Welcome to The Development Download from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Houston Chapter. On this podcast, we have connected, candid, and fun conversations about all things fundraising. Hosted by Sarah Brown Rankin, CFRE.
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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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
