The Rome Group

CONGRATULATIONS to the following people who began new roles or celebrated well-earned promotions in September!

⭐️ Russ Austin, Chief Development Officer, Central Institute for the Deaf

⭐️ Cara Jones, Ph.D., Director of Data, Systems, & Strategy, The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis

⭐️ Joslyn Stone, Associate Director of Philanthropy, Shriners Children's St. Louis

⭐️ Kristen Wagner, Ph.D., MSW, Executive Director, Upward Momentum

⭐️ Kelly Young, Grants Manager, St. Louis Science Center

🎉 If you have news about a new hire or promotion in the STL nonprofit community, send an email to: [email protected]

The September issue of INSIGHTS is live! Don't miss our list of free or discounted technology resources for nonprofits in the Media Resources section. Click to read: https://theromegroup-21057336.hs-sites.com/september-insights-from-the-rome-group-1

Congratulations to the following individuals who are beginning new roles or celebrating well-earned promotions!

Kristin Barker, MBA, MSW, Executive Director, KEEN St. Louis
Tracy Bono, Development Director, Boone Center, Inc.
Kendra Copanas, VP, Programs & Partnerships, Rx Outreach
Beth Elders, Chief Program Officer, Starkloff Disability Institute
Aimee Frey, Chief Development Officer, Ready Readers
Gabriella Harms, Chief Operating Officer, Every Child's Hope
Andrea Harper, Ed.D., Civic Engagement Manager, Great Rivers Greenway
Ashley Huck, Office & Program Administrator, First Tee - Greater St. Louis
Robin Kraujalis, Director of Planned Gifts, St. Louis Zoo
Meredith Labuda, Philanthropy Officer for Annual Giving, St. Louis Children's Hospital Foundation
Kitty Lohrum, Chief Development Officer, Logan University
Holly Mason, Case Advocacy Supervisor, CASA St. Louis
Brittany McNeal, Instructor Assistant, Per Scholas
Matt Moler, Communications Manager, Rung for Women
Reeves Oyster, Director of Communications, Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Erin Pohl, Assistant Executive Director, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
Stacy Pugh, Food Access Director, Urban Sprouts
Tierney Rhone, Case Advocacy Supervisor, CASA St. Louis
Patrice Shumate, Learning & Network Manager, PhilMO

The most powerful fundraising tool in 2026? The person doing the work.

That's the idea behind Activate: The Fundraising Readiness Summit, a free virtual day on September 8, from Practivated and Mallory Erickson, whom we were thrilled to host recently in St. Louis.

Three practical tracks, a main stage with BJ Fogg, Cherian Koshy, and Nathan Chappell (2024's Landscape Keynote!), and a full block where you practice real donor conversations live.

Free, virtual, nothing sold. A great day for fundraisers across the Midwest and beyond.

Register here: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/activate-summit/?utm_source=rome-group&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=283306701-activate_2026

We're READY for Nonprofit Homecoming! See you Thursday morning at COCA!

Tomorrow's the day! 🎉

We're looking forward to seeing you for the 2026 Philanthropic Landscape - a morning of fresh perspective, meaningful conversation, and time together.

The coffee is ready. The data is ready. The keynote is ready. We're ready.

See you bright and early!

The countdown is on! Join us at the Philanthropic Landscape for a morning of insights, ideas, and connection. Register today: https://share.hsforms.com/2ZG8XNXR8QpSKt9AHRzZbgQcjby0

Congratulations to the following individuals who are beginning new roles or celebrating well-earned promotions!

Brian Beedie, Senior Director of Development, KVC Health Systems
Lisa Boudreau, Senior Director of Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs, Community Health Commission of Missouri (CHCM)
Madison Jackson, Development Analyst, Marian Middle School
Jenniqual "Jai" Johnson, Administrative/Development Associate, CASA of St. Louis
Melissa Jones, Director of Advancement, the Academy of the Sacred Heart
Amanda Miller, Executive Director, Arts as Healing
Erin Schreiber, Director of Development, National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis (NCJWSTL)
Jami Wade, Executive Director, Missouri Humanities Council
Christian Wargo, Director of Marketing, the Repertory Theater of St. Louis

The sector moves forward when we come together. Register today!
https://share.hsforms.com/2ZG8XNXR8QpSKt9AHRzZbgQcjby0

Registration for the 2026 Philanthropic Landscape is OPEN!! Follow this link to fill out the registration form: https://cjby0.share.hsforms.com/2ZG8XNXR8QpSKt9AHRzZbgQ
We're excited to see you at COCA on August 20th!