BOARD MEMBERS

Jenny Colvin, President

Jenny is the Vice President at River Bend Food Bank.

Why is being a member of AFP important to you?
A person should never stop learning. AFP provides a network of peers to connect, opportunities to continuously learn and grow, and resources to help us all be successful in a hard, yet rewarding profession.

Why are you choosing a career in philanthropy?
I believe a person should have a passion for their job. Knowing that the work I do every day is helping a person in need is a powerful thing. I chose this work because I believe in giving back to the community I love, and because it needs to be done!

Micaela Booth, Vice President

Micaela is the Director of Birdies for Charity at the John Deere Classic.

Why is being a member of AFP important to you?
Through AFP, I have found an incredible network of non-profit leaders in our community. I hear all the time that members feel like they can pick up the phone and give any other member a call for help, and they will be there. I share those sentiments 100%. We have a very generous group in AFP QC - having the opportunities to learn from them and build a network with them has been invaluable. There is also tremendous value in the resources provided by AFP Global.

Why are you choosing a career in philanthropy?
When I think of a rewarding career, I think of the opportunity serve others and make a difference. I feel incredibly lucky to have found a home at the John Deere Classic. Each day, I get to know more about hundreds of organizations that are doing amazing things for our community. To be able to provide fundraising opportunities for so many different organizations through the Birdies for Charity program, it feels like that reward is multiplied!

Randi Rockwell, Treasurer

Randi is the Associate Director of Development at Trinity Health Foundation.

Why is being a member of AFP important to you? 
AFP offers the incredible opportunity to meet and cultivate relationships with other professionals in the field of philanthropy, right here in the Quad Cities. With this comes a wealth of knowledge and support from people who know and understand our community and the work we do. Moreover, the AFP webinars, conferences, and Quad Cities-based Lunch and Learns are second-to-none for professional development.

Why are you choosing a career in philanthropy? 
Having a mission-based career is essential to me for job fulfillment, and one of my greatest passions is helping to ensure everyone has access to high-quality healthcare. My role at Trinity Health Foundation allows me to do all of this and more. Additionally, I have met the most wonderful people working in the field of philanthropy. Mission, passion, and amazing colleagues make philanthropy at Trinity Health Foundation the perfect career for me!

Sara Morby, Secretary

Sara is a Development Officer with the Figge Art Museum.

Why is being a member of AFP important to you?
AFP has been instrumental in my career in philanthropy. The educational programs and luncheons helped me to learn a wide variety of the knowledge in the fundraising field from annual fund solicitation to planned giving and more! The local AFP events are a wonderful way to meet other fundraising professionals and make strong connections in the community.

Why are you choosing a career in philanthropy?
It is an honor for me to have a career in philanthropy because you can connect a donor to a mission that has a special meaning or purpose for them. It is an amazing experience to see the joy a donor experiences through a philanthropic gift.

Michele Darland, Member At Large

Michele is the Senior Director of Relationship Advancement and Donor Network Chair for Women United at United Way Quad Cities. With Women United, the mission is to have every Quad Cities child enter kindergarten ready to thrive and on the path to read by third grade. Women United had four bold strategies: to empower parents, to provide child care scholarships, to champion the impact of child care professionals, and to raise public awareness for the importance of these endeavors. Michele also stewards leadership level investors of the United Way Quad Cities to rise united giving every student the education they deserve, help all students find a job that utilizes their talents and prove health is the greatest wealth of all.

Why is being a member of AFP important to you?
I seek the experience and support from my proven peers as to the best practices to execute the glorious and good we do every day. AFP-QC is a great resource and welcoming group. I am impressed with the resources available from AFP Global.

Why are you choosing a career in philanthropy?
I have always gravitated towards people and organizations that lobby for a better community and a better community starts with giving back. I want to facilitate in some small way the giving back.

Marcie Ordaz, Member At Large

Marcie is the Executive Director of lift Women’s Foundation, an affiliate of Royal Neighbors of America.

Why is being a member of AFP important to you?
Being fairly new in development, AFP provides courses lead by industry professionals, which allows me to learn and strengthen skills I have to be successful. Being a part of AFP provides support amongst peers through sharing best practices and providing mentorship opportunities, which is invaluable. AFP members serve as the best resources to each other!

Why are you choosing a career in philanthropy?

I feel privileged that philanthropy chose me! I have always had a passion for helping others and connecting people with resources and now I get to do it daily. It is a blessing to play a small part in helping families get the support they need in our community.

Hannah Carr, Member At Large

Hannah is the Development Director for YouthHope.

Why is being a member of AFP important to you?

I have received amazing training for fundraising, philanthropy, and community engagement through AFP. As a past recipient of the AFP Scholarship, I was able to take classes and learn from long-standing development professionals in the Quad Cities. AFP has helped equip me for my role in development, prepare me for changes in philanthropy, and meet some incredible people in fundraising. I love being part of this network of passionate, encouraging, and supportive fundraising professionals!

 Why are you choosing a career in philanthropy?

I am passionate about bringing joy and hope to others! The calling to help fund and support YouthHope was divinely set and with perfect timing. My past work experience in New York as a Mad Scientist helped prepare me for a diverse and ever-changing role in non-profit development. AFP helped me learn how to fundraise sustainably and practically. I love telling stories of impact and transformation! It is a privilege to invite others to help bring youth HOPE!

Brian Allen, Member At Large

Brian is the Executive Director at the German American Heritage Center.

He is dedicated to arts and culture in the Quad Cities and is passionate about the nonprofit organizations in the community. He serves on the board of Arts Basics and Quad City Arts, volunteering on their Visual Arts Committee. He has served on committees for AFP, Living Proof Exhibit, and Scott Community College. Allen also serves on his local Cub Scout Committee (Pack 123) as Committee Chair.

Why is being part of AFP QC important to you?

Being part of AFP QC is important to me because the association connects all of the nonprofit organizations in the various sectors together to work towards the common goal of making our community a better place to live for everyone.

Callahan Herrig, Member At Large

Brian is the Executive Director at the German American Heritage Center.

Why is being part of AFP QC important to you?

It is an extremely valuable tool for a development/fundraising professional because of the knowledge and networking opportunities AFP offers. This local group at AFP QC is very welcoming and helpful if you need to meet for coffee to chat or want to ask about a mailing or a grant. It's important to me to see all of the hard work nonprofits do in the community that I live in, and how I can help outside of my organization to volunteer or assist.

Jordan Kirkbride, Member At Large

Jordan is a Grant Specialist at Wastyn & Associates.

Jordan is a Quad Cities native and Augustana graduate, with degrees in Art History and French. She previously served as the Executive Director of Living Proof Exhibit, a Quad Cities nonprofit that provides the therapeutic benefits of the arts to people impacted by cancer.

Why is being part of AFP QC important to you?

Participation in AFP Quad Cities connects me with the close-knit development community in our region. The Quad Cities offers a unique environment where fundraisers, donors, and community leaders collaborate and support one another. This network fosters meaningful relationships and creates opportunities to ignite donor and funder passions, aligning their philanthropic goals with the needs of our community.

AFP provides tools and insights that inspire impactful giving, driving improvements across the region in ways that resonate with funders and those we serve. Joining this group allows me to contribute to a collective effort focused on making the Quad Cities stronger and more equitable for everyone.

Amber Wood, Member At Large

Amber is the Vice President of Development & Communications at Empowering Abilities.

With over two decades of experience in nurturing strategic relationships, leading fundraising efforts, and championing community causes, Amber is a seasoned professional dedicated to making a meaningful impact. Previously the Director of Development at SAL Community Services, Amber guided strategic initiatives, rebranding efforts, and data-driven decision-making to propel the organization forward.

Why is being part of AFP QC important to you?

Being a part of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Quad Cities is incredibly important to me because it allows me to connect with like-minded professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact in our community. Through AFP, I have access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development that help me enhance my skills and stay updated on the latest trends in fundraising. This membership also provides a platform to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and support each other in our efforts to drive meaningful change - locally, nationally, and globally! In addition, AFP is an internationally recognized organization and sets standards that elevate and provide a strong framework for fund raising professionals in our work.