About Us

Advancement Experts was launched in 2021 to serve the nonprofit community through fundraising planning, campaign development, vision-driven strategic planning, board leadership and development, organizational assessment, and training opportunities. 

The firm also provides consultation with individuals and families creating multi-generational philanthropic plans and steps in as Interim Chief Development Officer when organizations need fundraising leadership continuity during staff transitions.

Our Mission

We form transformational philanthropic partnerships with nonprofit organizations and strategically engage board and staff members in building a culture of philanthropy that ensures maximum social impact.

Our Vision

Nonprofit organizations are thriving and transforming their communities.

Core Values

Innovation with Intention:  We enable those we serve to think strategically, openly, and creatively in addressing social issues that impact their communities.

Community First:  We consider community wellbeing in every move we make with and for our clients, partners, and communities.

Driven by Purpose:  We default to the purpose of our clients and communities, and each other over self-gain.

Acceptance with Grace:  We seek to understand and accept the beliefs, preferences, and dispositions of every organization and individual without assumption or judgment.

Meet our Team

  • Vicki Pugh

    CEO

    Vicki Pugh is a powerhouse in the world of philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. Through a dynamic fundraising career, she has led teams that have raised over millions and millions of dollars for mission-driven organizations in Florida and New York City — including the New York City Opera, Carnegie Hall, Ballet Florida, Palm Beach Atlantic University, YMCA, and the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

    Vicki is known not just for raising funds, but for building strong alliances in the philanthropic community.  From board development and strategic planning to major gifts, capital campaigns, and donor engagement, she brings unmatched expertise and infectious passion to every partnership. As CEO of Advancement Experts, she helps nonprofits grow stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.  Vicki also works with families to establish generational and legacy impact on their communities. 

    An acclaimed educator, speaker, and trainer, Vicki is on the faculty of The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, where she trains the fundraising professionals in leadership, major gifts, capital campaigns, and the fundamentals of fundraising. She is a sought-after speaker, often appearing in front of audiences at Association of Fundraising Professionals meetings and conferences and presentations at Nonprofits First.  She holds both CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) and CAP (Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy) credentials.

  • Shawn Kirschner

    Senior Consultant

    Shawn Kirschner is a passionate and experienced philanthropic leader dedicated to helping individuals and families translate their enthusiasm for giving into meaningful, intentional action. She brings together creativity, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of donor engagement to create impactful and rewarding philanthropic experiences. Shawn is driven by a commitment to strengthening the philanthropic community and empowering others to give in ways that reflect their values and leave a lasting legacy.

    With nearly 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, Shawn has developed a strong expertise in working with high-capacity donors seeking clarity, structure, and purpose in their giving. She excels at building trusted relationships and guiding donors toward thoughtful, values-driven philanthropy for themselves and future generations. Her professional background includes roles with the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation, Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Foundation, Vail Valley Foundation, Roundup River Ranch, and Young Life Africa/Middle East.

  • Catherine Brown

    MA, APTD, CFRM
    Senior Consultant

    Cathy is Director of the Broward Center for Nonprofit Excellence at the Community Foundation of Broward, helping community nonprofits build capacity and strengthen their core mission work. She also does freelance nonprofit consulting. 

    Cathy spent nearly a decade as Associate Director of Education at The Fund Raising School (TFRS), Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.  In addition to serving as lead faculty for many of the face-to-face courses as well as the online courses, Cathy also spent time in curriculum design and faculty management.  She remains active on the faculty, teaching part time both in person and online.

    Cathy previously served as Executive Director of Hendricks College Network, a small, grassroots education nonprofit in Central Indiana.  During her 10 year term, HCN went from start up to self-sustaining by diversifying funding streams, building partnerships, and serving identified needs.  As a result, HCN enrolled over 17,000 adults in college programs and business training, and worked closely with county government, local businesses, universities, and economic development organizations.  Cathy also has career experience in college admissions, grant proposal writing and grant management, solid waste and recycling program management, newspaper writing, and classroom instruction ranging from elementary school through college.     

    Cathy has a Masters in Education from Indiana University and a Bachelors in Elementary

    Education from Hanover College. She also completed the Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University in 2015 and certified as Associate Professional in Talent Development in 2019. She is a former classroom teacher, and is certified as a Training Consultant through Ball State University’s School of Extended Education, is a graduate of Ball State’s Indiana Economic Development Course, and has done additional coursework with the formerly named Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI, and Ivy Tech Community College. She also served an adjunct instructor for Ivy Tech Community College for many years. 

    She currently serves on the board at Gilda’s Club of South Florida and on the education committee of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Broward Chapter.  She previously served on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northwest Florida and Impact 100 Pensacola, as well as being a past board member of Leadership Hendricks County, Plainfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Ball State University’s Advisory Board, and has participated in several other state, university, and local groups and organizations.  She is a member of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (AFP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Association of Talent Development (ATD), and also served on the Indiana Nonprofit Summit planning committee.

  • Maggie Thomas

    Marketing Consultant

    Maggie Thomas is a branding and marketing professional with over a decade of experience across diverse marketing sectors. After graduating from Ball State University, Maggie started her career journey in Seattle, Washington, where she has worked with both startups and well-established brands. Her multifaceted skill set includes website development and management, graphic design, print, and social media advertising, as well as the creation and optimization of Google ad portfolios.

    Maggie has consistently helped businesses not only with a multitude of graphic design assets but also by delivering monthly advertising returns on investment (ROI) exceeding 500%.

    Maggie discovered her passion for philanthropic endeavors early in life and has dedicated her time to volunteering her marketing expertise. She also prioritizes fundraising and philanthropic outreach programs within the community for every business.

    Currently, Maggie serves as a consultant based in Phoenixville, PA, where she leverages her expertise as a brand development specialist and graphic designer. She takes pride in collaborating with clients and is always eager to discuss and strategize new projects.