moderator
SOLOMAN R. GUGGENHEIM - DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER
Leah Heister is Deputy Director and Chief Advancement Officer for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation. As the architect of a robust advancement strategy, Heister oversees the raising of funds for all areas of the museum, including exhibitions, acquisitions, conservation, and education, as well as spearheads the Campaign for the Guggenheim to increase the endowment. She leads a department that seeks support from individuals and affinity groups, foundations, corporate sponsorship and global partners, membership, special events, and annual fundraising. She works closely with the Board of Trustees and sits on the Advancement Committee of the Board.
Heister’s areas of expertise include overall strategy development across a number of fundraising functions, including annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, major and planned giving, and board development. Prior to her role at CCS, she served as the Interim Regional Director and Associate Director for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in New York, where she oversaw fundraising initiatives for the greater New York and New Jersey area in support of the hospital. She previously was the Director of Development for St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, where she managed a prospect portfolio, developed strategies for donor solicitation and cultivation, and prepared the organization for campaign readiness.
Heister serves as a part-time lecturer at Columbia University in the Master of Nonprofit Management program, where she teaches Fundraising Fundamentals for Nonprofits. She received her Master of Science in Nonprofit Management with a focus in fundraising from Columbia University. A member of the Columbia University School of Professional Studies Alumni Council, Heister is also a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, New York City, and received the National Young Professional of the Year Award from AFP in 2017.
fundraising & communications panelists
central park conservaNCY
Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies
Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies
Shayla Titley is currently the Director of Membership at Central Park Conservatory and has been a nonprofit fundraising professional with over 15 years of experience in direct response, individual and planned giving, stewardship, and events. She loves developing compelling copy and creating unique mission-driven events just as much as she
Shayla Titley is currently the Director of Membership at Central Park Conservatory and has been a nonprofit fundraising professional with over 15 years of experience in direct response, individual and planned giving, stewardship, and events. She loves developing compelling copy and creating unique mission-driven events just as much as she loves analyzing data and instituting internal processes to improve retention. Communication and fundraising is clearly where she thrills.
As a board member of the Direct Marketing Fundraising Association (DMFA) and co-chair of its Diversity, Inclusion, and Systemic Change committee, she is committed to making the fundraising industry more equitable for professionals and more welcoming for donors of all backgrounds.
Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies
Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies
Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies
Brittany helps kids be kids by leading a healthcare not-for-profit organization called Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies in Louisville, Kentucky. They provide pediatric services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, behavioral and mental health, medical nutrition, and specialty clinics for approximat
Brittany helps kids be kids by leading a healthcare not-for-profit organization called Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies in Louisville, Kentucky. They provide pediatric services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, behavioral and mental health, medical nutrition, and specialty clinics for approximately 1,500 children with special needs, regardless of a family’s insurance provider or financial situation.
Brittany began her career in advertising sales and marketing before managing a technology company. After 6 years in tech, she lead the company through a successful acquisition. Wanting a career change to something more meaningful, Brittany explored the social sector and volunteered more of her time with non-profits, leading her to Kids Center. Brittany’s diverse background gives her an edge on tackling challenges of an NPO and the vision to maximize impact and sustainability.
Personal side of Brittany: she loves pit bulls. Agnes and Gertrude are her two rescued pups. In 2019 B.C. (before COVID) she began solo traveling, venturing to Spain, Thailand, and Mexico. She started dating her husband when she was only 16 years old- and they still like each other.
MOORE PHILANTHROPY
Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies
MOORE PHILANTHROPY
Monica Brown has over 15 years of experience in philanthropy, cultivating her profound expertise in strategy development across individual and major giving, corporate and foundation relations, donor engagement, and board development.
She has devoted her career to some of New York City’s most venerable civic, healthcare, and educational ins
Monica Brown has over 15 years of experience in philanthropy, cultivating her profound expertise in strategy development across individual and major giving, corporate and foundation relations, donor engagement, and board development.
She has devoted her career to some of New York City’s most venerable civic, healthcare, and educational institutions, including Columbia University, where she currently serves as an associate faculty member in the Masters Nonprofit Management program.
Additionally, as the Senior Client Advisor for Moore Philanthropy, she is responsible for leading national and international fiscal sponsorship, grant-making, and management activities. Previously, she served as Managing Director of Development for Educators for Excellence-NY, a teacher-led, student-focused policy and advocacy organization, where she led development growth and strategy focusing on private philanthropic investment.
Monica is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, and received her MS in Nonprofit
Management from Columbia University in New York City, where she currently resides as a lifelong resident of Harlem.
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