Jaye M. Lopez has over a decade in not-for-profits development working in various capacities. Raised in suburban Los Angeles, Jaye graduated from USC. After graduating, Jaye worked for a magazine, before moving on to the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. While there, Jaye was responsible for developing and implanting strategies to increase first year major donor retention and outreaching to area businesses and professional. Jaye moved to Washington, DC in 1999, joining the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) as a fundraising events manager where Jaye managing over 55 events annually, including gala dinner and golf tournaments. Jaye joined the American Constitution Society (ACS) in 2004. Since arriving at ACS, Jaye has helped develop and implement major and recurring gifts programs and a new online payment system. In addition to overseeing all aspects of membership renewal, direct mail and online giving, she manages ACS’s annual 900 convention

Nicole Preston brings 21 years of experience in both the for-profit and non-profit worlds to special event fund raising. At the American Diabetes Association, Nicole provides the planning and strategic direction for 80 events raising more than $13 million, doubled from $6 million in three years. She has trained hundreds of staff members how to recruit participants and execute events in their local markets. As a Vice President of Pallotta TeamWorks, Nicole managed five multi-day events that raised $34 million, including the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day walks and AIDSRides. In both positions she secured and stewarded significant corporate support in terms of sponsorship as well as team involvement.

Marion Smith has 20 years of development experience, specializing in initiating new public relations and fundraising programs at the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf, Travelers Aid, Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL), National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), and Oceana. Ms. Smith raised 2 million dollars to build the WARL Medical Center, a facility to serve the pets of low-income families. Ms. Smith originated direct mail membership programs, special events, planned giving, and volunteer service opportunities. She also supervised public relations and advertising. The annual fundraiser, which she initiated, grew from a small art show for current donors to a city-wide event attracting new members and corporate support and winning a national public relations award. Involving NPCA’s Board and National Council, Ms. Smith grew the annual dinner to a 750 person environmental event, attracting congressmen, corporate underwriting and speakers such as Tom Brokaw and Ted Turner.

Rhonda has over 10 years of experience in volunteer recruitment and uses her expertise to recruit and engage volunteers in special events. Rhonda holds a Masters in Public Services Management from DePaul University. Currently, she serves as the Director of Volunteer Initiatives for the American Kidney Fund. She is responsible for planning, implementing and managing a comprehensive organization wide volunteer services program that provides for the screening, selection, recruitment and retention of volunteers and interns. She serves as a liaison with community organizations, religious, civic and academic institutions to publicize, present and coordinate volunteer opportunities. She is also responsible for developing and implementing training materials and program evaluation tools. Rhonda is an Adjunct Professor at the University of the District of Columbia, where she teaches a course on Volunteer and Staff Management.