The Role of Broad-based Engagement and Fundraising in Campaign Strategy

Tarek ElChaarani is the Director of Annual Giving & Business Intelligence at McGill University, a relatively unique position that sits in two distinct departments (Annual Giving and Advancement Operations). He is currently responsible for the strategic conception and day-to-day management of McGill’s Annual Giving program, as well as the development, implementation and oversight of a comprehensive analytics and performance management program to support the strategic information needs of the various units within University Advancement. Tarek began his advancement career at McGill in 2008 and has held a variety of roles within Annual Giving and Business Intelligence since then, including those of a Phonathon Manager, Leadership Officer and BI Analyst. He earned his BSc from McGill University followed by his MBA from Concordia University.

As the assistant vice chancellor, alumni relations & constituent engagement, Erika Jordan serves as the chief alumni relations and engagement officer for the campus and plays a key role in providing leadership and strategic guidance to the Engagement & Annual Programs, UCI Alumni Association, alumni relations and Health Advancement pipeline. She is responsible for the overall management of the UCI Alumni Association, campuswide annual giving, Chancellor’s Club, the Parent Development & Engagement program, the Reunions program and leadership annual giving which includes a frontline team of gift officers. Prior to this role, Erika served as executive director, Engagement & Annual Programs and sr. executive director, alumni relations, Engagement & Annual Programs. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Howard University and executive masters in leadership from USC.

Jennifer MacCormack is the Senior Director of Annual Philanthropy and Advancement Analytics at the University of Washington. In her role, Jennifer is responsible for building strategies that lead to a robust base of philanthropic support and pipeline growth, bring data and analytical insights into fundraising and engagement decision making, and transform the way we build meaningful relationships with our constituents through digital pathways. Jennifer has worked more than 15 years in fundraising, prospect development and analytics. She served on the Board of Directors for Apra and has volunteered with CASE, AFP and Annual Giving Directors Consortium.

Astria L. Smith is the Senior Executive Director for Annual Giving and Alumni Relations at SMU. She provides strategic leadership and direction for efforts that engage, solicit and steward SMU alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends. Her role allows her to integrate several areas of passion and expertise, including front-line fundraising, annual giving stewardship, multi-channel direct marketing, volunteer management and alumni engagement. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and master’s degrees from both Amberton University and SMU. She began her development career at Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, TX before joining SMU in 2007. As a compliment to her 16 years in the development field, Astria shares her fundraising knowledge by volunteering in the community and has served as a presenter for several networks including CASE and AGN.