I am pleased to share an important milestone for Apra International: the launch of our new 2026–2029 Strategic Plan. 

This plan represents a shared commitment to who we are, what we value and how we will continue to grow together as a global community of prospect development professionals. It reflects the thoughtful work of listening, learning and imagining what is possible when we align our strengths, clarify our purpose and look toward the future with both confidence and care. 

At the center of this plan is a renewed focus on Apra’s role in advancing ethical, insight-driven philanthropy. As the philanthropic landscape continues to evolve, the need for skilled professionals who can transform information into insight and insight into meaningful action has never been greater. 

The new strategic plan is organized around four pillars: Advocate, Equip, Connect and Thrive. 

Through Advocate, Apra International will strengthen its voice and visibility across the fundraising industry. We will continue to elevate the profession and its practitioners, serve as a trusted thought leader, lead on emerging issues and build strategic partnerships that expand our influence and impact. 

Through Equip, we will provide accessible learning and career pathways that help prospect development professionals grow, upskill and prepare for the insight-driven future of philanthropy.  

Through Connect, we will deepen Apra’s role as a professional home. Our chapters, volunteers, members and partners are central to the strength of our community. This pillar focuses on building a more aligned and inclusive ecosystem, expanding pathways into volunteer participation, increasing member value and broadening the pipeline of professionals who see themselves reflected in Apra. 

And through Thrive, we will invest in the long-term vitality of the association itself. A strong future requires sustainable finances, effective operations, modern technology and a member-centered infrastructure. By strengthening the systems that support our work, we can better serve our members, chapters, volunteers, staff and the broader profession. 

Together, these pillars give us a clear and meaningful path forward. They will guide our decisions, investments, programs, partnerships and member experiences over the next several years.  

Whether you are new to Apra or have been part of this community for many years, you are key to this next chapter. Your leadership, curiosity, generosity and commitment to our profession make Apra strong. This plan invites all of us to help shape a future where our members feel connected, supported and prepared; where our chapters are aligned and thriving; where our profession is visible and valued; and where Apra continues to advance philanthropy in ways that are ethical, innovative and strategic. 

I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this process and to all of you who continue to make Apra a place of learning, belonging and leadership. As we move forward, I hope you will see yourself in this plan and participate in the work ahead. 

Thank you for being part of this community! Onward to our next chapter! 

Click HERE to view the 2026–2029 Strategic Plan. 

Sharise Harrison
Apra President, Assistant Vice President, Advancement Service | Sacramento State University

Sharise Harrison (she/her) is a leader in the field of prospect development, currently serving as Apra International president. She is also the assistant vice president of advancement services and prospect management at Sacramento State University, a senior consultant at The Inclusion Firm and a board member of Zion Girls. She has held leadership roles at Loyola University of Chicago, Grenzebach, Glier and Associates (GG+A), Santa Clara University, Teach for America and the University of Kentucky Healthcare. Additionally, she served in prospect development roles at Women for Women International, Georgetown University and Howard University. Sharise has been involved with Apra since 2009, when she attended and presented at her first Prospect Development conference. Since then, she has continued to contribute significantly to the organization's mission, serving on the Apra board since 2022 and holding leadership roles in governance, data science and diversity, equity and inclusion. Sharise's commitment to Apra extends beyond board service; she has also shared her expertise through presenting numerous workshops for Apra International and its chapters. Additionally, Sharise has served in key roles such as Apra Foundation trustee, chair of the Apra Awards Committee and Data Science Curriculum Planning Committee and as a member of the Data Science and Nominations Committees. In addition to her contributions to Apra, Sharise is a published author of articles on prospect development for Connections and has been profiled in The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Through her writing and speaking engagements, Sharise advocates for the use of data and technology to create more inclusive, equitable and efficient systems. Sharise earned her MA from Georgetown University, her BA from LaSalle University and a Fundraising Operations Certificate from Rice University.