APRA MO-KAN
Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement, Missouri/Kansas Chapter
Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement, Missouri/Kansas Chapter
2008 APRA MO-KAN Board of Directors
President
Valerie Parker
Development Officer, Prospect Management and Research, Webster University
Email
Valerie Parker joined Webster University as the Development Officer – Prospect Management and Research in April 2003. Her
primary responsibilities at Webster University include conducting summary and full profile biographical research on University
constituents in support of major gift solicitations for University priorities; chairing the prospect management committee;
identifying and recommending qualified individual and organizational prospects to the prospect management committee;
serving as primary faculty contact for sponsored project research and local administration and training for the SMARTS, SPIN
and GENIUS databases; and managing one research staff position.
Prior to joining Webster, Valerie worked for ten years at Whittier College in Whittier, California during which time she spent
six years as Manager of Research; two years working directly with the Executive Director for Capital Campaign, Director of
Foundations and Corporate Relations, and the Director of Major Gifts; and two years for the Vice President for External
Affairs and the AVP for Development. She spent 16 years at Concordia Seminary prior to her service at Whittier College in a
variety of roles – working for the Dean of Student Life in the admissions/recruitment office and in the Seminary’s public
relations department.
Valerie is a member of both APRA MO-KAN and International and is involved in APRA through attending and volunteering at
the International Conferences, participating in MO-KAN regional gatherings, serving as an APRA MO-KAN mentor, participating
in APRA Virtual Seminars and serving on the APRA Scholarship and Margaret Fuhry Grant Committee in 2004. Valerie co-
presented at the 2004 AFP Fundraising Fundamentals Series. Currently she is responsible for sponsors/vendors for the 2005
APRA MO-KAN Chapter Conference and was the host of the 2004 APRA MO-KAN Chapter Conference. Valerie also volunteered
in a number of capacities and hosted one CARA Chapter Conference as a member of CARA while residing in California.
Valerie Parker
Development Officer, Prospect Management and Research, Webster University
Valerie Parker joined Webster University as the Development Officer – Prospect Management and Research in April 2003. Her
primary responsibilities at Webster University include conducting summary and full profile biographical research on University
constituents in support of major gift solicitations for University priorities; chairing the prospect management committee;
identifying and recommending qualified individual and organizational prospects to the prospect management committee;
serving as primary faculty contact for sponsored project research and local administration and training for the SMARTS, SPIN
and GENIUS databases; and managing one research staff position.
Prior to joining Webster, Valerie worked for ten years at Whittier College in Whittier, California during which time she spent
six years as Manager of Research; two years working directly with the Executive Director for Capital Campaign, Director of
Foundations and Corporate Relations, and the Director of Major Gifts; and two years for the Vice President for External
Affairs and the AVP for Development. She spent 16 years at Concordia Seminary prior to her service at Whittier College in a
variety of roles – working for the Dean of Student Life in the admissions/recruitment office and in the Seminary’s public
relations department.
Valerie is a member of both APRA MO-KAN and International and is involved in APRA through attending and volunteering at
the International Conferences, participating in MO-KAN regional gatherings, serving as an APRA MO-KAN mentor, participating
in APRA Virtual Seminars and serving on the APRA Scholarship and Margaret Fuhry Grant Committee in 2004. Valerie co-
presented at the 2004 AFP Fundraising Fundamentals Series. Currently she is responsible for sponsors/vendors for the 2005
APRA MO-KAN Chapter Conference and was the host of the 2004 APRA MO-KAN Chapter Conference. Valerie also volunteered
in a number of capacities and hosted one CARA Chapter Conference as a member of CARA while residing in California.
Immediate Vice President
Chari Severns
Director of Corporate and Foundation Gifts, Stephens College
Email
In December of 2006, Chari became the Director of Corporate and Foundation Gifts at Stephens College, a nationally
recognized women’s college. Professional duties include major gift fundraising through the development and cultivation of
grants and corporate donations. She also created and implemented a campaign stewardship program, which includes writing
a monthly campaign newsletter to donors and planning donor dedication ceremonies.
Prior to joining Stephens, Chari served as the Manager of Development Research for the University of Missouri-Columbia’s
Office of Development Research. She worked with a staff of five to assist in the development efforts of over twenty
specializations and programs. In that capacity, she coached three Research Analysts to proactively identify potential
donors, compile informational memos, and assist development staff with special projects. Preceding the position as
Manager, Chari was a Research Analyst and a former Administrative Assistant for the Research department.
In addition to being a former student of the University of Missouri. She received an AB in Political Science in 2001 and a
Master of Public Administration degree with an emphasis in public management and specialization in nonprofit management in
2005.
Chari's participation in APRA MO-KAN began as a member of the conference committee for the 2002 APRA MO-KAN Regional
Conference. She formerly served as Membership Director for APRA MO-KAN and is currently serving as immediate Past
President and as a mentor for two researchers.
Chari Severns
Director of Corporate and Foundation Gifts, Stephens College
In December of 2006, Chari became the Director of Corporate and Foundation Gifts at Stephens College, a nationally
recognized women’s college. Professional duties include major gift fundraising through the development and cultivation of
grants and corporate donations. She also created and implemented a campaign stewardship program, which includes writing
a monthly campaign newsletter to donors and planning donor dedication ceremonies.
Prior to joining Stephens, Chari served as the Manager of Development Research for the University of Missouri-Columbia’s
Office of Development Research. She worked with a staff of five to assist in the development efforts of over twenty
specializations and programs. In that capacity, she coached three Research Analysts to proactively identify potential
donors, compile informational memos, and assist development staff with special projects. Preceding the position as
Manager, Chari was a Research Analyst and a former Administrative Assistant for the Research department.
In addition to being a former student of the University of Missouri. She received an AB in Political Science in 2001 and a
Master of Public Administration degree with an emphasis in public management and specialization in nonprofit management in
2005.
Chari's participation in APRA MO-KAN began as a member of the conference committee for the 2002 APRA MO-KAN Regional
Conference. She formerly served as Membership Director for APRA MO-KAN and is currently serving as immediate Past
President and as a mentor for two researchers.
Vice President
Cathy Harper
Prospect Research Manager, Saint Louis Art Museum
Email
Cathy’s membership in APRA International and Mo-Kan began in 2002. Since then, she’s served on the 2002 Margaret Fuhry
Grant selection committee and completed APRA’s Boot Camp training in February 2002. In addition, she’s participated locally
in APRA Mo-Kan as the St. Louis Regional Representative, Membership Director and Vice President.
Cathy works for the Saint Louis Art Museum as Prospect Research Manager. She’s responsible for prospect management,
research and database selections with regard to the Museum’s $125 million capital campaign. She brings more than 15 years
of non-profit fundraising experience to her current position.
Prior to working for the Saint Louis Art Museum, Cathy was the Development researcher at Ranken Technical College for five
years. As Coordinator of Research and Records, she researched prospective donors for Ranken’s $10 million Centennial
campaign. In addition, she managed periodic prospect review sessions, created dynamic mail lists for campus-wide and off-
campus mailings, oversaw Development’s database and supervised the Records Specialist.
Cathy is a graduate of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where she earned a BA degree with dual majors in Journalism and
English. She also earned certification from the National Institute of Planned Giving at the College of William and Mary.
Cathy Harper
Prospect Research Manager, Saint Louis Art Museum
Cathy’s membership in APRA International and Mo-Kan began in 2002. Since then, she’s served on the 2002 Margaret Fuhry
Grant selection committee and completed APRA’s Boot Camp training in February 2002. In addition, she’s participated locally
in APRA Mo-Kan as the St. Louis Regional Representative, Membership Director and Vice President.
Cathy works for the Saint Louis Art Museum as Prospect Research Manager. She’s responsible for prospect management,
research and database selections with regard to the Museum’s $125 million capital campaign. She brings more than 15 years
of non-profit fundraising experience to her current position.
Prior to working for the Saint Louis Art Museum, Cathy was the Development researcher at Ranken Technical College for five
years. As Coordinator of Research and Records, she researched prospective donors for Ranken’s $10 million Centennial
campaign. In addition, she managed periodic prospect review sessions, created dynamic mail lists for campus-wide and off-
campus mailings, oversaw Development’s database and supervised the Records Specialist.
Cathy is a graduate of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where she earned a BA degree with dual majors in Journalism and
English. She also earned certification from the National Institute of Planned Giving at the College of William and Mary.
Treasurer
Patty Campbell
Coordinator of Donor Relations, Stephens College
Email
Biography to come
Patty Campbell
Coordinator of Donor Relations, Stephens College
Biography to come
Secretary
Christy Wineland
Manager of Development Research, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Email
Christy can be found somewhere under the massive piles of papers on her desk at her alma mater, University of
Missouri-Kansas City. Recently joining the team here as Manager of Development Research, she enjoys the challenges it
presents. Reading and implementing creative and off-beat ideas in relation to prospect research, fund raising and
data-mining has become a passion.
Since 2005, Christy has been a member of APRA MO-KAN and APRA International. She has attended numerous on-line
seminars, local and national conferences. She is also serves on a subcommittee of the Council of Philanthropy and is a
member of CASE.
Christy is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned a BS in criminal justice and english. Being an
overachiever, she then went to Kansas City to complete her JD and MPA in Nonprofit Management at the same time.
Although she is not actively practicing law, she is very popular among friends and co-workers who are chronic speeders.
Christy also completed the Certificate in Fund Raising from UMKC.
Christy Wineland
Manager of Development Research, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Christy can be found somewhere under the massive piles of papers on her desk at her alma mater, University of
Missouri-Kansas City. Recently joining the team here as Manager of Development Research, she enjoys the challenges it
presents. Reading and implementing creative and off-beat ideas in relation to prospect research, fund raising and
data-mining has become a passion.
Since 2005, Christy has been a member of APRA MO-KAN and APRA International. She has attended numerous on-line
seminars, local and national conferences. She is also serves on a subcommittee of the Council of Philanthropy and is a
member of CASE.
Christy is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned a BS in criminal justice and english. Being an
overachiever, she then went to Kansas City to complete her JD and MPA in Nonprofit Management at the same time.
Although she is not actively practicing law, she is very popular among friends and co-workers who are chronic speeders.
Christy also completed the Certificate in Fund Raising from UMKC.
Program Director
Rebecca Baughman-Kerns
Coordinator of Development Research, University of Missouri-Columbia
Email
Rebecca is one of four researchers at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She was hired in the middle of a $1 Billion
campaign. Rebecca has been in Development Research for one year and has been a member of APRA and APRA MOKAN for as
long. Rebecca has worked in the field of development for nearly 10 years – many of which were without the help, or even
the knowledge, of the field of development research.
Rebecca graduated from Mizzou with degrees in English Literature and Religious Studies. Discovering just how much call
there was for those who could quote both Chaucer and the Talmud, she quickly fell into non-profit management. Rebecca
has served as the Executive Director of two organizations, a Planned Giving Officer and the Development Director for one
international social justice group.
In her after hours work life, Rebecca runs a blog with her best friend since childhood, recommending children’s books for
young readers who are seeking out a reading experience beyond the expected. She knits obsessively, rides her bicycle
anywhere it will take her and can identify quotes from obscure movies at the drop of a hat. Rebecca has one husband, two
daughters and three furry animals scurrying about her home always looking for something to eat. Never one to rest on her
laurels, Rebecca is usually found in the evenings on conference calls with one of three social and medical justice boards
with which she serves.
Rebecca Baughman-Kerns
Coordinator of Development Research, University of Missouri-Columbia
Rebecca is one of four researchers at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She was hired in the middle of a $1 Billion
campaign. Rebecca has been in Development Research for one year and has been a member of APRA and APRA MOKAN for as
long. Rebecca has worked in the field of development for nearly 10 years – many of which were without the help, or even
the knowledge, of the field of development research.
Rebecca graduated from Mizzou with degrees in English Literature and Religious Studies. Discovering just how much call
there was for those who could quote both Chaucer and the Talmud, she quickly fell into non-profit management. Rebecca
has served as the Executive Director of two organizations, a Planned Giving Officer and the Development Director for one
international social justice group.
In her after hours work life, Rebecca runs a blog with her best friend since childhood, recommending children’s books for
young readers who are seeking out a reading experience beyond the expected. She knits obsessively, rides her bicycle
anywhere it will take her and can identify quotes from obscure movies at the drop of a hat. Rebecca has one husband, two
daughters and three furry animals scurrying about her home always looking for something to eat. Never one to rest on her
laurels, Rebecca is usually found in the evenings on conference calls with one of three social and medical justice boards
with which she serves.
Communications Director
Erin Jung
Principal, Jung Prospect Research, LLC
Email
Erin brings more than nine years in the prospect research and management field to her clients. Her consulting firm, Jung
Prospect Research, LLC, offers prospect research profiling services and training as well as consulting in prospect tracking
and management. She also currently serves as Adjunct Counsel for the Chicago-based fundraising consulting firm Ter Molen
Watkins & Brandt, LLC.
She began as a prospect researcher for Washington University in St. Louis and then moved to Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Foundation. She headed up the prospect research and management office for the Foundation as well as the Alvin J. Siteman
Cancer Center Capital Campaign, a joint campaign between BJHF and Washington University School of Medicine. Erin then
joined the Saint Louis Art Museum as prospect research manager, developing and implementing the prospect identification
and management system for their current $125 million+ capital campaign.
Erin has also consulted for numerous organizations since 2001 and is a member of APRA, APRA MO-KAN, AFP and NEDRA. Erin
initially joined APRA MO-KAN in 1999 when the chapter was reactivated and has has served as an APRA Mentor for two
Missouri researchers. She is excited to serve on the MO-KAN Board and connect with the prospect research community in
Missouri, Kansas and Illinois.
Erin earned her bachelor’s degree in History, minor in Art History at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Erin Jung
Principal, Jung Prospect Research, LLC
Erin brings more than nine years in the prospect research and management field to her clients. Her consulting firm, Jung
Prospect Research, LLC, offers prospect research profiling services and training as well as consulting in prospect tracking
and management. She also currently serves as Adjunct Counsel for the Chicago-based fundraising consulting firm Ter Molen
Watkins & Brandt, LLC.
She began as a prospect researcher for Washington University in St. Louis and then moved to Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Foundation. She headed up the prospect research and management office for the Foundation as well as the Alvin J. Siteman
Cancer Center Capital Campaign, a joint campaign between BJHF and Washington University School of Medicine. Erin then
joined the Saint Louis Art Museum as prospect research manager, developing and implementing the prospect identification
and management system for their current $125 million+ capital campaign.
Erin has also consulted for numerous organizations since 2001 and is a member of APRA, APRA MO-KAN, AFP and NEDRA. Erin
initially joined APRA MO-KAN in 1999 when the chapter was reactivated and has has served as an APRA Mentor for two
Missouri researchers. She is excited to serve on the MO-KAN Board and connect with the prospect research community in
Missouri, Kansas and Illinois.
Erin earned her bachelor’s degree in History, minor in Art History at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Professional Development Director
Kelly Robards
Assistant Director of Research, Washington University in Saint Louis
Email
Kelly Robards has been in development research for six years, beginning her career at Washington University in Saint Louis in
April 2002. She started out as a Senior Prospect Research Analyst, and in July 2007 earned a promotion to Assistant Director
of Research. She serves as the Research liaison to the Libraries and the School of Arts and Sciences, a role that includes
identifying viable prospects and attending prospect review sessions. She also conducts in-depth biographical profiles on a
variety of constituents, coordinates the prospect identification program, and assists in management of department
operations. She is a member of both APRA MO-KAN and International.
Prior to her career in research, Kelly was a copywriter for a Saint Louis toy company, where she wrote commercials,
advertisements, and various other scripts and stories in support of marketing and product development objectives. Since
then, she has occasionally worked on a part-time basis as a freelance writer. She now focuses on memoir writing and was
fortunate to have an essay published in 2007.
Kelly received a BA in English from Truman State University with a minor in French translation, as well as an MA in Information
Science and Learning Technologies (otherwise known as “Library Science”) from the University of Missouri—Columbia. Since
graduating with her Masters, Kelly has been taking a variety of writing classes at Washington University and is pondering the
pursuit of an MFA in Creative Writing.
Kelly Robards
Assistant Director of Research, Washington University in Saint Louis
Kelly Robards has been in development research for six years, beginning her career at Washington University in Saint Louis in
April 2002. She started out as a Senior Prospect Research Analyst, and in July 2007 earned a promotion to Assistant Director
of Research. She serves as the Research liaison to the Libraries and the School of Arts and Sciences, a role that includes
identifying viable prospects and attending prospect review sessions. She also conducts in-depth biographical profiles on a
variety of constituents, coordinates the prospect identification program, and assists in management of department
operations. She is a member of both APRA MO-KAN and International.
Prior to her career in research, Kelly was a copywriter for a Saint Louis toy company, where she wrote commercials,
advertisements, and various other scripts and stories in support of marketing and product development objectives. Since
then, she has occasionally worked on a part-time basis as a freelance writer. She now focuses on memoir writing and was
fortunate to have an essay published in 2007.
Kelly received a BA in English from Truman State University with a minor in French translation, as well as an MA in Information
Science and Learning Technologies (otherwise known as “Library Science”) from the University of Missouri—Columbia. Since
graduating with her Masters, Kelly has been taking a variety of writing classes at Washington University and is pondering the
pursuit of an MFA in Creative Writing.
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