Committee Chairs:

Melissa Gomez*

Melissa McLeod

Committee Members:

Mindee Barham

Blake Bradford

Leah Burke

Melissa Chang

Evelyn Chen

Brandon Cole

Renee Jamerson

Erica Joy West

Jennifer Moore

Thomas E. Moore III

Deana Murtha

Carmel Napolitano

Leigh Reid

Susan Shapiro

Anne Townsend

Gary Weinberg

The Professional Advancement Committee organizes year-round events which serve the Chapter’s mission to support education and community in fundraising. Comprising panel discussions, fireside chats, and symposia, our sessions (such as the annual “Meet the Grantmakers”) address current topics and best practices across development functions and fields. We recruit guest speakers from a wide range of influential and emerging organizations.

We seek to integrate AFP principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) and ethical practices, to offer excellent and impartial guidance and education on fundraising strategy and tactics, and to build community among the purpose-driven organizations that sustain a vibrant New York City.

Committee Members support the Committee and the Chapter by maintaining AFP membership, participating in the Committee’s annual planning, contributing ideas and expertise, joining 1-2 session planning groups per year, and amplifying event promotion to professional networks. We welcome new members. Please reach out!