From Zero to $60M: Building a Winning Team to Inspire Unprecedented Giving

From Zero to $60M: Building a Winning Team from the Ground Up to Inspire Unprecedented Giving
William H. Miller, CFRE
President & CEO, Kean University Foundation

Justin Talavera

Philanthropy Officer, Kean University Foundation

This session will show how a small university foundation is on track to raise over $60 million by building strong leadership and creating a culture where philanthropy can thrive.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will understand the importance of leadership and culture in fundraising

2. Participants will learn the components of building a successful team

William H. Miller, CFRE, is President and CEO, Kean University Foundation. He is passionate about strengthening nonprofits through fundraising and strategic support. Over his career, he has guided initiatives that have raised more than $1 billion, including major campaigns with CCS, where he served as Executive Director for the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh’s $125 million effort, which secured $233 million. Bill has earned multiple awards, including the Robert J. Smythe Award, and is a frequent presenter, author, educator, and advisor to nonprofits worldwide.

Justin Talavera is a Philanthropy Officer at the Kean University Foundation, serving as an ambassador and securing investments for students, faculty, programs, and facilities. Previously, he was Director of Major Gifts and Grant Funding at La Salle Academy in Manhattan, managing major gift and foundation prospects and leading events and campaigns. He also served as a director at Changing Our World Inc., directing $65M and $40M campaigns and supporting feasibility studies for independent secondary schools.