Nikkia Johnson is a nonprofit development and operations professional, who has recently joined The Hive Movement as the Director of Donor Organizing. Previously, as the Senior Development and Communications Officer at Legal Aid Justice Center, she was responsible for managing a major gift portfolio as well as managing effective development communications that align with our community-centric values. For over a decade, her career has been centered on nonprofit management and development, relationship building, and empowering marginalized communities. Born and raised in NYC, Nikkia’s upbringing and experience in direct service and advocacy informs her commitment to advancing philanthropy rooted in equity and social justice. Nikkia is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders and is involved in many community organizations and mentorship groups. She currently serves on the Board for the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives (VAFRE) and Dogtown Dance. Her biggest hobbies are dancing and traveling. Nikkia graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. in sociology and completed the AFP Central VA Inclusive Fundraising Fellowship in 2021.

Stephanie (she/her) is committed to fostering meaningful relationships between investors and entrepreneurs that share a vision of positive social impact and sustainable growth. At RUNWAY, she is passionate about creating pathways for investors to connect with entrepreneurs who are reshaping industries and driving positive change in their communities. With a background in nonprofit development and foundation/corporate partnerships, Stephanie's career has been dedicated to creating strategies that support mission-driven leaders by raising vital funding and resources, supporting high-impact ventures and helping build more thriving communities. Stephanie holds a degree in Business Administration from Wilberforce University and Master of Public Administration at Wright State University. She has over 10 years of experience in investor relations, fundraising, and development. She has also volunteered as a mentor for early-stage fundraising professionals and served on various boards of organizations that focus on economic empowerment and innovation. Stephanie is currently on the board of VAFRE serving as Treasurer. She’s a sought-after national expert and speaker, renowned for her insights on partnerships, community impact, and philanthropy. Stephanie was honored in 2023 as a Money Moves award winner by RichmondHer, recognizing her leadership and impact in philanthropy and community investment. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys exploring the outdoors, attending local art exhibits, and organizing community events. She’s also passionate about travel and enjoys learning about different cultures and perspectives.

Katy Latimer is the Development Director with Sportable, working to create opportunities by making sports accessible and inclusive for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments. Prior to joining Sportable, she worked in development at Rx Partnership, Daily Planet Health Services, and she started her career at Fairy Godmother Project. She received her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Mary Washington in 2013 and is a graduate of the Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Program of the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond. She is the 2024 recipient of VAFRE’s Rising Star Award. She is currently a member of the ouRVA Collective and the Virginia Public Health Association. Born and raised in Richmond, Katy enjoys seeing live music, camping, cooking, and spending quality time with her cat Sushi. She is an avid collector of hot sauces and has successfully completed the “hot ones” challenge.

Samantha Charlet became an active member of VAFRE in February 2015. Since then, she has served on the board and the membership committee, reaping the many benefits of participating in the P3 program (twice!). Samantha joined the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Foundation as Assistant Director of Development in July 2022. MCVF is an independent foundation and the philanthropic partner for the health sciences campus at Virginia Commonwealth University. Previously, Samantha spent nearly a decade in corporate fundraising with United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg. She received her B.A. in Print Journalism from James Madison University and her M.A. in Women’s Studies from Florida Atlantic University. Samantha lives in Bon Air with her husband, John, their twin daughters, Rosalee and Martigan, and their pet cat, Yoshi. She enjoys live music, vegetarian cooking and cuisine, traveling, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends – preferably on a beach.

Victoria is the Director of Development at the Valentine, where she leads fundraising strategy across annual giving, major gifts, grants, and special campaigns. She has previously held roles at CARITAS, Housing Families First, The Virginia Bar Association, and Henricus Historical Park. Victoria earned her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and holds a professional certificate in Grant Writing and Management from the University of Richmond’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies. She became a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 2023. In her free time, she enjoys vegetable gardening, as well as canning and preserving. Victoria lives in Mechanicsville with her husband, kids, Great Dane, and two cats.

Grace returned to her alma mater, St. Catherine's School, as the Director of Annual Giving in July 2025, after working as the Director of Development and Stewardship at St. James’s Episcopal Church. She has previously worked for several local nonprofits, including World Pediatric Project, Sportable, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, and Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia. Before moving into development, Grace taught Early Childhood, both in town at St. Andrew's School and in New Orleans. She received her Master’s in Nonprofit Studies from the University of Richmond and her undergraduate degree from Sewanee: The University of the South. She lives in Hanover with her husband, Ted, their son, Ward, and their three dogs: Buster, Boomer, and Mowgli.

Leighann has worked in the non-profit arena for 35 years. Her career has included positions within program development, education, special events and volunteer management, fundraising, and executive director. Over the past two years, Leighann has worked as an interim executive director and chief fundraising officer at various Richmond nonprofits. Prior to her most current work, she was with VirginiaFIRST dba FIRST Chesapeake Robotics for 13 years. As Executive Director and Chief Fundraising Officer for FIRST Chesapeake, Leighann was responsible for raising over $1M in funds annually while directly serving over 7,000 middle and high school students in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. She has served as an officer on the boards of the Ginter Park Residents’ Association and Second Presbyterian Childcare Center. She served as a volunteer for the international organization Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) and the Richmond-based humane society CARE. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Historic Preservation from Mary Washington College (UMW) and continuing education credits through the University of Richmond’s Institute on Philanthropy and the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture. She is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond.

Leigh Busby is the Development Director at Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, improving children’s health and wellness through physical activity and healthy eating programs. After starting her career in human resources for technology companies, Leigh transitioned to the nonprofit sector when she moved to Richmond in 2011. She spent 5 years working for YWCA Richmond overseeing the volunteer program, in-kind donations, corporate partnerships, and the young professionals board – Young Women’s Leadership Association (YWLA). Since 2017, Leigh has worked at Greater Richmond Fit4Kids overseeing individual giving, donor stewardship, event planning, communications and strategy, and board management. She is the 2022 VAFRE Rising Star honoree and has served on several nonprofit boards over the last 10 years, completed the Emerging Nonprofits Leaders Program in 2014, and was part of the Leadership Metro Richmond class of 2023. Leigh graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and loves watching basketball and showing her Tarheel pride. She is married and has two amazing young boys and loves live music, hiking, being outside, and spending time with family and friends.

Devan Colley was born and raised in Arlington, Virginia and graduated from Virginia Tech with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies. She has worked in the nonprofit sector her entire career, starting her work with organizations in Washington, D.C. After two and a half years coordinating service opportunities for global volunteers in Bolivia, she moved to Richmond, Virginia, where she continued her nonprofit career. Her work in Richmond has included time at CIS of Richmond, Peter Paul RVA, and Virginia LISC. Her professional experience includes volunteer coordination, fund development, communications, and project management. Most recently, she served as the Director of Development and Communications at Communities In Schools of Chesterfield.

Teri-Gene has been in the non-profit sector and Development for over 15 years, starting her career at PBS affiliate WPBS-DT in Watertown, NY. As the station’s Outreach Manager, she was responsible for educational and fundraising events, volunteer and member relations, and production of “Whiz Quiz”, an annual high-school quiz show aired on the station. Moving to Wisconsin in 2014, after a short time as Volunteer Coordinator for the City of Eau Claire, she returned to the nonprofit sector, working six years at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin as Director of Development before relocating to Virginia in 2022. In 2019, she became the first civilian to complete the Boy Scouts of America’s adult leadership course, Wood Badge, and was named as an instructor for the next class of candidates in 2021. Moving to Virginia in 2022, Teri-Gene was Development Director at Virginia Voice before moving to her current position as Director of Development at the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education in November 2023. She completed the 2023-2024 VAFRE P3 program and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership from the University of Arizona in November 2024. She lives in Richmond with her husband Curt, her fluffy husky Tali, and her calico cat Trixie, and enjoys riding motorcycles, creating art, and refinishing furniture. Teri-Gene is a proud mom to her son Joseph and daughter-in-law Joell, daughter Emily and son-in-law Austin, daughter Erinn and son-in-law Thaddeus, and Mémé to her granddaughter Marion.

Elizabeth is the Manager of Membership & Annual Giving at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC). She also manages the VMHC Stewardship Plan and supervises donor database systems. Recently, she was instrumental in a multi-year project to integrate all databases and ticketing systems for the VMHC. Prior to her current position, Elizabeth has held several positions at the VMHC, including Visitor Services Associate, Donor Services Officer, and most recently Manager of Advancement Services. She triple majored in History, French, and German Studies at the University of Richmond and earned her master’s in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Public History from the University of Richmond. She has served as the Co-Chair of the Museums, Zoos, & Aquariums Group of the Tessitura Network and has been a selected presenter at the national Tessitura Conference.

Karly previously served as the Development Coordinator at Sacred Heart Center. She is best known for her stewardship and donor services skills. Her focus is annual giving and management of the Neighborhood Assistance Project. Prior to Sacred Heart Center, Karly began her nonprofit career in Virginia, supporting the work of antiviolence awareness, education and advocacy. She coordinated training requests, managed the recruitment and onboarding of volunteers and planned outreach and community building events. Outside of work, Karly spends her time volunteering at The Steward School and at local urban gardens. Karly has managed projects from New York City, Los Angeles, Tampa and Richmond. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College, enjoys social dancing and loves an excuse to create a data sheet!

Laura is the Senior Program Manager for Planned Giving at Virginia Commonwealth University. In her role, she oversees estate administration, implements the planned giving marketing program, provides training for new staff members, manages legacy society stewardship, and supports campus partners in their planned giving projects and initiatives. Laura has worked in resource development for over 15 years and brings a breadth of skills and experience to the VCU Planned Giving office. Laura holds a B.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University and a certificate in fund development from the University of Richmond. Laura is passionate about the city and lives in the Carillon neighborhood of Byrd Park with her husband and daughter. She spends most of her free time with her family and friends, and enjoys exploring the city, traveling, trying new restaurants, seeing live music, and visiting museums.

Elizabeth Foster is the Director of Development at St. Joseph’s Villa, where she has been since 2016. A native of Richmond, Elizabeth is passionate about serving our community, and loves being able to affect change by connecting community members and leaders with the real needs of our neighbors. Elizabeth has been involved with other local organizations including St. Andrew’s School, the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls, Fellowship of Christians in Universities and Schools (FOCUS), and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. She is also a member of Leadership Metro Richmond’s class of 2023. Elizabeth graduated from Collegiate School and Sewanee: The University of the South.

For over 25 years, Alan Hutson has helped nonprofit leaders tap into their fundraising potential. He serves as Chief Administrative Officer of Gateway Homes, a mental health services agency offering life-changing outcomes to over 500 individuals annually. He is also a Senior Partner Consultant at =mc consulting where he is a member of the Decision Science team. Alan is the Director of Bow Tie Fundraising, a fundraising consultancy that focusses on empowering nonprofit CEOs and Development staff to “own” the revenue portion of their agency’s budget. Throughout his career, Alan has helped staff and volunteers discover their path to being involved in fundraising. Alan’s work has resulted in nonprofit organizations raising over $250M (US-based clients). Alan also uses his US-based fundraising expertise and background in economics to support the work of =mc consulting. Specifically, he has worked with =mc to help define the global fundraising strategies for Smile Train, Médecins Sans Frontières, Adeso, UNICEF, and IFRC. Alan current serves on the boards of the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation and the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives. He is a past board member of AFP Global and has served on AFP Foundation for Philanthropy’s Executive Committee. Alan is routinely invited to speak nationally and internationally at fundraising conferences.

Malcolm serves as the devoted Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Richmond, overseeing initiatives to provide essential home repair services to neighbors in need. His nonprofit journey commenced in program management in 2010 with the Metropolitan Business League, a local organization championing minority businesses and entrepreneurs. In 2014, Malcolm joined Rebuilding Together Richmond, initially as a part-time development associate. He swiftly progressed, assuming positions as fund development and communications manager before attaining his current role in 2019. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Mass Communications, Malcolm further honed his leadership skills as an alumnus of Leadership Metro Richmond, class of 2015 and has participated in VAFRE’s P3 Program. With his blend of experience, passion for community service, and dedication to professional growth, Malcolm continues to make a significant impact in the Richmond area.

Carol Anne Baker Lajoie is the chief advancement officer for the Richmond SPCA. She joined the Richmond SPCA in 2019 as director of development before being promoted to chief advancement officer in 2022 where she oversees fundraising, communications, and children's humane education programming. In prior roles, Carol Anne served as director of development and external relations for the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University and chief development officer for the YWCA of Richmond. Carol Anne spent 11 years at the Virginia Historical Society before joining the YWCA. She holds a bachelor of science degree from VCU and a master’s from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Carol Anne has previously served on the VAFRE board and is a past chair of Richmond Impact 100, a women’s grant-making collaborative. Her passions include Bruce Springsteen, making up songs about her dogs, and being around smart women. She lives with her husband, three adopted dogs, and a flock of highly entertaining chickens in North Chesterfield.

A native of Roanoke Virginia, Jay Lugar possesses a wide range of development experience, including annual fund, fundraising events, board giving and grants writing. In 2019, He completed a $5.5M capital campaign for the Heart of Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, for more than ten years, Jay served as Marketing Director for the State Fair of Virginia, responsible for more than $3M in ticket sales revenue and $75,000 in corporate sponsorships annually. Most recently, Jay served as Vice President of Development & Marketing for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond, before joining the staff at Elk Hill as their Chief Philanthropy Officer. He lives in Richmond with his college sweetheart and three groovy kids. In his free time, he goes fishing and plays drums with his band at local dive bars.

Joycelyn Mahone currently serves as the Director, Ridley Scholarship Program, at the UVA Alumni Association. Most recently, she had served as the Director, University Development at Virginia Commonwealth University. With more than ten years of experience in fundraising, she has worked for various public and private institutions throughout her career. A native of South Florida, Joycelyn earned her BA in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida and later earned her Masters in Organization Leadership from Brenau University. In her spare time, she loves to hang out with her husband, family and friends. Joycelyn loves to cheer on her UCF Knights in college football in the fall and VCU in basketball in the spring. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Megan Miller serves as Director of Philanthropy at Peter Paul, whose mission is to support the neighbors of the East End of Richmond and educate its students, equipping them to serve as positive contributors to their families, community, and society. Prior to Peter Paul, Megan served as Development Director at the Menokin Foundation, where she oversaw their $9.5 capital campaign and all other organizational development efforts. She has over 19 years of professional development, communication and nonprofit management experience. She has held leadership positions at the Virginia Hemophilia Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the March of Dimes, the U.S. Green Building Council- Virginia Chapter, Airports Council International and the American Civil War Museum. She enjoys relationship building, writing, developing and empowering others to embrace the spirit of philanthropy. A Virginia native, Megan grew up in Midlothian and attended James Madison University, where she graduated in 2005 with her B.A. in English and Speech Communication. She currently resides in Mechanicsville with her two children, Rylan and Evie. In her free time, Megan enjoys reading, travel, cooking, yoga and hiking.

Rainey Niklawski is the Director of Development for Shalom Farms, a nonprofit farm and food justice organization working for an equitable food system in Richmond. A graduate of VCU, Rainey also has had her CFRE designation since 2021. When not stamping appeals and posting to social media, she can be found reading or outdoors running, hiking, and biking with her husband and two children. She is an avid traveler, and has never met a taco she didn't like.

James Romanik is the Senior Director of Development at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, a position he's held since April 2022. In his role, James works closely with emeriti faculty, alumni, and community stakeholders to advance the school's mission through philanthropic and volunteer engagement. Previously, he was the Director of Development at The Doorways and St. Michael's Episcopal School. He relocated to Richmond in 2018 after working in development for a variety of causes in New York City. James received his M.B.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022 and his Bachelors in Arts Management from Ithaca College in 2013. Personally, James is an avid cook, gardener, amateur beer brewer, pianist, and choral singer.

Nicole is the Director of Fund Development and Mission Advancement at project:HOMES, leading fundraising, marketing, and community engagement efforts. She held positions in community and public relations for state and local government agencies before making the switch to the nonprofit sector in early 2021. More exciting than undergraduate work at VCU and an MPA from Virginia Tech is Nicole’s status as a 3x participant in VAFRE’s P3 program and completion of Leadership Metro Richmond in 2024. After work, Nicole likes to help our local animal rescues as a foster and volunteer.

Jennifer Whiteside is currently the Director of Membership for VPM, Virginia's home for Public Media. Prior to joining VPM, she was the Annual Fund Manager for Richmond Ballet. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Mary Washington with a double major in Business Administration and Theatre & Dance. While working in a sales position for a non-profit theatre company, she discovered that her interpersonal and organizational skills were well-suited for connecting the philanthropic passions of individuals with the priorities of an organization; thus a career in fundraising was launched. Born and raised in Midlothian, Jennifer was excited to return to the Richmond community in 2015 after working in Washington, D.C. for about 5 years. She now lives in Glen Allen with her pup, Callie. She also enjoys cross-stitching, attending local ballet and theatre performances, exploring Richmond's local restaurant and brewery scene, and spending time with family and friends. She has been a member of VAFRE since 2019, completed the P3 program in 2020 and currently serves on the Membership and Communications Committee.

Trevor serves as the Director of Leadership and Planned Giving at the Richmond Symphony. He has spent over 15 years fundraising for small nonprofits across the East Coast and has also served in large, complex nonprofits as well. Trevor has worked across identity-based scholarship, grateful patient fundraising, mission-based fundraising, and endowment growth and stewardship fundraising. He has managed the P3 Mentoring Program for VAFRE for the past 3 years. In addition to his VAFRE Board service, Trevor serves as the Program Chair for VFRI and on the Board of Directors for his alma mater UNC Asheville.