NEDRACon 2025 Encore Session #1 Coffee Meets Research: Building Genuine and Lasting Relationships with Your Gift Officers
Tuesday, October 7 2025
1:00PM- 2:00PM ET
Online
Communication and trust are the foundation for any good relationship, including between prospect researchers and gift officers. But what happens when different personalities and communications style collide, and priorities become murky? With every development shop experiencing increasing pressure to raise more each year, how can prospect researchers become a trusted bridge between the art and the science of fundraising through cultivating authentic and lasting relationships with their gift officers? Sometimes, it can be as simple as starting with a cup of coffee.
Learning Objectives: In this session, we will explore misconceptions researchers may have about their gift officer partners, ways to overcome differences, and how to break through communication barriers to meet gift officers where they are, with insight from a senior leadership frontline fundraiser and their research counterparts. We will discuss examples from MGH (now the Mass General Brigham, Academic Medical Centers), that showcase how strong trust between research and frontline officers makes room for honest conversation and authentic feedback, ultimately leading to a stronger fundraising program and genuine connection between researchers and gift officers.
PRESENTERS:
Cara Kennedy, Mass General Brigham, Academic Medical CentersCara M. Kennedy is a Director of Prospect Management and Research at the MGB Academic Medical Centers Office of Development. Cara joined Mass General in 2018 as part of the Prospect ID team and later transitioned to supporting the Transformational Philanthropic Strategies, Principal Gifts, and the Leadership Strategies teams. Before joining Mass General, Cara did frontline development work in annual giving, alumni affairs, and events at multiple educational and community organizations in the North Shore of Massachusetts. Cara has a BA from Merrimack College.
Krista McCabe Cruz, Mass General Brigham, Academic Medical CentersKrista McCabe Cruz is a development professional with over 20 years of fundraising experience, most recently at MGB Academic Medical Centers Office of Development, where she oversees a fundraising team of over 80 development professionals focusing on Major Gifts, Leadership, Annual Giving, Principal Gifts, and capital fundraising. Krista has a BA from Bucknell University and an MA from Emerson College.
Jolene Crosby-Jones, Mass General Brigham, Academic Medical Centers Jolene Crosby-Jones is the Senior Director of Prospect Management and Research at MGB Academic Medical Centers Office of Development. Prior to joining MGH in 2017, she was a Senior Research Analyst at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and has held prospect development roles at Teach For America and Facing History & Ourselves. Jolene joined the NEDRA board in 2020 and is the current NEDRA president. She received a BA in economics and psychology from Wellesley College.
COST:
$25 Members
$50 Non-Members
LOCATION:
This program will be held as a Zoom meeting. Attendees will receive a Zoom link a day before the event. The program will not be recorded.
DEADLINES:
Deadline for registration will be Monday, October 6 at 3PM.
Total Encore!
Package Rate for All Four NEDRACon 2025 Encore Sessions
Before registering, please note these sessions are intended to be enjoyed live and in the moment and will not be recorded.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 1PM-2PM ET
Session description: https://nedra.org/event-6352421
NEDRACon 2025 Encore Session #2 Inclusive and Equitable Language in Prospect ResearchThursday, October 16, 2025 1PM-2PM ETSession description: https://nedra.org/event-6352606
NEDRACon 2025 Encore Session #3 Franchisees: Understanding the Business and Their Philanthropic PotentialTuesday, October 21, 2025 1PM-2PM ET
Session description: https://nedra.org/event-6352710
NEDRACon 2025 Encore Session #4 Managing Up and Across PanelThursday, November 6, 2025 1PM-2PM ET
Session description: https://nedra.org/event-6352721
$75 Members
$150 Non-Members
These programs will be held as a Zoom meeting. Attendees will receive a Zoom link a day before each event. The programs will not be recorded.
NEDRACon 2025 Encore Session #2 Inclusive and Equitable Language in Prospect Research
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Inclusive language encompasses words and phrases that treat everyone equally and create a sense of belonging. It respects people of different genders, races, religions, sexual orientations and disabilities and celebrates our differences that make us unique. Prospect research relies heavily on personal information, data and primary sources; therefore, it is critical that we examine the terminology, phrases and vocabulary we use to describe our donors and constituents, nonprofit partners and our colleagues in the research community. The ultimate goal of inclusive language is to create an environment in which everyone feels accurately represented and respected. By choosing to use gender-neutral terms, avoiding terms that make assumptions or revert to defaults, and being mindful of historical context, we are actively working to include and create space for everyone to feel included in our fundraising efforts and organizational missions. This presentation is accompanied by an Inclusive and Equitable Language Guide that attendees can take with them to share and incorporate into their work. The guide demonstrates actionable ways to enhance our commitment to celebrate our diversity, expand our vocabulary to be more inclusive and foster a greater feeling of belonging with our colleagues, nonprofit partners, philanthropic donors and constituents.
Learning Objectives Include:
PRESENTER:
Erin Olson, The Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni AssociationErin Olson is a Senior Prospect Identification Analyst with the Research and Prospect Management team at The University of Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association located in Madison, Wisconsin. Erin’s work leverages analytic, research and business tools to discover and identify the best development prospects for cultivation and qualification across all campus units on behalf of and in benefit of the University of Wisconsin. She has been in the research community for nearly two decades, including conducting high profile prospect research, proactive prospect identification, portfolio management, clinical trial medical research studies, campaign development and freelance documentary film donor screenings. For the past two years, Erin has been presenting on Inclusive and Equitable Language, including the creation of an equitable language guide for prospect research, across the Midwest at development organizations and APRA chapters. Erin volunteers her time as the Director of Programming on APRA Wisconsin’s Board of Directors and seeks out FDR New Deal historical sites in Wisconsin for publication at Berkeley’s Living New Deal project.
This program will be held as a Zoom meeting. Attendees will receive a Zoom link a day before the event. This program will not be recorded.
Deadline for registration will be Wednesday, October 15 at 3PM.
NEDRA Directors Roundtable (In-Person)
Friday, October 17, 2025
12:30PM- 2PM ET
Boston Children's Hospital Trust
Landmark 06 South Boston Conference Room
401 Park Drive, Suite 602
Boston, MA 02215
Optional Networking to Follow
Time Out Market
2PM-3PM
Also located at 401 Park Drive
Join us for the return of the in-person NEDRA Directors Roundtable! Our esteemed panel will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing managers working in the prospect development field. The Directors Roundtable is recommended for all those in a supervisory role (assistant directors, managers, etc.) or who are involved in departmental decision making.
Key Topics May Include:
Advocating for your team
Trends and evolution in the prospect development field
Ethical and responsible use of AI tools
Balancing management with other responsibilities
Staff hiring, training, and retention
And more!
What's on your mind? Attendees are encouraged to submit questions before the program through the registration form.
PANELISTS:
Bill Gotfredson has over 20 years of experience in complex fundraising environments. For the last 11 years, Bill has served as the Director of Prospect Development at Boston Children’s Hospital, leading a team of analysts to design technology solutions to screen patient families, identify major gift prospects, map patient donor journeys, and analyze fundraising programs. He is an experienced designer and project leader in implementing AI programs, building portals between patient and donor databases, developing predictive models for qualification, measuring model ROI, and leading process improvement task forces. Prior to joining Boston Children’s Hospital, Bill spent 9 years in prospect research at Harvard University focused on the University’s largest transformational initiatives. He is the former Vice Chair of the New England Development Research Association (NEDRA). Bill is a graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges and completed graduate studies in non-profit administration at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Cornell University’s School of Public Policy.
Kaelin Holland is the Senior Director of Research and Pipeline Development at Year Up United, a national workforce development organization. She leads a cross-functional research team that uniquely supports both Year Up United's fundraising and internship sales teams. Her team operates at the intersection of traditional prospect research and revenue operations, delivering strategic insights, new business intelligence, and portfolio management services that drive growth across both philanthropic and earned revenue streams. Kaelin joined Year Up United in 2019 as a Prospect Research Manager, following her start in the prospect research field at Northeastern University in 2014. She brings deep expertise in prospect management, prospect identification & new business development, and a variety of donor segments including corporate, foundation, and international donors. Kaelin earned her BA in English & Environmental Studies from Santa Clara University in 2011 and her MBA from Northeastern University in 2017. She lives on the South Shore of MA with her husband and daughter.
Chris Lawler is currently the Director of Development Research at Harvard Medical School (HMS). Prior to joining HMS in 2017, he spent more than ten years as a prospect researcher in Harvard’s University Development Office. He began his career in fundraising at the Union of Concerned Scientists where he worked in a variety of roles, including prospect research and planned giving. Outside of his professional life, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons as well as trying to squeeze in time playing the drums and riding his bike.
MODERATOR:
Emily Donohue has been Senior Director of Prospect Management and Research at UMass Boston since 2019. Previously, she was Director of Prospect Development at Simmons University. Emily has also been Director of Development Research and Prospect Management at Emmanuel College. She began her career in advancement as a Development Officer for Research at Combined Jewish Philanthropies. Emily is a former Vice President of the NEDRA Board of Directors and past co-chair of the Programming Committee. She currently serves on NEDRA’s Advocacy and Professional Development Committee. Emily has presented programs for NEDRA, AFP Massachusetts, Women in Development, and the Northeast Annual Giving Conference. She received a BA in History from Kenyon College and an MLS from Simmons University.
$35 Members
$60 Non-Members
This program will take place in person at the offices of Boston Children's Hospital Trust on the sixth floor of the Landmark Center/ 401 Park Drive.
401 Park is easily accessible by public transit, either the MBTA Green Line (Fenway stop on the D Line) or the commuter rail (Landsdowne Station on the Worcester Line).
Validated parking is available in the 401 Park Garage for visits to Time Out Market; validated rates are $12 for the first two hours and $15 for three hours. After three hours, normal parking rates apply. NOTE: The minimum daily (unvalidated) rate for the 401 Park garage is $75. We recommend either validation from Time Out Market or other parking options (such as SpotHero).
More detailed directions will be sent to registrants.
Deadline for registration will be October 16th at 3PM.
NEDRACon 2025 Encore Session #3 Franchisees: Understanding the Business and Their Philanthropic Potential
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Dunkin, Chick-fil-A, McDonalds—franchises are everywhere these days and not just in the restaurant business. This session will take a look at the concept of franchises, including startup costs, revenue streams, what is needed to be successful, and most importantly, what to look for to identify a franchise owner/operator as a potential philanthropic prospect.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will learn about the franchise business model from the perspectives of a former franchisee (now Major Gift Officer) and a prospect researcher. We will explore how to calculate potential revenue and assess an owner/operator’s potential philanthropic capacity.
Becky Kremenitzer, Boston Medical Center Becky Kremenitzer is the Director of Prospect Development at Boston Medical Center where she oversees prospect management and research for the organization. She has been at BMC for 11 years and has also served as an Assistant Director for Prospect Identification at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Becky is a member of the NEDRA Board of Directors.
James Rosenberg, Boston Medical Center James Rosenberg is a Major Gifts Officer at Boston Medical Center. He previously was an owner operator of 3 Domino’s Pizza franchises.
Deadline for registration will be Monday, October 20 at 3PM.
NEDRACon 2025 Encore Session #4 Managing Up and Across Panel
Thursday , November 6, 2025
Unlock the secrets to enhancing your current role and advancing your career (psst..it’s building and maintaining strong professional relationships) with this interactive session tailored specifically for professionals in the field of prospect research and development. Join your NEDRA colleagues for an insightful discussion where you’ll learn strategies to effectively communicate and collaborate with leaders and peers, better positioning yourself as a knowledgeable, trusted, and valued partner.
We will discuss:
Bruce Berg, Northeastern University Bruce is currently Senior Director, Prospect Development at Northeastern University. In this role, he has welcomed the challenge to build a well-run and effective advancement program; one that supports the researcher-as-consultant model, and gives research staff ownership and responsibility of their work. He began his advancement career as a member of the Harvard University Development Office. Before this, he pursued a career in classical music and served as Principal Percussionist for both the New World Symphony and the Hong Kong Philharmonic. An active musician and researcher, he freelances throughout the Boston area and is Principal of DonorIQ, a research consulting firm. Bruce is considered a valued and trusted mentor and a manager who truly cares about his team and their career growth and professional development. As part of his own professional development path, Bruce served as treasurer on the NEDRA board for seven years from 2008-2015.
Renana Kehoe, Bellforge Arts Center Renana is currently leading the Development department for the Bellforge Arts Center. Previously, she was head of the Gift Management and Prospect Development & Research departments at the Harvard Business School. She also served on the HBS External Relations' Racial Equity Working Group as a Co-Lead of the Volunteers subgroup, focusing on diversifying the school's boards, committees, and volunteers. Prior to HBS, Renana led department operations for Institutional Advancement at the Harvard Art Museums, with a focus on membership, audience development, fundraising strategy, prospect management & research, financial administration, and data analysis. Before Harvard, Renana was Director of Development Operations and Prospect Research at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. In recent years, she has chaired the Brookline Commission for the Arts, led tours at the Institute of Contemporary Art, and taught Art History and Arts Management courses at Lesley University and Suffolk University. She has served as Board President of the New England Development Research Association (NEDRA) and as a Board Member of Mother Brook Arts & Community Center, where she led the search to find/hire the new Executive Director.
Barbara Moore, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Facilitator)Barbara is Assistant Vice President II at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the leading cancer research and care centers in the country. She directs a team of 12 engaged in prospect research, management, and analytics, and serves as a strategic partner to colleagues across Dana-Farber’s 300+ person fundraising organization. Barbara joined Dana-Farber in 2001 and been a key contributor to the Division of Philanthropy’s growth from $80M to $400M+ in annual revenue. She values her role as a mentor and takes tremendous pride in seeing current and former members of her team advance in the research profession. Barbara is a graduate of Wheaton College and earned a master’s degree in library science at Simmons University. She served on the NEDRA Board from 2009-2012, including as President from 2009-2010, and was the recipient of NEDRA’s Ann Castle Award in 2024.
Elana Pierkowski, Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteElana is an Associate Director at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she develops strategic research products for the Institute’s President and its Chief Philanthropy Officer and is also a close collaborator with other senior Philanthropy staff. Prior to joining DFCI as a Senior Research Analyst in 2015, she was a Development Services and Prospect Manager at the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts and a Director of Advancement Operations at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Previously, she worked at MIT Sloan. Before her career in non-profits, Elana was a consultant in Web design and content management. She has B.A. degrees from Wesleyan University in English Literature and in Spanish Literature. Elana previously served on the NEDRA Board, including two years as Vice President. Her Golden Retriever, Lilly, thinks Elana is the absolute best at throwing tennis balls in the park, but Lilly says that about everybody.
Deadline for registration will be Wednesday, November 5 at 3PM.
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