RAISE Podcast

In this podcast interview, Brent hosts Sally Bryant, CEO of Bryant Group, who shares her journey from a small farming town in Eastern Washington to leadership in advancement, executive search, and talent consulting. Sally reflects on discovering philanthropy during a senior-year internship at Washington State University, rising into early advancement leadership roles including chief advancement officer at Marymount California University, and later building experience through consulting and an eight-year career at Mary Kay that strengthened her skills in recruitment, resilience, and relationship building. The conversation explores her leadership philosophy and her work at the Bryant Group, where she focuses on helping advancement organizations strengthen hiring, leadership, and team development, while emphasizing empathy, mentorship, and the growing need for business and technology fluency in the sector.

On this episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent hosts Chip Edmonds, president of Lycoming College and former chief advancement officer at his alma mater. Chip shares how an interdisciplinary college experience, a career in frontline fundraising and leadership, and powerful philanthropic journeys prepared him for the presidency and inform his belief that higher education’s narrative should center on real stories of impact.

Brent talks with Amanda Hopkins about her journey from a Trinidad farm to law school to leading development at CU Boulder. She shares insights on gift planning, mentorship, CU’s momentum, and how her team uses data and visioning sessions to spark transformational philanthropy.

On this episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent hosts Karl Miller Lugo, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Karl reflects on a journey that runs from admissions and major gifts at mission-driven institutions to consulting and now leading advancement at UTSA, where he’s helping drive an access-focused, Hispanic serving, R1 university—and soon a new integration with UT Health San Antonio—into its next chapter.

On this episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent hosts Christine Pena, Chief Advancement Officer at Miss Porter’s School. Christine shares her journey from a first-generation student inspired by a TV boarding school to roles in admissions, major gifts, and global girls’ education, reflecting on liberal education, long-term institutional change, and the stories that prove the power of investing in human potential.

Brent talks to Ashley Budd, Senior Marketing Director at Cornell University, about her journey from student ambassador to advancement leader, sharing insights on digital marketing and email strategy. They discuss the importance of authenticity, empathy, and effective alumni engagement in building long-term relationships.

On this episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent sits down with Matt Ter Molen, Vice President for Institute Advancement at RPI. Matt has been described by colleagues as “the kind of leader everyone wants to work for and with.” Matt’s career journey is as inspiring as it is diverse, from earning his pilot’s license in high school; to serving as a beekeeping extension agent in Honduras with the Peace Corps; to advancing through leadership roles at Northwestern, Syracuse, and now RPI. In this episode, Matt shares his insights on trusting the twists and turns of a career, the power of giving 100% to every position you take on, and the ultimate magic of “doing well while doing good” in the nonprofit sector. Matt also reflects on the values instilled in him by his father, a fellow advancement professional, and the enduring importance of service in his life and career. Tune in for an engaging conversation that spans the skies and the fields, and offers deep insights into leadership and personal growth.

On this episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent hosts Derek Dictson, Vice President for University Advancement at Colorado State University. Derek shares his journey from the tech industry to leading CSU's advancement efforts, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI and innovative strategies in higher education fundraising.

Tom Farrell, Senior Vice President for Advancement at the University of Rochester, leads the university’s efforts to foster relationships with alumni, donors, and partners, securing resources for education, research, public service, and healthcare. Known for his empathetic approach and team-building skills, Tom's unique journey from various roles, including gas station attendant and janitor, enriches his perspective. A Rochester native, Tom leverages his extensive experience from institutions like Dartmouth, Penn, and Illinois, driving the University of Rochester’s mission forward. He prepares for an ambitious new campaign, continuing his impactful advancement work.

Roger Divine, Assistant Vice President for Advancement Operations at Pomona College, leads the institution's digital transformation efforts, focusing on leveraging AI and data to enhance alumni engagement and fundraising. With a diverse background in languages, technology, and analytics, Roger has a track record of fostering a data-driven culture and driving significant fundraising achievements.

Suzanne Hilser-Wiles, President, partners with GG+A clients around the globe to help them elevate their fundraising by offering more than 25 years of experience in advancement, program building, and campaign planning and implementation. Throughout her career, she has helped design, rebuild, and reimagine programs by applying her experience with a wide range of advancement programs and institutions. Her extensive previous professional experience includes fundraising, alumni relations, communications, and marketing. Suzanne joined GG+A in 2011 and was appointed to the firm’s executive committee in 2013. In 2016, she became the firm’s first woman president in its nearly 60-year history. In addition to her other responsibilities, she leads the firm’s Europe and UK practice. She has worked closely with her clients through their individual challenges and opportunities, including ambitious campaigns, changes in leadership, crises, and restructuring. Suzanne has partnered with GG+A clients across all of the firm’s sectors, providing strategic counsel to advancement teams and institutional leadership. This vast array of clients includes the Art Institute of Chicago; Carnegie Mellon University; Charlotte Country Day School; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Drexel University; Fuller Theological Seminary; IESE Business School; Indiana University; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Philadelphia Museum of Art; Pomona College; and Tate. Prior to joining the firm, Suzanne served as Vice-Chancellor for Advancement at University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), overseeing fundraising, alumni relations and all marketing and communications for the university. She also served on an executive team advising the university’s chancellor on all major policy decisions and as the primary staff member for the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees. Suzanne joined UNCSA from CancerCare, a national healthcare nonprofit based in New York City, where she served as Director of External Affairs. Before joining CancerCare, Suzanne served as Senior Development Officer for Corporate Annual Programs at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she oversaw the Museum’s annual corporate fundraising program and staffed the Museum’s business committee. Previously, Suzanne served as Associate Director of Individual and Leadership Giving at the Museum of Modern Art. Suzanne began her career in institutional advancement with Pets are Wonderful Support in San Francisco, where she served as Director of Development. Suzanne received her Bachelor of Arts degree in art history from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds a Master of Arts degree in arts administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. She has served as a board member of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City; as a class agent for the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY; and as a parent fundraiser for Summit School in Winston-Salem, NC and The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA, among other volunteer positions.

On this episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent chats with Michael Andreasen, Vice Chancellor for Development at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Mike looks back on the twists and turns that led him to Chapel Hill, including his work on some incredible, transformational gifts like Stephen Ross gift to name the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Mike shares stories about how a near-firing experience changed his whole approach to fundraising for the better, how he approaches lifelong stewardship, and how new data analytics and advances in technology will benefit society. Brent and Mike tackle some big questions during this conversation: How can philanthropy bring about positive change in a shorter amount of time? Why should fundraisers ask for certain gift amounts? How can advancement shops reach more alumni while also being more authentic, genuine, and personalized in their connections? Tune in for a conversation that is sure to get you fired up about higher education and the real-time, life-changing power of philanthropy.

On this episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent hosts Mark Delos Reyes Davis, Vice Chancellor for University Relations at University of California, Santa Cruz and President of the UC Santa Cruz Foundation. Mark reflects on the the twists and turns of a fundraising career that has led him to some of the country’s highest-performing fundraising shops, including Rice, Hawaii Pacific, and Carnegie Mellon. He shares how his experience as a first-generation college graduate, his years as a Presidential Chief of Staff, and his time as marketing lead for capital campaigns have influenced his perspective and approach to leadership today. Mark also covers the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion – acknowledging that while the advancement industry has made strides in the realm of DEIB&J, there is still a long way to go towards building teams, closing gifts, and cultivating relationships that support and represent the diverse communities we serve. When asked how he feels about ultimately landing in sunny Santa Cruz, Mark says, "UC Santa Cruz is the most beautiful campus in the country. Who wouldn't want to be a Slug? It's one of very few institutions (as an AAU, HSI, and AANAPISI) that is equally committed to leading research and educational access." Tune in!