Melissa Hammer: Associate Director of Communications, Kappa Delta Foundation | Foundation staff size: 5-10
Melissa Hammer is the Associate Director of Communications for the Kappa Delta Foundation where she is responsible for the development and implementation of the foundation’s strategic communications plan. Prior to joining the foundation staff in 2019, Melissa was senior acquisitions editor for the University Press of Kentucky. She is a Kappa Delta from Bradley University and earned a master’s in organizational leadership and a certificate in nonprofit administration from Western Kentucky University. She is past president of the Junior League of Lexington, Kentucky, where she lives with her husband, Joe, daughter, Eva, and their retired racing greyhound, Hip Hop.
Max Harper: Director of Development & Planned Giving, Butler University
Max Harper is a mission-driven fundraiser with six years of experience on the frontline of fundraising efforts at United Way of Central Indiana and Butler University. From annual giving to principal and planned giving, he has experience maximizing philanthropic relationships to benefit the donor and the entire organization.
Dan Hartmann, CFRE, CAP: President & CEO, Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation | Foundation staff size: 5-10
Dan Hartmann, CFRE, CAP, President & CEO, Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation – Two decades of philanthropic experience, ranging from $3B higher ed institution campaign to a top performing fraternal foundation. Dan leads a 15 person professional staff team at Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation, which has received numerous FFE Awards of Distinction for their innovative philanthropic strategy and execution over the last five years.
Jessi Horne: Senior Director of Strategic Communications, Phi Mu Foundation | Foundation staff size: 5-10
Jessi Horne leads communication and marketing efforts for Phi Mu Foundation. Prior to coming on board with the Foundation in 2014, Jessi spent her career in public affairs and communications with The Coca-Cola Company based in Atlanta, Georgia. A graduate of Florida State University, Jessi has twin 15-year-old daughters and resides in Savannah, Georgia.
John Keith, J.D.: Senior Consultant, JGA | FFE Gold Alliance Partner
John T. Keith, J.D., Senior Consultant, Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates – John brings an extensive depth of expertise in planned giving, major gift development, campaigns, leadership annual giving, and the role of volunteer engagement in fundraising. While serving 18 years at Indiana University, John’s gift planning team was responsible for securing more than $500M in new major and planned gift commitments. John is a member of the Indiana State Bar, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. John is also a past Board President of Planned Giving Group of Indiana (now known as Charitable Gift Planners Indiana) and has previously served as chair of Giving USA’s Donor Advised Fund Research Advisory Council.
Ryan King, CFRE: Chief Advancement Officer, Delta Upsilon Educational Foundation | Foundation staff size: 3-5
Ryan has worked in the fraternal industry for 24 years, including 16 years in fundraising and development. He currently serves as the Chief Advancement Officer for the Delta Upsilon Educational Foundation (DUEF). He is responsible for leading all cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and campaign strategies for the DUEF.
Greg Lamb: Vice President, Triangle Education Foundation | Foundation staff size: 5-10
Greg Lamb is Vice President of the Triangle Education Foundation and has more than 30 years of non-profit management, consulting, alumni relations, and fundraising experience. Greg has previously led development programs for the University of Kansas School of Business and University of Iowa Henry B. Tippie College of Business. He has served his fraternity, Delta Upsilon, both on the professional staff and as a local and national volunteer.
Lucy Love, CFRE: Major Gifts Officer, Alpha Delta Pi Foundation | Foundation staff size: 5-10
Lucy Love is a certified nonprofit management and leadership professional with a passion for creating strategic vision, developing leadership strengths in others, identifying new and sustainable fundraising opportunities, and acting as a catalyst for change. She has spent most of her career in higher education fundraising and stepped into her role as Major Gifts Officer with the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation in the summer of 2022. Lucy received both her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and her Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership Studies with an emphasis in Human Development and Leadership from Murray State University.
