Deni Hirsh is a seasoned nonprofit fundraising professional with a passion for donor relations, strategic planning, and community engagement. She is the CEO of A Fresh Perspective, a nonprofit consultancy specializing in fundraising strategy and special events.

Her career highlights include:
✔ CEO, A Fresh Perspective – Providing expert consulting on nonprofit fundraising and donor relations.
✔ Development & Membership Manager, Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation – Secured over $8 million for the organization’s capital campaign, including a $3 million grant from the Mellon Foundation.
✔ Director of Development, Germantown Performing Arts Center – Elevated annual giving through donor affinity groups, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Deni has been an active volunteer throughout her career, serving organizations in Memphis, TN; New Orleans, LA; Seattle, WA; and Cody, WY. She previously served a four-year term as District 2 Representative on the Memphis City Schools Board of Commissioners and was the first recipient of the Mildred S. Schwartz Leadership Award. She currently resides in Cody, WY, with her husband, and enjoys spending time with her daughters, step-son, and grandchildren across the country.

Kelly Smith Taylor

Kelly Smith Taylor is a dedicated fundraising and nonprofit development professional with a passion for driving year-over-year fundraising success and program impact through strategic planning. She finds inspiration in seeing organizations, teams, and individuals unlock their full potential.

Prior to her current position, Kelly served 15 years in development, leading fundraising efforts for public policy non-profits in Kentucky, Connecticut, and Nevada. During that time, she served as  Director of Development and Vice President of Strategic Partners and helped organizations raise over $10 million.

Kelly graduated in 1995 from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in business, Kelly worked with elected officials in Cleveland and Columbus as Finance Associate under the Director and Deputy Director and worked for a member of Congress as Field Representative until 2004.  

Her expertise includes grant writing, event planning, strategic planning including systems and automations, high dollar direct mail programs, and high dollar prospect acquisition. What she enjoys most about her work in development is connecting with and listening to those she meets, understanding their vision, and finding alignment between mission and potential funders. Kelly is a creative thinker, focused doer, and connector who excels at distilling essential information to turn ideas into impact.

Throughout her career, Kelly has been active with many organizations reflective of her love for faith, civic responsibility, education, and history. She served as interim curator for the Troy Overfield Tavern Museum and served as a guest judge for the Ohio Historical Society’s National History Day which was held in Piqua, Ohio until 2020. She currently serves as Secretary for First Lutheran Church in Troy, Ohio.

Heather Withrow, CFRE

Heather Withrow is a non-profit professional with over 25 years of experience connecting funding with mission, enabling organizations to flourish and achieve their objectives. A graduate of West Virginia University, Heather has devoted most of her career to faith-based charities and possesses extensive experience working with organizations that empower people with disabilities to realize their full potential. Heather has raised over $6 million throughout her career through relationship-building and grant writing. She is a mother of four and enjoys embarking on new adventures.