Advertise on podcast: The Development Download Podcast

In this episode of The Development Download, Peggy Rhoads, CFRE, Senior Director of Development at The Health Museum and a member of the AFP Global Ethics Committee, joins us to talk about ethics in fundraising. In recognition of AFP Global's Ethics Month in October, we discuss the work of the committee, why ethics matter, the resources available to AFP members, and practical ways to make ethical reflection part of our everyday work.   For resources on fundraising ethics, visit AFP Global's Ethics page: https://afpglobal.org/ethics   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-rhoads-cfre/

What happens when the namesake of an award sits down with the person receiving it? In this episode of The Development Download, M. Anne Murphy and Nicole McWhorter join us to talk about the M. Anne Murphy Award for Professional Advancement, the growth of fundraising as a profession in Houston, and the responsibility development professionals share in helping move the field forward.   They reflect on mentorship, curiosity, professional growth, and the people who shaped their own careers. We also look ahead to the 40th anniversary of National Philanthropy Day on November 11 and what the event means to Houston's fundraising community.   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemcwhorter/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-anne-murphy-6918377/

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Anne Marie Blacketer, CFRE, CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, and Dr. Dan Price, Director of Data & Society and the Community Health Worker Initiative at the University of Houston Honors College. Anne Marie and Dan share the story of an organic partnership rooted in public health, community education, and aligned mission. Both bring deep knowledge of the issues facing Greater Houston, along with a clear passion for improving health outcomes and expanding access to trusted information.   What began as shared interest and mutual respect has grown into a collaboration that crosses organizational boundaries and resists the silos that can too often limit nonprofit work. Their conversation offers a case study in what can happen when partners are driven first by community impact, with fundraising and future grant opportunities growing naturally from that shared work.   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-blacketer-cfre-13b980/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-price-70b4b246/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/lupus-foundation-of-america-texas-gulf-coast-chapter-inc/ https://www.linkedin.com/school/uh-honors/

Recorded live at AFP Greater Houston's Ask the Experts conference on June 16, 2026, this episode of The Development Download brings together 25 voices from across our fundraising community to answer one question: Can you share a relationship that started as a simple connection but grew into something much more meaningful? Their answers touch on mentorship, career growth, friendship, and the unexpected ways one conversation can shape a path forward.   Featured Voices:    Gayla Wilson Andrea Romero Andrea Ward Abby Trahan Madeline Sebastian Jennifer Kapral Kristyna Torres Cheryl Worley Jessy Napier Kamari Brewer Matt Pham Samantha Sheets-Olinsky Nicole Moore-Kriel Liz Bear Derrick Owens Kinsey Crabtree Lena Khattab Corey Chao Kelly J. Zúñiga Lilia Duque Michelle Monaco Angela Seaworth Marty Murad Alexandria Hodge Kelsey George

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Audra Jesudason, Vice President of Philanthropy and Membership, Lisa Marie Avendano, Chief Operating Officer, and Kirsten Ufer, Senior Creative Director at the Houston Zoo. Workplace culture is one of those things everyone talks about, but it can be difficult to define and even harder to build. In this conversation, we explore how the Houston Zoo has cultivated a culture of connection among its staff, the role leadership plays in fostering it, and the benefits a friendship-forward workplace can have for both employees and organizational success. LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/houston-zoo/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrajes/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lma713/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-ufer-56ab5010/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmikaylabrown/

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Sara Ralston, M.Ed., Associate Director of Operations for the Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Rice University's Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. We explore what brings fundraisers to seek out additional training, credentials, or continuing education. Sara shares what participants are typically hoping to gain, what they often walk away with beyond their expectations, and how to think strategically about investing in your own growth. We also discuss the programs offered through Rice's Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, including who they may be a fit for and what prospective participants can expect. If you've been considering how to grow in your fundraising or nonprofit career, this episode offers helpful perspective on approaching professional development with intention. LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ralston-61a56a50/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Jamie Spiva, CFRE, Senior Director of Major Gifts and Foundations at Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, and LaGina Rae Harris, owner of The Us Space and a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur. Jamie also serves as Chair of AFP Greater Houston's 2026 Ask the Experts Conference. Together, we explore how to make networking actually work for you. We focus on one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of networking: the follow-up. Jamie and Lagina share creative, actionable ways to build on the energy of a first meeting and turn introductions into meaningful relationships. We also preview this year's Ask the Experts Conference and its new focus on facilitated networking. If you've ever felt unsure about networking, or want to get more out of the connections you're already making, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Michelle Buchanan, Principal at Dini Spheris. Michelle brings a hiring-side perspective to a conversation many professionals are navigating right now: how to stand out in a crowded job market. We walk through the full job search cycle, from networking and resume submission to interviews and follow-up. Michelle shares what actually gets noticed, common missteps candidates make, and practical ways to position yourself more strategically at every stage of the process. If you are actively job hunting or preparing for your next move, this episode offers clear, actionable insights to help you become the obvious yes. LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebuchanan1/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/dinispheris/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Shelly Millwee and Jess Ansel from Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Shelly serves as President and CEO, and Jess is Vice President of Philanthropy. Together, they share how their chapter built a seven-figure gala from the ground up. We explore the thoughtful planning and foresight behind the event, how they centered mission at every stage, and how they designed meaningful, mission-driven moments that inspired guests. This conversation is a strong reminder that successful galas don't happen by accident. They're designed, planned, and executed with purpose.   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellymillwee/ Https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaygoodman/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-a-wish-texas-gulf-coast-and-louisiana/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Eldon Lewis of LewisOrellana Inc for a lively conversation on strategies you can implement today to transform your fundraising heading into 2026.  As the new year begins, Eldon shares three practical, high-impact strategies that development professionals can use to reset priorities and strengthen their fundraising efforts. Drawing on his experience as a fundraiser and consultant, this conversation focuses on concrete ideas, realistic first steps, and a lively pep talk to get you fired up for 2026.  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/eldonlewis/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/

This episode of The Development Download features Christine Ann Stevens, MBA, CFRE, SHRM-CP, incoming Board President for AFP Greater Houston. We talk about mentorship, the return of AFP Greater Houston's mentorship program, and what a strong mentoring relationship can look like in practice, including a live mentoring moment with Sarah. Christine also gives us a look at what's ahead for the chapter in 2026.  Link to a previous episode of the Development Download featuring Christine speaking on creating a culture of philanthropy at your nonprofit:  The Secret Sauce of a Thriving Philanthropic Culture with Christine Stevens and Katie Salvatore LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christineannstevens/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/

In this episode of The Development Download, Christina J. Allen, CEO of FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center, joins us to share her journey of moving from fundraiser to executive leader. We talk about what it really takes to step into the top role, building your skills, managing your board, and leading with authenticity. Christina also opens up about seeking feedback, keeping a big-picture vision, and staying the top fundraiser as CEO.

This episode features Marly Maskill, Executive Director of the Houston ToolBank. The ToolBank is a nonprofit lending library that equips other nonprofits with tools and equipment so they can focus resources on their missions rather than overhead. Marly shares how organizations can access ToolBank's inventory of hammers, power drills, tables, generators, and other event gear to get projects done without the burden of owning or maintaining equipment. The conversation also explores in-kind giving, including when to accept, how to acknowledge, and when it is best to say no, so you can make smart decisions that serve your mission. Connect with the Houston ToolBank: https://www.houstontoolbank.org/ Connect with Marly Maskill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marly-maskill-6b078152/

In this episode of The Development Download, we feature Susan Coulter (Byron Welch Award for Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising 2023) to explore the philanthropy that shaped Houston—and what it means for fundraisers working in our city today. We dive into historic gifts that built Houston's hospitals, parks, and cultural institutions, share insights on what makes Houston's fundraising landscape unique, and highlight opportunities for today's fundraisers to build relationships with donors.    Plus, we discuss the upcoming National Philanthropy Day Awards and Luncheon—a must-attend event for Houston's nonprofit community.   Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just starting out, this episode is full of stories, strategies, and inspiration.

In this episode of The Development Download, we're digging into what the CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) credential is, why it matters, and how to know if it's the right move for your fundraising career.   You'll hear from CFREs and AFP Greater Houston board members Ronnie Hagerty and Will Horton, who share how the certification has shaped their professional journeys, what the process was really like, and their best tips for preparing — without burning out.   Whether you're CFRE-curious or already deep into your application, this episode offers real talk, smart advice, and plenty of encouragement.