Keynote Speaker
Patrick Schmitt
Co-CEO/Founder, FreeWill
“I’m focused on creating scalable global impact by making it much easier for ordinary people to do tremendous good. I’ve been lucky enough to be on great teams that have helped to elect President Obama, pass health care reform, and create the world’s largest social change platform at Change.org.”
Patrick is currently the co-CEO and co-founder of FreeWill, a social venture founded at Stanford University that has raised more than $10B for charities and nonprofits. Before FreeWill, Patrick founded two nonprofit organizations and served as the Head of Innovation at Change.org, where he helped grow the organization to 100 million users in 4 years.
Lunch Speaker
Chris Staudinger
Co-Founder and Entrepreneur, Pretty Gritty Tours
For over fifteen years Chris worked as a videographer, journalist, and travel writer helping promote destinations and uncover the best parts of the world. On camera and behind the lens, he’s been working to put destinations and events on the map.
“Today I have the privilege of helping people tell their story to travelers and tourists who are looking for life changing experiences. It has been my deepest pleasure to have worked with and represented BBC, Expedia, TripAdvisor, Discovery Network, National Geographic, and many more in curating trips and tours and with countless destinations as a marketing agent.”
Today Chris runs Pretty Gritty Tours and provide tours and experiences for tourists and brands throughout Washington. Pretty Gritty Tours has built community partnerships with the City of Tacoma, T Mobile, JAW Maritime, The Foss Waterway Seaport, Experience Olympia, Travel Tacoma, American Cruise Lines, and so many more.
Closing Speaker
Dr. John Gaines
Founder, PUSH for Dreams
Dr. John “Push” Gaines is a former at-risk kid turned CEO/Founder of nonprofit PUSH for Dreams, best-selling author, renowned speaker, leadership consultant, and mentorship advocate. Known for his powerful message of perseverance, John inspires students, professionals, and communities to “keep pushing” through adversity. His life story fuels his mission to uplift others through mentorship and positivity. Named one of Yahoo News’ “Top 10 Most Influential People of 2020,” he’s spoken at universities, conferences, NBA camps, and schools nationwide. Devoting himself to the world community, John has proudly appeared as a guest speaker at universities, corporations, national conferences, nonprofit events, NBA skill camps, school assemblies, and youth camps nationwide. He holds a Master’s in Business Leadership and a Doctorate in Business Administration. His greatest joy is being husband to Emily and father to Anorah, Benny, and Jonah.
Fundraiser Workshop Session – “The History of Civil rights, Affirmative Action and DEI”
Dr. Terryl Ross
VP of Antiracism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Goodwill Olympia & Rainier Region
Terryl has over 30 years of experience related to equity and social justice. He specializes in examining the intersectionality of diversity, equity & inclusion; climate justice; and peace studies. He has been the Chief Diversity Officer at four different organizations and is currently the vice-president of antiracism, equity and Inclusion at the Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region.
Terryl believes the 21st century will be a time of scarcity and reduction, resulting in a struggle between those who want to bring people together versus those who want to divide people. Terryl believes people are ready to come together in a new way to build learning communities and to proactively make social justice a priority in America. He is completing his first book, “The Rise of the Others and the DEI Paradox.”
Fundraiser Workshop Session – “The RIFT (Release IRA Funds Timely) Project”
Doug Page, CAP, IPA
Senior Legacy Advisor, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation
Doug Page is a seasoned philanthropic leader with more nearly 40 years of experience helping donors and organizations maximize their impact. He serves as Senior Legacy Fellow at the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, where he guides individuals, families, and businesses in creating meaningful legacies that strengthen communities. A Certified Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) and Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA), Doug brings both technical expertise and a deep understanding of donor values to his work. Prior to joining GTCF, he served in leadership roles with the Pacific Lutheran University and other nonprofits, where he built lasting partnerships and advanced mission-driven initiatives. Passionate about aligning generosity with purpose, Doug has dedicated his career to fostering connections that support long-term community well-being. Beyond his professional commitments, he enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest, connecting with local arts and culture, and spending time with his family.
Fundraiser Workshop Session – “The RIFT (Release IRA Funds Timely) Project”
Steve Saafeld, CAP, IPA
Philanthropy Advisor, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation
Steve Saalfeld brings nearly 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience to his role as Philanthropy Advisor at Greater Tacoma Community Foundation. He partners with donors and nonprofit leaders to align intention with action while also building relationships with local professional advisors to influence a community culture of proactive philanthropy. His work at GTCF allows him to be part of the bigger community conversation in thinking about the role philanthropy can play in making a brighter future for everyone in Pierce County. He is on the AFP South Sound board, co-chaired the Summit Programs Planning Committee in addition to being a member of SSPGC and serving as Secretary of the board for the ARK Institute of Learning. Steve is a CAP (Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy), IPA (Impact Philanthropy Advisor), FCEP (Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning), and a 21/64 Certified Advisor. He and his wife Jennifer have four kids and live in Fircrest where you will sometimes find Steve using the tree house he built “for the kids” as a makeshift home office. He loves exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest hiking, camping and exploring with his family.
Fundraiser Workshop Session – “Meeting the Moment: KNKX”
David Fischer
President & General Manager, KNKX
David Fischer is the president and general manager of KNKX Public Radio. He has held the position since 2024. He was most recently at Tacoma Arts Live, where he served as CEO for nearly 18 years.
He has worked as a professional actor, in news media, and in the arts, including leadership positions in both Washington state and California. He was also board president of Cultural Access WA, which secured state legislation to allow communities to tax themselves in support of arts and culture, and he co-led the campaign for the local funding in Tacoma.
Fundraiser Workshop Session – “Meeting the Moment: KNKX”
Sarah McAtee, CRFE
Senior Director of Development, KNKX
Sarah McAtee is the Senior Director of Development at KNKX Public Radio, a dual-format jazz and NPR news station serving Western Washington. Since her start in public radio, nearly 14 years ago, she has filled various roles at the station, from database manager to director of annual fund. She currently oversees the individual giving, business support, and marketing and communications teams, has extensive experience with fundraising during a crisis, and is actively involved in building a sustainable financial future for KNKX after the recent rescission of federal funding for public media. Prior to her time at KNKX, Sarah was the Membership Manager at Museum of Glass in Tacoma. She graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree in Arts Management and has a Masters in Art History from Richmond University in London.
Professional Advisor Workshop – “2025 State & Federal Tax Law Changes (And Their Effect on Estate & Gift Planning)”
Todd M. Blodgett
Partner, Eisenhower Carlson, PLLC
Todd is an estate planning attorney who also serves as general counsel to wealthy individuals, their families, and their businesses. He works with clients to design and implement complex and tax-efficient strategies for their wealth and estate planning. High net worth individuals – including business owners, real estate developers, and executives of private and public companies – rely on Todd’s guidance and counsel for all aspects of wealth transfer strategies, income and transfer tax planning, gifting, charitable giving, and business succession plans.
Todd also assists individuals, families and financial institutions with probate and trust administration, including charitable trusts, disputes and controversies, complex real estate matters and fiduciary administration. He represents people who have lost family members and face complexities in transferring assets, personal representatives and trustees, and heirs of large estates. Todd additionally advises nonprofit clients on various issues, including obtaining 501(c)(3) status, acceptance and administration of complex gifts, and governance issues.
Professional Advisor Workshop – “Legacy by Design: Smart Planning for Wealth, Family, & Philanthropy”
Avery Frank, CPA
Tax Manager – Gift, Estate, & Trust at CLA
Avery Frank, CPA is a seasoned Gift, Estate & Trust Manager at the Bellevue office of CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC and is passionate about guiding high‑net‑worth families through multi‑generational wealth transfer strategies. He earned a BA in Business Administration from Washington State University and completed an Estate Planning Certificate at Villanova Law. Avery frequently shares his expertise through webinars and articles—most recently on grantor vs non‑grantor trust tax implications—and mentors future accountants, hosting high school and college interns. Deeply involved in his community, he serves on the Boys & Girls Club of King County finance committee. Avery combines technical acumen, educational outreach, and client‑focused service to help families preserve their legacies.
Professional Advisor Workshop – “Legacy by Design: Smart Planning for Wealth, Family, & Philanthropy”
Joseph Banks
Associate Attorney, Fahlman Little Wheeler
Joseph, an attorney at Fahlman Little Wheeler, advises clients on complex tax, estate planning, and business succession matters – with a special focus on international issues. Prior to joining Fahlman Little Wheeler, Joseph lived and worked in the “four Asian tigers” of Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore, where he practiced US and international corporate, trust, and tax law. His experience working overseas as an expatriate has provided him with unique insight into international trust and estate planning, which he leverages for the benefit of his clients. In addition to representing international families, Joseph has experience in representing a wide variety of professionals, entrepreneurs, and business executives.
Joseph received his Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Washington, his Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma, and his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Houston. He is admitted to practice law in the States of Washington, New York, and South Dakota.
Case Study: Pathways Home
Panelists
Michael Yoder, Moderator
Executive Director, Associated Ministries
Michael Yoder is the Executive Director of Associated Ministries in Tacoma–Pierce County, a role he began on August 31, 2015. With over 30 years of nonprofit leadership—including five senior roles—he brings deep experience in marketing, communications, and community engagement. Mike previously led events and brand initiatives at World Vision before transitioning to Associated Ministries. He serves on the boards of the Affordable Housing Consortium, Human Services Coalition, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, and the Steering Committee to End Homelessness. A dedicated family man and avid hiker, Mike has traveled to 30 countries and loves mentoring, reading, and exploring Mt. Rainier with his wife.
Aimee Khuu
Focus: REACH Center, youth and LGBTQ+ (Pierce County)
Aimee Khuu is the Executive Director of Tacoma Community House and The REACH Center, appointed January 2023. Fluent in English and Spanish, she brings 15 years of national and international nonprofit leadership—previously serving as Chief of Health Equity at Providence. Aimee champions equity, immigrant and refugee rights, and youth empowerment.
Duke Paulson
Focus: Good Neighbor Village (Pierce County)
Duke Paulson has served as Executive Director of Tacoma Rescue Mission since April 12, 2018, overseeing education, employment, housing, recovery, and community programming. He brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership—formerly at MultiCare Good Samaritan Foundation, Helping Hand House, and Metropolitan Development Council—and is committed to faith‑based, trauma‑informed service to Pierce County.
Joseph Crain
Focus: Downtown Block Project (Kitsap County)
Joseph Crain is Executive Director at St. Vincent de Paul, bringing over 25 years of data-driven leadership in nonprofit operations. He excels in optimizing programs, delivering consistent results, and driving mission impact. Passionate about community service, Joseph leverages his extensive experience to enhance organizational efficiency and enrich client support services.
Trudy Soucoup
Focus: Scattered Site Homes + Navigators (Thurston County)
Trudy Soucoup is CEO of Homes First, leading affordable housing in Thurston & Mason Counties since October 2011. She brings over 30 years of global nonprofit leadership, previously at Community Youth Services, and champions board development and organizational sustainability. Trudy also serves on several local boards, empowering housing justice.
