Plug In to Due Diligence

Plug In to Due Diligence

Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 11/06/2024 at 11:00 AM (EST)

  • Register
    • Non-member - $475
    • Professional Member - $340
    • Associate Member - $340

Plug In to Due Diligence at Apra's annual virtual two-day event, November 6 and 7. This year's event spotlights the critical role of due diligence in prospect development, offering an array of sessions that will sharpen your skills and expand your toolkit.

Over two days of flexible learning, you'll dive deep into:

  • Crafting robust due diligence policies
  • Harnessing cutting-edge technologies for donor vetting
  • Navigating ethical challenges in prospect research
  • Leveraging AI and machine learning to revolutionize your practices

Connect with fellow professionals, gain actionable insights, and stay ahead of emerging trends in our rapidly evolving field. Whether you're new to due diligence or looking to refine your approach, this event is your gateway to excellence in prospect development.

Mark your calendars for November 6-7 and prepare to Plug In!

Click the contents tab above for more details about the agenda.

Courtney Cutler

Due Diligence Specialist

Stanford University

Courtney has helped build comprehensive due diligence programs at MIT and UC Berkeley, and most recently worked with Stanford University to assess and refine their existing due diligence processes. Prior to due diligence, Courtney worked in prospect development at MIT and the Appalachian Mountain Club in Boston. They currently split their time between Colorado and Idaho and can often be found climbing or running through the mountains with their dog, Stanley.

Molly Johnson

Senior Director of Prospect Development

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Molly Johnson is the Senior Director of Prospect Development at MIT where she leads the prospect research, prospect management, and philanthropic due diligence functions.

Her journey in higher education fundraising has been iterative, from prospect researcher to campaign volunteer manager to fundraiser to AI start up to her current role at MIT. The hallmark of Molly’s career is her ability to employ design thinking to identify problems, develop unique solutions, and co-create value. This highly collaborative style enabled Molly to tackle several complex organizational challenges, including individualized performance metrics with the School of Engineering, which culminated in the Leader of the Year award.

Today Molly is excited to share her expertise in creating, developing, and sustaining a responsive program to help you assess risk and make decisions that support your organization’s mission.

Beca Daniel

Account Executive

Xapien

Beca is an Account Executive at Xapien, having worked across customer success, sales and product development, all focused on the non profit and fundraising sector. She now leads on the higher education sector at Xapien.

During her time at Xapien, Beca has been involved in various aspects of developing the product to better serve universities and nonprofits, acting as a liaison between customers and the product team. Her work has often been focused on adapting the product to the changing world, including integrating fully up-to-date sanctions and watchlist data after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and adapting adverse media categories to align with the reputational risks universities and nonprofits face in a changing world.

Beca has a background in research and higher education, with a first class degree in English Literature and an MA in Literature, Criticism and Culture from the University of Cambridge.

Krista Pierce

Senior Associate Director of Due Diligence Research

Tufts University

Krista Pierce is the Senior Associate Director of Due Diligence Research at Tufts University, where she joined the prospect development team in 2015. Since assuming her current role in 2021, Krista has helped to create the University’s first in-house due diligence program, which included developing a new policy and procedure, research reports, and risk analysis scoring. In addition to managing the due diligence program’s day-to-day operations, Krista has also acted as a subject expert to peer institutions and colleagues, and, most recently, gave a comprehensive workshop on due diligence at APRA’s Prospect Development 2023.

 Prior to her due diligence work, Krista served in a variety of roles at Tufts, where her responsibilities were divided between prospect management and prospect research, with a particular expertise in international prospect research. Krista came to Tufts from Tufts Medical Center, where she helped to develop the fundraising office’s first prospect research program. Krista graduated from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH with a B.A. in English.

Catherine Flaatten

Associate Vice President of Prospect Development

Catherine Flaatten, MPH, CFRE, is the associate vice president of prospect development at BWF where she partners with clients to develop creative solutions to their prospect development challenges. Previously, she served in various roles at The George Washington University, most recently as the managing director of research and relationship management. Catherine has also worked in prospect development at Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry, the National Psoriasis Foundation, and the BrightFocus Foundation. A regular speaker and author, Catherine currently serves on Apra’s Board of Directors, Fundamentals Committee, and Foundation Board of Trustees. Former volunteer roles include serving as president and programming chair of Apra Metro DC, chairing the aasp Best Practices in Prospect Development and Apra Membership Committees, and serving on Apra’s Body of Knowledge and PD Curriculum Planning Committees. Catherine holds a BA in International Affairs and an MPH in Maternal and Child Health, both from The George Washington University.

Charles Latham

Senior Research Analyst, Principal Gifts

Duke University

Currently the Senior Research Analyst specializing in Principal Gifts ($10M+ capacity) for Duke Health Development and Alumni Affairs, I have been a prospect researcher for nearly two decades, having started my career at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia, PA in 2007. I joined Duke Health in 2014.  In 2021, working directly with the Vice President, I developed a presentation on reputational risk and due diligence in response to incidents at peer and other institutions, and am currently collaborating with our Stewardship team and Duke University’s development team to craft a robust program for identifying “red flags” and protecting the reputation of Duke Health. I received my B.A. in English w/Cultural and Community Studies with honors from the University of Sussex in Brighton, E. Sussex, UK. I reside in Durham, NC and like to play music in my free time and to practice target archery with my English longbow.

Kerry Rock

Chief Executive

Prospecting for Gold

Kerry is the Chief Executive of Prospecting for Gold. She has over 30 years’ experience in research, policy and management. She joined Prospecting for Gold in 2012 and currently leads our research consultancy and data protection work. She also runs our training programme, sharing her expertise in webinars and seminars. Before she moved to the UK from Australia in 2005, Kerry worked in the water industry then ran her own research and communication consultancy, supporting leading companies within the research industry. A career highlight was providing customer insights to help determine the future of Australia’s largest water company. Kerry also ran an independent film production company and wrote and produced a feature film that was selected for the Cannes Film Festival. Kerry has written hundreds of user-friendly reports and presented to wide-ranging audiences at national and international conferences, seminars, and board meetings. Kerry volunteers both within the charity sector and in her local community. She is a trustee of Cure Parkinson’s and sits on the Chartered Institute for Fundraising’s Consultants Special Interest Group committee. She is a member of the Market Research Society and president of the UK branch of the University of Melbourne’s Alumni Association. Closer to home, Kerry is a volunteer citizen scientist, helping to protect her local river, the Chess.

Maria Jornet Escuer

Researcher

Prospecting for Gold

Maria started her career in the financial sector as a risk-based researcher and due diligence specialist. After 10 years at Dow Jones she moved to the charity sector as an independent consultant to support charities on their ethical fundraising and conducting ethical checks.

Thanks to her background in translation she is fluent in five languages and specifically trained in conducting due diligence across different jurisdictions.

She joined Prospecting for Gold in June 2024 as a Researcher to add to the company’s due diligence and corporate and trust research services. As a polyglot and food lover, she enjoys travelling to practise her language skills and exploring new cuisines.

Bethany Andorfer Morley

Director of Prospect Strategy and Research

West Chester University Foundation

Bethany Andorfer Morley works at the West Chester University Foundation as the Director of Prospect Strategy and Research. Driven by a passion for learning new tools and creating innovative systems and strategies, she enjoys collaborating with fundraisers and prospect development professionals. With nearly 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including a decade as a frontline fundraiser, she has worked in higher education, health and human services and arts and culture.

John Sammis

Senior Vice President, Data Analytics

CCS Fundraising

John Sammis is a Senior Vice President of Data Analytics for CCS Fundraising. He brings more than 30 years of experience with statistical analysis and predictive modeling. John has devoted more than 20 years of his career to charities, universities, hospitals, and other nonprofit institutions, helping them produce models and use the results to achieve their fundraising goals. At CCS, John leads the Data Analytics team, which helps philanthropy and fundraising professionals apply cutting-edge data analytics tools to address specific organizational objectives. John is constantly reviewing the latest statistics tools and innovations to ensure that CCS applies the best approach for each client. John has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University and an MBA from Cornell University.

Lindsey Nadeau (Moderator)

Vice President, Data, Insight and Campaigns

UNICEF USA

Lindsey Nadeau is vice president of data, insight, and campaigns at UNICEF USA, where she guides the philanthropy division toward data-driven decision-making and automation across campaign planning, prospect research, relationship management, database management, reporting, analytics, gift processing, and record management. She has previously held advancement services roles at The George Washington University, the Center for American Progress, The American University, and Public Citizen. Lindsey is Secretary of Apra International’s board of directors, where she has held multiple volunteer roles including chairing the 2020 Prospect Development conference. She previously chaired aasp’s Prospect Development Best Practices committee, co-chaired CASE’s Prospect Development conference, and contributed to CASE’s 2023 book Advancement Strategies: A Reference Guide for Advancement Services Professionals, 4th Edition. Lindsey holds a BA in economics from The American University. 


Michael J. Foote

Assistant Vice President, Development Operations and Performance

Dartmouth College

Michael (Mike) Foote joined Dartmouth’s Advancement team in 2001 and currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Development Operations and Performance. In this role, Mike collaborates closely with senior leadership to drive strategic initiatives that enhance fundraising effectveness and operational excellence. He plays a key role in shaping best practices across the department to maximize the impact of Dartmouth’s fundraising efforts.


Mike also leads Dartmouth’s Research and Prospect Management team, overseeing the identification and cultivation of high-potential donors in alignment with the college’s fundraising priorities. He has held
Additional roles in his time with Dartmouth included oversight of donor engagement and interim director of Dartmouth’s recognition and stewardship team, where he strengthened the college’s donor-centric approach to relationship-building and stewardship.

Before transitioning to the non-profit sector, Mike spent five years with the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he directed research initiatives and provided strategic insights for marketing and media sales teams. His work supported the NBA’s domestic and global positioning through client-targeted research. Prior to the NBA, Mike held various roles at Nielsen Media Research, where he focused on television ratings and audience analysis.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in Quantitative Analysis from St. John’s University and an MBA from the Lubin School of Business at Pace University. He is an active speaker in the development research community, has contributed to the APRA International Conference curriculum committee, and is a member of both APRA and NEDRA.

Megan Tedeschi

Managing Director, Prospect Development

UNICEF USA

Megan Tedeschi is the Managing Director, Prospect Development for UNICEF USA where establishes the priorities and vision for the prospect development area including moves management, pipeline development, prospect research, data hygiene and reporting standards to drive data-informed fundraising. Working in Prospect Development for over 10 years, Megan has gained expertise in due diligence best practices, corporate and institutional research, philanthropic trend analysis, team building and project management. She previously held Prospect Development roles at The George Washington University, Johnson & Wales University, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Megan holds a BA in Art History from Boston University. She lives in Portland on an apple orchard with her family.

Kevin Vaughn

Corporate and Foundation Relations Research Analyst

Notre Dame

Kevin Vaughn is a Research Analyst in the Department of Development at the University of Notre Dame, where he specializes in prospect research and strategy for the Corporate and Foundation Relations team. He also plays a key role in developing due diligence policies and procedures in collaboration with other university departments. Prior to joining Development, Kevin held administrative roles in graduate programs across the humanities and global affairs. Alongside his expertise in higher education, he holds advanced degrees in music performance.

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Day 1 - November 6th, 2024
Welcome and Logistics
11/06/2024 at 11:00 AM (EST)  |  15 minutes
11/06/2024 at 11:00 AM (EST)  |  15 minutes Join us for a welcome from Apra Volunteers, followed by a brief logistics overview before the start of our first session at 10:15 AM CT.
Developing a Due Diligence Policy Process
11/06/2024 at 11:15 AM (EST)  |  45 minutes
11/06/2024 at 11:15 AM (EST)  |  45 minutes This practical session will guide participants through the process of creating a comprehensive due diligence policy for their organization. We'll cover key components, stakeholder buy-in, and strategies for successful implementation and ongoing refinement. Speakers: - Courtney Cutler, Due Diligence Specialist, Stanford University - Molly Johnson, Senior Director of Prospect Development, Massachusets Institute of Technology
Tools and Techniques for Effective Due Diligence
11/06/2024 at 12:15 PM (EST)  |  45 minutes
11/06/2024 at 12:15 PM (EST)  |  45 minutes Discover how to leverage specialized due diligence platforms and cutting-edge tools to enhance your vetting processes. We’ll explore practical techniques and share insights from the Apra Toolkit to help you efficiently assess potential donors and mitigate risks. Whether you’re new to due diligence or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide you with actionable strategies to make your due diligence practices more effective and streamlined. Speaker: - Beca Daniel, Account Executive, Xapien - Krista Pierce, Senior Associate Director of Due Diligence Research, Tufts University
Foundations of Due Diligence in Prospect Development
11/06/2024 at 2:00 PM (EST)  |  45 minutes
11/06/2024 at 2:00 PM (EST)  |  45 minutes Explore the essential role of due diligence in prospect development with our session. Dive into Apra's Due Diligence Toolkit and discover how to effectively vet and screen potential donors to protect your organization's reputation. Speaker: - Catherine Flaatten, Associate Vice President of Prospect Development, BWF
Red Flags: Identifying and Assessing Reputational Risks and Ethical Considerations in Due Diligence
11/06/2024 at 3:00 PM (EST)  |  45 minutes
11/06/2024 at 3:00 PM (EST)  |  45 minutes This session will focus on recognizing warning signs during the vetting process. We'll cover common red flags in financial, legal, and reputational areas, and discuss how to evaluate their significance for your organization. Speaker: - Charles Latham, Senior Research Analyst, Principal Gifts, Duke University
Day 2 - November 7th, 2024
International and Advanced Due Diligence
11/07/2024 at 11:00 AM (EST)  |  45 minutes
11/07/2024 at 11:00 AM (EST)  |  45 minutes This session will explore the unique challenges of conducting due diligence across international borders, including navigating diverse legal landscapes and cultural differences. Learn best practices for evaluating prospective donors from different countries, ensuring compliance with both local and international regulations. Gain practical insights on overcoming common obstacles and implementing effective due diligence strategies that maintain the integrity and reputation of your nonprofit on a global scale. Speakers: - Kerry Rock, Chief Executive, Prospecting for Gold - Maria Jornet Escuer, Researcher, Prospecting for Gold
Cracking the Code of Due Diligence: Organizational and Collaborative Strategies That Work
11/07/2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)  |  45 minutes
11/07/2024 at 12:00 PM (EST)  |  45 minutes This session is designed to enhance your nonprofit’s due diligence practices through strategic collaboration and policy development. Learn how to effectively work with other departments to integrate due diligence into your organization’s processes. Discover best practices for involving engaging all levels of leadership in due diligence efforts and gain insights into developing and implementing a comprehensive due diligence policy. This session will provide you with practical strategies for fostering cross-departmental cooperation and ensuring robust, organization-wide due diligence. Speaker: - Bethany Andorfer Morley, Director of Prospect Strategy and Research, West Chester University Foundation
Practical Applications of AI in Prospect Development
11/07/2024 at 1:45 PM (EST)  |  45 minutes
11/07/2024 at 1:45 PM (EST)  |  45 minutes Discover how AI can revolutionize prospect identification, enhance stewardship and outreach efforts, and work seamlessly with your CRM system. We will discuss both predictive AI and generative AI, and how those technologies affect your work and can be leveraged to optimize your prospect development processes. Whether you're new to AI or looking to expand its application in your work, this session will equip you with actionable insights and strategies to harness AI effectively for your nonprofit's success. Speaker: - John Sammis, Senior Vice President of Data Analytics for CCS Fundraising
Due Diligence: Looking Ahead
11/07/2024 at 2:45 PM (EST)  |  45 minutes
11/07/2024 at 2:45 PM (EST)  |  45 minutes This panel session will provide a forward-looking perspective on the evolving landscape of due diligence practices. Examine the emerging trends and technologies that are shaping the field, including the role of artificial intelligence and other innovations. Discover how these advancements can enhance your due diligence processes and address potential challenges. Join us for an insightful discussion on the future directions of due diligence, and gain practical strategies to stay ahead in an ever-changing environment. Panelists: - Michael Foote, AVP, Development Operations and Performance, Dartmouth College - Megan Tedeschi, Managing Director, Prospect Development, UNICEF USA - Kevin Vaughn, Research Analyst, Department of Development, University of Notre Dame