With over 25 years as a non-profit CEO and close to 50 years working for non-profits Jay has decades of experience and demonstrated expertise in leading and improving both non-profits and for-profit agencies/companies. Jay is sought out for his expertise and guidance in customer experience, fundraising leadership training, executive coaching, non-profit turnarounds, facility improvements and building culture.

From a CEO viewpoint Jay has demonstrated success with all levels and types of fundraising. This includes Capital (which is all about the “why”), Individual (creating and keeping relationships), Corporate (all about the deliverables) and events (fun and different).

A skilled facilitator he is known for training boards and committees, building staff culture, resolving complex organizational issues and working with leaders to create effective plans for growth and change.

As a CEO Jay has led multiple agencies through an unprecedented period of growth and has been honored to work with amazing teams of lay leaders and professionals.

Jay was born and raised in Pittsburgh (a die-hard Steelers fan) and a graduate of Penn State University. He loves the outdoors, has done multiple desert survivals, run over 50 half marathons and currently lives in Arizona.

Director of Communications and Donor Management

Dawn has been with DVA since our inception in 1999, and has provided clients with valuable assistance in all areas of the fundraising process.

Dawn brings strong creative and problem-solving skills based on more than 25 years of experience in donor management and database administration.

She played key roles with both the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor and Mercy Foundations where she was responsible for creating individualized donor-management programs for healthcare facilities and social service agencies.

In addition, Dawn is well-versed in charitable planned giving and annual development programs. She is currently working at Atrium Medical Center Foundation (Middletown, OH) as an onsite development associate.

Senior Associate

Lisa has more than 20 years experience in the not for profit sector in the area of Development and Communications. Prior to joining DVA, Ms. Kaufman has held Development positions with cultural arts organizations in Santa Fe, New Mexico (Cornerstones Community Partnerships), Chicago (Chicago Humanities Festival), and a social service organization (St. Stephen’s Community House) in Columbus, Ohio serving as Development Director. She brings to DVA a wide-range of skills that include extensive experience in writing grant proposals, writing analytical reports, conducting research and creating copy for marketing/ communication materials.

Ms. Kaufman holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from St. John's College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from The Ohio State University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication from Bowling Green State University.

Lisa currently serves as the Grant Coordinator for the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Marketing and Communications Associate

Alex is a marketing and advertising expert with experience in customized fundraising and event planning. She began her career in marketing strategy in 2008 in Chicago. Currently, she is Media Director at Shepherd Advertising Agency based in Jacksonville, FL.

In 2012 and 2017, Alex completed the Chicago Marathon on the American Cancer Society’s Team DetermiNation, raising several thousand dollars each year in honor of her mother’s ten and fifteen year anniversaries of surviving cancer. In 2005, she coordinated and directed a 5K race in her hometown of Bexley, Ohio with all proceeds going to the Smile Train, a worldwide organization helping children in third world countries with cleft palates.

Alexandra received her Bachelor of Arts degree in French at Northwestern University with minors in Business Institutions and Integrated Marketing Communications in 2009.