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Grant Professionals Association
2014 Board of Directors Election
Candidate Questionnaire/Biography
Find on the following pages the questionnaire responses from each candidate for the
GPA Board of Directors. The candidates are:
Lauren Daniels of Arizona
Kathleen “Kassy” Guy Johanessen of Florida
Maggie Holmes of Maryland
Amy Lazoff of Indiana
Nathan Medina of Illinois
Nancy Mihalko of Virginia
Bernard Turner of Tennessee
Lauren Daniels - Arizona
1. Brief background statement including education, training, and career path.
I have a B.S. in Business Administration with a major in Marketing. My first grants
experience was at a vocational high school where as a Career Resource Specialist; I
wrote several grants and received funding to support student programs. I then joined a
company that provided an opportunity for editing and publishing. They then opened a
branch in airport retailing operations that provided the opportunity for commercial
proposal development. In 2003, I began my own proposal development business that
has been productive and successful. In the last few years, I have begun doing
workshop presentations. I hope to put more effort into developing and supporting the
grant profession through this process.
2. Current professional position and description of grant-related duties.
My current position is consultant, operating my own business. Duties include assessing clients for grant
readiness, grant funding searches, proposal development, and grants related training and workshops.
3. A statement of your vision/direction for GPA and how you see us achieving this.
My vision is to see the 2014-2016 Strategic Plan implemented. That involves leadership that monitors
progress, evaluates continually, and adjusts tactics or process to insure that the objectives are achieved.
4. Please describe what nonprofit governance skill sets you will bring to the Board.
[X] Financial Management: As a business owner I oversee all aspects of my financial development and
oversight. I have never had a year where my business lost money.
[X] Financial Planning and budgeting: My education included accounting classes. I also was a securities
registered representatives for many years. That involved the ability for planning and budgeting.
[X] Education and Training: At the chapter level, I served as an officer or committee member to provide
education program including member workshops, five state annual conferences and two regional
conferences. At the National level as a Chaptering Taskforce member, we have organized and presented
six or seven Chapter Leadership Workshops.
[X] Professional Certification and credentialing: I received my certification in 2008 and recertified in
2012. As chapter president, I initiated a GPC scholarship for chapter members and partnered with the
GPA Foundation to administer the selection of a recipient. The AZ Chapter GPCs created a GPC
curriculum. We had 12 students, three received their GPC and two are sitting for the exam this year
[X] Public affairs and marketing: My College major was marketing. I understand the principles and still
apply it in my business and as a chapter officer. I know who the customer is and not easily dissuaded
toward shifting my focus.
[X] Other (please details): I have served on the national bylaw committee for several years as needed and
chaired the chapter bylaws committee during the last update in 2011.
5. Describe what additional skills/knowledge/strength you will bring to the Board.
I participate in a consultant group “community of practice” hosted by a local foundation that has a focus
on developing organizational capacity. That exposure has strengthened me in areas such as systems
thinking, problem solving, accountability, board development, inclusiveness, and cultural competency. I
think my Hispanic heritage, which will add diversity to the board, especially as we expand internationally.
6. Given resource restraints, what suggestions would you make to move GPA forward?
1. I think that GPA is still grappling with chapter issues, including moving to a regional representative
model. Implementing that model so it is effective for chapters is critical. Ensuring that the model is
successful should help strengthen chapters in efforts to attract more professionals at the local level.
2. I anticipate that the action plan developed to implement the new strategic plan will provide focus and
accountability to our work. I would like to see evaluation elements added to committee responsibilities so
we can track changes created rather than focusing on activity. Changes we create for the profession will
strengthen GPA’s goal to be the recognized authority in the grants profession. Accentuating that authority
will provide value needed to attract grant professionals and stimulate demand for credentialing.
7. What is your availability and how much time can you devote to GPA?
As a business owner, I can set my schedule so I have the luxury of flexibility. I completed a second term
as chapter president at the end of 2013, which was time consuming sometimes up to 10 hours a week. For
the national board, I am able to commit two to three hours a week. But my experience with national work
is that I will need to devote blocks of time to accomplish periodic tasks. That is manageable.
8. Please address the criteria for candidates, as presented in the Call for Nominations and below:
a. Are you a member in good standing. Yes.
b. Have been a member in good standing for a minimum of two full years prior to nomination. Yes.
c. Have demonstrated previous involvement in GPA (involvement can include but in not limited to:
serving on a committee, presenting at GPA conference, serving as a chapter officer, SIG Chair or
Regional Rep, volunteering during a GPA conference). Yes, served as chapter officer, on
Chaptering Taskforce, Bylaws Committee, and Training Committee, and Conference
volunteer several times.
d. Agree to sign and uphold the attached Board Assurances. Yes.
e. Will uphold the GPA Code of Ethics. Yes.
f. Have the time and energy to actively contribute to the organization, including participation in and
traveling to meetings, at least at the minimum defined in the Board member job description. Yes.
g. Are able to utilize e-mail and other electronic communications to actively participate in the
administration and operation of the organization. Yes.
Kathleen “Kassy” Guy-Johanessen - Florida
1. Brief background statement including education, training, and career path.
I received both of my Bachelor’s in Communication and Pre-Law and minors in
Public Relations, Journalism and French from Flagler College in St. Augustine,
Florida. After graduation I became a VISTA (Volunteer In Service To America)
and was utilized as a “Resource Development VISTA” and was trained how to
write, research and understand grants. During my VISTA training in 2004, I
attended my first (then AAGP) GPA conference in Boston and became a member
of GPA. After finishing my VISTA service I knew that I had found my passion in
grant writing and went to work for the ARC of the St. Johns doing both grant writing and fundraising and
from there became the Executive Director of the Homeless Assistance Corporation d/b/a the STAR
Family Shelter and continued growing as a grant professional. I then created my own company, Lil’ Guys
Grant Services in 2009 while still running the STAR Family Center. I was offered a unique position to
create a Development Director position at the disAbility Solutions for Independent Living in Daytona
Beach in 2010; focusing on grant research, writing and compliancy. I passed the GPC in 2009 while
attending the GPA conference in Austin, TX; this is a moment that holds huge personal and professional
pride for me! During this time, Lil’ Guys Grant Services grew and worked with more diverse clients who
allowed me to see the multi-faceted world of grants. I went to work for myself full time in 2012 after the
passing of my Mother and the birth of my son, and was able to focus Lil’ Guys Grant Services on
consulting, grant writing, grant law, compliancy and fundraising as the client base grew and diversified.
Lil’ Guys Grant Services is now Lil’ Guys Consulting and continues to grow with the changing needs of
our clientele. I recently accepted a position with the Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County, as my
working for them not as a consultant, but rather an employee is more assistive to them
2. Current professional position and description of grant-related duties.
I am currently employed as the owner of Lil’ Guys Consulting and as the Grant Writer for the Homeless
Coalition of St. Johns County. As the owner of Lil’ Guys Consulting I write grants, research grants, assist
with grant compliancy, assist with the planning and creation of fundraisers, tracking funders, speaking to
nonprofits and much more! As the Grant Writer for the Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County, I
research grants, write grants and ensure grant compliancy.
3. A statement of your vision/direction for GPA and how you see us achieving this.
My vision for GPA is to assist with our continued growth as a recognized grant authority, when funders
and the general public look for grant-related answers, GPA should be the first thing that pops to mind.
Continued branding of the GPA brand and making it the TOMA (Top Of Mind Awareness) is what this
will take and I look forward to assisting in this process. The weekly Twitter event has been incredibly
assistive and growing through other social media outlets will be the way to reach those new grant writers
or those considering our awesome profession. Also, working with high education and professionals to
garner the same respect for grant writing as there is for fundraising and focusing on not only the
delineation between the two professional skill sets but the similarities as well and importance of having
both fundraisers and grant writers work together.
4. Please describe what nonprofit governance skill sets you will bring to the Board.
[X] Financial Management:
[X] Financial Planning and budgeting:
[X] Membership Services:
[X] Education and Training:
[X] Public affairs and marketing:
[X] Parliamentary procedures:
I have had the honor to sit on the Board of Directors of the YMCA, Junior League, Chamber of
Commerce and Rotary and am familiar with the governance skill sets required for the Board of Directors.
I have assisted with the financial management, making sure that we were utilizing funds appropriately and
within the constraints of our mission, financial planning and budgeting to ensure that we were able to
make the funds assist in the long term, membership services as I helped grow membership in all of the
aforementioned agencies where I sat on the Board, I provided education and training regarding grants and
compliancy on every Board on which I served, I assisted with public relations and marketing campaigns
while serving on each Board of Directors as well, due to my experience while serving on all of the Boards
I am very familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order and Parliamentary procedures.
5. Describe what additional skills/knowledge/strength you will bring to the Board.
I will bring to the Board the knowledge of having been an Executive Director, Director of Development, a
newbie grant writer, business owner and these varied capacities allow me the ability to understand our
vast membership. My skills and understanding of those who are more in tune with social media, smart
devices and apps, would be assistive in the continued growth of our brand.
6. Given resource restraints, what suggestions would you make to move GPA forward?
Given resource restraints, utilization of social media public awareness campaigns and membership
involvement in these activities will be incredibly assistive in the continued growth of our brand.
Partnering with colleges and universities and offering educational awareness seminars will also assist in
our continued growth.
7. What is your availability and how much time can you devote to GPA?
I will be able to devote at least 10 hours a month to the GPA Board of Directors.
8. Please address the criteria for candidates, as presented in the Call for Nominations and below:
a. Are you a member in good standing. I am a member in good standing.
b. Have been a member in good standing for a minimum of two full years prior to nomination. I
have been a member since 2004.
c. Have demonstrated previous involvement in GPA (involvement can include but in not limited to:
serving on a committee, presenting at GPA conference, serving as a chapter officer, SIG Chair or
Regional Rep, volunteering during a GPA conference). I have volunteered at most of the GPA
conferences which I have attended.
d. Agree to sign and uphold the attached Board Assurances. I agree to sign and uphold the Board
Assurances.
e. Will uphold the GPA Code of Ethics. I will uphold the GPA Code of Ethics.
f. Have the time and energy to actively contribute to the organization, including participation in and
traveling to meetings, at least at the minimum defined in the Board member job description. I
have the time and energy to actively contribute to GPA.
g. Are able to utilize e-mail and other electronic communications to actively participate in the
administration and operation of the organization. Yes.
Maggie Holmes - Maryland
1. Brief background statement including education, training, and career path.
I have a Master’s degree from the University of Akron, Akron, OH. Twenty years of
experience in management, program development, training, including 15 years of
grant writing in the nonprofit sector. I have generated millions of dollars in grant
funds over the past 15 years. Served as a national capacity building leader and trainer
for faith and community-based nonprofits with the Compassion Capital Fund
Initiative. Awarded one of the nation’s highest credentials for professional grant
writer, the Grant Professional Certification (GPC).In 2003 started my grant writing
company, The Write Group, LLC.
2. Current professional position and description of grant-related duties.
President of The Write Group, LLC working with a consortium of consultants delivering grant writing
and nonprofit capacity building services too many nonprofits. The Write Group is currently writing
proposals for organizations providing services to individuals and families with disabilities; individuals
and families with autism, afterschool programs; STEM programs, and capital campaigns to name a few.
This grant writing is to federal, state, local government, and foundations.
3. A statement of your vision/direction for GPA and how you see us achieving this.
Being the visionary organization for the new trends in the grant writing industry and strategizing to
market and capture on supporting the new developments for this profession.
Several steps will be employed:
1) Do several focus groups around the country and one at the annual conference in October, 2014.
2) Create an office in the nation’s capital –strategically it could be a game changer for GPA.
3) Creating partnerships with national and local entities to promote the ethics of the professions.
4. Please describe what nonprofit governance skill sets you will bring to the Board.
[X] Membership services: Developing a recruitment plan and strategies to secure and involve members.
[X] Education and Training: Creating Networks of advanced training.
[X] Parliamentary procedures: I have served as Board Chairwoman using parliamentary procedures.
[X] Other (please detail): Coaching nonprofits’ Executive Directors, nonprofit Capacity Building, and
Business Development as a Professional Grant Writer.
5. Describe what additional skills/knowledge/strength you will bring to the Board.
Over the past 20 years and today, a large percentage of my consultant work is focusing on strategic
planning, program development, management, and coaching nonprofits to be more effective and resultdriven. Strategic planning has focused on developing plans and systems for organization growth.
6. Given resource restraints, what suggestions would you make to move GPA forward?
To move GPA, I would identify strategic partners that are capable of making a major investment in
growing the infrastructure of the organization with a national presence in the nation’s capital and growing
local chapters. This would be a public/private venture with a return on the investment (ROI).
7. What is your availability and how much time can you devote to GPA?
I will commit to making all Board meetings in person or electronically. Work 10-12 hours a month for the
organization. Review all materials and respond in a timely manner.
8. Please address the criteria for candidates, as presented in the Call for Nominations and below:
a. Are you a member in good standing. Yes, membership dues are current.
b. Have been a member in good standing for a minimum of two full years prior to nomination. Yes,
current membership card indicating number of years.
c. Have demonstrated previous involvement in GPA (involvement can include but in not limited to:
serving on a committee, presenting at GPA conference, serving as a chapter officer, SIG Chair or
Regional Rep, volunteering during a GPA conference). Yes, served on conference committee
for DC, and Florida; volunteered for Baltimore conference.
d. Agree to sign and uphold the attached Board Assurances. Yes.
e. Will uphold the GPA Code of Ethics. Yes.
f. Have the time and energy to actively contribute to the organization, including participation in and
traveling to meetings, at least at the minimum defined in the Board member job description. Yes.
g. Are able to utilize e-mail and other electronic communications to actively participate in the
administration and operation of the organization. Yes.
Amy Lazoff - Indiana
1. Brief background statement including education, training, and career path.
Like many other grants professionals I have met, I didn’t set out to work in the grants
field. As a student I studied political science and obtained a master’s degree in public
affairs. I was working for the U.S. Senate or running campaigns. I knew I eventually
want to move into the non-profit sector. I didn’t know was what I’d actually do, but I
wanted to make a difference in my community. As a campaign staffer I did
fundraising and communications work, so when a position as a fundraiser opened at
my local hospital, I applied. In January 2006 I began working for the hospital’s
foundation and specialized in corporate and foundation giving, including special
events, which made up the bulk of their corporate and foundation giving and was incredibly happy with
my switch in careers. After a few months I began thinking that we should expand our relationships with
these potential funders beyond special events. The hospital had just launched a new mobile
mammography program and I crafted a proposal for a foundation to fund mammograms for uninsured and
underinsured women in my community. The proposal was funded and my love for grant writing and the
results of our work as grants professionals began.
2. Current professional position and description of grant-related duties.
Over the years, I became more grants focused because the return on investment was so much greater than
special event fundraising. Recently, my office hired a new associate to absorb all my non-grant related
duties and I am transitioning to the role of Director of Grants Development and Administration for our 6hospital system. I am now responsible for all grants activities within the health system from pre to postaward, closeout and stewardship for private and public funding sources, including our research grants.
3. A statement of your vision/direction for GPA and how you see us achieving this.
I believe the work completed by the GPA Board and staff on the 2014-2016 Strategic Plan was well done.
I share in the goals and vision of that plan to establish GPA as the recognized authority for the grants
profession, enhance brand awareness of GPA through enhanced marketing and communication efforts,
expanding our membership and expanding our chapters. I would do my best to support this plan utilizing
my skills and expertise.
4. Please describe what nonprofit governance skill sets you will bring to the Board.
[X] Financial Planning and budgeting: In my role I aid in preparing and managing my department’s
budget each year, as well as budgets of our funded projects from grantors.
[X] Education and Training: I have served in Board Development roles on other Boards I have sat on. I
have served as an adjunct faculty member for a local college and have designed grants education for
leaders within my hospital.
[X] Public affairs and marketing: I have a graduate degree in public affairs and have worked closely with
communication, public relations and marketing during my career.
[X] Parliamentary procedures: I have been a part of several organizations and boards that have observed
parliamentary procedures.
5. Describe what additional skills/knowledge/strength you will bring to the Board.
While I think I would bring a diverse mix of skills to the Board, one of the strengths may just be my
(relative) youth. Being somewhat new to the organization I may offer a fresh perspective on issues that
the Board is focusing on such as attracting new members to the organization.
6. Given resource restraints, what suggestions would you make to move GPA forward?
When resources are strained, it is always difficult to do everything exactly as you’d like to. The silver
lining of a tough financial climate is the opportunity to refocus on the mission of the organization. If you
don’t have funds to do everything, an organization should focus its efforts on the most closely aligned
with its mission and on what projects it can complete with the funds available.
7. What is your availability and how much time can you devote to GPA?
At this time, I believe I would have 4-6 hours per month that I could dedicate to GPA activities. I could
dedicate more time during months where there would be meetings or travel required for Board work with
some advance notice.
8. Please address the criteria for candidates, as presented in the Call for Nominations and below:
a. Are you a member in good standing. Yes, my membership number is 5612.
b. Have been a member in good standing for a minimum of two full years prior to nomination. I
joined in 2012 and am paid through 2015.
c. Have demonstrated previous involvement in GPA (involvement can include but in not limited to:
serving on a committee, presenting at GPA conference, serving as a chapter officer, SIG Chair or
Regional Rep, volunteering during a GPA conference). I am in my second year of serving on
the Pioneer Awards Committee.
d. Agree to sign and uphold the attached Board Assurances. I agree
e. Will uphold the GPA Code of Ethics. I will
f. Have the time and energy to actively contribute to the organization, including participation in and
traveling to meetings, at least at the minimum defined in the Board member job description. I do
g. Are able to utilize e-mail and other electronic communications to actively participate in the
administration and operation of the organization. I am
Nathan Medina - Illinois
1. Brief background statement including education, training, and career path.
Nathan Medina, MPS, GPC has been working in the nonprofit sector since 1991.
Over the past eight years, he has secured and managed over $6 million in grants from
foundations, corporations, federated giving programs, and government sources. Prior
to being a grant professional, he worked for 14 years in residential social service
agencies in various capacities that include: management, case management, and direct
care services. He has been a GPA national board member since 2012 and served as
the secretary in 2013 and 2014. He also has been actively involved in the GPA
Chicago Area Chapter, serving as the president in 2010-2011, vice-president in 2008 and 2009, and is
continuing to assist with chapter leadership responsibilities. He received the Grant Professional
Certification (GPC) in 2008, has been a member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and the
Chicago chapter since 2006, and has attended every GPA national conference since 2006. He has also
served as a federal peer reviewer for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Nathan
received a Master’s Degree in Public Services Management with a concentration in Nonprofit
Administration from DePaul University in 2003.
2. Current professional position and description of grant-related duties.
Nathan is currently employed as the Director of Foundation Relations for Lydia Home Association, a
child welfare agency based in Chicago. Within this role, he has primarily been responsible for procuring
and overseeing grants from foundations, corporations, and various United Way agencies. Most grantrelated activities have occurred with foundations from within the City of Chicago but, with one of the
agency’s programs expanding nationally, he has also successfully secured and managed grants from
foundations throughout the country. Within this role, he also provides training and support to various
colleagues (internally and externally) on grant research, proposal writing, and database management.
3. A statement of your vision/direction for GPA and how you see us achieving this.
GPA has been instrumental in the professionalization of the grants field through providing training,
networking, a certification process, and being recognized as an authority on the grants profession. In
accordance with GPA’s mission, I would like to see GPA continue to build and support grant
professionals around the world by promoting the highest ethical and professional standards through
continuing to promote professional growth and development. This can be achieved through:
•
Further development and provision of strategies that foster professional development (conference,
GPC, local events, SIGS, webinars, journal, various benefits, mentoring).
•
Further diversification of marketing and outreach strategies.
•
Continuing to empower local chapters to meet the local needs of grant professionals.
•
Continuing to further enhance the grants profession through promoting professional standards and
keeping all members informed of recent trends/news in the grants profession.
4. Please describe what nonprofit governance skill sets you will bring to the Board.
[X] Financial management: Experienced in adhering to financial requirements
[X] Financial Planning and budgeting: Experienced in developing and managing budgets.
[X] Membership services: Board involvement with GPA’s national and Chicago chapter.
[X] Education and Training: Two publications and six presentations at local and national events.
[X] Professional certification and credentialing: Earned GPC
[X] Public affairs and marketing: Marketing Chair of GPA Chicago since 2013
[X] Parliamentary procedures: Served as secretary for GPA’s national board
5. Describe what additional skills/knowledge/strength you will bring to the Board.
I have a broad background in the human services field. In addition to having over twenty years of
experience in the human services field, including management and serving on a board, I also am
experienced in various aspects of grant management which include: grant procurement, evaluation, and
reporting. In my professional career, I have been promoted four times. This has given me a broad
spectrum of experience, from working “in the trenches” as a direct care worker for various populations
(at-risk youth, offenders, developmentally disabled adults), to being the Vice President of a treatment
program where I supervised over 60 staff from four different departments. I tend to be detail-oriented and
I work very well with others by focusing on a common goal rather than individual differences.
6. Given resource restraints, what suggestions would you make to move GPA forward?
First, GPA needs to improve its member retention while continuing to attain new members. Member
retention is critical. Membership needs to be so valuable that members find it essential. To accomplish
this, GPA must continue to provide and enhance its provision of member services. As a membership
association, it is important to understand the current needs of members and continue to develop or
enhance strategies to meet these needs. Additionally, the association needs to continue to provide
marketing and outreach. The national office has been doing a great job of this (through the member
referral program and recruiting at various events) and I would like to continue to see diversified
approaches to recruiting members. Second, as the president of the Chicago Area Chapter, I have received
feedback from many different grant professionals who work for smaller nonprofits that simply don’t have
the financial resources to send them to a national conference. However, they have expressed that the
local chapter is meeting their needs for professional growth and networking. In order for GPA to thrive in
this economy, we need to continue to meet the needs of these professionals. This can be done through
chapter events, regional events, and member services that promote networking.
7. What is your availability and how much time can you devote to GPA?
As a current board member, I am aware of the time commitment that this position requires. I can devote
15 to 20 hours per month but I also understand that there is a fluctuation in the amount of time that is
needed. Similar to serving on the Chicago Area Chapter board, I understand that some weeks may
require very little time while others will require a great deal of my time. My supervisor has been
supportive of my involvement with GPA. Having this support is crucial and offers me the ability to put in
the time that is required to serve on the national board.
8. Please address the criteria for candidates, as presented in the Call for Nominations and below:
a. Are you a member in good standing. Yes, I am a member in good standing and am current
with my membership dues.
b. Have been a member in good standing for a minimum of two full years prior to nomination. Yes.
c. Have demonstrated previous involvement in GPA (involvement can include but in not limited to:
serving on a committee, presenting at GPA conference, serving as a chapter officer, SIG Chair or
Regional Rep, volunteering during a GPA conference). Yes, I have served on the GPA national
board since 2012 and on the GPA Chicago Chapter board for four years.
d. Agree to sign and uphold the attached Board Assurances. Yes
e. Will uphold the GPA Code of Ethics. Yes
f. Have the time and energy to actively contribute to the organization, including participation in and
traveling to meetings, at least at the minimum defined in the Board member job description. Yes
g. Are able to utilize e-mail and other electronic communications to actively participate in the
administration and operation of the organization. Yes
Nancy Mihalko - Virginia
1. Brief background statement including education, training, and career path.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Marshall University and a
master’s degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Richmond. I have worked for
fifteen years+ at J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College. The first almost six years
I was an Institutional Research Analyst, followed by the last almost ten years as a
Development Researcher and Manager of the Grants Program. Previously, I was a
Budget Analyst for Chandler, AZ and a Senior Management Analyst for Chatham
County, GA in the Finance and Budget Office. Earlier in my career I was a Planner
with the State of West Virginia administering grant funding in the federal Construction Grants Program
followed by grant administration of Appalachian Regional Commission funding for a total of five years of
grant administration.
2. Current professional position and description of grant-related duties.
My current position is two-fold; I work in the Advancement Office as the sole Development Researcher
tasked with identifying individual, corporate and foundation gift prospects. In addition, I research, write
and administer federal and state grants as the Grants Manager. Furthermore, I craft budgets for all federal,
state, corporate and foundation grants. I also lead the development of assessment plans for grant projects.
Finally, portion of my job is devoted to oversight of funded grant projects. I have my hand in all facets of
grant development and administration.
3. A statement of your vision/direction for GPA and how you see us achieving this.
I believe that if GPA is to remain a vibrant and growing organization it must do more to support chapters.
Chapters would benefit immensely from the availability of dedicated web space to use for meeting
announcements, posting agendas, presentations and documents, communication with members and the
ability to direct prospective members to a site for chapter summary information. Finally, GPA needs to do
more to entice novice grant professionals to seek professional development through GPA membership.
The GPA staff has done a great job making webinars available to all members and offering monthly
conference calls for chapter officers but I’d like to see more national marketing. Building and supporting
chapters at the grass roots level benefits the national organization.
4. Please describe what nonprofit governance skill sets you will bring to the Board.
[X] Financial Management: I monitor the monthly expenditures of our active grants.
[X] Financial Planning and budgeting: I have four years of experience as a budget analyst and seven years
of experience crafting grant budgets.
[X] Membership services: As chapter president for the last 16 months I have handled most of the
communication with chapter members and nonmembers whom we invite to our meetings.
[X] Education and Training: I have worked in higher education for more than 15 years. I hold a
Bachelor’s Degree of Business Administration in Management and a Master’s of Liberal Arts in Higher
Education Leadership.
[X] Parliamentary procedures: I am in my second year as president of the Central Virginia GPA Chapter.
5. Describe what additional skills/knowledge/strength you will bring to the Board.
I have held leadership roles with the Central Virginia GPA Chapter since 2011. I am currently mentoring
an individual new to development research and another individual new to grant writing and management.
I have also been a Leadership & Learning coordinator since September 2013 with Southside Community
Partners teaching Budgeting for Grant Professionals through the Grant Writers Club initiative. The Grant
Writers Club is an outreach of the Central Virginia Chapter. I am also a member of the American
Prospect Research Association.
6. Given resource restraints, what suggestions would you make to move GPA forward?
I would like to see more resources directed toward chapter development and expansion. I also believe that
additional marketing to the nonprofit community is essential for GPA to grow.
7. What is your availability and how much time can you devote to GPA?
While my job is demanding, my supervisor is in full support has agreed to release me from my duties to
be available to participate in monthly conference calls and travel to four-six meetings per year as well as
to attend the national conference.
8. Please address the criteria for candidates, as presented in the Call for Nominations and below:
a. Are you a member in good standing. Yes.
b. Have been a member in good standing for a minimum of two full years prior to nomination. Yes.
c. Have demonstrated previous involvement in GPA (involvement can include but in not limited to:
serving on a committee, presenting at GPA conference, serving as a chapter officer, SIG Chair or
Regional Rep, volunteering during a GPA conference). Yes.
d. Agree to sign and uphold the attached Board Assurances. Yes.
e. Will uphold the GPA Code of Ethics. Yes.
f. Have the time and energy to actively contribute to the organization, including participation in and
traveling to meetings, at least at the minimum defined in the Board member job description. Yes.
g. Are able to utilize e-mail and other electronic communications to actively participate in the
administration and operation of the organization. Yes.
Bernard Turner - Tennessee
1. Brief background statement including education, training, and career path.
In 1989, I began my career as a grant professional when I was hired by United Way of
Middle Tennessee as a Grant Writing Specialist. This initial position was later
combined with the position of Fund Distribution Manager, which entailed overseeing
$9.4M in allocations to 60 member agencies. This experience led to my next position
of the Senior Program Officer for a national philanthropic organization based in
Washington, DC then to positions in higher education as Director/Assistant
VP/Associate VP of Corporate Foundations (Meharry Medical College) and Director
of Grant Development (Vanderbilt University School of Nursing). I have also held
grant writing/fundraising positions with community-based organizations, an HIV Outpatient Clinic and a
Hospice Organization. In total, I have raised over $45M in grants for a variety of programs. My
educational background includes a B.S. in Business Administration, an MBA in Organizational
Administration, a MA in Philanthropy and Development, and a Doctor of Education in Leadership and
Professional Practice.
2. Current professional position and description of grant-related duties.
Today, I teach social entrepreneurship at Belmont University in Nashville, TN and was recently promoted
to Associate Professor with Tenure. I developed and teach an undergraduate/graduate course in Grant
Writing. Although I am not in development anymore, I have reviewed grants for my fellow colleagues,
introduced administration to local grantmakers, and referred various grant opportunities to various
colleagues. I also served on our Institutional Review Board. Outside of the university, I continue to
maintain a 23+ year relationship with the Center for Nonprofit Management in Nashville, TN as a
Trainer/Consultant. I conduct basic, advanced, intensive, and faith-based grant writing workshops. I am
also an external grant reviewer for a local foundation and a federal grant reviewer for U. S. Department of
Health and Human Services.
3. A statement of your vision/direction for GPA and how you see us achieving this.
My vision for GPA is that we continue to build on being the leading authority when it comes to the grant
professions field. GPA continues to be a growing association and I anxiously await the day we reach
2,000 active members. We must continue to diversify our revenue streams for more sustainability. We
need to continue utilizing our members and support our chapters to effective manage our growth. We
must continue to build relationships and support our affiliate organizations, GPF and GPCI. This can only
be accomplished with great leadership. This is my vision and why I would like to serve another term as a
board member.
4. Please describe what nonprofit governance skill sets you will bring to the Board.
[X] Financial Management: Serving as the 2014 Board Treasurer as I did in a previous term.
[X] Financial Planning and budgeting: Experience from previous board experiences – GPA and others.
[X] Membership Services: Served as VP & COO of a membership organization for two years.
[X] Education and Training: I have a master’s in philanthropy and development and years of experience.
[X] Professional Certification and credentialing: I have maintained a current GPC since 2007, first group.
[X] Public affairs and marketing: Experience developing marketing materials.
[X] Parliamentary procedures: Serving on various boards has allowed me to gain such knowledge.
[X] Other (please details): Hosted a GPA conference, training, curriculum development, and leadership.
5. Describe what additional skills/knowledge/strength you will bring to the Board.
I would suggest that we develop relationships with various organizations like the National Leadership
Alliance, Alliance for Nonprofit Management, etc... And strengthening our relationship with the National
Grants Management Association. We need to continue to support GPF’s increased fundraising efforts. We
should also continue to utilize our members and their expertise.
6. Given resource restraints, what suggestions would you make to move GPA forward?
GPA continues to be an important part of my professional life. I have never had a problem being actively
involved and I will continue to make time to serve our association as needed.
7. What is your availability and how much time can you devote to GPA?
I have and will continue to make time for GPA. Being a faculty member, I do have a little more flexibility
in my schedule. I do not recall having missed any board meetings during my terms.
8. Please address the criteria for candidates, as presented in the Call for Nominations and below:
a. Are you a member in good standing. My dues are current with July being my renewal month.
b. Have been a member in good standing for a minimum of two full years prior to nomination. Yes,
dues paid since 2001.
c. Have demonstrated previous involvement in GPA (involvement can include but in not limited to:
serving on a committee, presenting at GPA conference, serving as a chapter officer, SIG Chair or
Regional Rep, volunteering during a GPA conference). Yes, previous board member,
committee member, hosted a conference, founding member of a chapter, chapter president,
attended every conference since 2001, and have presented several times at our annual
conference.
d. Agree to sign and uphold the attached Board Assurances. Yes.
e. Will uphold the GPA Code of Ethics. Yes.
f. Have the time and energy to actively contribute to the organization, including participation in and
traveling to meetings, at least at the minimum defined in the Board member job description. Yes.
g. Are able to utilize e-mail and other electronic communications to actively participate in the
administration and operation of the organization. Yes.