Nicole is a dynamic leader in volunteer, intern and community engagement with over two decades of experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, including the performing arts, social services, sports, media and entertainment. As a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) and recognized thought leader, Nicole has been at the forefront of creating scalable, impactful and capacity building volunteer and internship programs that emphasize recruitment, engagement, retention, and mentorship. She has developed recognition programs that have strengthened organizational cultures and volunteer experiences. Her professional background brings a creative and innovative approach to her leadership in the nonprofit and volunteer sectors.
A published author of Game On! Relentlessly Pursue Your Dreams and the 101 Note-taking Affirmation Journal Series, Nicole is also the host of the podcast From the Suggestion Box and an international motivational speaker. Her work has been featured in The Chronicles of Philanthropy, Human Capital Leadership Magazine, and The Volunteer Management Report. Nicole’s passion for community impact extends to her volunteerism and board memberships. She has served as a board member for AL!VE, Ageless Chic Magazine, and the Arts & Business Council of Miami. She is also a mentor for the Tessitura Network’s Career Accelerator program, where she supports young arts professionals of color in developing their leadership skills and voices within the arts industry.
Nicole has been recognized for her contributions with several prestigious honors, including the 2022 United Latina Amplifying Voices Award, the 2020 AL!VE Emerging Leader Impact Award, 2019 WLRN’s Women Who Inspire You and being named one of Legacy Miami’s Most Prominent and Influential Black Women in Business in 2019.
A proud Afro-Latina and American of Panamanian decent, she loves music, salsa dancing and a good suspense novel. With a B.S. in Broadcast/Design Art and certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida.
Email Nicole at executivedirector@volunteeralive.org
Board of Directors
AL!VE’s Board of Directors is an active board that makes a difference for our profession. Those elected to the Board serve a 3-year term, with the opportunity to serve up to two terms (six years total).
Executive Committee
PRESIDENTGeorgia, Southeast Region
Skilled Volunteer Strategy & Engagement Manager at Habitat for Humanity International
Darlene Laird is the driving force behind Habitat for Humanity International's Skilled Volunteer Strategy and Engagement initiatives, specializing in crafting dynamic resources, trainings, and best practices for the Habitat affiliated network. She holds a CVA credential from the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration, solidifying her professional acumen and dedication to excellence in volunteer management. In her capacity as President for the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE), Darlene is dedicated to advancing the field and instigating positive change within the sector. Her visionary leadership and passion for driving meaningful impact position her as an industry leader, inspiring others to join the movement towards building stronger, more engaged communities through the power of volunteers.
Email Darlene at president@volunteeralive.org
PRESIDENT-ELECTTexas, South Central Region
Associate Manager of Volunteer Management at TD Mindpower
Volunteerism is Jordanya's passion. She has seen and believes the world can change if its people answer the call to make it better. She has built volunteer programs from the ground up and has seen them thrive. She actively seeks opportunities to advance volunteer management on a global scale. She uses her proven expertise in the field to train and mentor other volunteer engagement professionals.
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTMinnesota, Great Lakes Region
Director of Volunteer Resources at Hammer & NER
Cathy Thoma is the Director of Volunteer Resources at Hammer Residences, Inc. This non-profit in Minnesota supports individuals with developmental disabilities in homes and apartments, helping them to live their lives to the fullest. Cathy is Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA), an international certification that recognizes education, experience, core competencies, and ethical standards. Cathy is a member of the Program and Advocacy Committee for AL!VE, and is the facilitator for AL!VE's Transportation Community of Practice. She is also a member of MAVA - Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement where she received her Certification in Volunteer Leadership. Cathy is a member of the Program Committee for the Corporate Volunteer Council - Twin Cities. Cathy received her BA in English/Elementary Education from Moravian College and her MA in Human Resources Management from Rollins College. Not only does Cathy lead volunteers, but she cannot help but be one herself!
EQUITY LEADEROregon, Pacific Region
Volunteer Programs Manager at Oregon Public Broadcasting
Over two decades, Jenn Forristal, CVA has had the privilege of working with thousands of volunteers serving in diverse fields including social services, animal welfare, public media, national service, political campaigns, and professional associations. Previously, she served as board president for the Northwest Oregon Volunteer Administrators Association and as AL!VE's local association committee chair. Jenn is dedicated to centering equity and inclusion in volunteer programs and has advanced training in equity facilitation. In collaboration with the BDEAI committee, she helps AL!VE support our members as they work to advance equity, representation, and belonging in their programs, organizations, and communities.
TREASURERPennsylvania, Atlantic Region
Volunteer Engagement Professional
Christi Brown served as the Senior Director of Volunteer Engagement for a South-Central PA healthcare organization for 16 years. She was responsible for over 6,000 Volunteers and Interns, hospital gift shops, hospital guest Services, and auxiliaries within the health system. Christi earned her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Drexel University and her B.S. in Business Administration from Elizabethtown College. She is currently serving in several volunteer leadership roles, such as Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Association of Healthcare Volunteers Resources Professionals (PAHVRP), Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services (KPETS) board member, and a committee member of the Health Administration Advisory Council for Drexel University. Christi was recognized by several organizations for her passion, dedication, and community service, including the Evelyn Burston award from PAHVRP, the Volunteer of the Year from United Way of York County and the Alumni of the Year award from Leadership York. She enjoys working with Volunteers and understands the value and impact they have with organizations.
SECRETARYPennsylvania, Atlantic Region
Human Resources Specialist
Wendy McClure has a unique combination of experience thanks to her 25-year career working in non-profit public libraries, human resources and volunteer management. She has done temporary work with the Pennsylvania Library Association as a conference assistant to prepare for their state conference. Wendy has also led and moderated a group of library volunteer managers from across the US and Canada. She has served as a mentor and presenter at the Central Indiana Association of Volunteer Administrators Summit.
Board Members at Large
ADVOCACY CHAIRIllinois, Great Lakes Region
Director of Volunteer Expertise Hub at Habitat for Humanity
Alicia Morris Campbell brings nearly 13 years of experience in volunteer engagement and management, with a strong record of leadership in the nonprofit sector. Her diverse background spans critical areas such as disaster readiness, cancer awareness, and housing, where she has led initiatives to drive social impact and community empowerment. Alicia has held key roles, including serving as the Marketing Chair for the Association of Volunteer Administrators of Metro Chicago and Chair of Volunteer Engagement for various organizations. As the Advocacy Chair for AL!VE, Alicia is dedicated to advancing initiatives that foster social change in volunteerism, support and empower members in their professional journeys, and champion the importance of volunteer engagement in communities. With a passion for setting high standards in the field, Alicia is committed to establishing AL!VE’s guidelines as the benchmark for excellence in volunteer engagement across the sector.
MARKETING CHAIRWashington, DC, Atlantic Region
Volunteer Engagement Manager at AARP Foundation
David Horwitz is an accomplished marketing professional recognized for his expertise in strategic volunteer engagement and amplifying the call to service. He currently leads volunteer engagement initiatives and partnerships at AARP Foundation where he innovates strategies to enhance volunteer recruitment, satisfaction, and retention. David has secured millions of dollars in federal grants and raised funds to mobilize and recognize volunteers nationwide. He collaborates closely with national leaders like AmeriCorps, Points of Light, Independent Sector, VolunteerMatch, and others to champion volunteerism, elevate stories of service, and drive impact across the sector. Previously, David managed outreach programs for the world's largest scientific society, empowering tens of thousands of volunteers to reach over 50 million people annually with positive messages about science. He also serves as an appointed state service commissioner on the DC Commission on National and Community Service (Serve DC) and as an adjunct professor, teaching graduate seminars in marketing research at Johns Hopkins University. David holds a BA in Communications from the University of California, Davis, and a MA in Communications from California State University, Fresno.
MEMBERSHIP CHAIRPennsylvania, Atlantic Region
Director of Volunteer Services and Front of House Guest Experience at Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Ashley Rieser has been in the volunteer administration field for over 14 years. She oversees more than 500 volunteers who assist in a variety of performing arts venues, festivals, and art galleries at The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. She is a forward-thinking leader focused on moving the profession of volunteer engagement to the next level on a local, national and international scale. She received her CVA in 2016. She is the Director of Outreach for the CCVA and President for her local association VASP, Volunteer Administrators of Southwestern PA. Ashley was the recipient of the 2017 EVIE Award for Outstanding Volunteer Administrator of the Year. She is the Chair of Tessitura’s Managing Volunteers and Interns Community of Practice. She is also a Volunteer Management Instructor at the Community College of Allegheny County. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Colorado and one in Human Resources from Point Park University.
PROGRAMS CHAIRVirginia, Atlantic Region
AmeriCorps Seniors Programs Manager at Senior Connections at The Span Center
Carol Ayars has been in the field for over 25 years and loves her job at The Span Center where she handles day-to-day operations of the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) and oversees the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). She also co-led their Service Enterprise Accreditation journey. Carol is President of her local AVA, GRAVA, and the DC-VA AmeriCorps Seniors Director’s Association. She serves on the Board of Directors for the AmeriCorps Seniors Professional Network (ASPN) and also volunteers with CCVA. As part of AL!VE, she chairs the Programs Committee, co-leads the AL!VE Academy, and serves on the Membership Committee, Summit Program Committee, and the Impact Awards. She loves to share her knowledge and experience through local and national presentations and workshops to further the Volunteer Engagement Professional.
SERVICE ENTERPRISE CHAIRKansas, Midwest Region
Senior Community Engagement Manager at Harvesters - The Community Food Network
Amy Pinger has extensive experience managing volunteers, national service members, and leading organizational change. In her current role, she is responsible for evaluating annual resource development strategies for volunteerism, community outreach, and donor engagement at Harvesters, a Feeding America partner foodbank. Amy serves as a Governor-appointed Commissioner for the Kansas Volunteer Commission and is an active community volunteer. Amy is a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) and one of eleven individuals in Kansas to become Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA). Amy brings her experience and passion to the AL!VE board serving on the Service Enterprise Advisory Council and AL!VE Programs Committee.
SUMMIT CHAIRMinnesota, Great Lakes Region
Director of Volunteer Services at Lyngblomsten
Shelli Beck was introduced to volunteer management as a volunteer introducing volunteerism to the small private school that her children attended. Then she began an AmeriCorps position with Goodwill/Easter Seals as a Volunteer Coordinator. Over the years she has turned a very part-time Volunteer Coordinator role at Lyngblomsten into a full-time Director level position. Shelli has been a staple of volunteer engagement in Minnesota helping deliver Service Enterprise training, having served as a Conference Chair and Board Member for MAVA, and actively connected with her local peers.
TECHNOLOGY/ LOCAL ASSOCIATION CHAIRWashington DC, Atlantic Region
Associate Director, Community & Volunteer Engagement at Partners for the Americas
William Webber holds both the Certified Volunteer Administrator credential from the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration and the Certified Association Executive credential from ASAE. He is a highly organized, detail-oriented, strategic, systems-focused, and thoughtful professional who aims to get maximum results as efficiently as possible. William has experience working with the US Government, implementing various grants and cooperative agreements, as well as writing grant proposals. William is looking forward to growing professionally as a board member and expanding his network of colleagues within the profession.
Grace Belizario, CVA, ACNP (She/Her)Virginia, Atlantic Region
Senior Manager, Volunteer & Member Engagement at American Alliance of Museums
Grace Belizario's background includes communication and marketing strategies, program/event management, volunteer engagement and life & health coaching. She has helped cultivate, implement and evaluate 450+ programs, including the launch of online opportunities. Grace also has experience in local and nationwide partnership development. She has been a lifelong volunteer and believes volunteering has a huge impact on society. "Volunteer Administration Professionals create environments that ultimately can have a direct impact on our communities. The more people are aware of this, the further our field can be understood, supported, and legitimized."
Donna Finney (She/Her)New York, Atlantic Region
Head of Volunteer Operations at New York Road Runners
Donna Finney is the Head of Volunteer Operations at New York Road Runners which welcomes over 23,000 volunteers each year. With over 12 years’ experience, Donna has managed several volunteer programs in the US, including Ronald McDonald House of New York, United Services Organization and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Quoted for her work in volunteer management best practice in the Volunteer Management Journal; Donna specializes in volunteer recruitment and appreciation and uses that experience and passion for volunteerism in supporting future volunteer leaders. Donna is an active volunteer herself in the NYC area with several organizations. Donna studied Tourism Business Management in Birmingham, UK before moving to the US. Donna resides in New York City with her partner and two dogs.
Leigh Hersey, PhD (She/Her)Louisiana, Southeast Region
Associate Professor & MPA Coordinator at University of Louisiana at Monroe
Leigh Nanney Hersey is an Associate Professor of Political Science and program coordinator for the MPA and Political Science programs. She currently holds the Lawson & Sharon Swearingen Endowed Professorship in Political Science. Dr. Hersey serves as the University's Faculty Athletic Representative. She received her Ph.D. in Public Administration from Arizona State University in 2009, with a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Leadership & Management. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia in Journalism and her M.Ed. from Temple University in Athletic Administration. Dr. Hersey's teaching and research covers public and nonprofit administration, grant writing, civic engagement, and social media. Dr. Hersey has presented at numerous academic and professional conferences throughout the United States. She has several journal articles and book chapters and recently co-edited a book on the arts and civic engagement. Before joining academia, she worked in the nonprofit sector for more than a dozen years. Dr. Hersey served on the City of Scottsdale (AZ) Parks and Recreation Commission, chairing the commission in 2004. In 2012, Dr. Hersey was nominated for the Volunteer Mid-South Spirit of Giving Award.
Allison Schwartz, CVA (She/Her)Maryland, Atlantic Region
Director of Volunteer Programs at Maryland Zoo
Allison Schwartz has been working for the Maryland Zoo for 13+ years. During this time she has been a catalyst for change, organization, and the strengthening of ties within the organization itself and also the local community. Additionally, she has spent five years as a volunteer manager in the animal sheltering world where she was able to find her confidence and start the journey of becoming a leader and teammate to those around her. Currently, Allison is on the Volunteer Manager Committee for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is also a Community of Practice leader for the Animal Welfare group.
Kayla Paulson, CVA (She/Her)Iowa, Midwest Region
Service Enterprise Administrator
Kayla Paulson has been with the Service Enterprise Program since the national pilot over a decade ago. During her tenure with United Way, she led the regional volunteer center. She fought for strategic volunteer engagement by working with and building the capacity of almost 100 local agencies, managing 4 RSVP programs of more than 500 volunteers, and volunteering with the state commission, Points of Light, and United Way Worldwide to help improve volunteer engagement practices. Kayla Paulson has spent her professional career in marketing, training, community relations, and volunteer management. She is an experienced state, regional, and national trainer, delivering interactive and empowering workshops. Kayla has a passion for volunteerism and has served as President for the local DOVIA, Chair for RSVP Directors of Iowa, Alburnett School District Foundation Board Member, United Way Worldwide Committees, Service Enterprise Curriculum Design Team Member, LAP-AID Emergency Volunteer Center Leader, AL!VE's President-Elect, and as a pro-bono volunteer for various nonprofits across the nation sharing her skills in volunteer management, strategic planning, training, marketing, and communications.