Celebrating Our Clients: Changemaker Spotlights 2024

Alford Group consultants highlight fundraising professionals from client teams who inspire us through their dedication to their work and their cultivation of Joyful Connections.

Who is a Changemaker?

Changemakers are the fundraisers, leaders and thinkers in client organizations who motivate us to live up to our values. This holiday season, Alford Group consultants put our heads together to nominate four individuals who we believe exhibit an outstanding commitment to advancing their organization’s mission with special attention to fostering Joyful Connections in their relationships with their teams, donors and the communities they serve. 

Here are our nominees for 2024:

The Night Ministry President & CEO, Carol J. Sharp (right) and Michael V. Borromeo, Chair of the Board of Directors. Photo by Darryl Hammond.

Carol J. Sharp

Carol J. Sharp, President & CEO of The Night Ministry, has made significant positive changes in her first year of leadership. A colleague shares, “Carol is an innovator and always mission focused.” Her forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to The Night Ministry’s mission have driven meaningful progress, enhancing the organization’s impact and strengthening its service to the community.

Alford Group has worked with The Night Ministry as counsel for many different projects related to fundraising and campaigns, including feasibility studies, campaign counsel, major gift solicitation training and executive search. Alford Group completed a feasibility study for a campaign to secure philanthropic support for new program space and administrative headquarters, to increase endowment and fund capacity building. The Night Ministry exceeded its $8.7 million campaign goal in less than two years. Read our blog post Celebrating 45 Years of Client Relationships to learn more about the partnership.

Devon (front row, center) poses with members of the Washington Maritime Blue on a recent team outing on the water.

Devon Emily Thorsell

Devon Emily Thorsell, Vice President of Operations at Washington Maritime Blue, plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission to accelerate innovation and sustainability in support of an inclusive blue economy. Her leadership and expertise continue to drive the development of maritime business, technology, and practices that promote a sustainable future, contributing to economic growth, climate action, and thriving communities.

A consultant from Alford Group remarks: “Devon’s people-first approach and exceptional ability to build and lead teams is truly inspiring. Her calm and thoughtful spirit shines in everything she does, especially in fostering meaningful partnerships that unite changemakers across the maritime industry. Devon combines visionary leadership with a deep commitment to teamwork, showing up to support the Maritime Blue team members as they navigate the journey of growth, climate action, and community well-being. It’s a privilege to collaborate with someone who so passionately models how we can all build a more sustainable future through our relationships with people and planet.”

Melissa (front row, left) poses with Greater Grand Island Community Foundation team members.

Melissa J. DeLaet

Melissa J. DeLaet is the CEO of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, where she leads efforts to transform community passion into lasting legacies. Under her leadership, the foundation has significantly grown its assets and impact, granting over $2.5 million annually to support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community initiatives.

A consultant remarked, “Melissa is a passionate community member and leader who puts the community foundation’s mission at the center of the work she does. She is an intentional and thoughtful partner throughout our feasibility study process and ensures that all work gets done in a timely manner. Melissa has brought so many joyful moments throughout the study, and uplifts her co-workers, board members, and the Grand Island community.” Melissa’s dedication and vision continue to strengthen the foundation’s role in building a thriving and sustainable future for the community.

Woman with microphone standing in front of a crowd of people

Stephanie Titus

Stephanie Titus, Chief Strategy Officer & Vice President of Philanthropy at Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF), exemplifies what it means to be a changemaker. Among many things, Stephanie is responsible for planning, implementing and coordinating strategies to advance the mission of RHF, including the fund development activities for RHF’s 192 affordable housing communities in 29 states, as well as directing grant making and program operations for RHF Charitable Foundation.

Her consultant team member shares: “Stephanie is a changemaker in the truest sense of the word. She always brings a can-do attitude to her work, even in the face of extremely challenging obstacles. Her focus is always on how to move the work forward, engage her colleagues in the process and create greater impact for the people RHF serves.” Through her collaborative leadership and mission-driven focus, Stephanie continues to create lasting change for the communities RHF supports.