Benefactor Relations and Stewardship

Relationships are the most important asset to develop for a fundraising professional. But how you engage donors and steward those relationships can have a lasting impact on the future of your organization. Join us for a panel discussion and hear ways others are focusing on benefactor relations and stewardship, what their plans look like, some success stories and even some connection failures to encourage you as you look at your plans for the upcoming year.

Kara Johnson, WSU Foundation

Martha Linsner, The Trust Company of Kansas

Jessica Treadwell, KMUW

Facilitated by Stacie Williamson, Heartspring

Kara has worked in the field of Donor Experience for more than eight years at the Wichita State University Foundation, leading behind the scenes efforts to provide a tailored approach to each unique experience provided. Kara graduated with a Communications Degree from Wichita State University in 2006 and a Masters in Leadership from Southwestern College. She has worked in a variety of roles within the fields of fundraising, leadership and student affairs; such as Director of Housing at Butler Community College, Director of First Year Experience at Friends University and most recently, her experience at the Wichita State University Foundation covers Special Events, Donor Relations, and directing the Donor Experience.

Martha L. Linsner has worked professionally in the banking and trust services field since the mid-late 80’s. She has been with The Trust Company of Kansas since 1994 and was named President in 2009. Martha holds a Bachelor of Science from Friends University and has successfully completed the American Bankers Association (ABA) National Graduate Trust School, which focuses on developing essential skills needed by today's trust professionals. In 2002, Martha earned the designation of Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA). This line of work has afforded her many opportunities to give back to her community by staying active through various networking opportunities with area non-profits and professional affiliates. 

Whether serving on a local nonprofit board or contributing in various ways to improve and enhance the trust/wealth management industry, Martha is a real maximizer. She seeks to transform something strong into something superb. She takes immense satisfaction in being busy and productive. Team building is important to her, yet she is independent and a master at prioritizing projects based on how much influence they will have on the organization or people around them. She can organize, but also has a flexibility that complements an organizer. She likes to determine how all of the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity.

Martha's proudest service experiences include leadership positions for the Kansas Bankers Association-Trust Division, on the Treasurer’s Advisory Council for the State of Kansas’ 529 Learning Quest Savings Plan at the invitation of past State of Kansas Treasurers, and President of the Wichita chapter of Executive Women International (EWI), Arts Council, Wichita Art Museum, Junior Achievement, and Junior League of Wichita.

In addition to becoming a BoardSource Consultant in 2017, the Wichita Business Journal recognized Martha in 2004 as a “40 Under 40” recipient and in 2015 as a Women in Business honoree. She is a 2005 Leadership Wichita graduate and an Advance Kansas participant.