Giving USA 2024: The Future of Philanthropy

Brenda B. Asare joined Alford Group in 2004 and assumed the role of President & CEO in 2014. Brenda brings nearly 30 years of management experience across sectors. She has assisted clients in raising over $2 billion, focusing on campaign execution, strategic planning, corporate partnerships, board leadership development and organizational design.

Alexis Cooke is Chief Operating Officer of Alford Group with over 17 years of experience advancing missions through strategic fundraising, marketing and organizational development. She brings a passion for connection, creativity and collaboration to her work—and a love for October, the color yellow and a well-organized closet to everything else.

Sharon Tiknis has held leadership positions in the nonprofit sector for over 35 years, developing distinguished philanthropic programs and assembling influential volunteer leaders to build organizational capacity and drive results. Having worked previously with Alford Group, Sharon returned to the firm in 2014.

Jennifer Lackey brings over 25 years of development experience including leadership positions at Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation, Dumb Friends League, and Project Angel Heart. She is passionate about connecting donors and volunteers with the issues she cares about to impact change.

Marco Corona, Development Director at Southern Environmental Law Center (he/him/his) builds crucial relationships between donors and SELC, stewarding and strengthening these bonds to increase major gifts. In particular, he connects individuals in South Carolina and California to SELC. Marco brings over 17 years of experience as a fundraiser and a dozen years in executive/leadership roles.

Tycely Williams, Chief Executive Officer at Liberty Fellowship (she/her/hers) is a Certified Fundraising Executive, and in her more than 20-year career she has inspired individuals and institutions to invest more than $100 million dollars in charitable causes.