Kelly Merricks, CFRE, MBA, has served the greater Richmond community for more than 25 years by connecting donors' passions with community needs. Her career has included development leadership roles with the Arthritis Foundation, American Red Cross, Central Virginia Foodbank, now Feed More, Westminster Canterbury Richmond, and Sheltering Arms Foundation.

At Westminster Canterbury Richmond, Kelly managed the foundation, public relations, and volunteer services departments. She joined Sheltering Arms Foundation in 2014, where she helped reinvigorate philanthropy and support the development of Sheltering Arms Institute, a collaboration with VCU Health. She also contributed to the successful completion of a capital campaign exceeding $50 million.

Kelly is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, holds an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University, and is a graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond. She has served in leadership roles with Richmond Montessori School, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Virginia Chapter, and the Virginia Gift Planning Council. She currently serves on the University of Richmond Institute on Philanthropy Advisory Board and teaches in its Fund Development program. In 2024, Kelly received the Nina Abady Award for excellence in the field of development.

Ruth Modlin Ellett, CFRE, is a fundraising consultant and educator with more than 35 years of experience building private philanthropy and strengthening the development profession. For more than two decades, she has led Modlin Ellett Associates, a consulting firm focused on helping nonprofit organizations build capacity and create sustainable funding strategies.

Throughout her career, Ruth has worked with nonprofit, government, faith-based, arts, and educational organizations of varying sizes and structures. Her expertise includes major gifts, capital campaigns, board development, donor communications, fundraising strategy, and organizational systems that support philanthropic success. She is recognized for her ability to build strong relationships, develop effective partnerships, and help organizations translate mission and vision into sustainable fundraising practice.

Ruth is a graduate of Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC and earned the Certified Fundraising Executive credential in 2003.  She has served in leadership positions with St. James's Episcopal Church, The St. James's Children's Center, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central Virginia Chapter and the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives.  She currently serves on the University of Richmond Institute on Philanthropy Advisory Board.  In 2015, Ruth received the Nina Abady award in recognition of excellence in the field of development.

F. Nicholas Sollog III is the founder and CEO of The Sollog Group, a consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations raise more money in less time. A development professional with more than 21 years of experience, Nick specializes in capital campaigns, annual giving, database administration, and prospect development.

Prior to founding The Sollog Group in 2009, Nick served in development roles at the University of Richmond and the University of Lynchburg. He is a Richmond native and earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Lynchburg. His continuing education includes certificates from the University of Richmond Institute on Philanthropy in Grant Writing and Management, Fundraising and Development, and Nonprofit Marketing.

Nick is actively involved in the Richmond community and currently serves on the board of Shood. He previously served on the University of Lynchburg Alumni Board and is an active member of Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, where he has served in stewardship and vestry leadership. His professional affiliations include the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Association for Advancement Services Professionals, Apra International, Apra Virginia, and the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives.

Robinette Tiller, CFRE, serves as Director of Donor Relations in the Office of Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, supporting VCU Health, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the VCU School of Medicine. She brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit fundraising.

In her role, Robinette oversees donor relations strategy for VCU Health, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the VCU School of Medicine. Her responsibilities include recruitment and engagement of volunteer solicitors, faculty engagement, donor communications, commemorative donors strategies, loyalty giving societies stewardship touches and acknowledgment processes for the Office of Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations.

Robinette is a past president of the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives and previously served as a mentor in the organization's Professional Partnership Program. She is also an active member and presenter with the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives and the National Association of Cancer Center Development Officers.

Mary Maupai serves as Development Director for Safe Harbor, a Henrico-based nonprofit organization that helps survivors of sexual and domestic violence and human trafficking heal and rebuild their lives.

Mary brings more than 25 years of nonprofit experience spanning both operations and development. She has worked with national organizations, including the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as smaller stand-alone nonprofits. Through these experiences, she has developed a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with fundraising in organizations of varying sizes and structures.

Mary is passionate about connecting donors with opportunities to make meaningful change and helping nonprofit organizations secure the resources needed to advance their missions.

Laurie Rogers is an independent grant writer and fundraising consultant with more than 30 years of experience serving nonprofit organizations in the Richmond region. Her work has focused primarily on social service organizations, supporting clients in developing grant proposals and advancing broader fundraising goals.

Prior to beginning her consulting practice, Laurie served as Capital Campaign Director for a $30 million campaign and as Annual Fund Director at The Valentine. She has also contributed as a fundraising volunteer for her undergraduate and graduate institutions.

Since 1999, Laurie has taught grant writing and fundraising courses through the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Virginia, and other organizations. She has served on the vestry of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and on the boards of numerous community organizations. She currently serves on the board of Children's Hospital of Richmond.

Laurie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Sewanee: The University of the South and a Master of Public Policy from Duke University.

Melissa Murchison is the founder of MDM Consulting Group, a leadership development consulting firm that partners with executives and teams to strengthen organizational practices, improve communication, and help organizations achieve their goals.

Melissa brings expertise in strategic planning, management effectiveness, sales training, team development, and leadership development. She works with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, helping leaders identify strengths, build capacity, and develop approaches that support organizational growth and effectiveness.

Melissa is also actively engaged in the Richmond community and has served on numerous boards and board committees. Her community involvement has included service with ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, the PTA, and Comfort Zone Camp.

Melissa earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Virginia Tech. Her additional professional development includes coursework in Business Data Analytics through the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Senior Birkman Certification.

Amanda Kennedy is a nonprofit executive with more than two decades of experience in youth development, fundraising, and organizational leadership. At age 19, she founded the Railroad Street Youth Project in Massachusetts after advocating for greater inclusion of youth voices in community decision-making. That early work developed into a youth-centered organization focused on mentorship, advocacy, and community building.

Amanda currently leads philanthropy efforts at VHBG, where she works to strengthen community partnerships, elevate youth voice, and advance opportunities for youth and families. Across her career, she has remained committed to creating environments in which young people, particularly those facing systemic barriers, feel seen, heard, and supported.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Bryn Mawr College and a master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of the Pacific.