Best #GivingTuesday Practices

Panel Discussion with Cory J. Howat, M.A., Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation, Archdiocese of New Orleans and Eric Holderness, Associate Vice President of Development, Kansas State University along with hosts Mike Wescott, CFRE, Director of of Development, Support for Catholic Schools, Inc. and Conner Meier, Associate Director Of Development, Wichita State University Foundation.

Cory J. Howat has worked in the nonprofit sector for many years, gaining experience in both programming and development. Cory was the executive director of Boys Hope Girls Hope for more than nine years, which included rebuilding the organization following Hurricane Katrina. He also has extensive fundraising experience, having served as a major gifts officer and as a director of institutional advancement. Before being chosen to lead CCF in 2017, Cory was the director of stewardship of the Archdiocese of New Orleans for five years. Cory is also the president of #iGiveCatholic, the first-ever day of Catholic giving in the country, which reaches donors in all 50 states and raised over $12 million dollars in just 24 hours last year. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Mississippi State University and master’s degree in philanthropy and development from St. Mary’s University in Minnesota.

Eric Holderness, associate vice president of development, has been with the Kansas State University Foundation since 2013 and in his current role oversees Strategic Solicitations and the University Wide Development team. He also spearheaded initiatives like the Digital Development Officer program, the All In Day of Giving, and the Student Gift Officer program to align with KSU Foundation’s strategic vision to be the best development shop in higher education. He previously served as Senior Director of Development for the College of Veterinary Medicine, Director of Development for the College of Arts and Sciences, and Development Officer for the College of Arts and Sciences. A native of Montezuma, Kansas, Holderness earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Kansas State in 2009 before adding his Master’s degree in College Student Personnel in 2011.