Time, Talent and Skill: Celebrating Apra’s 100+ Volunteers

Relationship Management · Survey

By Apra Headquarters | April 24, 2025

With over 100 individuals on 13 committees serving Apra, there’s no shortage of talent that moves our association — and the prospect development (PD) profession at large — forward. In honor of National Volunteer Week, we asked Apra volunteers to share how their experience has impacted their professional career journey or made for a richer experience with this community. Below are their thoughts, in their own words.

A heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers, past and present, who selflessly offer their skills, knowledge and passion to make Apra a trusted community for PD professionals around the world.

I couldn't imagine being where I am in my career without my Apra volunteer experience — not only having lasting friendships and connections that I have made, and continue to make, but also access to the best minds in the business, collaborating on issues that we face in an industry.

For me personally, taking leadership roles as a volunteer allowed me to try different things without as much risk as it would in my day job, and to try on different leadership styles to see which suited me better and how I could tailor my leadership approach to the situation.

It was an Apra volunteer, Paul Kirchgraber, the director at USC when I first became a PD professional, who encouraged and challenged me to volunteer. I took it to heart and was a room monitor, volunteering for committees, then became a board member of my Apra chapter, NEDRA, and so on. Without that encouragement, I think it would have taken me a lot longer (if at all) to keep stepping up. I’m so grateful I did, and that I continue to volunteer. Volunteering for Apra has enriched my life professionally and personally.

—Jill Meister, Chair, Education and Professional Development (EPD) Task Force; Former Apra President

Volunteering with Apra, through chapters and committees, has helped me articulate my role and its value to my organization, as well as develop professionally. These experiences have translated to organizational committee and board work, as well as personal volunteer involvement outside of Apra and my job.

—Amy Modin, Member, Conference Planning Committee

I like being part of something bigger than myself and helping move things forward. Volunteering gives me the space to do what I do best — listen, problem solve and support people in a way that has real impact. I especially enjoy mentoring — helping someone think through their next step, sharing what I’ve learned and being a sounding board when they need it.

—Jessica Roberts, Chair, Data Science Track, Conference Planning Committee; Member, EPD Committee

I strongly believe that volunteering with Apra has significantly enriched my experience within this community. My first volunteer role with Apra was in 2023, when I served on the Conference Planning Committee. Collaborating with Stephanie Willis, Mike Boyle and Lauren Woodring that year instilled confidence in myself and my craft, inspiring me to seek additional volunteer opportunities.

Serving on the EPD Committee alongside Jess Roberts, Marianne Pelletier and Dina Zelleke cultivated in me an attitude of transformational leadership. It challenged me to think creatively and encouraged me to build relationships with newcomers to the field and the Apra community.

Now, as chair of the EPD Committee, I am actively living out those aspirations — hoping to inspire others to carry forward the legacy and continue making Apra the leading resource for prospect research, relationship management, data science and professional leadership development in our industry.

I’ve found lifelong friends and a true sense of belonging within this community. If you’re hesitating about whether to volunteer, I encourage you to take a step of faith — you’ll find the rewards are well worth it.

—Rachel Hammond, Chair, EPD Committee

Volunteering with Apra over the past five years has been one of the most rewarding parts of my professional journey. It has helped me build meaningful connections with hundreds of fellow prospect development professionals — connections that would have taken decades to form on my own. Having a trusted network to turn to for advice, share ideas with or learn from others’ experiences has been invaluable. Through volunteering, I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to Apra’s direction and stay engaged with the evolving challenges and innovations in our field. It’s made my experience within the Apra community richer, more collaborative and more impactful.

—Jennifer Moody, Chair, Content Development Committee

I have connected with others in the field that I can talk to about strategy in our professional roles. I feel like I have a second family at Apra conferences when reconnecting and seeing the people I have served on committees with.

I have a further appreciation for everything that goes into making Apra successful for everyone because I have had a hand in contributing to some successes.

Leading a committee helped me keep us aligned to our goal while still having fun and getting to know each other along the way. Serving in a volunteer capacity is rewarding on many levels and why I continue to do so year after year.

—Jen Nettles, Member, Conference Planning Committee; Member, Nominations Committee; Formerly, Chapters and Membership Committees

Volunteering for Apra has directly impacted my career trajectory. It is through my local chapter that I know a colleague who recommended me for my current position. My reputation in the field of being someone who volunteered meant that my now boss knew who I was — even though she and I hadn't formally met! Networking can feel weird, but it can be as simple as chatting over a coffee or talking at a conference. You never know where it will lead you!

—Lauren Woodring, Apra Board of Directors

Volunteering with Apra has been instrumental to my professional growth and has deeply enriched my experience within the advancement community. Over nearly two decades of engagement — from chapter leadership to international board service — I’ve gained strategic insight, expanded my network and strengthened my leadership capabilities.

One particularly formative experience was serving on the Conference Planning Committee during the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating the uncertainty, shifting timelines and the pivot to a virtual format was a collective challenge that reinforced the importance of adaptability, collaboration and shared purpose. It was a vivid reminder of the resilience of our community and the value of coming together — even when physically apart.

Serving in diverse roles across governance, membership, DEI and conference planning has deepened my understanding of the field and exposed me to a wide range of perspectives and best practices. These volunteer experiences have shaped how I lead, how I mentor and how I advocate for innovation within the prospect development profession.

Most importantly, volunteering with Apra has grounded me in a community of peers who share a passion for data-informed fundraising and a commitment to professional excellence. It has provided a platform not only to give back, but also to grow alongside a dynamic and evolving profession.

—Michelle Franke, Apra Board of Directors

My volunteer opportunity with Apra has allowed me to have a stronger pulse with the community on what trends in the industry peers are looking out for and wanting to know more about. It's also allowed me to meet and network with several others that I have never met before in Apra.

—Adam Larck, Member, Membership Committee

Volunteering with opportunities through Apra continues to expand my network, introducing as many new ideas and perspectives as new faces. It's always fun to learn what others are doing, their approach to it and how it's going. But the real treasures are the friendships created while serving our great community together.

—Julie Craig, Member, Content Development Committee

Volunteering with Apra has profoundly enhanced my professional journey and enriched my experience within this dynamic community. Through volunteer roles in Apra, I have expanded my network and deepened my understanding of prospect development. As a researcher, I thrive on lifelong learning and knowledge sharing; Apra provides a vital platform for connecting with professionals worldwide and exchanging insights. The support and generosity of fellow volunteers continually inspire me to pay it forward, whether through presenting webinars or mentoring newcomers. An example is my role as faculty of the Apra Fundamentals Committee. This opportunity not only enabled me to share my knowledge but also motivated me to stay current with industry trends and best practices.

My involvement with Apra International encouraged me to become more active locally, leading to my current position on the board of Apra Illinois, where I am now in my third year. Collaborating with seasoned professionals has introduced me to new approaches in research and strategy.

These volunteer experiences have helped me shape lasting relationships across the country and develop a supportive network of peers eager to share advice and encouragement. Volunteering with Apra has truly been a two-way street — while I have given my time and expertise, I have also gained valuable skills and a sense of belonging in return. The community's collaborative spirit and dedication to growth have made my journey in prospect development both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

—Priya Balachandran, Faculty, Apra Fundamentals Committee

The Apra network is a force! Volunteering for committee roles and then moving to leadership roles within Apra provided me not only opportunities to advance in my career, but the confidence I needed to ask and advocate for myself and my teams over the years.

—Anne Brownlee, President, 2024-2025, Apra Board of Directors

Volunteering with Apra is a great experience. I feel very proud to be a part of a strong and supportive community.

—Linlin Chen Reid, Member, Apra Conference Planning Committee

Volunteering has made me a much more well-rounded supervisor and colleague. Working with such esteemed partners on my committee and on the Apra Carolinas board has taught me the power of great teamwork and accomplishment. I’m meeting new people from across the country and feeling like part of our community as we work to better Apra, specifically on the Ethics & Compliance Committee. I continue to look forward to new experiences and ways I can involve myself with Apra for the betterment of our community.

—Jennifer Kehoe, Member, Ethics & Compliance Committee

I've been given a better understanding of how Apra works and what is available to chapters and leaders. It's also been great to be able to meet and network with other Apra Chapter members.

—Danita Hill, Member, Ethics and Compliance Committee

One of the greatest professional decisions I've ever made in my 25-year career has been to volunteer with Apra. Starting with being on a committee to co-leading one, then co-hosting the Executive Leadership Cohort at Prospect Development 2024, to now serving on the Apra Foundation, I have felt energized to work with other committed volunteers to advance programs, contribute to surveys and articles and to give back through my time and donations to Apra.

Each volunteer role has paid several important dividends: tremendous learning opportunities; expanded my network of peers, many of whom have become friends; given me a greater awareness and appreciation for just how much work needs to be done to maintain and expand Apra's positive impact on our community; and influenced me to seek out further Apra leadership opportunities, leading to currently run for the Apra Board of Directors.

Volunteering has also had an important personal impact, one that I feel many in our community can relate: being involved with Apra in any form has chipped away at my imposter syndrome. Apra operates and innovates to meet our members’ needs through the passion, expertise and time of countless volunteers. If imposter syndrome may make you wonder if your input and volunteering would really be worth it — if you really have something to say — with experience and deep conviction I can tell you: Yes, your insight is valuable. Yes, you would absolutely feel welcome as a volunteer. Our community would benefit from what you can offer!

—Tim Wilson, Member, Apra Foundation Board of Trustees