AFP DC Leadership Session: Building Trust with Leadership & Leading Through Change

Date: July 24, 2026

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Location: Virtual

Whether you’re navigating a new CEO, managing shifting federal priorities, or making the case for long-term investment in advancement—this session is built for you. AFP-DC’s Leadership Sessions bring senior nonprofit leaders together to connect and engage in candid, off-the-record conversations about new and emerging trends, leadership challenges, lessons learned, and more.

This summer, we are gathering for an intimate discussion on building trust with leadership and leading through change. This is a wonderful opportunity for leaders to exchange ideas, swap stories, and seek advice from development peers in leadership roles at nonprofit organizations.

The first half of the session features a moderated discussion with a panel of four seasoned fundraising leaders. The second half will transition into an open discussion, giving you a welcoming space to connect, learn from one another, and build community.

Please note: These sessions are exclusively for currently employed senior nonprofit leaders who hold at least two of the following responsibilities: managing a team, financial oversight of a budget, setting strategy within their organization, or working closely with executive and board leadership. No consultants, please.

Speakers:

Julie Naranjo Upham, CFRE

Julie Naranjo Upham, CFRE, is Vice President of Individual Giving at Conservation International, where she leads a global team of 25 staff and a 35-member Leadership Council, overseeing approximately $80 million annually in revenue from individuals and family foundations. She serves on Conservation International’s Global Leadership Team and has led major initiatives including the Inclusive Philanthropy program and a $2 billion capital campaign. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at the National MS Society, building their major and planned giving programs and securing record-breaking gifts. Julie serves on AFP-DC’s board and was Co-Chair of the Bridge Conference in 2024 and 2025.

Anne Mandeville

Anne Mandeville is Chief Development and Membership Officer at Research!America. An accomplished fundraising professional, Anne previously worked at The Children’s Inn at NIH where she led corporate, foundation and special events fundraising and development operations. Anne’s prior experience includes establishing and managing the corporate partnerships program for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), where she launched and led the corporate partnerships program for seven years. Anne also has worked as a consultant for both RSM McGladrey and Deloitte Consulting and served as the Director of Member Programs for the Federal Bar Association.

Kent Sneed

Kent Sneed is Vice President of Mission Partnerships at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area, where he oversees resource development, corporate and foundation partnerships, individual giving, signature events, and marketing and communications. With more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, he has worked with staff, boards, funders, and senior leaders to strengthen organizations and advance key priorities. Prior to joining Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kent held leadership roles with Goodwill of Greater Washington and Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AFP-DC and has been involved with the chapter's African American Affinity Group.

Tracy Sullivan, CFRE, CCAS, MA, MPA

Tracy Sullivan, MA, MPA, CFRE, is a higher education advancement leader currently serving as the Assistant Vice President of Central Development at The George Washington University. In this role, she leads fundraising focused on university-wide initiatives and provides strategic direction for both a centrally-based major gifts team and family philanthropy and engagement. Prior to GW, she brought her passion for community engagement to the cultural sector, leading operations and programming for several small museums in the Washington, D.C. area.

Members: Free | Non-Members: $25

This session is for nonprofit professionals only. If you are a vendor, service provider, or consultant, we kindly ask you to register for a different upcoming event. For questions, please reach out to [email protected].

Register