Jay Harvill doesn’t just work in fundraising—he helps people imagine the impact they can have for generations. For over two decades, he’s served as a bridge between generous hearts and the transformational change they want to create. His leadership has turned planned giving from a quiet corner of development into a bold, strategic force.At Methodist Hospital Foundation in Arcadia, where Jay has led Gift & Estate Planning and Major Gifts since 2005, he’s helped redefine what's possible. Under his guidance, the team has exceeded campaign goals, multiplied planned giving revenue fivefold, and built a 15-year expectancy pipeline that mirrors current annual revenue—ensuring long-term sustainability for the hospital’s mission. But metrics only tell part of the story. Jay's real work is human—coaching staff, earning donor trust, and working shoulder-to-shoulder with financial advisors, attorneys, and community leaders to craft charitable plans that are as smart as they are generous.He’s the kind of leader who doesn’t shy away from complexity. Whether it’s stewarding gifts of commercial land or designing life income plans that align with a donor’s retirement vision, Jay brings clarity, strategy, and a deep respect for the values that drive giving.Before his time at Methodist, Jay led planned and major gift efforts at Braille Institute, where he built strong, personal connections with donors, and launched marketing strategies that helped grow awareness of philanthropic opportunities in bold new ways.And before philanthropy called, Jay cut his teeth in the corporate world—helping business clients navigate banking, wealth planning, and succession at Citigroup and Wells Fargo, and negotiating major corporate agreements at Hughes Aircraft. He even spent time on the front lines of higher ed outreach with Pepperdine’s business school, leading the region in student enrollments.Jay brings together a rare mix: strategic mind, relational heart, and a clear sense of why it all matters. He believes giving is not a transaction—it’s a legacy. And his career is proof that when you empower people with vision and generosity, extraordinary things happen.Our Sponsorswashingtontimes.comstillwatercapitalmgmt.compleiadesnpa.comFor Dr. Russell James' work, please visit: encouragegenerosity.com

Kevin Barry is an AVP at Mount Saint Mary's University and brings a fresh perspective towards relationship driven leadership and donor connectivity. Kevin is an exceptional fundraiser, storyteller, optimist, philanthropist and has recently become a doctoral candidate in leadership and innovation.

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Business, no matter what business you are in, is all about building relationships. That's what Kevin Barry does. He develops and leverages relationships to generate support for causes that he am passionate about. Over the past few years, Kevin's work has been focused on developing and executing fundraising initiatives and public relations campaigns on behalf of institutions of higher education.

Jill Rode has emerged as a rising star in the gift planning space. Within her five-year tenure at the Music Academy of the West, Jill has helped increase its endowment funded by legacy gifts by $20M.

Jill Rode, CFRE

Director of Philanthropy

Music Academy of the West

1070 Fairway Road

Santa Barbara, CA 93108Office/805-695-7911

jrode@musicacademy.org

About Jill: Jill Rode, CFRE, has built a 30+ year career in fundraising, inspired by her role as Philanthropy Chair of her college sorority (Alpha Phi). She has successfully raised millions of dollars for a range of nonprofits, including the Girl Scouts, the Santa Barbara Zoo, the American Red Cross, and the YMCA.

Since 2020, Jill has served as Director of Philanthropy for the Music Academy of the West, a renowned classical music conservatory and summer festival in Santa Barbara, California. She recently led a successful campaign that raised $16 million to support innovation and ensure the Academy's long-term sustainability. Beyond her role at the Music Academy, Jill is the principal of Fundraising360, where she provides valuable consulting services to smaller nonprofits, helping them optimize their development efforts.A dedicated advocate for community well-being, Jill has served on numerous professional and nonprofits boards, including AFP, SoCalCGP, Junior League, National Charity League, and the South Coast Railroad Museum. She has received prestigious awards for her volunteerism and fundraising expertise and continues to contribute her time to Planned Parenthood and the Dream Foundation while enjoying her hobbies, raising two college-aged children and spending quality time with her husband.

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