2023 AFP FORT WORTH METRO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wesley Gentle, CFRE

Board Position: President
AFP Member Since: 2016
Organization: Arts Council of Fort Worth | Director of Advancement

What I Love About AFP: "Not only do I enjoy the programs – which keep be abreast of the latest trends in fundraising and development, but I also enjoy AFP because of the friendships and relationships that I have developed over the years, as well as the many opportunities to continue learning and refining my craft."
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Hillary Bessinger, CFRE

Board Position: President-Elect
AFP Member Since: 2011
Organization: ACH Child & Family Services | Development Director

What I Love About AFP: "I love being a part of AFP because it gives me the opportunity to meet colleagues who are also passionate about improving our community through philanthropy. Some of my most cherished relationships are with people who I met through AFP. Additionally, having the chance to continue improving my knowledge of fundraising and staying up to date with best practices is the cherry on top!"
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Wendy Gilbert, CAP^®, CFRE, M.Ed.

Board Position: Secretary
AFP Member Since: 2016
Organization: Director of Legacy & Gift Planning

What I Love About AFP: "I've enjoyed being a member of AFP for nearly seven years now. I appreciate our local chapter's outstanding monthly programs and networking opportunities. I've also learned a lot about board service from serving close to six years on the chapter's volunteer board. My involvement in AFP has helped me advance in my career."
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Michele Eischeid

Board Position: Treasurer
AFP Member Since: 2019
Organization: The WARM Place | Development Associate

What I Love About AFP: "There are so many great opportunities to grow and learn through AFP – from peer learning groups, to monthly programs, to the Philanthropy in Action local one-day conference, to the multi-day national conference! But what stands out the most to me are the relationships cultivated through AFP. We are all in the business of making our community better, and our members contain a wealth of knowledge, ability, and most of all, heart. I’m proud to be associated with the very best of our profession, and I leave every meeting feeling uplifted about the good we are able to do together."
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Cathy R. Sheffield, CAP^®, CSPG, CFRE, FCEP

Board Position: Immediate Past President
AFP Member Since: 2007
Organization: Lena Pope | Chief Advancement Officer

What I Love About AFP: "What I love about the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is the strong emphasis on building relationships. As a member of AFP, I have witnessed firsthand the power of connecting with like-minded professionals who share a passion for philanthropy, enhancing their skills, and making a difference in the world. The AFP community fosters a supportive and collaborative environment where individuals can learn from one another, share best practices, and celebrate successes. Through our monthly educational programs networking events, and conferences, I have had the opportunity to form meaningful connections with experienced fundraisers, industry experts, and emerging leaders. These relationships have provided invaluable mentorship, guidance, and inspiration throughout my fundraising journey. Moreover, the AFP community extends beyond professional collaborations. It embraces a sense of camaraderie, creating a genuine sense of belonging. The shared commitment to ethical fundraising practices and the common goal of advancing the nonprofit sector make every interaction within the AFP community feel purposeful and fulfilling. Being part of the Association of Fundraising Professionals has enriched my professional life and allowed me to forge lifelong connections with incredible individuals dedicated to making a positive impact in society."
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Victoria McKeon

Board Position: VP, Community Relations
AFP Member Since: 2021
Organization: CASA of Tarrant County | Donor Relations Manager

What I Love About AFP:
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Becky Williams, MSW

Board Position: VP, Governance
AFP Member Since: 2022
Organization: Cancer Care Services | Director of Donor Relations

What I Love About AFP: "AFP has been an incredible resource for professional development and networking. The comradery established amongst members is a treasure. AFP challenges me to enhance my fundraising skills and be a stronger advocate for the philanthropic needs of mission-focused work."
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Barbara Clark-Galupi, CFRM

Board Position: VP, Members Services
AFP Member Since: 2007
Organization: Creative !mpact | Principal Consultant

What I Love About AFP:
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Renée Underwood, CFRE

Board Position: VP, Professional Development
AFP Member Since: 2009
Organization: Advancement Foundation | Chief Development Officer

What I Love About AFP: "Moving from a long career in marketing to the nonprofit space back in 2009, my first decision was to join AFP. My membership has enriched my professional development and expanded my network of development professionals, consultants and other experts in the field. I highly recommend AFP to anyone in fundraising."
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Chris Evans, CFRE

Board Position: Co-Director, Philanthropy in Action Conference
AFP Member Since: 2021
Organization: Educational First Steps | Senior Development Director

What I Love About AFP: "AFP has been an integral part of my career growth and success as a fundraiser. More than that, it has given me a sense of belonging in the nonprofit and fundraising fields. I always feel encouraged to say yes and do more. I’m grateful for my AFP network because it’s full of resources and friendships."
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Trey Harper

Board Position: Director, Membership Recruitment
AFP Member Since: 2019
Organization: Community Link | Director of Fund Development

What I Love About AFP: "AFP Fort-Worth Metro is a great chapter. I joined this group when moving to the area and the people I have met in this group have impacted my career in so many ways. The generosity of local fundraisers to help each other out has been incredible. My participation in AFP has made me a better fundraiser and therefore has strengthened the organization I serve."
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Ryan Britt

Board Position: Director, Membership Retention
AFP Member Since: 2017
Organization: The Salvation Army | Associate Planned Giving Director

What I Love About AFP: "I enjoy getting to meet others who have a passion to serve the community as well as growing my knowledge in many different aspects of fundraising."
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Fred Schmidt

Board Position: Co-Director, Public Relations
AFP Member Since: 2019
Organization: University of Texas at Arlington | Director of Corporate Relations

What I Love About AFP:
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Kathryn Keaton

Board Position: Co-Director, Public Relations
AFP Member Since: 2017
Organization: Tarrant County Medical Society | Program Director, Project Access Tarrant County

What I Love About AFP:
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Michelle Crim, CFRE

Board Position: Co-Director, Chapter Programs
AFP Member Since: 2007
Organization: Dynamic Development Strategies, LLC | Fundraising Consultant

What I Love About AFP: "I love the connections, the resources, and the valuable insights I find with AFP. There is so much to be learned from our peers and I appreciate all the collective wisdom we can all share."
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Jewel Connor

Board Position: Co-Director, Chapter Programs
AFP Member Since: 2021
Organization: Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth

What I Love About AFP:
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Luke Byford

Board Position: Co-Dir, National Philanthropy Day
AFP Member Since: 2018
Organization: Gladney Center for Adoption | Donor Relations Associate

What I Love About AFP:
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Sandra Houston

Board Position: Co-Director, National Philanthropy Day
AFP Member Since: 2017
Organization: Trinity Habitat for Humanity

What I Love About AFP:
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Emily Weir Nance, MA

Board Position: Co-Director, Peer Learning
AFP Member Since: 2018
Organization: All Saints' Episcopal School - Fort Worth, Campaign Associate

What I Love About AFP:
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Jessica Walsh

Board Position: Co-Director, Peer Learning

AFP Member Since: 2018
Organization: Cristo Rey Fort Worth | Vice President of Development

What I Love About AFP: "I love that AFP is a group of passionate and professional fundraisers who want to make our community and organizations a better. Everyone is so giving of their knowledge and experience. I enjoy being part of a Peer Mentoring Group and serving on the Board of Directors. I encourage others to join us!"
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Karen Perry, CFRE

Board Position: Historian
AFP Member Since: 2000
Organization: M. Gale & Associates | Senior Consultant

What I Love About AFP: "AFP has been an educational resource and professional network for me for more than two decades. From national and regional conferences to local chapter meetings, I've learned so much through AFP. When I moved to Fort Worth seven years ago, I knew exactly where to go to begin to connect with fundraising professionals here!"
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Liz Hammond, CFRE

Board Position: Co-Director, I.D.E.A.
AFP Member Since: 2017
Organization: Lena Pope | Foundation Relations and Grant Writing Associate

What I Love About AFP: "I enjoy being a member of AFP because the professional development opportunities provided keep me up to date on best practices and ensure that I am a well-rounded fundraiser with various skill sets."
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Marti Lawrence, LMSW, CFRE

Board Position: Co-Director, I.D.E.A.
AFP Member Since: 2000
Organization: Consultant

What I Love About AFP: "I love being part of AFP. It is a wonderful organization of people dedicated to connecting people who care with the amazing work being done in our community every day by non-profit organizations designed to support the common good."
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Stephanie Molina

Board Position: Chair, Scholarships
AFP Member Since: 2017
Organization: ACH Child & Family Services

What I Love About AFP: "I love that AFP offers such a great network of development professionals to learn and collaborate with while making a difference in our community. It’s a fun way to get to know your peers while also learning new ideas and the best practices in the field."
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Sierra Lykins

Board Position: Chair, NPD Awards
AFP Member Since: 2022
Organization: Children's Health