Meet Our Team of Fundraising Experts

As a passionate educator, performer, and wellness enthusiast, Jake Lyons brings a diverse and dynamic perspective to his role at PRIDE Philanthropy. In addition to his work in fundraising, Jake has a background in music production and percussion performance. He previously taught at the University of Georgia and has performed all over the world, including the Super Bowl LIII halftime show with Maroon 5. He currently serves on the instructional staff of the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps.

Beyond the stage, Jake excels as a leader in the nonprofit sector with over a decade of successful campaign management and fundraising training, and has served as the Executive Director for multiple nonprofit organizations. He is also dedicated to personal growth and development with his avid pursuit of wellness and fitness. His passion for learning and sharing knowledge extends to his successful YouTube channel, where he explores filmmaking, videography, and percussion performance.

At PRIDE Philanthropy, Jake is a full-time philanthropy professional and educator. He is a creator of engaging educational content for the CFRE-accredited PRIDE Development Institute, offering seminars, workshops, and academy programs for philanthropy professionals at all levels.

A proud member of the Tennessee Southeastern Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Jake's degree in Public Speaking from the University of Georgia complements his professional certifications as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and an Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP).

Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Jake balances his professional achievements with personal joys, including spending time with his beloved dog, Walter, watching Georgia football, traveling, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Marti Barrow is not just about fundraising and nonprofit management—she's a passionate individual with a zest for life and a penchant for unique experiences. With over 19 years of dedicated fundraising expertise, Marti brings a vibrant and dynamic approach to her work. She thrives at helping people unlock their hidden strengths and maximize their potential.

When she's not busy championing philanthropic causes, Marti finds joy in her personal pursuits. You'll often find her pedaling away on her beloved Peloton bike, embracing the invigorating challenge it offers. As a true advocate for wellness, she indulges in an ice bath ritual daily, embracing its rejuvenating benefits. While she’s a sunshine girl at heart, her Nordic roots run deep and she has an unwavering love for the Minnesota Vikings – SKOL!

If you’re ever on a Zoom call with Marti, it’ll be hard to miss her favorite accessories - lipstick and statement earrings – she doesn’t miss an opportunity to infuse her everyday life with a touch of glamour! Music is a constant companion, especially the soothing melodies of country tunes that resonate with her soul.

In Marti's world, family is everything. She's happily married to George and cherishes every moment spent with her daughters, Kahala and Lily, along with her furry companion Aloha, her ever-loyal Bernedoodle.

Before her illustrious career in fundraising, Marti managed luxury spas in Washington, D.C., and Honolulu, where she developed her commitment to leadership and top-notch service.

A graduate of the University of Hawaii’s School of Travel Industry Management, Marti embodies public speaking prowess and stellar project management skills. Her vibrant persona and dedication to excellence make her a true asset, both personally and professionally.

Following a family tradition of four generations of fundraising, Jared’s background and experience includes both sales and marketing in SaaS (software as a service) and Fintech (financial technology) companies before joining the PRIDE team. Jared has successfully managed the growth of multiple sales teams in both domestic and international projects to help businesses maximize their bottom line. He currently works to expand the scope and reach of PRIDE’s services, as well as ensure seamless transitions evaluating potential projects and initiatives for new clients.

He is a graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Jared, being based in Denver, loves his home city and all it has to offer. Whether it's hitting the ski slopes in the winter or exploring the mountains in the summer, Jared enjoys the outdoors in Colorado year round. But Jared's adventures aren't limited to Colorado; he also has some extreme wanderlust. Having studied five languages, he enjoys fully immersing himself in different cultures and challenging himself with unique travel experiences all over the world. Always choosing adventure over leisure, Jared feels that this is one of the best ways to grow as a person. Jared loves incorporating new kinds of workouts and fitness regimens to continuously challenge himself, and is a secret film fanatic.

Jared Lyons is a dedicated professional in the nonprofit sector, sitting on the advisory board for the National Walk-On Scholarship Fund (NWOSF), a 501(c)(3) organization that provides scholarships to walk-on athletes in need of financial aid. In his current role at PRIDE Philanthropy, Jared is responsible for conducting research and analysis to assess proposed projects and initiatives for new clients as well as support for existing clients. He works closely with clients to understand their goals and objectives, and to develop strategies that will help them achieve their desired outcomes.

Jared is known for his ability to analyze complex data and distill it into actionable insights. He is a skilled communicator, able to clearly explain his findings to clients and stakeholders. He is also committed to staying up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the nonprofit sector.

Jena McKinzie built her nonprofit career in North Louisiana and brings her southern hospitality to every donor interaction. Her passion for connecting generous individuals to meaningful causes has led to her most successful donor relationships. Jena often says that “every day in development is improv” which means that her theatre degree really was worth it!

During her career, Jena has been involved in all aspects of fund development including major gift solicitations, donor cultivation, corporate support, foundation, state and federal grants, annual campaigns, and event fundraising. Jena’s background in graphic design served her as she revamped the Centenary College of Louisiana’s direct mail and online solicitations to incorporate more segmentation which led to record breaking alumni participation and email engagement. Over the last decade, while serving two liberal arts colleges, Jena strengthened her experience in leadership development, organizational operations and strategic communications for major gift discovery.

A former member of CASE District 4 and regular speaker at district and regional conferences, Jena is excited to broaden her philanthropic impact by supporting PRIDE Philanthropy Clients across the country. Jena seeks to support staff and volunteer fundraisers as they steward the institutional resources with which they are trusted. Her development experience also includes building community partnerships and leading complex joint grant applications as well as collaborative programming ventures.

Jena has two bachelor’s degrees from Louisiana Tech University as well as a Master of Science in Human Services Administration and certificate in Nonprofit Management from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. Based near San Antonio, TX, Jena shares three young sons with her husband Sam. Team McKinzie enjoys playing tourist in their new-ish region. In addition to exploring Hill Country attractions, they enjoy hiking and planning family road trips while Jena works on convincing her husband they should RV around the country.

Michaela Kizershot White finds joy in bringing the utmost care and integrity to every project. The pursuit of excellence is her driving force - from the workplace to her chase of the USA Olympic Trials Marathon standard. A native Minnesotan, Michaela is lucky to have had the opportunity to call Minneapolis, Chicago, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh home. She is a true-to-form culture vulture and in addition to enjoying her home city's offerings, she loves traveling to new places and learning what makes them gems!

She brings a diverse set of professional experiences to her role at PRIDE Philanthropy. Her career has included engagements as a Data Analyst, Frontline Fundraiser, Director of Major Gifts and Campaign, and Educator. A common thread across all her roles has been a love for connecting with people, learning their stories, and supporting a healthy mix of personal and revenue growth.

Throughout her career, Michaela has been involved in all aspects of a development department including major gifts, annual and capital campaigns, board engagement, planned giving, and pipeline development. Some of her proudest accomplishments include designing and implementing pipeline development processes at multiple organizations that are now performing significantly above industry standards.

Michaela holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance from Northwestern University and a Master’s in Management from Carnegie Mellon University. She currently lives among the hills of Pittsburgh and when she is not working, she is almost certainly on the trails or track training for her next marathon. Despite withdrawing from her work as a professional violinist, she continues to play duets with her professional musician husband and it is quite clear their pets Satie and Milhaud enjoy their Argentinian tangos most.

Mary Shirley-Howell is a dynamic fundraiser with a passion for making a difference across a spectrum of causes and a personal love for the great outdoors. With 16 years of experience in philanthropy, Mary has left an indelible mark on education, fine arts, scientific research, the environment, and health initiatives.

Armed with a CFRE certification, an MBA, and an MA in Philanthropy and Development, Mary is a strategic powerhouse, adept at crafting campaigns that inspire generosity and drive meaningful change. From securing resources for underprivileged students to supporting groundbreaking scientific discoveries, Mary’s expertise spans a wide array of fields, each fueled by a genuine desire to make the world a better place.

But Mary’s story reaches beyond the nonprofit boardroom. When not immersed in the world of fundraising, you'll find her focused on the rhythmic harmony of rowing in a crew. There's something about the teamwork and precision of rowing that mirrors her approach to philanthropy—collaborative, focused, and driven by a shared vision of success. Long before her nonprofit days, she became a seasoned whitewater kayak instructor, guiding countless individuals through their first experiences of the exhilarating rush of rapids, instilling in them a deep appreciation for nature's wonders.

Whether she's navigating turbulent waters or charting the course for a successful fundraising campaign, Mary approaches every challenge with unwavering dedication, boundless enthusiasm, and a spirit of adventure. With her at the helm, you can trust that your cause will not only thrive but also leave a lasting impact on the world.

Thomas (pronounced similarly to Spanish Tomás) built his first website in sixth grade. He coded and designed all throughout high school, but then took a ten-year hiatus from web development to focus on obtaining his master’s degree in translation, teaching English at a European university, and participating in drum corps in the United States.

Born and raised in Belgium, Thomas speaks four languages: English, Dutch, German, and French. He moved to America in the fall of 2017 and saw the move as the perfect time to get (back) into web and app design.

He is now the owner of Clawsun Design, the agency behind the 2022 PRIDE Philanthropy rebrand and website rebuild. In 2023, he did the book design for 10 Lessons Learned in 45 Years of Fundraising by former PRIDE CEO, Jim Lyons. Both in his role as web designer and in his free time as a drum instructor, Thomas has worked with numerous nonprofits.

Thomas resides in Nashville, TN with his wife Chelsea and their energetic dog Rachel. When he isn’t designing or teaching drumline, he loves to travel and eat chocolate.

Trish Williams is a seasoned professional with over 38 years of experience in administrative, computer, and customer support. Beyond her thriving career, Trish is a dedicated martial artist, currently holding a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Her journey in martial arts is a testament to years of commitment and discipline.

When she's not immersed in the intricacies of technology, Trish is an avid reader, exploring new worlds through the pages of captivating books. At home, she shares her space with two feline companions, Greyin and Mauve, who infuse her daily life with playful joy.

Family is at the core of Trish's happiness. Her two children, Lyora and Marek, bring laughter and boundless energy, keeping her on her toes and making every day an adventure.

Trish indulges in a guilty pleasure – a profound love for dark chocolate. The rich, velvety indulgence never fails to bring a smile to her face.

Professionally, Trish is not just tech-savvy but also holds a CompTIA A+ certification, coupled with a robust background in computer networking, particularly in Cisco routers and products. Her leadership shines through her five-year tenure as the Director of Corporate Operations with PRIDE Philanthropy’s predecessor, Lyons Associates, in Aspen, Colorado. In this role, she managed computer systems, software, the company website, corporate mailings, and orchestrated meetings and seminars.

Currently, Trish directs her expertise towards providing top-notch computer and client support for the ongoing expansion of the online PRIDE Resource Center and the PRIDE Development Institute, contributing significantly to the success of educational programming.

A graduate of New College of Florida in Sarasota, Trish's educational foundation complements her extensive professional journey, creating a well-rounded individual who embraces the harmonious blend of kicks and punches, literary escapades, feline companionship, parental adventures, and chocolate indulgence.

Marcus Neudigate is a musician and filmmaker based in Austin, TX. He's the owner of 4AM Creative, a video production agency focused predominantly in the music, visual arts, and fitness spaces; bringing stories to life through music and movement.

As a former music educator, arranger, and sound designer, Marcus has worked with several schools in central Texas including Vandegrift High School and Cedar Park High School. Prior to his time in Texas, Marcus served as the Drumline Coordinator and Adjunct Instructor at the University of Central Missouri, as well as a percussion instructor and clinician at several schools throughout the Midwest. Marcus has a B.M. in Percussion Performance from the University of Central Missouri, as well as an M.A.T. in Education.

Outside of professional endeavors, Marcus enjoys fitness pursuits like mixed martial arts and strength training, as well as adventures with his dog, Mango.