Fundraising: Events Focus

Join our panel discussion with three NYCON members as they talk about fundraising events they have held for their organizations, including how those events have evolved (or not) as a result of the pandemic. They will also discuss their top learnings and tips on how to make events successful, maximizing profit while minimizing staff time. Our panel includes fundraising experts from nonprofits with varying budget and staff sizes, locations in New York State and missions – to help ensure attendees will learn relevant insights and tips, regardless of your nonprofit’s circumstances. We hope you can join us for an informative conversation!

Learn more about our three panelists:

Emily Barrett, Executive Director
Chemung County Habitat for Humanity

I am excited to have joined Chemung County Habitat for Humanity as the Executive Director in June 2021. I have dual bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice Administration from Mansfield University and have spent my career working in various non-profit human services positions. I have worked as a Program Manager for several local organizations working with IDD/DD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) populations as well as youth and families to build community engagement and permanency as well as a Director of Development working with women who were involved in sex trafficking. My mission in life is to always help others to better their situations through support, advocacy, and education. My husband and I have 4 children combined as well as our best dogs, Mabel and Lilley. We recently re-located back to the Elmira area to be part of the growth and revitalization of Chemung County. I am excited to be a part of an organization that so closely holds my personal mission and vision as their own and can't wait to see what the future holds as we move forward!

Brienne Cliadakis, Director of Development
Black Rock Forest

In her role as Director of Development, Brienne oversees the Annual Fund, major gifts and the annual benefit luncheon. Brienne is also responsible for the Visitor Services program, launched in October 2019 and communications. She joined BRF in 2015 as the Annual Fund Manager and developed the organization’s social media strategy and a public hikes & events program to enhance community outreach. Prior to joining Black Rock Forest, Brienne was the President of the Wee Play Community Project in Beacon, NY – which supports parks, playgrounds and children’s programs. Brienne was Executive Director of the Volunteer Referral Center (NYC) and Vice President of Customer Service at Hostcentric – a webhosting company. Brienne holds an MA in European History from NYU and a BA in European Studies from Barnard College.

Carly Kirchberger, Interim Director of Advancement
Buffalo AKG Art Museum