NETZEL GRIGSBY ASSOCIATES - Key Persons


Amy J. Epman - EVP

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Executive Vice President
  • Executive Vice President & Director of Strategic Communications and Reasearch
  • Executive Vice President & Director of Strategic Communications and Research
  • Member of the Association
Amy Epman is executive vice president and director of strategic communications and research. Amy helps nonprofit organizations establish a bold vision for greater impact that is grounded in thoughtful planning and shared through creative storytelling. Amy specializes in strategic communications and case development for major fundraising campaigns, organizational and financial development planning, and campaign feasibility studies and assessments. She also has extensive experience with foundation relations and grant writing, research, program development, and marketing and public relations. Amy applies her curiosity, critical thinking and creativity to discover the distinctive qualities of each project and create a persuasive appeal for support. Most recently she secured grant support for Lincoln Training Center and developed case statements for Westside Food Bank, Ventura College Foundation, Oakland Children's Fairyland, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County. Her recent planning clients include Special Olympics Northern California and Blessed Sacrament Church in Hollywood. Amy is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Los Angeles Chapter, and has taught classes in writing case statements and grants for the UCLA Extension Program on fundraising. Amy earned a master's degree in communication management from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Charles M. "Chaud" Richards - Chief Legal Officer

Job Titles:
  • Senior Counsel
Chaud Richards is senior counsel at Netzel Grigsby Associates (NGA) and guides large and small nonprofit organizations and institutions in capital development campaigns to increase capacity to impact their communities and constituents. Chaud believes that the nonprofit sector is often the most nimble and responsive sector to address needs in our society, and that effective volunteer engagement is essential to the strongest outcomes in fund development and planning.

Cody J. Grigsby

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President & Director of Business Operations
  • Executive Vice President With
Cody Grigsby is an executive vice president with Netzel Grigsby Associates who enjoys working with a diverse range of nonprofit organizations throughout San Diego and northern California. Cody brings genuine connection, targeted communications, and creative solutions to help his clients realize their greatest potential while making a lasting impact on the communities they serve. Cody's love of humankind drives his passion to "do good" every day. He believes in the transformational power that philanthropy has on the world, and all that is made possible when people come together. Cody specializes in marketing and communications, using compelling written and visual storytelling to ensure his clients remain mission-driven in all aspects of their vision. Cody joined the firm in 2013 after a successful career as an international humanitarian with the Department of Defense and has more than eight years of development experience. Cody's passion for cultural diversity, animal welfare, environmental preservation, and human rights inspires his work with NGA. Cody's experience ranges from multi-million-dollar capital campaigns and major gifts to annual campaigns, goal feasibility studies, case development, and communications services. His recent clients include the Armed Services YMCA of San Diego, the City of Poway and the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, Cygnet Theatre, Diversionary Theatre, Dub Baseball and Softball Foundation, Episcopal Community Services, NTC Foundation, Pacific Wildlife Care, Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley, Sacramento LGBT Community Center, Sacramento SPCA, San Jose Stage Company, St. Paul's Cathedral, Sunnyvale Community Services, Timken Museum of Art, and Unusual Suspects Theatre Company. Cody serves on the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) San Diego Chapter Board of Directors as Vice President of Resource Development. Cody is a published author and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of California Santa Barbara, with more than seven years of experience in behavior management.

Jeanne E. Schmelzer - EVP

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President
  • Certified Fundraising Executive
Jeanne Schmelzer is an executive vice president who provides strategic fundraising solutions to nonprofit organizations and institutions throughout California. With more than 40 years of experience, Jeanne is passionate about helping nonprofits reach their highest potential and is committed to making a positive and lasting impact in the communities she serves. With NGA for over 26 years, Jeanne manages and implements successful multi-million-dollar capital campaigns, annual campaigns, and major gift fundraising programs for a diverse range of clients. Recent projects include the NTC/Cygnet Theatre ($39 million campaign), Meals on Wheels of San Diego ($15 million study), City of Poway, Performing Arts Center ($25 million study), Sunnyvale Community Services ($22 million campaign), and Armed Services YMCA ($5.5 million study and campaign). She also has extensive experience in board and staff development, fiscal management, long-range strategic planning, facility and program development, marketing, and communications. Jeanne's professional excellence and service has garnered her numerous accolades. She received the 2016 Spirit of Carol Sigelman Award as the Outstanding Development Professional in North San Diego from the North County Philanthropy Council (NCPC), the 2016 Women Who Mean Business Award sponsored by the San Diego Business Journal, and 2017 Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) San Diego Chapter. Jeanne is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and has been an active Rotarian since 1991 and serves on a number of committees. She is a board member of AFP San Diego and currently serves as the president for both the North County Philanthropy Council Board and YMCA Alumni Board of the Marston Chapter. Jeanne holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from National University, San Diego and resides in Escondido, California.

Jeffrey P.S. King - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice President
  • Vice President With
Jeffrey King is a vice president with Netzel Grigsby Associates who specializes in helping nonprofits achieve ambitious visions through integration of fundraising into their strategic goals. He believes in the importance of building wide support for fundraising efforts in an organization's community and is passionate about helping advancement professionals deepen their relationships with their internal leadership and external partners. Jeffrey has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years and has an extensive background as an educator, capital campaign manager, and frontline fundraiser. Most recently, he worked with the University of California, Los Angeles' (UCLA) Division of Humanities where he expanded the pivotal role his academic colleagues played in successful fundraising, community outreach and public relations. Through this role, he also actively engaged diverse communities in Los Angeles for a variety of programs, including Armenian, Brazilian, Hellenic, Islamic, Jewish, and Latin American Studies. Jeffrey has developed and executed strategic plans for nonprofit management; capital and annual fund campaigns; and executive leadership transitions for universities, liberal arts institutions, independent schools, social services nonprofits, and arts and culture organizations. He also has experience in professional development curriculum, volunteer management, and board development, particularly in relation to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Jeffrey received his Bachelor of Arts in English and Education from Vassar College and his Master of Education in Higher Education Administration with a specialization in External Relations from Vanderbilt University. He also received a Secondary Education English Teaching License from the State of New York. Jeff believes in the importance of building wide support of an organization's fundraising efforts, and is passionate about helping advancement professionals deepen their relationships with their internal leadership and external partners.

John A. Ciambrone - SVP

Job Titles:
  • Regional Director
  • Senior Vice President
  • Senior Vice President With NGA 's Hawai
John Ciambrone is a senior vice president with NGA's Hawai`i region. John partners with nonprofit organizations throughout the State of Hawai`i to raise funds that increase their impact for the people and communities they serve. By embracing each organization's unique mission, assets, and opportunities, John is able to customize a development plan that will achieve results. John brings over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management and fund development, having served as both a CEO/executive director during a successful YMCA career and as a professional consultant for diverse nonprofits in the areas of healthcare, education, youth services like YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs, religion, environment, museums, and human services. In Hawai`i, John has worked with The Salvation Army, Island Pacific Academy, YMCA of Honolulu, Hawai`i Forest Institute, Christian Academy, Christ Church Episcopal and the YWCA of Hawaii Island. John is a member of the Aloha Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Hawai`i Association of Nonprofit Organizations, and has conducted numerous trainings for both organizations. John also serves as an adjunct professor in the MBA program at Chaminade University in Honolulu. John earned his bachelor's degree from Kutztown State College, Pennsylvania and a Master of Education in community leadership and development from Springfield College, Massachusetts.

John C. Jepson - SVP

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President
John Jepson is a senior vice president at Netzel Grigsby Associates (NGA). He specializes in capital campaign management, strategic planning, board development, and donor pipeline management. He has extensive experience raising money through multiple funding streams-major donors, foundations, annual giving, direct mail, and special events. John has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. He has extensive experience working with a wide variety of nonprofit organizations in fundraising and organizational development. He has managed capital campaigns, board and strategic plans, feasibility studies and developed programs in the arts, education, social service, and religious sectors. His work within nonprofits and as a consultant gives him a unique perspective regarding the opportunities and challenges facing leaders in communities across the Country. Prior to joining NGA, John specialized in healthcare philanthropy having served as campaign counsel on Partners In Care's $6 million capital campaign and as Senior Philanthropy Officer for St. Charles Health System in Bend, Oregon. At St. Charles, he managed the fundraising efforts and led the organization in raising over $27 million and successfully completing three major capital campaigns for a new cancer center, ICU and health clinic in rural La Pine, Oregon. John is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and serves as a board member for the Southern California Association for Healthcare Development. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. John and his family live in Bend, Oregon. John believes that there are no shortcuts to achieving an organization's mission and in building a sufficient donor pipeline. John specializes in capital campaign management, strategic planning, board development and donor pipeline management.

John C. Spokes - SVP

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President
John C. Spokes, CFRE, collaborates as a strategic partner with each client, propelling them toward greater impact and benefits to society. With a meticulous approach, John steers organizations through each crucial step, crafting and implementing plans while ensuring ongoing evaluation for guaranteed success. As a firm believer in the uncompromising value of integrity, he underscores that there are no shortcuts to achieving an organization's mission. Specializing in capital and annual campaigns, strategic plans, and board development, John brings a wealth of experience across diverse nonprofit sectors, including arts, education, health care, social services, and youth development. Recent successful partnerships include Skylight Theatre Company (Strategic Planning), Temple Adat Elohim (Campaign Study), Prosser Boys & Girls Club (Study and Campaign Counsel), and Archer School for Girls (Campaign Counsel). John's method is marked by creativity, offering innovative solutions to navigate complex challenges. His ability to ignite creative thinking among clients is a testament to his commitment to thinking outside the box. Before joining NGA, John provided nonprofit management consulting services in Minneapolis. Notably, he served as Chief Development Officer for Chrysalis, A Center for Women, achieving unprecedented success with the agency's first multimillion-dollar capital campaign. His leadership roles from 1994-1998 at Minneapolis' Guthrie Theater, including Director of Annual and Individual Giving, Interim Development Director, and Director of Community Giving, showcased his versatile expertise. John also co-founded and served as the Managing Director of the Eye of the Storm Theatre. John earned his Bachelor of Arts from Pomona College. John believes that there are no shortcuts to achieving an organization's mission and in building a sufficient donor pipeline.

Katie Khasim-San - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice President
Katie Khasim-San is a highly accomplished and dedicated professional, currently serving as Vice President at Netzel Grigsby Associates (NGA). With a strong commitment to integrity and a value-driven approach, Katie brings innovation and expertise to her work with nonprofit organizations. Her passion lies in creating a brighter future for young people and their families, and she recognizes the essential role that diversity plays in achieving this goal. With 20 years of experience in building and managing comprehensive development programs, Katie has consistently displayed a hands-on approach and a creative perspective in working with nonprofit clients and volunteers. Her expertise extends beyond San Diego, as she has successfully implemented fundraising campaigns in various communities throughout Southern California, including San Diego, Imperial Valley, Orange County, and Los Angeles. Katie leads with integrity and brings a value-driven, innovative approach to her work with nonprofits. She recognizes the value of diversity and is passionate about building a brighter future for young people and their families. Katie has more than 18 years of experience building and managing full-scale development programs and brings a hands-on approach and creative perspective to her work with nonprofit clients and volunteers.

Kevin J. Delaney - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice President
  • Board Member of the Association
  • Vice President With
A vice president with Netzel Grigsby Associates, Kevin Delaney believes the success of any organization starts with strong leadership and a shared strategic vision by all stakeholders. With NGA, Kevin facilitates the development of strategic fundraising and marketing plans, conducts executive searches, supports board recruitment and development efforts, and serves in interim leadership roles. Kevin brings over 25 years of professional fundraising experience at the independent school and university levels. He has successfully led multiple advancement offices overseeing strategic planning, capital campaign assessment, fund development, admissions, alumni relations, grant writing, communications/marketing, and volunteer management. Throughout his career, his passion for inspiring and helping others achieve their dreams and aspirations defines who he is as a person. Prior to joining NGA, Kevin served as the director of annual giving at Loyola Marymount University, where he managed the school's $6 million annual fund and supported development officers from the various schools, colleges, and programs across campus. Most recently, Kevin served in senior leadership roles at Chaminade College Preparatory and La Salle College Preparatory supporting the fundraising, marketing, admissions, and community outreach efforts. Kevin is a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Los Angeles Chapter, and has served as Chair of National Philanthropy Day and other executive committee board positions. He is actively involved in the Pasadena community and serves on the school board of St. Philip the Apostle as Vice-President for Development. Kevin earned his B.A. in Business Administration and M.A. in Secondary Education from Loyola Marymount University. Kevin's passion for inspiring and helping others achieve their dreams and aspirations defines who he is as a person.

Margaret G. FitzGerald

Job Titles:
  • Senior Associate
  • Senior Associate, Special Services
Maggie FitzGerald is a senior associate at Netzel Grigsby Associates (NGA) who works with nonprofits to amplify their mission and build equitable communities through mission-driven storytelling and meticulous research. She offers expertise in the form of case development, campaign & strategic planning, grant writing, prospect research, and communications - all of which are rooted in research-driven best practices. Maggie has worked with clients across many sectors of the nonprofit industry including education, faith-based groups, and youth-serving organizations. Prior to joining NGA, Maggie supported the executive and development teams at New Friends New Life, a Dallas-based nonprofit serving survivors of human trafficking. She also served as an AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Fellow at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa where she aided in restructuring the volunteer program and organized client-facing disaster response during the 2019 Kincade Fire and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maggie holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Maggie is committed to building equitable communities by helping nonprofits create measurable results through research-driven best practices and mission-centered storytelling.

Michael J. Menichetti - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice President
  • Vice President With
Michael Menichetti is a vice president with Netzel Grigsby Associates (NGA). As a trusted thought partner, Michael strategically navigates his nonprofit clients toward their organizational goals. Always focused on mission, Michael is an adept listener who identifies donors' passion points and guides them to discover purpose and meaning in their philanthropic endeavors.

Michele A. Bignardi - SVP

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President
  • Lead Counsel
  • Member of the Board of Managers of the San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA
  • Senior Vice President With
Michele is a senior vice president with Netzel Grigsby Associates (NGA) who works with a variety of nonprofit organizations to enhance their fundraising strategies and increase the impact of their work. Michele is passionate about the power of philanthropy to build better, stronger communities. Michele has served as lead counsel on a number of successful feasibility studies and capital campaign projects. Recent clients include Providence Holy Cross Medical Center ($7 million capital campaign), Los Angeles LGBT Center ($57 million capital campaign), Valley Beth Shalom ($30 million capital campaign), and Variety Boys & Girls Club ($10 million capital campaign). Michele is Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG). Michele trains and coaches both professional and volunteer fundraising. She has been an instructor with the UCLA Fundraising Extension program, is the President of the Southern California Council of Charitable Gift Planners, a past President of both the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Orange County Chapter, and the Southern California Association of Healthcare Development. Michele co-chaired the Western Regional Planned Giving Conference. She received the 2019 Outstanding Leader Award from the Southern California Association of Healthcare Development, and the 2023 Outstanding Professional Award from AFPOC. Michele is a member of the Board of Managers of the San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA, a branch of the Los Angeles Metropolitan YMCA. She has served in every major leadership role included board chair and has provided volunteer leadership to two successful capital campaigns. In 2018, Michele was inducted into the Golden Book of Distinguished Service in recognition for her 20+ years of volunteer service, which noted her commitment and emphasis on the role that the Annual Support Campaign provides to the volunteer leadership development process. Michele holds a Bachelor of Arts from San Francisco State University.

Paul A. Netzel - Founder

Job Titles:
  • Chairman Emeritus
  • Founder
Paul is founder and Chairman Emeritus of Netzel Grigsby Associates, a leading management-consulting firm specializing in work with nonprofit organizations and institutions. Founded in Los Angeles in 1985, the firm has grown to include offices throughout the Western United States. The firm has helped guide nearly 400 major projects with combined fundraising goals exceeding $3.4 billion with an overall goal achievement of 98 percent. Netzel Grigsby Associates has been honored by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce as being "an outstanding example of the entrepreneurial spirit of our region." Prior to his founding the firm, Paul had a successful 22-year career with the YMCA culminating as an executive vice president with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. He served his profession in numerous roles including as vice chair of the national board of directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and president of AFP's Greater Los Angeles Chapter, where he was honored as its Professional-of-the-Year. He is co-founder of the UCLA Extension's "Certificate of Fund Raising" Program. Paul has a distinguished record of community service and leadership. He served as mayor of Culver City, CA, for two terms while a city council member (1980-88). Previously, he served as a member and president of the Culver City board of education. He has held leadership positions on the boards of Boy Scouts, Goodwill Industries of Southern California, United Way, YMCA, and the California Youth and Government program. He has served on the advisory boards of the Auto Club of Southern California, APEX (Asian Professional Exchange) and Habitat for Humanity. During 2017-2018 Paul served as Chair of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Trustees - the first year of TRF's second century of service. With assets exceeding $1.25 billion, TRF enables Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. TRF helps fund humanitarian activities, from local service projects to global initiatives including Rotary's 30+ year initiative to eradicate polio from the face of the earth. Netzel was one of 17 members of the board of directors of Rotary International (R.I.) in 2007-09, also serving as chair of the R.I. Board's Executive Committee. Rotary is an international service organization with over 1.2 million members in 200 countries and territories. In 2012 he served as moderator of Rotary's International Assembly, responsible for the training of 535 incoming district governors worldwide. Previously he served as governor of R.I. District 5280 (1997-98), and as president of the Rotary Club of Los Angeles. Paul chaired the Bid Committee to secure the 2008 R.I. Convention for Los Angeles, subsequently becoming chair of the LA2008 Host Organization Committee and, following his election to the R.I. Board of Directors, he served as special advisor to the committee. His awards and honors include The Rotary Foundation's Distinguished Service Award, TRF's Citation for Meritorious Service, Rotary District 5280 Hall of Fame, Rotary Club of Los Angeles Rotarian of the Year, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Golden Book of Distinguished Service, Co-Grand Marshal Los Angeles Korean Festival Parade, Culver City Citizen of the Year, Jaycees Distinguished Service Award and PTA Council Honorary Life Service Award. Paul has a distinguished record of community service and leadership. He has held leadership positions on the boards of Boy Scouts, Goodwill Industries of Southern California, United Way, YMCA, and the California Youth and Government program.

Paul M. "Chip" Netzel - CFO, EVP

Job Titles:
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Executive Vice President
Chip Netzel leads the financial, human resources, and information technology operations of Netzel Grigsby Associates. He also provides client service in the areas of executive searches, feasibility studies, capital campaign counsel, long-range and strategic planning, and financial development computer and program systems evaluation. He is former chairman of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission for the City of Culver City. He previously served on the board of directors of the Culver City Chapter of the American Heart Association, board of trustees of the Culver City Education Foundation, and the board of directors for Culver City Little League. Chip is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Los Angeles Chapter. He is the assistant varsity baseball coach at Culver City High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Southern California. Chip leads the firm's financial, human resources, and technical operations. He also provides client service in the areas of executive searches, feasibility studies, capital campaign counsel, long-range and strategic planning, and financial development computer and program systems evaluation.

Rebecca "Becca" J. Merrell - EVP

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President
  • Member of the Advisory Board
Becca Merrell is executive vice president for Netzel Grigsby Associates. She works with a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, among them environmental groups, health and human services, educational institutions, religious organizations, and youth services, guiding them to achieve their goals. Becca believes that empowering nonprofit volunteers and staff with tools and knowledge will ensure long-term organizational stability. Her extensive knowledge has been valuable in creating and implementing dynamic programs to fund services, while helping donors enjoy their giving. Becca has partnered with nonprofits in fundraising and planning to impact communities. She has secured significant dollars and exceeded goals on important fundraising campaigns. Those who have benefitted from her expertise include Arroyo Grande Hospital Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme, Casa Pacifica Center for Children and Families, Community Environmental Council, First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara, Pacific Wildlife Care, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara Zoo, and Stuart C. Gildred YMCA in Santa Ynez. Becca is a member of the Advisory Board and a workshop facilitator for the Center for Nonprofit Leadership at California Lutheran University (CLU). The Board Leadership Institute and workshops on fundraising are the primary areas she teaches. She has also served as a member of the faculty of CLU's Executive Skills for Church Leaders program. Active in the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Becca is a member of the San Luis Obispo Chapter and is a past president of the Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter, where she was selected as Fundraiser of the Year in 2008. Becca earned her bachelor's degree in from California State University, Northridge, graduating summa cum laude.

Stephen "Steve" D. Willmont - SVP

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President
  • Senior Vice President With
Steve Willmont is a senior vice president with Netzel Grigsby Associates (NGA) who directs major capital campaigns, planning studies, development training and strategy activities for a wide spectrum of nonprofit organizations primarily in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Steve believes that strong nonprofit agencies make for a strong community, and he is committed to building strong nonprofit staff and volunteer leadership teams. Steve brings the experience of over 35 years of professional nonprofit management to his clients. Steve has recently completed campaigns with Boys & Girls Clubs and independent schools raising over $18 million. Additionally, Steve has worked with both urban and rural community organizations like YMCAs, botanic gardens, mental health and addiction counseling programs, food banks, senior centers, and other youth development organizations. Recent clients include Westside Food Bank, Ventura Botanical Gardens, Solvang Senior Center, Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and the Western Justice Center, among others.

Sylvia Chinn - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice President
Sylvia Chinn, a vice president at Netzel Grigsby Associates (NGA), is passionate about working with nonprofits to achieve their goals and create lasting social impact. Since joining NGA, she has partnered with nonprofits such as Villa Esperanza Services, Casa Treatment Center, San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center, Boys and Girls Club of Skagit County, UCLA Asian American Studies Center, and the California Science Center Foundation on projects spanning campaign studies, strategic planning, and executive search. With two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sylvia served in senior leadership roles for 11 years at the affiliate organizations of Planned Parenthood and YWCA, as well as the Pasadena Senior Center. Sylvia also served on Planned Parenthood's national centennial fundraising advisory committee and co-chaired a nationwide committee for fundraiser professional development. As a community volunteer, Sylvia spent years as a board officer for the Friends of the Pasadena Public Library, taught computer literacy at the Minneapolis Public Library, and assisted as a ride leader and outreach worker for bike advocacy groups in Los Angeles. Sylvia has also facilitated and participated on panels for events hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Greater Los Angeles Chapter (AFP-GLAC), Southern California Association for Healthcare Development (SCAHD), and other organizations focused on fundraising professionals. She advocates for representation and equity in nonprofits and philanthropy as essential elements for promoting systemic change. Prior to joining NGA, Sylvia was a senior consultant at a nonprofit consulting firm, where she contributed to various projects, including merger exploration, marketing and communications, strategic planning, board development, and the development of fundraising plans. Additionally, she has worked on successful political campaigns supporting BIPOC women candidates in Los Angeles County. Sylvia earned a B.A. in English from Cal State Los Angeles, graduating cum laude. Sylvia has a passion for working with nonprofit boards, staff and donors to advance their organizations' missions and to create lasting social change.

Tisa W. Blackmore

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President & Director of Client Service
  • Executive Vice President With
Tisa Blackmore is an executive vice president with Netzel Grigsby Associates who partners with nonprofits to advance their mission through strategic fundraising and leadership engagement. Grounded in her conviction that fundraising is promise keeping, Tisa is committed to building fundraising plans that are achievable. She is expert at developing strategy that amplifies each client's strengths and engages people in a way that becomes a win for all. Tisa facilitates campaign and organizational planning, implements major fundraising campaigns, and provides board and executive coaching for independent schools, social service and youth-serving organizations, hospitals and clinics, and religious organizations. Significant among these is Villa Esperanza Services' phased campaign to fund its new campus, Bel Air Presbyterian Church's successful $14 million campaign, Southern California Public Radio and Special Olympics Southern California. Tisa holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

W. Jay Grigsby - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Principal
Jay Grigsby, as the principal and chief executive officer of Netzel Grigsby Associates (NGA), has developed partnerships with nonprofit organizations and institutions from every sector. His extensive experience in the field underscores his appreciation for the pivotal role nonprofits play in fortifying communities and amplifying the voices of those they serve. Under Jay's stewardship, NGA has successfully spearheaded campaigns, raising over $3.4 billion for various nonprofit organizations. In his capacity as a nonprofit consultant, Jay conducts comprehensive campaign planning studies, and leads substantial capital, endowment, and comprehensive campaigns. His clientele encompasses a broad spectrum, spanning education, healthcare, social services, and environmental sectors. Noteworthy recent clients include the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center ($50 million), UCLA Fielding School of Public Health ($196 million), Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics ($26 million), Laguna Blanca School ($8.5 million), and Community Environmental Council ($15 million). Jay's commitment to professional development extends beyond his consulting work, as he dedicates his expertise by providing pro bono trainings for various associations and foundations such as the Ventura County Community Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, CenterLink, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Before joining NGA in 1996, Jay Grigsby forged a successful career at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America as a nonprofit executive director. His responsibilities encompassed pivotal areas like board and staff development, fiscal management, strategic planning, program development, and fundraising. Jay earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University at Fullerton. With decades of experience in the field, Jay knows first hand the dynamic role that nonprofits play in building strong communities and giving a vital voice to the people they serve.