LINDA B. HALEY, CFRE
President & CEO
Since 1995, Linda B. Haley, CFRE, President & CEO, has successfully raised more than $200 million for various non-profits of all sizes, including religious, social services, educational, and healthcare organizations.
Linda has a breadth of “in the trenches” development experience that makes her an invaluable resource to organizations of all sizes. She’s worked at small, mid-sized, and large charities, leading development initiatives to incredible successes along the way.
Realizing a long-time dream, Linda started Let’s Build Hope, LLC, in 2013, where she now guides nonprofit agencies by teaching, coaching, and mentoring development teams, senior staff, and Board members. She has also developed – and teaches – a week-long Annual Fund Training Camp to educate fundraisers and volunteers about the intricacies of successful fund development and the need for a true culture of philanthropy. Linda is a strategist and a creative thinker – her ability to see development efforts in a linear way and to understand both problem and solution make her an invaluable resource to nonprofits.
Linda was named the 2016 Outstanding Fundraising Executive by the St. Louis Regional Chapter of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals). She has been a CFRE since 2001 and serves in various volunteer capacities with non-profits in St. Louis; she is especially passionate about mental health. She speaks both locally and nationally about fund development and is a vocal advocate for nonprofits who seek to change the fabric of the communities in which they serve.
Linda has a breadth of “in the trenches” development experience that makes her an invaluable resource to organizations of all sizes. She’s worked at small, mid-sized, and large charities, leading development initiatives to incredible successes along the way.
Realizing a long-time dream, Linda started Let’s Build Hope, LLC, in 2013, where she now guides nonprofit agencies by teaching, coaching, and mentoring development teams, senior staff, and Board members. She has also developed – and teaches – a week-long Annual Fund Training Camp to educate fundraisers and volunteers about the intricacies of successful fund development and the need for a true culture of philanthropy. Linda is a strategist and a creative thinker – her ability to see development efforts in a linear way and to understand both problem and solution make her an invaluable resource to nonprofits.
Linda was named the 2016 Outstanding Fundraising Executive by the St. Louis Regional Chapter of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals). She has been a CFRE since 2001 and serves in various volunteer capacities with non-profits in St. Louis; she is especially passionate about mental health. She speaks both locally and nationally about fund development and is a vocal advocate for nonprofits who seek to change the fabric of the communities in which they serve.
MEREDITH FRIEDMAN, CFRE
Senior Consultant
Meredith Friedman, CFRE, Senior Consultant, has 20 years of experience in non-profit leadership and development with a particular expertise in helping organizations transform their performance through strategic goals.
Meredith’s non-profit experience began when she successfully helped an international non-profit raise over $3 million and strategically shift its direction to attract a younger demographic in order to remain a viable organization.
She then spent the next eight years taking on increasingly larger roles at a mid-size St. Louis nonprofit, rising to become Chief Development Officer. During that time, she grew annual fundraising goals year over year by more than 20% and grew the major gifts program by 50%. When it became clear that the non-profit needed a strategic shift in leadership, Meredith was named Chief Executive Officer and given the responsibility of a complete organizational transformation. More recently, Meredith helped a $16 million non-profit through a similar transformation that included driving new programming initiatives, development strategy, and strengthening their leadership team.
Meredith brings hands-on leadership experience, enthusiasm and strategic thinking skills to help non-profits in need of transformation. She is known for helping colleagues and team members learn how to be better leaders, fundraisers, and non-profit professionals.
Meredith has a life-long love of learning that stems from her early career years a teacher. She has earned CFRE accreditation and has also a Certificate in Fundraising for Chief Executive Officers from the Brown School of Social Work and a Certificate in Non-profit Management from the Olin School of Business, both part of Washington University in St. Louis.
Meredith’s non-profit experience began when she successfully helped an international non-profit raise over $3 million and strategically shift its direction to attract a younger demographic in order to remain a viable organization.
She then spent the next eight years taking on increasingly larger roles at a mid-size St. Louis nonprofit, rising to become Chief Development Officer. During that time, she grew annual fundraising goals year over year by more than 20% and grew the major gifts program by 50%. When it became clear that the non-profit needed a strategic shift in leadership, Meredith was named Chief Executive Officer and given the responsibility of a complete organizational transformation. More recently, Meredith helped a $16 million non-profit through a similar transformation that included driving new programming initiatives, development strategy, and strengthening their leadership team.
Meredith brings hands-on leadership experience, enthusiasm and strategic thinking skills to help non-profits in need of transformation. She is known for helping colleagues and team members learn how to be better leaders, fundraisers, and non-profit professionals.
Meredith has a life-long love of learning that stems from her early career years a teacher. She has earned CFRE accreditation and has also a Certificate in Fundraising for Chief Executive Officers from the Brown School of Social Work and a Certificate in Non-profit Management from the Olin School of Business, both part of Washington University in St. Louis.
Beth Jantz
Consultant, GrantsPLUS
Beth Jantz, Consultant, GrantsPLUS, is a nonprofit leader with a decade of experience working with social service organizations. Her expertise includes grants development, annual fundraising, strategic planning, and program leadership. Beth combines a passion for mission-driven work with a clear-eyed analytical approach. Her background in both fund development and program leadership uniquely suits her to communicate with diverse stakeholders and develop strategic solutions.
Most recently, Beth served as a senior program director at a $15 million organization, where she helped facilitate the transformation of the organization through new programming initiatives, diversification of revenue, a new development strategy, and a strengthened leadership structure. Beth successfully designed and launched a social enterprise restaurant and a state-of-the-art adaptive fitness facility. Before that, Beth raised more than $3 million in grant funding, significantly expanding the organization’s grants program. Beth also helped co-found a small nonprofit that provides a pathway to financial stability through homeownership.
Originally from Dallas, Beth moved to St. Louis to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in African and African-American Studies and English Literature from Washington University. Since then, she has spent her career embedded in the St. Louis nonprofit community. In her free time, Beth enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring the city’s many art and food festivals.
Most recently, Beth served as a senior program director at a $15 million organization, where she helped facilitate the transformation of the organization through new programming initiatives, diversification of revenue, a new development strategy, and a strengthened leadership structure. Beth successfully designed and launched a social enterprise restaurant and a state-of-the-art adaptive fitness facility. Before that, Beth raised more than $3 million in grant funding, significantly expanding the organization’s grants program. Beth also helped co-found a small nonprofit that provides a pathway to financial stability through homeownership.
Originally from Dallas, Beth moved to St. Louis to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in African and African-American Studies and English Literature from Washington University. Since then, she has spent her career embedded in the St. Louis nonprofit community. In her free time, Beth enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring the city’s many art and food festivals.
Beth Krumm, MEd
Senior Consultant
Beth Krumm, MEd, Senior Consultant, has dedicated her career to helping mission-driven organizations achieve their goals through strategic philanthropy and leadership development. She has more than 25 years of experience raising funds and leading teams, including educational, arts, and social service organizations. Beth’s extensive experience includes developing successful fundraising plans and strategies, building long-term donor relationships, gift solicitation, stewardship, campaign management, and board development. To date she has raised more than $100 million to fund crucial nonprofit missions.
Prior to joining Let’s Build Hope, Beth served as Associate Vice Chancellor of Development for the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she also led the University Advancement team through a leadership transition as Interim Vice Chancellor for Advancement.
Raised in Columbia, Missouri, Beth received both her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her master’s degree in Athletic Administration from Mizzou. She is a board member of Nursing Heart Inc, a previous Executive Board member of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (AFP) St. Louis, as well as a member of the MU Griffiths Leadership Society. In her free time, Beth enjoys traveling, reading, wine education, and sporting events.
Prior to joining Let’s Build Hope, Beth served as Associate Vice Chancellor of Development for the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she also led the University Advancement team through a leadership transition as Interim Vice Chancellor for Advancement.
Raised in Columbia, Missouri, Beth received both her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her master’s degree in Athletic Administration from Mizzou. She is a board member of Nursing Heart Inc, a previous Executive Board member of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (AFP) St. Louis, as well as a member of the MU Griffiths Leadership Society. In her free time, Beth enjoys traveling, reading, wine education, and sporting events.
Steffani Lautenschlager, MEd, CFRE
Senior Consultant
Steffani Lautenschlager, MEd, CFRE, is a passionate civic leader and an experienced advancement officer with over 15 years of fundraising in education and nonprofit organizations. Her contagious enthusiasm combined with experience guides her values-based leadership to help strengthen our St. Louis community. She has strong skills in major gift and annual fund giving, capital and comprehensive campaigns, nonprofit management, board development, strategic planning, and leadership development. She has worked on campaigns for multiple universities, including Emory University, Washington University in St. Louis, and University of Missouri-Columbia. Steffani led a team of 6 to successfully execute a $10 million endowment initiative and a $22 million comprehensive campaign at City Academy, where she was the Chief Development Officer for 8 years.
For over 20 years Steffani has facilitated workshops for students, alumni, staff, and volunteers to encourage personal and professional growth, vision planning, leadership development, and building of communication and trust among individuals. Her strength lies in the ability to assess scenarios, build plans, and guide groups through challenging conversations. Steffani is a frequent presenter on fundraising and leadership topics at local, state, and national conferences.
Steffani has earned CFRE accreditation, a master’s in education from Indiana University, and bachelors degree from University of Missouri-Columbia. She is also a proud graduate of the Focus St. Louis Leadership St. Louis class of 2018-2019.
Being actively engaged in her community is essential for Steffani. She currently serves on the board for Girls on the Run St. Louis and Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) St. Louis Chapter. Steffani also advanced missions by serving on the boards for The Gathering, Golden Key Scholarship Fund, and the Mizzou Student Affairs Alumni Development Board.
For over 20 years Steffani has facilitated workshops for students, alumni, staff, and volunteers to encourage personal and professional growth, vision planning, leadership development, and building of communication and trust among individuals. Her strength lies in the ability to assess scenarios, build plans, and guide groups through challenging conversations. Steffani is a frequent presenter on fundraising and leadership topics at local, state, and national conferences.
Steffani has earned CFRE accreditation, a master’s in education from Indiana University, and bachelors degree from University of Missouri-Columbia. She is also a proud graduate of the Focus St. Louis Leadership St. Louis class of 2018-2019.
Being actively engaged in her community is essential for Steffani. She currently serves on the board for Girls on the Run St. Louis and Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) St. Louis Chapter. Steffani also advanced missions by serving on the boards for The Gathering, Golden Key Scholarship Fund, and the Mizzou Student Affairs Alumni Development Board.
Sarah Melinger
Senior Consultant
Sarah Melinger, Senior Consultant, has over 10 years of experience working for a wide range of non-profits that include the arts, higher education, and civic improvement. Her experience includes annual fund, major gifts, capital campaigns, board development, and strategic planning. She prides herself on developing long-standing relationships with both internal and external constituents.
Most recently Sarah served as the Executive Director of the Mannie Jackson Center for Humanities where she led the foundation through a strategic process to better adapt to best practices for non-profits. Prior to her foundation role, she served as the Development Director for the Gateway Arch Park Foundation. There she was responsible for the creation of annual revenue, including launching the inaugural membership program for the foundation and the development of corporate event sponsorship opportunities.
Sarah grew up in St. Louis and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Washington University. After graduation she spent nearly 15 years in New York working behind the scenes in the fashion and beauty industry. In 2007 she returned to St. Louis with her husband and children and began using her expertise to help mission-driven organizations. She is the president of the Clayton Community Foundation as well as former president of the Parent Teacher Organization Council for the School District of Clayton. She was recently appointed to the Blues for Kids Board. Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, her dogs Gigi and Zoey, and reading.
Most recently Sarah served as the Executive Director of the Mannie Jackson Center for Humanities where she led the foundation through a strategic process to better adapt to best practices for non-profits. Prior to her foundation role, she served as the Development Director for the Gateway Arch Park Foundation. There she was responsible for the creation of annual revenue, including launching the inaugural membership program for the foundation and the development of corporate event sponsorship opportunities.
Sarah grew up in St. Louis and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Washington University. After graduation she spent nearly 15 years in New York working behind the scenes in the fashion and beauty industry. In 2007 she returned to St. Louis with her husband and children and began using her expertise to help mission-driven organizations. She is the president of the Clayton Community Foundation as well as former president of the Parent Teacher Organization Council for the School District of Clayton. She was recently appointed to the Blues for Kids Board. Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, her dogs Gigi and Zoey, and reading.
DAWN M.S. MILLER, CFRE
Vice President, Annual Fund
Since 1997, Dawn M.S. Miller, CFRE, Vice President-Annual Fund, has raised millions for international programs, capital expenditures, social services, disaster relief efforts, annual funds, scholarships, special gift campaigns, and endowments. She has assisted organizations in 31 states and the District of Columbia with their fundraising efforts, also supporting clients in Canada, Haiti, Mexico, and in Rome.
As a consultant, Dawn has extensive experience in designing and managing annual fund programs; restructuring development offices; conducting development assessments; managing major and planned giving initiatives; overseeing executive searches; assisting in strategic planning for complex organizations; educating Boards and Councils; and integrating marketing and communications with fundraising. She has raised more than $150 million with 200+ nonprofit organizations.
Dawn is often a featured speaker at national conventions, regional fundraising workshops, audio conferences, and webinars and has been a frequent contributor to local, national, and international nonprofit publications, websites, social media outlets, and blogs. She is former chair of the AFP Advanced Professionals Committee for the St. Louis region and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Communication Theory and Rhetoric from the University of Missouri—St. Louis. Dawn loves podcasts and movies, outdoor music festivals/concerts, theater, and supporting local restaurants/small businesses.
DR. SANDRA G. EHRLICH, CFRE
Specialty Consultant
Dr. Sandra G. Ehrlich, CFRE, Specialty Consultant, is a management, leadership, and fund development consultant with more than 35 years of increasing responsibility in the private and public sector. A dedicated nonprofit advocate, Sandra acts as a catalyst for nonprofit excellence by increasing effectiveness and efficiency in organizational development, fund development, marketing communications, media relations, and strategic planning.
A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Sandra has successfully raised more than $50+ million for national nonprofits. She has received two national fundraising awards, and has presented at national fund development conferences, webinars, and workshops. A transformational nonprofit leader, she is the President-Elect of the AFP Alaska Chapter, Board President of the Friends of Talkeetna Library, and the CFRE Ambassador for Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. For her vital contributions and exemplary leadership in the nonprofit sector, she received the coveted Outstanding Professional in Philanthropy award from the AFP Alaska Chapter in 2018.
An Associate Professor of Management & Marketing, Sandra is the Director of Graduate Business Programs for the College of Business and Public Policy at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Sandra received the University of Alaska Faculty Development Award in 2016. She also received the Teacher of the Year Award from the UAA College of Business & Public Policy in 2013-2014.
Sandra’s academic background includes a Doctorate in Management and Leadership, Webster University, 2009; M.S. in Integrated Marketing, Northwestern University, 1982; and a B.S. in Journalism, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1981.
A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Sandra has successfully raised more than $50+ million for national nonprofits. She has received two national fundraising awards, and has presented at national fund development conferences, webinars, and workshops. A transformational nonprofit leader, she is the President-Elect of the AFP Alaska Chapter, Board President of the Friends of Talkeetna Library, and the CFRE Ambassador for Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. For her vital contributions and exemplary leadership in the nonprofit sector, she received the coveted Outstanding Professional in Philanthropy award from the AFP Alaska Chapter in 2018.
An Associate Professor of Management & Marketing, Sandra is the Director of Graduate Business Programs for the College of Business and Public Policy at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Sandra received the University of Alaska Faculty Development Award in 2016. She also received the Teacher of the Year Award from the UAA College of Business & Public Policy in 2013-2014.
Sandra’s academic background includes a Doctorate in Management and Leadership, Webster University, 2009; M.S. in Integrated Marketing, Northwestern University, 1982; and a B.S. in Journalism, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1981.
THERESA L. FLECK, MA, CFRE
Specialty Consultant
Theresa L. Fleck, MA, CFRE, Specialty Consultant, has been raising funds successfully since 2001. She has extensive experience developing strategy and executing fundraising plans for a wide range of nonprofit organizations, including universities, independent schools, social service agencies, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and arts organizations.
Theresa has a proven track record of designing and implementing comprehensive strategic and tactical plans for all levels of fund development and considerable training in planned and major gifts, capital campaigns, event planning, annual fund execution, donor stewardship and board development. A seasoned fundraising professional, Theresa has managed, mentored and collaborated with boards, volunteers and staff to focus on the identification and long-term cultivation of donors. Her career experience also includes strategic planning, admissions, board training, executive-level leadership, marketing, public relations and communications.
Theresa is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and the St. Louis Planned Giving Council (SLPGC). She currently serves on the board of AFP St. Louis as President-Elect, and is a former board member of AFP Rhode Island. Theresa holds a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from Washington University in St. Louis and a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Communications/Public Relations and English Literature from Ohio Northern University.
Theresa has a proven track record of designing and implementing comprehensive strategic and tactical plans for all levels of fund development and considerable training in planned and major gifts, capital campaigns, event planning, annual fund execution, donor stewardship and board development. A seasoned fundraising professional, Theresa has managed, mentored and collaborated with boards, volunteers and staff to focus on the identification and long-term cultivation of donors. Her career experience also includes strategic planning, admissions, board training, executive-level leadership, marketing, public relations and communications.
Theresa is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and the St. Louis Planned Giving Council (SLPGC). She currently serves on the board of AFP St. Louis as President-Elect, and is a former board member of AFP Rhode Island. Theresa holds a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from Washington University in St. Louis and a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Communications/Public Relations and English Literature from Ohio Northern University.