Twenty Individuals Awarded 2025 CGP Conference Scholarship


October 22, 2025

Indianapolis, IN — The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 CGP Conference Scholarship. The CGP Conference scholarship program was established to offer educational opportunities to fundraising and charitable gift planning professionals. 

These scholarships would not be possible without the generosity and support of our donors. 

David Disend and 馬奔 Scholarship Fund

Kate Leighton-Colburn – Development and Communications Director, Holland Museum

George L. Wolff Memorial Scholarship Fund

Rose Garcia – Director of Development, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston 
Tim Peters-
Director of Planned Giving, Union Rescue Mission

Hibel Family Scholarship Fund

Amrita Barmadat – Planned Giving Coordinator, American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science 
Samantha Johnson – Development Associate, Planned Giving and Major Gifts, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 
Catherine Nolte – Philanthropy Associate, Northwestern Memorial Foundation

Robert F. Sharpe, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

Matthew Lyons – Director of Development, UnityPoint Health-Des Moines Foundation

National Association of Charitable Gift Planners Scholarship Fund

Shelly Azar – Director, Legacy Giving, Jewish Federation of St. Louis 
Cassie Cairnes – Director of Impact and Advocacy, Cedar Lake Foundation Inc.
Kalisha Colbert – Planned Giving Manager, Maryland Public Television 
Gregory Fabiano – Legacy Giving Officer, Foundation Fighting Blindness 
Shaunna Graf  
Vicky Hopper –
Planned Giving Director, Utah Valley University 
Heather Kemper Director of Advancement, Miriam School and Learning Center 
LB Lyons – Vice President for Advancement, Grand View University 
Jill McIlroy – Donor Experience Advisor, Arizona Community Foundation 
Danielle Pierleoni – Legacy and Leadership Giving Manager, Heritage Christian Services 
Kate Rhodes – Senior Officer of Strategic Philanthropy & Planned Giving Marketing, International Rescue Committee 
Kellie Schmidtke – Director of Institutional Advancement, Hanahau’oli School 
Jessie Whitish – Director of Development, Neighborhood House

Each scholarship includes registration to CGP Conference and a one-year CGP membership. The next scholarship application period will open in June 2026. 

About CGP
The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) is the leading organization setting standards for charitable gift planners. We bring members together to learn, connect and advocate. We provide education and resources that enrich and advance careers. We connect colleagues at all levels through our national network—including those who defined the field. We exist to serve our distinguished profession and bring to life the art and science of charitable gift planning