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Meet Our Nonprofit Services Team (and Your Contacts)

If you've worked with, been trained by, purchased services from, received an email from or heard of Network for Good, there's a good chance one or more of the names below will sound familiar. But, do you know which member of our West Coast team was a singing server? Or who on the Central team served in the Peace Corps? 

Read on to get to know us a little better. Put a name to a face. Get a sense for our fashion sense. Most of all, enjoy peeking behind the curtain for a second to get to know the real us and find out how to contact us with any questions you have about our online fundraising and email marketing services.

 


Charles Ball (our Jack of all regions)
( Email Charles or call 888.284.7978 x749) 

Why Charles Joined Network for Good:
Quite simply: "To apply my communications/sales expertise to help nonprofits grow."


And What About Life Before Network for Good?
Charles worked in the corporate sector providing computer consulting and training services to major organizations such as the University of California San Francisco, Kaiser and Williams-Sonoma. 

What Charles Has Got to Show for the "Before" Time:
A Bachelor's degree in Communications Arts from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

When Charles is not Networking for Good...
He enjoys reading sci-fi, bicycling and going on hikes with his partner.

Charles Would Like to Give a Shout-out to:
"I really enjoy the work of Global Exchange which advocates for social justice."


 

An Open-mic Moment with Charles:
"I believe that meditation, mindfulness and being present is the way to go."

Tim Riordan (also a Jack of all regions)

( Email Tim or call 888.284.7978 x743)

Why Tim Joined Network for Good:

"After years of focusing on the return on investment for companies I was working for, I began to realize that there needed to be a personal ROI as well. I sought out an opportunity that would allow me to use my skills to help people and organizations that help people, rather than just help increase people's net worth."

And What About Life Before Network for Good?
"I worked for several hi-tech market research and consulting companies helping customers with strategic planning. I also started a company that advised banks on Mergers and Acquisitions in the telecom sector."

What Tim's Got to Show for the "Before" Time:
A Bachelor's Degree in International Business (with a minor is German, danke schön) from the University of Scranton.

When Tim's not Networking for Good...
He enjoys playing golf, fishing, gardening and reading biographies.

Tim Would Like to Give a Shout-out to:
 "I am truly biased and will admit it. My wife works for this organization and as a former smoker I can truly appreciate the work they do to help protect people from the dangers of second-hand smoke as well as the work they do to prevent kids from starting to smoke. It is truly a David and Goliath story, and thanks to the work they do, generations to come will enjoy a healthier world."

 

Favorite Quote:
"Being tolerant does not mean that I share another one's belief. But it does mean that I acknowledge another one's right to believe, and obey, his own conscience." - Viktor Frankl

 

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EAST REGION
(CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT)

REGION CONTACT: 888.284.7978 x742 

 Ted Thompson

 ( Email Ted or call 888.284.7978 x744)

Why Ted Joined Network for Good:

"I realized my passion was in the mission and service of organizations working for social good."

And What About Life Before Network for Good?
Ted worked in various sales and marketing positions at for-profit companies, most recently construction equipment and supply sales.

What Ted's Got to Show for the "Before" Time:
A Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education/History from Mount St. Mary's College (now Mount St. Mary's University). 

When Ted's not Networking for Good...
He spends as much time as possible with his family, especially his daughter Grace (she is pretty darn cute). He is also very active with the Frederick Rugby Club as a coach, fan and semi-retired player.

Ted Would Like to Give a Shout-out to:
"I truly feel that the men & women who serve our country and their families deserve all of our support & assistance. The sacrifice and risks that they take when our country calls upon them are truly remarkable. I feel honored & privileged to help these amazing people!"

 

Favorite Quote:
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

 

Dennis Barongan 
( Email Dennis or call 888.284.7978 x721)

Why Dennis Joined Network for Good:
"To help non-profit organizations achieve their missions." (He's almost a one-man mission statement on his own-impressive, eh?)

And What About Life Before Network for Good?
Dennis worked for Clear Channel Media and AOL, and brings with him an extensive sales and customer service background in digital and traditional advertising.

What Dennis Has to Show for the "Before" Time:
A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia "The Best University Ever" Tech.

When Dennis isn't Networking for Good...
He enjoys martial arts, golf, snowboarding, surfing (whether it be wave-, couch- or TV-), sleeping, eating and being merry.

Dennis Would Like to Give a Shout-out to:
"My martial arts school got involved in helping them raise $16,000 last year."

 

 

And, in Lieu of an Inspirational Quote, Dennis Would Like to Check in with Jon Bon Jovi:
"Take my hand, we'll make it I swear. Whoa Oh!" Keep livin' on a prayer, brother.

 

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CENTRAL REGION
(AL, AR, FL, GA, IA,  IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NM, OH, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX,WY, WI, WV)

REGION CONTACT: 888.284.7978 x739 

Benesha Bobo
Benesha Bobo

( Email Benesha or call 888.284.7978 x738)

Why Benesha Joined Network For Good:

I was eager to be part of an organization whose values reflect my own as far as the importance of supporting the aspirations of amazing nonprofits.

And What About Life Before Network for Good?

I worked primarily for nonprofits arts organizations, most recently as a Fine Arts Consultant for the National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center.

What Benesha has to show for the “Before” Time:

I was one of the happiest people on campus at Haverford College studying Philosophy with a minor in Africana studies before venturing off to Harvard Divinity School.

When Benesha isn’t Networking For Good:

I’m either running or working out, at a concert, dancing the night away, eating some great vegan, gluten-free food, or hanging out with the coolest person in the world, my little sister Benita.

Benesha would like to give a shout out to:

Whitman-Walker Clinic: Whitman-Walker Clinic provides many wonderful much-needed services to underrepresented people who find it nearly impossible to get the care and support they need. For those struggling to meet the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS, Whitman Walker Clinic has done amazing work over the years.

Benesha would Like to Share a Few Words in Her Open-mic Moment:

"The Greatest Gift that you could ever give another is the gift of your expectation of their success."

Laura LaFalce
Laura LaFalce

( Email Laura or call 888.284.7978 x737)

Why Laura Joined Network For Good:
During my move from NYC, I realized I wanted to help and connect with organizations that are making a difference in the world in a very direct way. I have the opportunity to do that every day with Network For Good- and have a little fun while doing it!
 
And What About Life Before Network for Good?
I joined NFG from Infobase Publishing, a reference book publisher in NYC. In a library sales role I worked with librarians to educate them about eBooks and how to effectively integrate their use into schools and public libraries.
 
What Laura has to show for the “Before” Time:
A bachelor’s degree in English and French from James Madison University.
 
When Laura isn’t Networking For Good:

Sports, reading, cooking or being out with friends having a great time.

Laura would like to give a shout out to:
N Street Village in Washington D.C. They work with homeless and low income women to give them the tools they need for self-sufficiency and self respect. To me there is nothing more powerful than someone discovering their own worth and as the first organization I ever volunteered with, they introduced me at a young age to social good in action.
 
Laura would Like to Share a Few Words in Her Open-mic Moment:
"We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be." --Jane Austen
 
Melissa Riggs
( Email Melissa or call 888.284.7978 x720) 

Why Melissa Joined Network for Good:
"In searching for an organization that was effectively using best practices from the private sector in the non-profit sector, I came across Network for Good. The unique blend of a forward-thinking mission and strategic operating plan allows Network for Good to enhance the capabilities of thousands of nonprofits. I recognized the importance of online fundraising and awareness-building and felt compelled to learn from an organization leading the way in non-profit marketing and fundraising." (Melissa, have you considered a job in our HR department?)

And What About Life Before Network for Good?
"I assisted with a variety of development and communication roles for the United Way and the Open Society Institute - Baltimore. Prior to that, I served as a Community and Youth Development volunteer with the Peace Corps in Jordan."

What Melissa Has to Show for the "Before" Time:
"At Cornell University I was fortunate to create my own major and focused on human rights and sociology. Right after graduation I participated in a summer program entitled ‘Conflict Resolution and Humanitarian Action' that lead to a rapid enrollment at George Washington University where I was able to hone my interest in Violence against Women and International Development with a Master's in Public Health."

When Melissa isn't Networking for Good...
"Well, I'm always Networking for Good, but outside of the office I enjoy basically any sport, any type of music, any opportunity to dance, travel or laugh and generally revel in tasty food."

Melissa Would Like to Give a Shout-out to:
"From what I know, they fill a niche that is close to my heart, the plight of women in conflict and post-conflict situations. As the fabric of most societies, this is vital for the rehabilitation of communities and countries and Women for Women works to empower women who have endured unthinkable situations and hardship."

 

Melissa Would Like to Share a Few Words in Her Open-mic Moment:
"Our family motto: ‘Do right and fear nothing.' This has proven successful as a tenet of my journey so far and I imagine it will continue to do so."

 

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WEST REGION
(AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, UT, WA)
 
REGION CONTACT: 888.284.7978 x741
 
 

Benjamin DeBonis
( Email Benjamin or call 888.284.7978 x748)

Why Benjamin Joined Network for Good:
"I was on a spiritual journey. I did an Idealist.org search and my interest in value-based work/service matched Network for Good's ethos."

And What About Life Before Network for Good?
In Ben's words, he did, "A lot of things, and nothing."

A native San Francisco Bay Area resident, he bounced around temp jobs and traveling. He has worked in education, mentoring, homeless services, landscaping, construction, political campaigning and various office positions. During his travels, Ben studied ancient teachings of the mind, body and spirit connection; Taoism, Zen Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Jewish Mysticism, yoga and Qi Gong.

What Benjamin's Got to Show for the "Before" Time:
A Bachelor's degree in History and Comparative Studies of Revolutions from Brown University.

When Benjamin's not Networking for Good...
"Mind, body, spirit practices - friends, family, cooking, sports watching / playing, leisure activities - cards, story telling, word games, Comedy Central shows, movies, music, dancing, biking, ... long walks on the beach" (and perhaps getting caught in the rain?).

Benjamin Would Like to Give a Shout-out to:
"Home to my bar mitzvah and Hebrew school... and they're a Custom DonateNow user!"

 

Benjamin Would Like to Share a Few Words in His Open-mic Moment:
"empty empty, happy happy."

Velma Hutchins
(Email Velma or call 888.284.7978 x747)

Why Velma joined Network for Good:
"I believe in helping non-profits. And, Network for Good seems like a really hip place to be." (We are pretty fun; I'm not going to lie.)

And What About Life Before Network for Good?
"I was a recruiter for the world's largest staffing firm with a focus in accounting and finance."

What Velma Has Got to Show for the "Before" Time:
A Bachelor's in Political Science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

When Velma is not Networking for Good...
"I am an extreme foodie-I love to cook and to eat. Other interests include reading, engaging in political discourse, training for a triathlon, listening to music and taking long walks."

Velma Would Like to Give a Shout-out to:
"One of my passions is feeding people-especially those in need. Every weekend I serve hundreds of meals to the homeless and those who need assistance. There is nothing like seeing somebody who is hungry able to eat."

 

A Few Quotes that Get Velma through the Day:
"It is an unfortunate human failing that a full pocketbook often groans more loudly than an empty stomach." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
"The love of your life will carry you through any circumstance." - Fortune Cookie
"I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying." - Oscar Wilde

Joe Engle
(Email Joe  or call 888.284.7978 x740)

Why Joe Joined Network for Good:
"I loved the idea of being a consultant and bringing my nonprofit fundraising knowledge to thousands of nonprofit organizations without the risks associated with being an independent consultant. Having worked in both nonprofit association membership and fundraising development, I bring a real-life consultative and empathetic approach to our customers."

And What About Life Before Network for Good?
Joe has been working in both the 501c6 and 501c3 nonprofit arenas since 2004. Before this Joe worked as a paralegal in the immigration law field and in a local restaurant as a singing server.

Joe's fundraising career can be traced back to his teenage years when he raised money to go on 3 international and 2 US work projects before the age of 20. Joe is conversant in Mandarin and Spanish and has traveled on international work projects as well as across the United States to duty stations while serving in the US Navy for 6 years.

What Joe Has Got to Show for the "Before" Time:
Joe is working toward completion of his Master's degree in Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco. He's already attained a Bachelor of Arts in International Business and Spanish from Grove City College, and completed both Basic and Intermediate levels of Mandarin Chinese at the Defense Language Institute.

When Joe is not Networking for Good...
For fun, Joe likes to try out new recipes in his kitchen, to maintain his container garden, and to stretch his vocal chords at the local karaoke club (did you miss the note about his singing-waiter days?). Joe is also the consummate networker, especially with groups like the World Affairs Council Mandarin speaking group and Oriented.com.

Joe Would Like to Give a Shout-out to:
"I want to give a shout-out to the organization on which I am a board member - The Wah Mei Preschool - which was successful in purchasing property within the last year on which we'd like to build our own preschool."

 

 

Joe Would Like to Share a Few Words in His Open-mic Moment:
"Like Jack's mother said in Sondheim's Into the Woods, ‘Slotted spoons don't hold much soup.' In Network for Good's terms, that would mean to make sure that you are using the proper tool to do your fundraising and donor communications."  

 

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HR