Town/County Supervisor in Saratoga County, NY, and served as an officer on the board of directors of Mohawk Community Bank.  In 2021, he was honored to be inducted into the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame. His decision to create the Institute is grounded in his strong commitment to the nonprofit community, as well as his belief that far too many organizations in the third sector have so much more to offer if resources could be found to expand their missions.

Coaching Team

31 Coaches in 20 States and the District of Columbia

 

Featured Coaches

  Clara Potes-Fellow  *  Arcadia, CA

Clara is a nonprofit industry expert with a fundamental understanding of the intersection of fundraising, marketing, branding and communications. She has a distinguished 25 year record of accomplishments in the advancement functions of higher education institutions, health organizations, youth development, and religious organizations. As a coach for the Institute for Philanthropic Excellence, she leads fundraising campaigns, fundraising feasibility studies, development audits, and provides marketing/communications advice. Before becoming a consultant, Clara served as director of advancement and communication for a Federally Qualified Community Health Center, and served for 12 years as director of media relations and community partnerships at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor. Earlier in her career she was director of multicultural marketing for Southern California Edison, and a public affairs officer for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Alex Nelson  *  Portland, OR

Alex is founder and CEO of Impact Capital Management, LLC in Portland, Oregon. Prior to his current venture, he served as VP and Business Lender for Craft3, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution in Oregon and Washington. He also served as Vice President and Business Development Officer for Accelevant, Inc., a business finance and entrepreneurial consulting company. Previously, Alex held VP level positions with three regional commercial banks. He is also a seasoned veteran of nonprofit leadership, currently serving as a President of the Lower Columbia College Foundation. Alex received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management and Leadership, with honors from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon.                                                                             

Gary Salberg  *  Eagle, ID

Gary has a deep professional background in charitable estate planning and investment management that provides him with an excellent foundation to assist philanthropic organizations and their constituents.  He served as Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving in the California State University system for over 17 years.  Working within charitable fundraising organizations for more than four decades, he earned the designation of Certified Specialist in Planned Giving.  Gary also holds a Master’s degree in Social Work Planning & Management, and worked for 15 years as a licensed financial representative.  Gary recognizes that in this challenging environment of working with non-profit organizations to meet fiduciary obligations, along with charitable objectives, we must carefully build solid fiscal plans, clear messaging, and engaged leadership.  His noteworthy skills and knowledge help to develop true philanthropic engagement resulting in enduring legacies and powerful impact.

Joe April  *  Rochester, NH

Joe has more than 30 years of experience in resource development programs as a staff member and consultant. His professional expertise includes major gift campaigns, planned giving, and strategic planning for foundation boards and advancement teams. As a consultant, Joe has led more than 55 feasibility studies, development assessments, foundation strategic plans, community summits, industry forums, and alumni strategic planning efforts, and comprehensive campaigns (all of which exceeded their goals). He is actively involved in the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), where he regularly speaks at their regional and national conferences. Prior to becoming a full-time consultant, Joe served as the Chief Advancement Office at Holyoke Community College, MA; MassBay Community College; and the Community College of Rhode Island. Since 2017, he has served as the Director of Development at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He is currently leading the $25 Million Building Community Campaign, the largest campaign in the Museum’s history.

Chris Downing  *  Bloomington, IL

With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to his community, Chris Downing is well suited to a profession in fundraising. Currently the Executive Director of the Heartland Community College Foundation in central Illinois, he just successfully completed the college’s first-ever major gifts campaign. With a background in fundraising for both community colleges and social services agencies, Chris has presented at numerous conferences on the value and art of sharing an organization’s story. His experience in fundraising ranges from major giving, annual fund, scholarships, and alumni programs to events and grant writing. He was recently named one of the 20 Professionals Under 40 to watch in Central Illinois and is active in his local Rotary Club. Chris holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science and Speech Communication from Augustana College, an MPA from Northern Illinois University, and is now completing his PhD in Educational Administration from Illinois State University.

Leigh Ann Jacobson  *  Chicago, IL

Leigh Ann currently serves as Director of Parent Relations and Giving at Lake Forest Academy, and previously served as a major gifts officer and director of the Parents Program at the University of Notre Dame. With more than 20 years progressively responsible fund development experience, she is recognized for moving organizations forward with proven management, values, and decisive leadership. She has enjoyed numerous strategic roles and opportunities in all areas of institutional advancement.  Leigh Ann is an articulate communicator with extensive experience in presenting and discussing complex issues with senior decision makers. While most of her career has been centered in education, she has a broad knowledge of all nonprofit organizations, and serves on the local and regional AFP chapters. A graduate of Kings College and Arcadia University, Leigh Ann also holds a certificate in Executive Management from Notre Dame and the national CFRE.

Michael J. Buckley, CFRE   *   Guilderland, NY

A career fundraiser, Mike most recently served as the Chief Philanthropy & External Affairs Officer at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society outside of Albany, NY. Previous to that position, Mike served as a Major Gift Officer and subsequently Director of Development at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.  Mike’s first professional fundraising position was with Siena College, and he began his fundraising career as a student phonathon caller at his alma mater, Castleton State College. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Mike is a regular presenter at the state and local conferences, including the Northeast Annual Giving Conference, the NYS Animal Protection Federation Conference, and the Hudson Mohawk Chapter of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals, of which he currently serves as Chapter President.  Mike also serves on the Board of Education for the Schools of the Albany Catholic Diocese.

Richard Talmo * Chico, CA

Rich is an experienced fundraising professional who provides clients with effective, field-proven, executable strategies in the areas of fundraising, organizational management, coaching and recruiting. During his 35-year career, Rich has held senior management and executive positions with the American Cancer Society, San Diego State University, Menlo College, Chabot College and Palomar College in San Diego, California. He also had the pleasure of working with grassroots fundraising programs gaining important experiences while working in the Barrios of San Diego early in his career.
During his career, Rich held many leadership roles with professional and service organizations throughout California. Most notably, he served as a board member of the Network of California Community College Foundations for 10-years (President in 2010), and has been a long-time Rotarian in San Marcos, California, (President in 2013 and 2017). He holds an Associate of Arts degree from El Camino College and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from San Diego State University.

Thomas J. Kilian, Jr. * Carmel, IN

With his diverse background in both profit and nonprofit organizations, and extensive experience in philanthropy and fundraising, Tom has noteworthy expertise in campaign planning and execution, major and planned gift programs, annual giving, special events, strategic planning, foundation infrastructure and policies, and volunteer board management as he leads innovative resource development initiatives. He currently serves as the President of the Hamilton County Community Foundation (IN). His career has largely been focused on higher education, where he has spent near 10 years playing leadership roles in the development and execution of several philanthropic campaigns across various campus landscapes. Most notably, as Executive Director of the Ivy Tech Community College Foundation in Central Indiana he successfully led the largest regional campaign in college history ($22 million), and secured the largest gift commitment in Ivy Tech history ($5 million). Tom earned a B.S. from Indiana State University, an M.S. from Indiana University, and an executive certificate from the University of Notre Dame. Outside the office, he volunteers with several organizations, including sitting on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of greater Indianapolis.

Jennifer Wheatley  *  Grants Pass, OR

Jen has a varied background in business and non-profit management, and holds degrees from Whitman College and the University of Denver, where she received her Masters from the Daniels College of Business. One of her greatest strengths lies in her ability to identify the opportunity within every challenge as well as a general mastery of collaboration and its application to promote success. Her inclination toward action balanced with an affinity for unconventional thinking makes her an asset in whatever she does. She has worked in the non-profit world in many capacities as a professional and volunteer, including as an adviser, board member, executive director, and campaign manager. Most notably, Jen spent nearly nine years as the Executive Director of the Rogue Community College Foundation, and then as the Senior Director of Community Affairs for Dutch Bros Coffee where she oversaw philanthropy, foundation, community relations and served as the company spokesperson. She is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum of Oregon and is also a graduate of the Ford Institute Leadership Program.

Dr. Bruce Leslie * Denver, CO

Dr. Bruce Leslie has successfully implemented cohesive organizational systems and strategic, creative and accountable cultures, engaging all stakeholders and emphasizing leadership development for all members of the organization, especially the boards of trustees, resulting in dramatic, nationally recognized performance outcomes at each institution he has led. A Navy Veteran and Chancellor Emeritus of both Houston Community College and The Alamo Colleges District, Bruce recently retired, concluding a 42-year career as a senior executive in community college systems. At each of the colleges he has led, Dr. Leslie founded or reinvigorated the college foundation leading to rapid increases in donations, student scholarships, faculty support and facility development.  Bruce earned his bachelor’s degree from Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio, master’s degree from Sam Houston State University in Texas, and Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin.

Kelli Horton * Detroit, MI

Kelli brings over 30 years of professional experience as a catalyst for change to nonprofits for them to become more effective and efficient while remaining focused on their mission and those they serve. Her experience in sales, marketing, fundraising, and the nonprofit sector has led to the success of many organizations. She is skilled in managing relationships with trustees, philanthropists, senior executives, and leaders in the community. She has devoted her career to building and supporting successful leadership teams, enabling meaningful and enduring philanthropic contributions. Kelli’s experience is diverse, and she has held many roles within nonprofit organizations, with a focus on annual appeals, special events, major gifts, capital campaigns, and strategic planning.

John Donohue  * Southport, NC  

With over four decades of leadership in higher education and health and human services, John brings unparalleled expertise in development, alumni engagement, communications, marketing, government and foundation relations, and real estate development. A nationally recognized advancement leader, John was honored in 2023 as the CASE District II Professional of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the field. He most recently held concurrent roles as Vice President for College Advancement, Executive Director of the TCNJ Foundation, and President of the Trenton State College Corporation at The College of New Jersey. Previously, as Executive Vice President for Development at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), he led efforts that generated over $650 million in support of historically Black colleges and universities. John has also held leadership roles at Dillard University, UT San Antonio, SUNY Stony Brook, and the United Way of Long Island. A respected builder of high-performing teams and boards, he remains actively involved in professional, civic, and business communities and is passionate about helping others achieve their advancement goals. 

Jim Eskin * San Antonio, TX

Jim Eskin enjoys championing philanthropy and its transforming power to advance non-profits that improve the world through their respective missions. He is passionate about getting others excited about fundraising and empowering them to tap its power to accomplish good works.

Jim launched Eskin Fundraising Training, LLC, in 2018 after 30 years of leadership roles in fundraising, public affairs and communications. He established fundraising records for gifts from individuals at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) and Alamo Colleges Foundation.

Over the past two years, he has led more than 100 workshops, partnering with Microsoft, Texas Capital Bank, Catto & Catto and MassMutual South Texas. His webinars reach thousands of non-profit leaders, including both professional and volunteer fundraisers. Guest speakers have included some of the most respected figures in philanthropy and their professions including Harvey Najim, Marsha McCombs Shields, Gordon Hartman, Francisco Cigarroa, Harriet Dominique, Henry Cisneros and Lionel Sosa. Jim’s emphasis is on making training interactive, easy-to-understand and fun — replacing the fear of asking for gifts with comfort and confidence.

He has authored more than 100 guest columns that have appeared in daily newspapers and business journals across the country. He also publishes Stratagems, a monthly e-newsletter exploring timely issues and trends in philanthropy, advocacy, and image. In 2019, he published his first book, 10 Simple Fundraising Lessons.