Presented by:
Nicki Ragan
Director of Marketing & Communications, Carrollwood Day School
Ashley Souza Gerb
Director of Development, Carrollwood Day School
11:30 am | Networking
Noon | Program & Lunch Service
The program will only be offered in-person. Please indicate when registering your meal choice for meal planning purposes.
AFP Tampa Bay aims to be accessible and inclusive to all of our members and guests. If you require special accommodations, please let us know via email so we can plan to make adjustments to the program
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Menu Choices
Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad
Vegetarian - Pasta alla Vodka
About Nicki Ragan
Nicki Ragan is the Director of Marketing & Communications at Carrollwood Day School, a co‑educational International Baccalaureate institution in Tampa Bay. With a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Florida, Nicki brings creative strategy and storytelling expertise to her role, along with 25+ years of marketing and communications experience in various industries. In her position, she leads external and internal communications, aligning marketing efforts with the school’s mission to cultivate principled, entrepreneurial thinkers inspired to better the world. Under her leadership, CDS has elevated its local and regional presence, built stronger community partnerships, and embraced innovative approaches in admissions, advancement, and digital engagement.
About Ashley Souza Gerb
Ashley Souza Gerb is the Director of Development at Carrollwood Day School, where she leads strategic fundraising initiatives that strengthen community engagement and fuel the school’s mission of excellence in education. In her role, Ashley oversees annual fundraising programs, including the Patriot Fund and Patriot Gala which fundraise to expand opportunities for students, faculty, and campus growth through philanthropic support as well as alumni engagement. Her work emphasizes building meaningful donor relationships, aligning fundraising efforts with institutional priorities, and enhancing the school’s impact across academic, arts, and athletic programs. Prior to her current role, Ashley served in development positions that deepened her expertise in community engagement and nonprofit fundraising. She holds degrees from The University of Tampa and the University of South Florida, blending a strong academic foundation with a passion for mission-driven work. With a collaborative approach and strategic vision, Ashley is dedicated to cultivating a culture of giving that empowers the CDS community to rally behind shared goals and long-term success.
AFP Tampa Bay recognizes the importance of personal connection, but your health is our priority. We continue to monitor the community level for our area and follow CDC recommendations.
We ask that you not attend if:
Making the Ask,
Get What You Need by Hearing What the Donor Wants
Wayne Olson
President & CEO, Winter Haven Hospital Foundation
Fundraisers spend a lot of energy researching donors, preparing for the visit, perfecting what handouts to bring, all with the purpose of asking for and receiving a gift. However, is this the best way to work with donors? In this session we will learn:
Together we will explore how seasoned fundraisers never worry about the “ask,” and why sometimes asking for money is asking for trouble. We will show what really brings in big gifts and how you can prepare for the big meeting with your prospect. You will leave this session with practical tips on how to prepare, what to say, and not to say, and how to present your case so your donor will give the most possible.
Mezza Grilled Chicken Marsala with Asparagus & Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Vegetarian - Spaghetti Pomodoro w/ Spinach
About Wayne Olson
Wayne is the President and CEO of the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation. He is also an author, planned giving mentor and speaker and trainer to nonprofits and for-profit organizations worldwide.
He has served as the head of planned giving for the Shriners Children’s Hospital system as well as Intermountain Healthcare Foundation, two of the largest healthcare systems in the world.
As a consultant he has advised corporations and charities on fundraising, sales, customer service and building stronger relationships with customers and constituents. He is a leading expert on planned giving and donor relations. An attorney with more than 25 years’ experience, he has worked with donors on hundreds of millions of dollars in donations and helped countless nonprofits build effective and dynamic fundraising and planned giving programs.
In 2014 Fundraising Success Magazine honored him by awarding Wayne “The Most Inspirational Speaker of the Year.”
Wayne authored six books including: Fundraising for Nonprofit Board Members, The Disney Difference, How to Give a Great Speech or Presentation, Big Gifts, Small Effort, and Think Like a Donor. All are available at Amazon or wayneolson.com.
Wayne also writes for a national publisher where his words have been used by thousands of nonprofits in their websites, newsletters and marketing material for more than 20 years. He has been published in many periodicals including Giving Today, Planned Giving Today, Advancing Philanthropy, Nonprofit Times, 256 Magazine, and has twice been featured in the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Wayne has spoken to AFP International Conferences, Mensa, NASA, AFP Congress Toronto, Space and Missile Defense, Synovus Bank, Leadership Huntsville, Rotary conferences, Nonprofit University, National Philanthropy Day and many more. Recent keynotes include Planet Philanthropy 2025, NEDRA 2025, and the Western Regional Planned Giving Conference 2025.
Wayne has served on the boards of three charitable organizations and volunteers for several more. Wayne earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Stetson University College of Law. He is an Eagle Scout and the father of two Eagle Scouts.
To contact Wayne:
wayne@wayneolson.com
wayneolson.com
(656) 789-0000 (cell)
Tracy Vanderneck, MSM, CFRE, President of Phil-Com Training & Consulting, will deliver the two-day seminar to attendees from the AFP Tampa Bay Chapter.
Attendees will:
Attendee Materials
Phil-Com will email registered attendees access to the seminar materials before the event date, Attendees are welcome to bring printed copies or electronic devices on which they can view the presentation and take notes.
Join AFP April 26-28 in San Diego for 100+ expert-led sessions and countless opportunities to connect with your community.
Full conference registration comes with:
And so much more!
Florida’s premier fundraising conference—happening June 22-24 in sunny Charlotte Harbor, Florida!
This must-attend event brings together nonprofit professionals, fundraisers, consultants, board members, and changemakers from across the state for three power-packed days of:
✨ Cutting-edge education
✨ Motivating keynotes
✨ Meaningful networking
✨ And fun, fresh ideas, and meaningful connections by the beach!
