Our People

Graham-Pelton people are all so professional, capable, supportive, and outstanding in every way. Equally as important are the relationships we have built with you. It has been an extraordinary partnership.”

Leslie Pomerantz, Chief Development Officer, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore
Laura McGarry Headshot
Laura McGarry Headshot

Laura McGarry

Managing Principal

New Jersey

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1226

Education

M.Ed., Boston University

Highlights

Proven leader in education fundraising with experience at Princeton, Lehigh, Moravian Academy, and The Pingry School. Expert in relationship building, communication, and leadership gift fundraising, driving alumni engagement and securing major gifts.

Select Clients

Gonzaga University
Western Michigan University
The Nightingale-Bamford School
Miss Hall’s School

Chris Coyne Headshot
Chris Coyne Headshot

Chris Coyne

New Jersey

Education

BA, Long Island University

Highlights

Experienced fundraiser with a proven track record in faith-based and healthcare philanthropy. Led archdiocesan and parish campaigns that raised over $100 million, supporting vital Church initiatives. Former Director of Philanthropy at Carepoint Health System, Inc., overseeing all philanthropic efforts for three community hospitals. Held key roles in development and communications at major health systems including RWJ Barnabas Health, St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center Foundation, Northwell Health, and Franciscan Health System, among others. Also served as Director of Development and Marketing at the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, driving comprehensive fundraising efforts to preserve these iconic national monuments.

Kathleen Marano Headshot
Kathleen Marano Headshot

Kathleen Marano

Senior Consultant

Pennsylvania

Education

BA, Kutztown University

Highlights

Seasoned fundraiser with expertise in major gifts, prospect management, and volunteer engagement. Advanced key giving initiatives at Lafayette College and Lehigh University, driving donor pipeline growth and engagement. Expanded media outreach through roles at Kutztown University and the American Heart Association, with published work for major institutions across the region.

David Flinchbaugh headshot
David Flinchbaugh headshot

David Flinchbaugh

Senior Vice President

Maryland

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1250

Education

BA, Bucknell University

Highlights

Substantial experience in alumni relations with positions at University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, Bucknell. CASE Master Class Instructor in the Asia/Pacific and active contributor to the fundraising profession.

Select Clients

Wilkes University
Fulfill
Niskanen Center

Todd Weissman headshot
Todd Weissman headshot

Todd Weissman

Principal Consultant

Massachusetts

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1239

Education

M.Ed., Boston University

Highlights

Proven success in diversifying philanthropic support. At Dana-Farber, led fundraising for pediatric oncology, raising millions during the $2B campaign. Also directed Corporate & Foundation Relations, enhancing patient care and quality of life programs.

Select Clients

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Norton Healthcare
Our Lady of the Lake University
St. Luke’s University Health Network

Pamela Rossi headshot
Pamela Rossi headshot

Pamela Rossi

Vice President of Business Development Services

New Jersey

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1105

Education

BA, Monmouth University

Highlights

Veteran of the firm with seasoned expertise in operations, sales, and prospecting, and deep knowledge across all business functions. Excels in editorial work and quality assurance, and top-tier document development for marketing, business development, sales, and operational initiatives.

Bridget Murphy headshot
Bridget Murphy headshot

Bridget Murphy, CFRE

Principal

New Jersey

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1207

Education

College of The Holy Cross

Highlights

Nonprofit veteran with extensive experience across sectors in strategic planning and fundraising management. Former Chief Philanthropy Officer at Visiting Nurse Association Health Group. Led fundraising for Monmouth Medical Center Foundation and more.

Select Clients

Conquer Cancer
Fulfill
Springpoint Foundation
Visiting Nurse Association Health Group

Meredith Schneider Headshot
Meredith Schneider Headshot

Meredith Schneider

Principal Consultant

Maryland

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1205

Education

MBA, The George Washington University School of Business

Highlights

Led a successful capital campaign at George Washington University as Associate Director of Development, building donor relationships and leveraging persuasive communication. Expertise in event planning, communications, and strategic donor engagement.

Select Clients

Marywood University
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Vibrant Emotional Health

Jim Lyddy
Jim Lyddy

Jim Lyddy, Ph.D.

Principal

New Jersey

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1238

Education

Ph.D., The Catholic University of America

Highlights

Senior leader with nearly four decades in healthcare and higher education. Former Chair of Development at Mayo Clinic, led a $1.25 billion campaign. Held key roles at Marquette, Fairleigh Dickinson, and Georgetown.

Select Clients

Atrium Health Foundation
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Dayton Children’s Hospital
Swedish Medical Center Foundation

Alexis Haupert Headshot
Alexis Haupert Headshot

Alexis Haupert

Field Marketing & Events Coordinator

Colorado

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1260

Education

BBA, University of Iowa – Tippie College of Business

Highlights

Robust experience in event management, logistics coordination, and relationship cultivation. Dedicated to creating unforgettable events and experiences by attending to every detail.

Jamie Pugh Headshot
Jamie Pugh Headshot

Jamie Pugh

Senior Consultant

Pennsylvania

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1203

Education

MA, Suffolk University

Highlights

Developed major donor relationships at Lehigh University’s College of Business, advancing a billion-dollar campaign. At Villanova University, led communications for Annual and Planned Giving during a successful $600M campaign.

Select Clients

Academy of Notre Dame de Namur
Bucknell University
The Out-of-Door Academy
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford

Craig Leach

Founder

New Jersey

+1 (800) 608-7955

Education

JD, Seton Hall University School of Law

Highlights

Founder of Graham-Pelton and Collegium. Served in leadership fundraising positions at Wharton, Seton Hall, Georgetown. Solid record of transformative campaign success for universities, hospitals, and dioceses.

Deepa Srikanta Headshot
Deepa Srikanta Headshot

Deepa Srikanta

Senior Consultant

+1 (800) 608-7955

Education

Ph.D., Louisiana State University

Highlights

Results-driven corporate and foundation relations officer with nearly a decade of experience in large higher education institutions. Secured major gifts and partnerships in biosciences, healthcare, and key industries at Michigan State and Washington University.

Select Clients

Activate
Massachusetts Medical Society/NEJM
Society for Neuro-Oncology

Janessa Mondestin standing in front a building wearing suit
Janessa Mondestin standing in front a building wearing suit

Janessa Mondestin

Human Resources Specialist

+1 (800) 608-7955 x 1275

Education

MBA Fordham University

Alyssa Daigle Headshot
Alyssa Daigle Headshot

Alyssa Daigle

Account Strategy Coordinator

Massachusetts

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1247

Education

MS, Southern New Hampshire University

Highlights

Highly organized and detail-oriented, with expertise in project coordination and administrative support. Previously worked in the Direct Response Marketing department at Harvard University and as a Project Coordinator at EBI Consulting.

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The Watershed Institute
College of Saint Mary

Matthew DeCapua Headshot
Matthew DeCapua Headshot

Matt DeCapua

Account Strategy Coordinator

Connecticut

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1248

Education

BA, University of Connecticut

Highlights

Expertise in analysis, operational support, CRM maintenance, sales data analysis, and strategic growth initiatives. Worked alongside CEO at home-based care organization to provide complete administrative, project, and operational support.

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Our Lady of the Lake University

Doug Mayes Headshot
Doug Mayes Headshot

Doug Myers

Senior Associate

Maryland

+1 (800) 608-7955

Education

BA, Gettysburg College

Highlights

Chief executive with 30 years in revenue generation and client satisfaction. Expert in senior living and strategic planning. Instrumental in growing Westminster Ingleside Foundation’s assets from $9M to $32M.

Select Clients

Springpoint Foundation

Jane Narich Headshot
Jane Narich Headshot

Jane Narich

Senior Associate

Hong Kong

Education

Business Administration, University of Wales

Highlights

International philanthropic professional with extensive experience in global fundraising across various cultures. Fluent in Spanish and French and has managed donors and volunteers in the diplomatic, private, and corporate sectors.

Select Clients

La Scuola
French International School of Philadelphia
Code2024
United Arab Emirates University

Tamara Johnson Headshot
Tamara Johnson Headshot

Tamra Johnson

Associate Consultant

Texas

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1210

Education

M.Ed., The University of Texas at Austin

Highlights

Strategic philanthropic leader with over a decade in public higher education, skilled in donor relations, research-driven strategies, and enhancing donor contributions, retention, and satisfaction.

Select Clients

UC Davis Health
University of Rochester
University of Texas at Austin
Our Lady of the Lake University

Amy Buick Headshot
Amy Buick Headshot

Amy Buick

Vice President

Pennsylvania

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1241

Education

BS, Pennsylvania State University

Highlights

Former AVP, Development for Jefferson Health. Held senior positions at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York University Stern School of Business, and George Mason University. Proven experience in major gifts and capital campaigns.

Select Clients

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Roger Williams University
United Network for Organ Sharing
Vibrant Emotional Health

Ann Armater headshot
Ann Armater headshot

Ann Armater

Senior Associate

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1204

Education

BS, Pennsylvania State University

Highlights

Four decades of diverse development experience. 35 years as founding Executive Director for the Foundation for Vassar Brothers Medical Center where she spearheaded four multi-million dollar capital campaigns.

Select Clients

Conquer Cancer

Anthony Colgan Headshot
Anthony Colgan Headshot

Anthony Colgan

Senior Consultant

Massachusetts

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1237

Education

BA, Seton Hall University; MPA, Seton Hall University

Highlights

Held positions at United Way of Massachusetts Bay in Boston and United Way in Northern New Jersey. Experience managing large portfolio, developing relationships with corporate accounts, and managing large network of volunteers.

Select Clients

Berkeley Divinity School at Yale
Jewish Theological Seminary
Millersville University
Sea Education Association

Breanna Bork headshot
Breanna Bork headshot

Breanna Bork, CFRE

Senior Consultant

Oregon

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1219

Education

MBA, Benedictine University

Highlights

Former Executive Director of PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation. Trusted business partner, effective listener, and problem-solver known for building relationships with internal and external partners at all levels. 

Select Clients

LatinoJustice PRLDEF
Two River Theater
The Winston School

Tom Chaves

Senior Vice President

Pennsylvania

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1220

Education

MBA, Penn State Great Valley

Highlights

Seasoned professional with over 30 years in higher education IT leadership, currently serving as Vice President for Advancement at Albright College, specializing in nonprofit solutions and Business Intelligence.

Select Clients

Vibrant Emotional Health
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Sean Ryefield headshot
Sean Ryefield headshot

Sean Ryefield

Manager, Systems & Operations

Texas

+1 (800) 608-7955

Highlights

Expert in data management and analytics, enables leadership to make informed decisions through comprehensive data analysis and workforce insights. Previously at UT Austin where he built advanced databases and automations. 

Select Clients

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Little League International
Gordon State College
St. Luke’s University Health Network

Elizabeth Kennedy headshot
Elizabeth Kennedy headshot

Elizabeth Kennedy

Senior Consultant

New York

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1242

Education

BA, The University of Michigan

Highlights

Vast experience in fundraising and development operations, previously Assistant Director of Planned Giving at The Rockefeller University. Contributed to a $1.17 billion campaign and managed key foundation relationships.

Select Clients

Fulfill
Conquer Cancer
American College of Financial Services
TechnoServe

Michael Richmond Headshot
Michael Richmond Headshot

Michael Richmond

Senior Associate

Louisiana

+1 (800) 608-7955

Education

MA, University of Maryland Global Campus

Highlights

Higher education advancement professional with nearly 30 years of success in strategic donor relationship building and development operations. Currently Director of Annual Giving at LSU Health Foundation, expanding staff, communication channels, and fundraising scope.

Select Clients

Ascension Michigan Foundations
Norton Healthcare

Colton Tackett

Executive Campaign Director, GP Catholic

Illinois

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1255

Education

BBA, Baker College

Highlights

Executive Campaign Director who excels in strategic relationship building, campaign execution, and fostering deep connections with prospects and boards. Background includes major gifts, project development, and managing high-value orders for large healthcare systems.

Select Clients

St. Thomas More Catholic Church
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

Anthony Heaven headshot
Anthony Heaven headshot

Anthony Heaven, Ph.D.

Vice President

Arizona

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1224

Education

Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin

Highlights

Scholar-practitioner in advancement and diversity/inclusion, currently Assistant Professor of Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Led donor engagement at Arizona State and Ole Miss, creating reconciliatory spaces for African American alums. 

Select Clients

LatinoJustice PRLDEF
St. Edward’s University
Talladega College
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Nicole Antil Headshot
Nicole Antil Headshot

Nicole Antil

Principal

Massachusetts

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1200

Education

BS, Virginia Tech

Highlights

Boundless creativity and strong business acumen that drive strategic integration. Experienced facilitator with expertise in creative communications, visioning, and case for support development. Architect of CASE IN5 framework.

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St. Bonaventure University
Norton Healthcare
Western Michigan University
Little League International

Krystal Oliveira Springgate

Senior Associate

Louisiana

+1 (800) 608-7955 x 1253

Education

BS, Clemson University

Highlights

Strategic fundraising executive with expertise in donor engagement, major gifts, and corporate giving. Oversees advancement at Tulane University’s health systems.

Mukesh Parikh Headshot
Mukesh Parikh Headshot

Mukesh Parikh

Controller

New Jersey

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1121

Education

BS, K.S. Shah Commerce College.

Highlights

Numbers aficionado ensuring behind-the-scenes financial excellence with a commitment to accuracy and precision.

Brian Crockett

Senior Vice President

Virginia

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1246

Education

Rutgers University

Highlights

Profoundly influential leader known for his strategic mind and tireless advocacy for comprehensive development, most recently serving as CEO of the Virginia Military Institute Foundation.

Select Clients

Regent University

Tom Sullivan Headshot
Tom Sullivan Headshot

Tom Sullivan

Senior Vice President

+1 (800) 608-7955

Highlights

Veteran with over four decades in advancement, led $600M campaign at Lurie Children’s and $750M campaign at University of Maryland, Baltimore. Proven success in major gifts and strategic fundraising at top universities and hospitals.

Anne Carlson

Associate Consultant

Rhode Island

+1 (800) 608-7955

Education

Columbia University

Highlights

Team builder and change agent with experience at the University of Chicago, Brown University, and St. Andrew’s School, skilled in strategic planning and fundraising.

Select Clients

Sea Education Association

Courtney Luzzi

Senior Editor

New Jersey

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1117

Education

BA, Bucknell University

Highlights

Sharp-eyed and fast-paced. Delivers firmwide QA/QC, providing meticulous, human review on all client deliverables, ensuring every piece meets the highest standards of accuracy and excellence.

Chelsey Newmeyer headshot
Chelsey Newmeyer headshot

Chelsey Newmyer

Senior Consultant

Virginia

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1208

Education

MBA, Clarkson University Graduate School

Highlights

Expert in relationship management and fundraising strategy, with a data-driven approach. Led annual giving at National Cathedral, Union College, and Emma Willard, developing prospect strategies to secure leadership gifts.

Select Clients

Bucknell University
Dana Hall School
Sea Education Association
Rutgers Preparatory School

Graham-Pelton
Graham-Pelton

Walt Edwards

Principal & President, Health

Texas

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1227

Education

MBA, Case Western Reserve University; JD, Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Highlights

Architect of Beyond Gratitude™. National leader in grateful patient and family fundraising coaching and training. Previously AVP for Talent Development AT University of Texas at Austin with a focus on creating new fundraising culture.

Select Clients

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Bucknell University
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Kevin Lynch

Managing Principal & Chief Financial Officer

Massachusetts

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1125

Education

MBA, Columbia Business School

Highlights

Finance executive with expertise in technology integration and business growth. Successfully implemented financial controls and systems, enhancing efficiency and scalability for businesses across multiple industries and geographic regions.

Alex Senchak

Vice President

Massachusetts

+1 (800) 608-7955

Education

BA, Lehigh University

Highlights

Expertise in major gift fundraising and strategic planning across arts, cultural, and academic sectors. Led master planning and secured transformational gifts at The Shalleck Collaborative and drove community integration efforts at Lincoln Center Festival.

Select Clients

Artists for Humanity
Babson College
Beverly Bootstraps
New York Academy of Sciences

David Greig Headshot
David Greig Headshot

David Greig

Senior Consultant

New York

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1244

Education

MBA, NYU Stern School of Business

Highlights

Insightful philanthropy professional with extensive experience in private education and foundations. Managed robust pipeline of major gifts at The Pingry School. Excels in data analytics, managing major gift portfolios, and empowering boards.

Select Clients

Dayton Children’s Hospital
The Hun School of Princeton
The Benjamin School
Western Michigan University

Brian O'Leary
Brian O'Leary

Brian O’Leary

Senior Vice President

New Jersey

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1214

Education

BA, Rutgers University

Highlights

Expert in mega giving, campaign communications, and partnership marketing. Led Rutgers University Foundation’s $1B campaign. Other previous experience includes UNICEF and New Jersey Audubon Society.

Select Clients

Achilles International
Trinity Hall, Cambridge
University at Buffalo
Western Michigan University

Yasi Martin Headshot
Yasi Martin Headshot

Yasaman (Yasi) Martin

Vice President

Colorado

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1216

Education

MPA, New York University

Highlights

Proven leader offering holistic organizational insight across sectors. Formerly at the School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center, launched successful donor engagement programs and expanded giving at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.

Select Clients

Camp Ramah in the Berkshires
Elisabeth Morrow School
The Putney School
Upwardly Global

Phil Hills Headshot
Phil Hills Headshot

Phil Hills

Principal

Massachusetts

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1270

Education

MPA, The George Washington University

Highlights

Over 35 years in advancement. Led Emory’s $1B health sciences campaign. Developed Livestrong’s international fundraising strategy. Expertise in complex nonprofits, including roles at the University of Florida, George Washington University, and The University of Tampa.

Jackie Sullivan

Principal

New Jersey

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1221

Education

BA, Syracuse University

Highlights

Career fundraiser and leader with experience in all aspects of philanthropy across all sectors. Led successful fundraising programs at Delbarton and Pingry School. Contributed to Syracuse University’s $300M capital campaign.

Select Clients

Malvern Preparatory School
Marymount School of Manhattan
Nashoba Brooks School
The Hun School of Princeton

Cassandra Mesko Headshot
Cassandra Mesko Headshot

Cassandra Mesko

Senior Consultant

Pennsylvania

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1236

Education

MS, Drexel University

Highlights

Experienced in higher education and human services development, specializing in major gifts and campaign management. At Lafayette College, closed millions in new gifts, managing portfolios across West Coast, London, and New York.

Select Clients

National 4-H Council

UC Davis Health

Alvernia University

The Philadelphia School

Leah Saifi Headshot
Leah Saifi Headshot

Leah Saifi

Digital Marketing Coordinator

New York

Education

BS, Northeastern University

Highlights

Unique blend of creativity and technical expertise. Background in graphic and UX/UI design, drives helps shape compelling online narratives. Certificate for AI: Implications for Business Strategy from MIT Sloan School of Management.

Meg Bailey

Vice President

Florida

+1 (800) 608-7955 x1229

Education

MA, Bay Path University

Highlights

AHP 40 Under 40 honoree. Managed 100+ high-capacity prospects at Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. Expertise in grateful patients and clinician engagement, collaborating with 40+ physicians.

Select Clients

Atrium Health Foundation
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Northern Arizona Healthcare
Swedish Medical Center Foundation