As we reflect on Apra’s continued growth and impact, it is important to honor our origins and the values shaping our work. Founded in 1987 in Minnesota, Apra traces its beginnings to a gathering in the summer of 1981 at Augsburg College. Researchers came together to examine the history of prospect development in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area and to identify ways to better support each other (credit to apra-mn.org). 

 Recently, Minnesota has emerged as a focal point, with events there drawing the attention of international media and the nonprofit sector alike. In response, individuals and civic organizations are coming together to support affected families and communities. In this spirit, Apra’s work continues. We are advancing and supporting a global community of professionals, all dedicated to strengthening philanthropy’s capacity to serve others--with integrity, insight, and compassion.   

With the close of our 2022–2025 Strategic Plan, I invite you to reflect on the progress we have made and prepare for what we can build together as Apra enters its next chapter. 

Over the past several years, Apra has grown with intention and purpose. We are the premier organization for professionals who strategically harness data and information to drive philanthropy. Inspired by that mission, we strengthened our foundation and expanded our sense of what leadership in prospect development means. 

Together, we made meaningful progress. We improved communications and connections within our community. We made new investments in infrastructure, member engagement, and professional development. We affirmed Apra’s role as a trusted leader in ethical data practices and further embedded DEIBJA into our governance, programs, and standards. Equity, accessibility, and justice are essential to the future of philanthropy. 

This progress belongs to you. It reflects the ideas you shared, the time you volunteered, and the conversations you led at conferences (virtual and in-person), in chapters, on Apra Exchange and Communities, and in committees. Because of you, Apra is primed to enter its next phase with clarity, confidence, and momentum. 

Now, we turn our attention to the future. Members of Apra are not only professionals, but also leaders who shape every aspect of philanthropy. Prospect development professionals are increasingly called upon as strategic advisors, ethical stewards of data, and champions of inclusive fundraising practices. Apra’s role is to elevate your leadership, amplify your voice, and help guide the strategic direction of philanthropy itself. 

Apra’s board of directors will build a new strategic plan in February 2026, and it will be aspirational by design. It will ask us to look beyond current challenges and imagine what is possible when we fully invest in our members as changemakers—specifically:      

• How do we prepare our next generation of leaders to navigate emerging technologies and increasing complexity? 

• How do we maintain the highest ethical standards in a data-focused world? 

• How do we enhance prospect development’s essential role in institutional strategy and philanthropic impact? 

Strategic planning is not just about setting priorities. It is about declaring who we are and who we aspire to be. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together and even more inspired by what lies ahead. Thank you! I look forward to building Apra’s future with you.

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

Sharise Harrison (she/her) is a dynamic 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, Senior Consultant at The Inclusion Firm, and 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.