About Us

Welcome to the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA), Northwest Chapter.

We are a group of fundraising professionals dedicated to meeting the data and information needs of the nonprofit community. Advancement researchers collect, evaluate, analyze, organize, package and disseminate publicly available information in a way that maximizes its usefulness and enables accurate and educated decision-making.

More information about the field of Advancement Research can be found at our parent organization, APRA International.

2010 APRA-NW Board Members

Board members serve a two-year term. We welcome your comments and ideas.

(click on a name for their email)

Jessica Balsam, President (2010 - 2012)

Associate Director of Research, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Sheila Thayer, Vice President & Treasurer (2009 - 2011)

Relationship Management System Consultant, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Mela Collins, Membership Chair (2010 - 2012)

Research Strategist Officer, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA

Jennifer MacCormack, Program Chair (2009 - 2011)

Associate Director of Research, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Lisa Close Secretary (2009 - 2011)

Research Strategist, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Mary Gatlin, Mentorship Chair (2010 - 2012)

Research Analyst, University of Oregon, Portland, OR

Kelly Riutta, Webmaster (2009 - 2011)

Research Strategist, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Regional Representatives

Regional representatives work with the board to coordinate APRA-NW events and encourage local participation and membership in areas outside the Seattle and Portland hubs of our chapter. If you are interested in becoming a regional representative, contact the APRA-NW Board President.

Candice Krupa, Alaska

Corporate and Foundation Relations Coordinator, University of Alaska Foundation, AK

Rose Atkinson, Southern British Columbia

Development Research Coordinator, Trinity Western University, BC