Larry Yonker

Strategic Marketing, Organizational Development, Major Donor Programs

Larry’s experience with major nonprofits and Fortune 100 corporations gives him the skills and vision required to create successful programs for fundraising, planned giving, donor relations, major donors, marketing, and development activities.

A former Executive Director of Development for Compassion, where he worked for nearly a decade, Larry also worked for 16 years in the information technology industry, serving as a Regional Director of the value-added marketing division of Unisys. Long involved in the Christian Management Association and the Christian Stewardship Association, Larry is also an elder at New Life Church in Colorado Springs and a member of the board of directors for the National Association of Evangelicals.

Larry@TheElevationGroup.com

Devlin Donaldson

Non-traditional and Relational Marketing, Leadership Development

Devlin’s creative leadership and his pioneering work in organizational innovation have made him a recognized pacesetter in the nonprofit sector. He has utilized his extensive experience in traditional techniques (direct mail, major donor, etc.), non-traditional approaches (partnerships with leading speakers and musicians, implementing continuity and affinity programs, develop profitable volunteer programs, etc.) and product development strategies to help many organizations maximize their potential.

Former Director of Development and Marketing with Compassion International, where he worked for nearly two decades, Devlin has also authored books and numerous articles. He has a master’s degree in counseling from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is a member of the Christian Management Association’s national board of directors.

Devlin@TheElevationGroup.com

Julie Divine, Senior Account Manager

Project Management, Donor Communications, Foundation Research and Development

Julie’s skill in managing detailed procedures, her ability to solve complex problems, and her excellent written and verbal communication skills help her manage our growing Foundation Department. She has created numerous Case Statements for use in foundation grant requests and organizational development campaigns, and she has written or edited major donor appeals, fundraising letters, annual reports and advertising/advertorial copy. She also administered the yearlong Executive Leadership Program for ministry executives, a partnership between The Elevation Group and the Christian Management Association.

A cum laude graduate from Oklahoma Baptist University, Divine studied Psychology and Spanish.  Julie formerly worked as an Account Manager with TouchPoint Solutions. She and her husband Noah previously served as Resident Night Managers of the Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado in Colorado Springs, and they are volunteer Community Leaders at Village Seven Presbyterian Church, one of the largest PCA congregations in America.

Julie@TheElevationGroup.com

Becky Kyle, Account Manager

Special Projects, Grantwriting and Foundation Research

Becky’s experience in leading nonprofits like Girl Scouts of the Pikes Peak region and Hi Kidz! International through the complex maze of foundations and grants has helped clients find the right organizations to support their work.

Becky has managed all aspects of the grants and foundations process, from researching organizations, to writing case statements, to creating proposals and proposal templates, to supervising the relationship building process. A graduate of Colorado State University, Becky has participated in numerous overseas missions trips, and serves as a volunteer tutor, mentor and volleyball coach. She and her husband speak to high school and other youth groups about character building.

Becky@TheElevationGroup.com

Sabrina Rainey

Executive Leadership, Strategic Marketing, Operations Management, Product Development, Branding and Re-branding

Sabrina's experience with non-profits began with International Network of Children's Ministry, where she served as Director of Communications.  She has also been on church staff as music director and served on the board of several non-profit service organizations.

Formerly, Sabrina was with Adelphia Communications, a publicly traded national cable and telecommunications company.  As their Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the Western Region, she was responsible for all sales and marketing activities and new product launches in a 9-state region.  Prior to Adelphia, Sabrina was the Corporate Director of Marketing for American Telecasting, Inc., a publicly traded company in the wireless broadband industry, where she had full responsibility for corporate marketing, public relations and creative services.

Ms. Rainey has been the recipient of several distinguished marketing awards in the telecommunications industry.  She and her husband Larry, are active members of Woodman Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs, CO.

Sabrina@TheElevationGroup.com

Aaron Atwood, Senior Account Manager

Project Management, Strategic Planning, Foundation and Development Research

Aaron’s background in client management and writing enable him to tell compelling stories while navigating the complex process of foundation development and marketing strategy. Aaron has written hundreds of articles for magazines, newspapers and the internet. He has over a decade of experience helping non profit organizations meet their goals.

As a writer for Focus on the Family, Aaron became knowledgeable and active in the field of public policy and social reform where he worked with the most influential people in America ’s policy circles. As a manager for ThyssenKrupp Elevators, the second largest manufacturer of vertical transportation in the world, Aaron managed operations for the Southern Colorado branch, with earnings of more than $12 million per year. He has helped small organizations like the Manitou Springs Aquatic Center raise funds for capital campaigns and the top-selling real estate agent in Colorado Springs manage her client database and marketing strategy.

Aaron holds a B.A in English from the University of Colorado where he was president of the campus Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship chapter. He serves at Tri-Lakes Chapel in the youth and worship departments.

Aaron@TheElevationGroup.com

Claire Waltman , Senior Account Manager

Project Management, Communications and Marketing, Foundation and Development Research

Claire has a passion to work with organizations by employing creative problem solving techniques and outstanding communication skills. She is compelled to examine operations through case statements, donor relations, marketing and development activities so an organization can effectively accomplish their mission. She has written and edited donor appeals, campaign documents, and copy for marketing pieces for a variety of non-profit organizations.

No stranger to this work, Claire was an account manager for TouchPoint Solutions. Prior to joining The Elevation Group team, she worked as the Colorado Springs City Tennis Director. Claire organized and executed all public tennis lessons, USTA tournaments, community events, low-income programs, and Special Olympics training while managing a top-notch staff and pro-shop. She also worked as the head coach for the Air Academy High School girls’ tennis team and assistant coach for the United States Air Force Academy women’s tennis team (NCAA Division I).

Claire completed a B.S. in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology from Oral Roberts University on a full athletic scholarship. Her college career began at the United States Air Force Academy where Claire remained for two years before receiving a medical discharge. Claire also completed a one-year internship at New Life Church where she completed Summit Leadership training on worldviews and examined international spiritual movements. She and her Fiancé, Chris, are planning a fall wedding.

Claire@TheElevationGroup.com

Megan Rieger ,Researcher and Writer

Grants, Foundations, and Development Writing and Research

Megan’s attention to detail and excellent writing and research skills help our clients improve their publications and communication with donors, draft foundation grant requests, and find matching funding organizations among the thousands of foundation prospects.

Before graduating from college, Megan had worked or volunteered for several nonprofit organizations. These experiences give her an insider’s perspective on the unique challenges and joys charitable organizations face on a day-to-day basis. Her personal involvement with nonprofits included the YMCA, World Relief, Spokane ’s Union Gospel Mission and City Light Home for Women and Children.

A magna cum laude graduate from Whitworth College , Megan studied journalism and mass communication and English. Megan is also a nationally published freelance writer.

Megan@TheElevationGroup.com