Jana Byington-Smith, CFRE

President, AAB

Jana is a respected speaker, consultant and author in the fields of donor retention and acquisition, user-friendly predictive analytics, budgeting and outcome measurements, and not-for-profit program management and technology integration.  She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP), designing educational programs used in AFP chapters world-wide.  She also serves on AFP's International Education Committee.  She is a member of the American Diabetes Association's Leadership Council, chaired two St. Louis region-wide walks raising more than $100,000, and was awarded its Outstanding Service in Advocacy award in 2007. 

As a fund-raiser, Jana has always met or exceeded her annual and campaign goals.  Whether in a $1.5 billion research university campaign, campus annual and school-specific fund programs, administered sponsored research programs, or in service as a principal and major gift officer and solicitor for prospects around the world, she is motivated by successful and thoughtful giving strategies.  Jana has planned events, lecture series and faculty programs in eight countries and twenty-five states. 

Jana is a recovering mezzo-soprano, a compulsive early adopter of advancement technology, and a daily frou-frou coffee drinker.

Heather MacKechnie Gordon

Senior Project Manager, AAB

Heather advanced her career in higher education managing large academic unit annual fund programs, local and regional special events and growth and management of several volunteer groups.  Heather coordinated the major gift travel program for more than thirty development professionals, increasing call completion rates by 30 percent. She took a leadership position to re-build the full advancement and development programs for the regional animal shelter where she adopted her first pet.  With extensive experience in print and publication process and design, her work is highly sought by her clients.  Heather is an experienced metal artist and silversmith.  Her son, due to be born in June 2009, is certain to be named Charlie.

Robin Smith

Chief Operating Officer,

ROI Philanthropy Partners, Inc.

As COO, Robin manages client services and company operations for ROI Philanthropy Partners Inc., the parent company of Second Gift and American Alumni Bureau. Robin brings an extensive, diverse background in domestic and international market management, as well as dual US and UK citizenship and higher education success in both countries.  He has an established history in national sales and marketing with tremendous skill and problem solving capabilities.   He is known for his ability to inspire individual performance with a focus on accomplishing the goals and objectives for our clients.  Robin is a fan of English Premier League Football and HP Sauce.  We are thrilled that Robin joined ROI Philanthropy Partners, Inc. in 2009.

Jennifer Geistler

Administrator, AAB