Ethan has formally been involved in fundraising for two years and informally for the last 10 years. In his current position, he is responsible for coaching new users at GiveForward about best practices for online fundraising. He writes the fundraising section of the GiveForward Blog and also provides users with one-on-one advice on how to utilize social media and other techniques in developing their strategic fundraising plans. In addition to his role at GiveForward, Ethan currently serves as the Fundraising Coordinator for Climate Cycle, a Chicago-based environmental non-profit organization. He earned a B.A in Political Science from Emory University and a J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law where he was member of the Law Review. In his spare time he is involved with Imerman Angels, a one-on-one cancer support organization in Chicago.

David has been involved in digital marketing for over 15 years. As President/CEO at emfluence, David helps key clients with strategic marketing decisions and oversees day-to-day operations and development of the company’s proprietary online marketing tools. At emfluence, David creates online tools such as the emfluence Emailer and Landing Page Generator that has successfully increased online fundraising for various nonprofit clients. His online efforts have also helped these organizations build relationships, encourage and communicate with volunteers and advocates, and connect with the community. David currently serves as Board Member for the American Advertising Federation of Kansas City and the Helzberg Mentorship Program and is a past Board Member of the Kansas City Direct Marketing Association where he currently serves on the Nominating Committee for new board members. He earned a BS in Advertising from University of Kansas.

Bob has been involved in fundraising for 20 years as President of Merrigan and Company, a Kansas-City based firm specializing in strategy and messaging for non-profits. Bob helps organizations build and maintain successful donor development programs by using online and print fundraising appeals, e-newsletters, SEO copy and other communications. Under his direction, his company has developed winning campaigns for the VFW, Komen for the Cure, Ducks Unlimited, Shriners Hospitals for Children, JDRF, Harvesters, The Community Food Network and other non-profits. Bob also volunteers with a number of fundraising events supporting Harvesters and Kansas City's Medicine Cabinet. He earned BA in Communications from Rockhurst University and a MA (all but thesis) in Journalism from University of Missouri. He is a member of Association of Fundraising Professionals, NP Connect and Kansas City Direct Marketing Association. Bob was named “Direct Marketer of the Year” by KCDMA in 2005 and appears frequently in industry publications.

Carolyn has been involved in developing Internet technologies and Web site creation for businesses and non-profits for 15 years. In her current position, she is the chief steward of the online customer experience for the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. Her duties span electronic communications, websites and social network presence and initiatives. She develops and oversees interactive engagement strategy and ensures quality web content consistent with the brand positioning of the United Way of Illinois and United Way. Carolyn has presented at more than a dozen Search Marketing/Social Media conferences in the past 2 years including PubCon, Search Engine Strategies (SES), Search Marketing Expo (SMX), and Affiliate Summit. She is currently the Intro to Organic SEO instructor at the PubCon Training Day, and will be one of the instructors in an upcoming Internet Marketing Certification Course offered by the University of San Francisco.