Our Team
Supporting over 100 nonprofits across more than 30 countries and nearly every U.S. state, we combine our diverse expertise to uncover your organization’s weaknesses, enhance your strengths, and identify critical opportunities for greater efficiency, all with a commitment to your mission’s success.
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Laurie Gift Harris
Founder & CEO
Laurie is the Founder and CEO of GIFT Nonprofit Strategies, bringing over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. As a dynamic and results-driven leader, she is known for her expertise in leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, board development, and executive coaching. Her innovative approach, combined with exceptional communication skills and unwavering dedication, has made her a sought-after consultant and mentor. Above all, Laurie is committed to creating sustainable, meaningful change, empowering nonprofits to thrive and advance the causes they champion.
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Gunnar Simonsen
Chief Strategy Officer
Gunnar comes to us with twenty-five years of both leading and consulting businesses and nonprofits. He has worked with leaders and organizations throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East and North America. Gunnar specializes in business strategy, leadership development, communications, and building team culture. With his unique experience, Gunnar brings a heart for people and to see their mission come into full fruition.
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Josh Abel
Nonprofit Attorney
Josh brings over 20 years of legal expertise to GIFT Nonprofit, specializing in nonprofit governance, 501(c)(3) compliance, and risk management. With experience in legal aid, major law firms, and an in-house legal role at a grantmaking private foundation, he advances equity and supports mission-driven initiatives with strategic legal guidance. His leadership in establishing Indiana’s largest expungement program for ex-offenders showcases his commitment to transformative impact. Josh ensures nonprofits navigate complex legal landscapes with confidence and clarity.
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Nate Kupish
Creative Director
Nate runs Blastoff! Studio, a creative agency based in Bend, OR. He and Laurie have worked together on projects for years. Before founding Blastoff! Studio, Nate was an Instructor and Designer at Apple, a Creative Director, and a Pastor. Analyzing and solving problems with organized thinking and imagination keeps him up at night. He loves it.
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Lauri Puttman
Operations Manager & Research Analyst
Lauri leads our operational team and specializes in grant research, organizational details, and running the numbers. With 20 years of experience in nonprofit schools, she brings the expertise of a math teacher and department head, Dean of Students, and Athletic Director.
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Dustin Fox
Business Development & Creative Content
Dustin focuses on generating leads and building strategic partnerships, connecting companies, organizations, and foundations with GIFT Nonprofit Strategies' services. As an artist, he gathers impactful content through video and photography, using his creative talents to tell compelling stories. Dustin’s unique blend of strategic expertise and artistic vision ensures clients have the connections, resources, and inspiration they need to succeed.
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Troy Greisen
Senior Consultant
Troy offers 30 years of global nonprofit leadership, excelling in fundraising, strategy, and program development across 85 countries. His visionary yet hands-on approach drives organizational capacity and mission impact, empowering vulnerable communities with innovative solutions. Troy brings unparalleled expertise in building sustainable organizations and advancing transformative missions. His expertise in servant leadership fosters strong, resilient teams. He brings a passion for creating lasting change to GIFT Nonprofit, and to every project he undertakes.
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Jenna Viles
Creative Specialist
Jenna has several years of experience working with multiple nonprofits, developing and planning their social media and technology strategy and implementation. With a background in marketing, communication and graphic design, she brings a broad knowledge base to the GIFT Nonprofit Team.
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Katy Hunter
Project Manager
Katy has several years of nonprofit experience including fundraising, event planning, social media management and community outreach. Her creative approach brings a broad range of communication and organizational skills to her project management work.
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Becka Goings
Project Manager
Becka brings order, organization, and optimism to the GIFT Nonprofit team. With years of experience as a project manager coupled with her expertise as an editor, she keeps everyone focused on task, ensures projects are completed on time, and confirms all content is on brand.
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Caity Budelman
Communications Specialist & Artist
Caity specializes in visual communication and multiple forms of content creation as well as managing social media platforms. With 10+ years of nonprofit work and business experience she brings a variety of skills to the table and values building culture and problem-solving for new creative solutions.