Core Team
Common Great’s core team brings 90+ years of fundraising and marketing experience to help you evolve your practices and grow your impact.
Ariel Glassman
Founder & CEO
individual giving, campaigns, Hiring, tech
Seattle, WA
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I founded Common Great in 2022, after 20 years in fundraising and nearly a decade as an agency-based and independent consultant. I’ve helped a diverse pool of 135+ nonprofits on four continents raise over $60 million. I specialize in helping nonprofits sculpt innovative fundraising strategies, build systematic and intentional donor engagement programs, and seamlessly leverage emerging systems and technology to galvanize real relationships with donors. My expertise scales from running a single important campaign or virtual event for you to building you a completely customized, data-driven fundraising strategy with optimized infrastructure.
I never stop learning, and I learn the most through teaching. I’ve taught workshops, lectures and presentations for AFP Advancement Northwest, the University of Washington, Seattle University, Philanthropy Massachusetts, 501 Commons, The Seattle Foundation, The Russell Family Foundation, ArtsFund, Seattle’s Office of Arts & Culture, Artist Trust, and Shunpike. I was selected by The Seattle Foundation and 501 Commons to lead the county- and state-wide training for nonprofits participating in Washington’s giving day GiveBIG from 2017-2019 and 2021-2023. I’ve also self-produced two independent webinars. I have served as a fundraising chair for my class with the Stanford Alumni Association, and I currently serve as president of the TeenTix board in Seattle.
Book a power session with me here.
Elise Anderson
associate Consultant
marketing, communications, tech, fractional/interim leadership
new york, ny
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An emerging leader in nonprofit marketing, Elise Anderson is a skilled communicator focused on crafting narratives that drive impact. At her core, Elise believes in the power of storytelling to inspire change. She leverages this passion as she works closely with organizations to express their mission and community-driven goals.
Specializing in nonprofit storytelling, Elise is deeply passionate about crafting narratives that resonate. Her approach is enriched by a strong interest in trauma-informed copywriting, ensuring that her communication is impactful and sensitive to the diverse experiences of the communities she serves. Throughout her career, Elise has worked on marketing campaigns for nonprofits across the United States focused on causes such as environmental advocacy, equitable education, increased access to the arts, and more.
Raised attending various nonprofit events in Seattle, focusing on reproductive justice, she feels a personal connection to nonprofit work. This lifelong exposure drives her dedication to crafting stories that make a tangible difference in the world. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from Santa Clara University. Working remotely from New York, Elise looks forward to bringing her skills and passion for purpose-driven marketing to the Common Great team.
Renate Raymond
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Capital Campaigns, Major & INDIVIDUAL Giving, hiring, interim leadership
SEATTLE, WA
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Renate is an accomplished nonprofit executive with 25 years of experience in nonprofit development and leadership. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director of the Seattle Architecture Foundation and has previously held the roles of Deputy Director at both the Frye Art Museum and the Bellevue Arts Museum, where she led the re-opening campaign in 2005. Renate also spearheaded the fast-tracked capital campaign for the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, as well as the capacity campaign and relocation for Gage Academy of Art. Her recent projects include managing the capital campaign for Mary’s Place, a capacity campaign for Futurewise, and conducting a launch assessment and planning for Girls Inc. in Seattle.
Renate specializes in leading successful fundraising campaigns and creating strategic outreach initiatives and board development services for both cultural and community-based nonprofit organizations. She has extensive knowledge of the Seattle philanthropic community and is well-regarded among local institutions, donors, and grantors. Her educational background includes studies at the University of New Mexico and a degree in Fine Arts and Art History from the University of Washington. She also holds a certificate in Art as a Global Business Dynamic from Sotheby’s Institute of Art and contributes to the museum field by teaching fundraising and community outreach as a guest lecturer in the University of Washington’s Museum Studies Certificate program.
Book a power session with Renate here.
Caroline Rensel
COnsultant
INDIVIDUAL GIVING, CAMPAIGNS, TECH, fractional leadership
wenatchee & Seattle, wa
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I found my way to fundraising and Common Great when I realized how joyful this work can be. To me, fundraising is a chance to celebrate the positive change non-profits, and the individuals that support them, are making in the world. I love to help my clients execute on data driven strategy and find ways to maximize impact with limited resources. I have a knack for creative donor stewardship, donor communications, and online campaigns, including peer-to-peer campaigns, monthly giving, crowdfunding, giving days, and end-of-year campaigns. With my background in theatre, I bring an expertise in crafting and telling the story of each client I work with to maximize community engagement.
Since 2015 I’ve performed a variety of roles, from the one-woman development shop to a member of much larger advancement team, to interim fundraising support, which means I’m ready to collaborate with you whatever the scale of your team. It’s been my pleasure to work with the University of Washington School of Drama, TeenTix, Feminist Frequency, Game to Grow, National Film Festival For Talented Youth (NFFTY), the Alexandria Harmonizers, and Book-It Repertory Theatre. I’m based in Seattle, WA but work remotely with organizations around the country.
Book a power session with me here.
Kirsten Rogers
SEnIOR Consultant & MARKETING DIRECTOR
communications, digital marketing, individual giving & campaigns
Seattle, WA
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Kirsten is an experienced marketing and communications strategist approaching two decades on the frontlines of nonprofits, advancing growth and engagement and conquering KPIs. She specializes in content strategy and design, digital marketing, event communications, and marketing automation. Fun fact: Kirsten doesn’t just work with our clients - she runs Common Great’s digital marketing too!
She has worked for a broad range of local, national, and international organizations, including ones focused on civic engagement, education, international development, economic empowerment, and social and human services. A hiatus from the nonprofit sector landed Kirsten in the consulting world, where she guided startups to successful launches, crushed Kickstarter goals, and helped small businesses build loyal and engaged customer communities.
Kirsten earned her Masters in Public Administration from the University of Washington Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, specializing in nonprofit management and philanthropy. She served with the Peace Corps’ Small Business Development program in Morocco and currently serves as Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors for OneWorld Now. In her spare time, Kirsten appreciates travel, getting lost in bookstores, playing with her dogs, and hiking. You can reach Kirsten at kirsten@commongreat.us and on Twitter as @KirstenLeah.
Book a power session with Kirsten here.
Deshani Semaan
Consultant
communications, digital marketing, individual giving & campaigns
Orlando, FL
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Deshani has eight years of experience in marketing and communications. She has worked primarily at nonprofit organizations, ranging from political/civic engagement organizations to educational institutions and more. She is passionate about increasing representation for underrepresented communities through communications.
Throughout her career, Deshani has supported nonprofits with social media strategy, content creation, branding/design and more. Deshani is excited to join the Common Great team and collaborate with even more nonprofits who are making a difference in their community.
Deshani graduated from the University of Central Florida, where she focused her studies on the intersection of communications and sociology. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature and exploring new places.
Book a power session with Deshani here.
The Common Great Co-op
An assembled group of experienced independent consultants and nonprofit experts with specialized skill sets and expertise that have been vetted by our founder, and can be brought into Common Great projects as necessary.
Tomasz Biernacki
Filmmaker & Videographer
Documentary films & campaign, virtual event & Mission videos
Seattle, WA
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Tomasz is an award-winning Seattle-based filmmaker who works closely with nonprofits in the Puget Sound region to produce compelling storytelling and fundraising videos that connect and inspire people to act.
Tomasz has over 20 years experience in the commercial arts working with a diverse list of clients that includes nonprofits, architectural firms, corporations, and government entities. His work has been featured in national TV and print campaigns.
In 2018 Tomasz released a feature length documentary called Trickle Down Town that explored the homelessness crisis in Seattle. From this life-changing experience, Tomasz co-founded a community-fueled organization called Sound Foundations NW that has constructed hundreds of tiny homes for folks experiencing homelessness in the Puget Sound region. Tomasz designed and implemented a similar volunteer powered construction model for The Block Project by Common Great client Facing Homelessness.
Currently Tomasz co-produces a podcast called You Know Me Now, a storytelling and journalism project giving voice to those marginalized in our community. He spends his free time hiking, kayaking, raising chickens, and gardening with his wife Jasmine.
Katie Cobb
Founder & CEO, Oxford Comma CommunicationsCoaching, Marketing & Communications Strategy, Fractional & Interim CMO, Writing
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Equal parts thoughtful, professional, and capable, Katie Cobb has full-stack, cross-sector marketing leadership experience, making her as effective for one-off GTM campaigns as complete brand overhauls. She is the founder and CEO of Oxford Comma Communications, where she builds marketing, communications, and brand strategies for health and social impact organizations taking on society’s most complex and unpredictable problems.
Formerly the VP of marketing for healthcare technology company Amino Health, Katie has spent nearly 20 years engaging audiences with products, programs, and organizations driving systems change. She has worked across issue areas and industries, from early and growth-stage technology companies to public sector and global philanthropic organizations.
Katie holds degrees in International Relations and Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s in Public Policy & Governance from the University of Washington.
Bailey Disher
independent consultant
Grant Strategy & Execution, strategic planning
seattle, wa
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Since beginning consulting in 2015, Bailey Disher has worked with over 30 nonprofit organizations as a consultant and strategist. She specializes in grants, strategic thinking and planning, and facilitation – especially for small and medium-sized organizations that are maneuvering through periods of transition and expansion. Bailey manages the full grants programs for clients including strategy, prospect research, relationship development, evaluation, program design, and grantwriting. She supports organizations in building and refining grants programs through grant assessments and capacity-building coaching.
Bailey is adept at understanding the connections between fundraising, programs, finance, and organizational leadership and contextualizing that within the larger nonprofit ecosystem. She is a creative problem solver who is passionate about community-centric fundraising and guiding decision-making that is community-informed. In the past seven years, Bailey has partnered with clients to raise nearly $9 million dollars to support their mission and work. Bailey is based in Seattle, WA and works remotely with clients around the country.
JeeYoung Dobbs
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
campaignS, individual giving, community & board development
SEATTLE, WA
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A capacity builder, facilitator, and fundraiser, JeeYoung has 20 years of experience working with community organizations across the region. She came to fundraising after a stint in AmeriCorps, and since then has held nearly every imaginable role on a development team.
JeeYoung specializes in campaign fundraising, annual development planning, community engagement and outreach, strategic planning, and board development. She centers collaboration and connection at the heart of her work, and is passionate about bringing people together to name, shape, and resource a future of possibility and freedom. Her current and past clients include New Beginnings, MOHAI, African Community Housing & Development, RVC, Seattle Parks Foundation, RBAC, Code2040, The Natural History Museum, Seattle JazzED, and Highlander Center.
She is honored to organize and volunteer with local arts and social justice groups. She extends her gratitude to the loving community of individuals whose unseen work fuels sustained social change.
Olivia Gattuso
Founder, Mission Forward Fundraising
Grant Strategy & Execution
seattle, wa
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Olivia’s fundraising and grant writing career began in arts and social service organizations in NYC. Now a consultant based in Seattle, she has helped 35+ nonprofits of all sizes simplify the grant process and secure millions of dollars in essential funding. Olivia brings a fine-tuned collection of tools and strategies to every client that helps increase organizational capacity and maximize fundraising opportunities. She has helped nonprofits raise more than $10M, securing an average of $125,000 each month for clients’ ongoing programs, new services, capital campaigns, capacity-building projects, and COVID-19 relief in 2021. She is passionate about supporting clients through daunting funding cliffs, significant campaigns, and major organizational shifts. Olivia is based in Seattle, WA but works remotely with clients around the country.
Meryl Glassman
Independent Consultant
Major & Individual Giving
boston, ma
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Meryl Glassman brings nearly 20 years of fundraising and development experience with nonprofits of all sizes, from small to mid-size nonprofits like The Young@Heart Chorus and Dignity Matters to national and international organizations like Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Partners In Health. Meryl excels at all things individual giving, including major gift strategy, donor stewardship, and significant campaigns. She has secured gifts up to $500,000 for special projects and significant campaigns. She loves helping nonprofits leverage their board and volunteers to build community awareness and raise more funds.
PS: Yep, she’s our founder Ariel’s sister - and the one who inspired Ariel to pursue fundraising as a career! Thanks Meryl!
Kimiko Goldberg
Independent Consultant
Individual giving, donor engagement, campaign strategy
seattle, wa
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Kimiko has a 15-year record of leadership and growth in fundraising and nonprofit management – including leading development teams and co-founding two nonprofits! With her combination of technical chops, experience creating systems and an authentic approach to building relationships with donors, she excels at building fundraising programs from the ground up. Kimiko loves building sustainable development plans and operations that form the foundation of consistent donor engagement and stewardship. Her flair for planning, launching and managing omnichannel direct response campaigns has created a track record of success in donor acquisition and retention.
With a Masters in Public Administration, Kimiko has a unique perspective on organizational development and potential. She has worked with pillars of Seattle’s nonprofit community, including the United Way, Seattle Humane Society, Densho, and the Museum of Pop Culture.
Cody Hays
FOUNDER, MARKETING MISSION
DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGY & CONTENT
PORTLAND, OR
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I have a 5-year track record of helping nonprofits build online relationships with donors, where I’ve helped nonprofits raise more than $8.5 million to advance social change. Driven by equity, I’ve spent my entire career in the digital communications industry, working with such organizations as the Legal Foundation of Washington, Children of Armenia Fund, Northern Arizona University, Future Business Leaders of America, SkillsUSA, TeenTix, Housing Development Consortium of King County, and Reading Partners Seattle.
I earned a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Digital Strategy from the University of Florida, where I’m now an adjunct instructor helping develop the next generation of change-making communicators with my Social Media Advertising for Conversions course. My work has been recognized by RivalIQ and Givebutter for exceptional digital campaigns, including ranking #1 for social media engagement and a nomination for Campaign of the Year. I’m based in Portland, OR but work remotely with clients across the country. Learn more about me at marketingmission.org!
Frances Lee
Independent Consultant
Grant Strategy & writing, Donor relations, Strategic Planning
San francisco, ca
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Frances brings 15 years of development and communications experience with nonprofits of all sizes, from small to mid-size local nonprofits such as Little Opera and Girls on the Run of the Bay Area to national organizations including MyPath and Be The Match. She is a skilled writer and excels at grant strategy and execution, and donor communications. Her passion for storytelling, data, and building meaningful partnerships has led to the acquisition of over $4M in grant funding since 2018.
Frances also specializes in strategic planning and execution. As a big-picture thinker with an eye for details and connections, she is adept at developing and implementing fundraising strategies and infrastructure that promotes a culture of fundraising organization-wide. Frances is a community-centered fundraiser and is passionate about grounding her work in social justice. Frances is based in San Francisco, CA, with her rescue pup Toby, and she works remotely with clients across the country.
Olivia Lehman
Independent Consultant
Individual giving, donor RELATIONS, campaign strategy
SEATTLE, WA
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Olivia Lehman is a seasoned fundraising consultant with over a decade of dedicated service in fundraising. Her professional voyage in the nonprofit sector has been a rich tapestry of experiences, ranging from collaborating with the American Red Cross to nurturing fledgling startup nonprofits. Olivia specializes in providing invaluable support during significant organizational transitions; she has assisted nonprofits in navigating these transformative phases and building a strong foundation for lasting success. Olivia’s clients include the Boston Women’s Fund, Guitars over Guns, and Creative Mornings.
She holds a Certification in Fundraising Management, which serves as a testament to my commitment to excellence in the field of philanthropy. Olivia is also a therapist-in-training and a yoga instructor. Beyond her fundraising expertise, she considers the well-being of your team from a holistic perspective and builds solutions that help the organization and individuals thrive in their work. Olivia loves to apply her skills and knowledge to empower organizations with the tools they need to achieve their goals and create positive change in the world.
Micah Nemerever
Independent Consultant
TECHNOLOGY selection & improvement, data strategy & operations
SEATTLE, WA
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Micah holds an MS in Information Science from the University of Texas at Austin, where he trained in database management, information organization, and data analysis. He has since pursued continuous professional development, including University of Washington professional and continuing education coursework in database management and a Google professional certification in data analytics. He has worked in development since 2017, leveraging fundraising, membership, and communications data and gaining a deep understanding of nonprofit CRM systems.
Micah seeks to act as a bridge between the machine logic of technology and the very human needs of its users. He thrives on creative problem-solving, and loves digging through data and presenting key insights for fundraising and outreach goals. He can help with report building, data analysis, audience segmentation, optimizing communications, and exploring and deploying new technologies—whatever it takes to turn data into actionable knowledge.
Sarah Rathbone
Director, Clark + May Strategies
major gifts, capital campaigns, strategic planning
seattle, wa
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Sarah is the co-founder and CEO of Co-Stellar, a social purpose corporation that connects creative entrepreneurs and arts organizations to capital for next-level growth. As a creative economy consultant, she has provided leadership and strategic counsel to mission-driven organizations for more than twenty years.
An advocate for the power of music and art to lift up communities, Sarah is committed to helping organizations and individuals thrive in the creative economy. She is skilled in leading capital projects and has helped raise more than $750 million for projects around the world.
Building on her deep experience in the nonprofit world - founding board member of the Development Leadership Consortium, COOP Image Group (both in Chicago) and Freakout Festival (Seattle) - and supporting clients of all budget sizes, Sarah is interested in finding new ways to finance the sector.
Sarah has written essays and presented on subjects including nonprofit governance and finance, music and arts policy, philanthropy and capital fundraising. Sarah is a member of the Association for Cultural Economics International, Opportunity Finance Network, Sonic Guild, Washington Women’s Foundation, and Women in Planning and Development.
As a collaborator at Public Sphere Projects, Sarah helps clients bring together their communities to develop novel – and sometimes radical – solutions to systemic challenges. As a strategic partner at Common Great, Sarah lends her capital campaign expertise to nonprofit clients.
Jennie Smith-Peers, MA
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
Interim leadership, individual & major gifts, campaigns
DC, West virginia & PITTSBURGH
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Jennie’s passion for nonprofits drives her efforts to help them achieve and sustain growth through the power of sustainable philanthropy. She enjoys supporting organizations of all sizes with strategic goal setting and innovative storytelling, always looking for opportunities to leverage their existing strengths. With over fifteen years of experience of working in community based, national and international advocacy organizations, she excels at building high-performance fundraising teams that are rooted in community fundraising principles. Other areas of expertise include annual fund development, multi-channel donor communications, major donors and building donor management systems that help organizations develop authentic relationships. Based in Morgantown, West Virginia, and when not outdoors, she works with clients across the country.
Suhailah Waheed
Managing Director, Giving Geeks
Individual Giving & Development Operations
Austin, tx & durham, nc
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A self-defined “giving geek,” Suhailah works to connect supporters of inclusive community advancements to the technology and operational processes necessary to thrive, no matter the size of the organization. Suhailah believes everyone deserves optimal support in fulfilling their goals toward social impact. An organized and talented campaign planner, she excels at development operations and helping organizations acquire and retain donors. Suhailah is based in Austin, TX but works remotely with clients across the country. Learn more about Suhailah at www.givinggeeks.com.
Annie Walters
independent consultant
Individual Giving, technology & Development Operations
seattle, wa
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For nearly 15 years, Annie has been involved in philanthropy as a frontline fundraiser, generalist Development Director, Tier 1 tech support provider, and much more. Leveraging extensive fundraising and database experience, she applies strategic, empathetic, and realistic approaches to the unique issues charitable organizations face.
Her passion is helping organizations of all sizes formalize their fundraising programs, implement best practices, and raise more money with the resources they have.
Prior to starting her consulting practice, she held fundraising positions at Seattle Opera, Indiana University, Long Live the Kings, and ACT Theatre, raising annual, capital, and planned gifts, including directly securing six-figure commitments.
When not working, you’ll usually find Annie outside or making music. She loves exploring Washington’s natural landscape through hiking, backpacking, skiing, and climbing.
She holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and previously performed in Seattle Opera’s production of The Three Feathers.
Our Advisor, Ruby Buttercup
WORK/LIFE BALANCE CONSULTANT
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Ruby is an F1b English Cream goldendoodle. She specializes in chasing geese, snarfing freeze-dried chicken, and falling asleep on you so you can’t move. She is passionate about work/life balance, helping our team focus on getting exercise outside, building a self-care routine, and ensuring a good night’s sleep. Her favorite tricks are Shake, Circus Bear, and High Five. Ruby is based in Seattle, WA but will gladly cheer anyone around the world up on Zoom. Learn more about Ruby on Instagram at @miss_ruby_doodle.
Flexible Talent
The nonprofit sector has been turned upside down by the pandemic, emerging generational economic shifts, and a workforce with changing expectations.
Common Great is a flexible talent model built for a modern workforce and uncertain economic times. That can give you exactly what you need, when you need it - minus the unpredictable hiring process and overhead costs of benefits and training.
We constantly test emerging best practices in real time across all our clients, and apply those lessons to your organization too.