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. She specializes in strategic planning, fundraising, board development, marketing, grant writing and executive coaching. With over 30 years in the nonprofit sector as a Philanthropy Professional, Laurie brings a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and hands-on experience.
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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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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
Dustin focuses on generating leads and building strategic partnerships, identifying companies, organizations, and foundations that can benefit from the services GIFT Nonprofit Strategies offers. His expertise helps connect clients with the resources and support they need.
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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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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.
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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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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.
