Southeast Advancement Leadership Roundtable

Presented by EverTrue

Desmond Pierce

Executive Director, Annual Giving
East Tennessee State University

Stephanie Froehlich

Vice President of Engagement
University of Memphis

This invite-only gathering brings together a small group of advancement leaders for candid, strategy-level conversation. Over the course of an afternoon, we’ll explore how leadership is evolving amid shifting donor expectations, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological change. You’ll hear how peers are leading through disruption, and join them in an open roundtable discussion on what’s next for advancement.

Agenda:

11:30 pm: Lunch and networking
12:30 – 4 pm: Working Session
4 pm: Happy Hour and Dinner

What to Expect

This won’t be a tactics-for-tactics’ sake event. The agenda is built for leadership-level conversation about what’s changing, what’s working, and what to prioritize next.

Topics will include:

  • How fundraising leaders are redefining engagement and success heading into 2026
  • Where AI is delivering real value today, and where leaders are drawing clear boundaries
  • How to balance people, data, and technology without losing focus or momentum
  • What resilience and agility look like in a shifting economic and donor landscape

After the sessions, we’ll continue the conversation over cocktails and dinner for a chance to share perspectives, challenge assumptions, and connect with peers facing similar decisions.

February 23, 2026