Our Team
We hire our campaign managers – and every expert on our team – for their knowledge, expertise, and dedication to inspiring stewardship and building the kingdom. Our people view fundraising through the lens of faith and ministry. You can trust that your full-time campaign manager is 100% focused on only your campaign and will serve your community onsite three days per week. More than consultants, our campaign managers are project managers who work alongside your staff and are supported by the skills and expertise of Fellowship Development leadership and client services teams.
Jim Steier
Chairman of the Board
Hometown:
Omaha, Nebraska
Education:
Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska; Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska
Family:
Jim and his wife, Nancy, have nine sons: Jimmy Steier, Mick Steier, Tommy Steier, Charlie Steier, Bear Steier, Jon Korbitz, Jack Korbitz, Michael Korbitz and Rob Korbitz.
Areas of Expertise:
As founder and CEO, Jim possesses in-depth knowledge of all Steier Group services.
Community Involvement:
Jim shares his time with nonprofits in the Omaha community, having served on boards for the National Safety Council and Stephen Center. In addition, he has volunteered at the Heart Ministry Center and Sienna-Francis House. Jim is extremely supportive of the Healing Kadi Foundation, Mount Michael Benedictine High School and Creighton Preparatory School. As a firm, the Steier Group is committed to contributing 10 percent of its profits to nonprofit organizations each year and Jim oversees the distribution of these charitable gifts.
Interesting Fact:
The Omaha Jaycees named Jim as one of the 10 Outstanding Young Omahans in 1999. Jim is also a licensed pilot.
Hobbies:
Jim enjoys exercising, traveling and spending time with his family.
What I like about the Steier Group:
It is a gift and a blessing to assist our clients as they provide critical services and ministries to their constituents and those in need. I am proud that our company has raised nearly $3 billion for Christian organizations. I am even more proud of the family of fundraising professionals we have assembled here at the Steier Group. I value each employee and am constantly amazed by the talent and passion they bring to our clients and their projects.
Brendan D.
Manson, M.B.A., M.A., M.Div.
President of Fellowship Development
Brendan D.
Manson, M.B.A., M.A., M.Div.
President of Fellowship Development
657-353-0360bmanson@fellowshipdev.com
Hometown:
San Diego, California
Education:
St. John's Seminary (B. Phil. and M.Div.) in Brighton, Massachusetts, St. John's Seminary (M.A.) in Camarillo, California, and Regis University (M.B.A.) in Denver, Colorado.
Family:
Brendan relishes time with his fiancée, parents, three brothers, nephews, nieces and extended family who live throughout Southern California.
Areas of expertise:
Biblical stewardship, capital campaign management, planning studies, strategic planning, donor relations, multicultural ministry and public speaking.
Community involvement:
Brendan is an active member of his church and enjoys serving the “least among us.” He has been involved in international outreach programs in Mexico, Uganda, Peru and Jamaica.
Interesting fact:
Brendan is a twin, but he shares the same birthday with two of his three brothers. Brendan is a dual citizen of Ireland.
Hobbies:
Brendan is an avid scuba diver with a Dive Master certification; he also enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, attending concerts and playing the guitar, banjo and mandolin.
What I like about Fellowship Development:
Fellowship Development is a family ministry that gauges its success not solely by its financial achievements, but rather by the transformative impact its work has on the lives of individuals and communities.
MacGarret Becker, M.Ed.
Executive Vice President of Client Services
MacGarret Becker, M.Ed.
Executive Vice President of Client Services
(402) 990-1460mdbecker@steiergroup.com
Hometown:
Chandler, Arizona
Education:
Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff (B.S.), Iowa State University in Ames (M.Ed.)
Family:
MacGarret and his wife, Leslie, have four children: Macy, Cora, Edie and Reid.
Areas of Expertise:
Campaign planning studies, capital campaigns, diocesan campaigns, university administration, student affairs, public speaking
Community Involvement:
MacGarret and his family belong to Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. MacGarret serves as the president of his children’s Catholic school advisory board, participates on the school finance committee and parish vocations committee, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Interesting Fact:
In the fall of 2009, MacGarret and his wife spent four months sailing around the world as staff members with Semester at Sea. During this voyage, they visited 10 countries, had a snowball fight on the Great Wall, and hiked the tallest mountain in Ghana, Mount Afadja.
Hobbies:
MacGarret is a slow-but-steady runner who is often training for a 10k or half marathon. He enjoys reading, cheering on the Arizona Diamondbacks and Green Bay Packers, and spending time with family.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I value building strong relationships with our clients to help advance a shared vision for faith and community. I am excited to participate in the learning and growing process each client experiences as they work toward financial goals that positively impact their communities, both for the present and the future.
Melinda Berry
Vice President of Campaign Services
Hometown:
Omaha, Nebraska
Education:
Marian High School in Omaha, Nebraska and the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Family:
Melinda and her husband, Jerad, have two sons: Austin and Ethan.
Areas of Expertise:
Print design, grant writing, marketing and web design
Community Involvement:
Melinda is a parishioner at St. Wenceslaus in Omaha.
Interesting Fact:
Melinda started her career at the Steier Group as a campaign manager.
Hobbies:
Melinda loves to boat, camp, go to the movies and is an avid soccer fan.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I love the culture at the Steier Group and the impact we have working as a team. In my role as a graphic designer and grant writer, I have the privilege of working with clients all over the country. It is a wonderful feeling to know that my life’s work has helped so many in their effort to raise money for our faith.
Julie Brown
Operations Administrator
Hometown:
Omaha, Nebraska
Education:
Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska, University of Nebraska Omaha
Family:
Julie is married to Joel.
Areas of Expertise:
Office administration, research, event planning, social media, design
Community Involvement:
Julie volunteers with several community service agencies.
Interesting Fact:
Julie and her husband are both big baseball fans who cheer for rival teams. Julie cheers for the St. Louis Cardinals and Joel is a Chicago Cubs fan.
Hobbies:
Julie loves being outdoors in the summer – working in the yard, gardening, sitting on the deck with friends and family, and outdoor concerts. She also enjoys DIY projects and cooking for the office.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I enjoy working with a team of people who make an impact on people, churches and community nonprofits every day.
Sarah Deeney, M.A.
Marketing Coordinator
Hometown:
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Education:
Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria, Minnesota; Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana (B.A.) and University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota (M.A.)
Family:
Sarah and her husband, Scott, have four children: Luke, Gianna, Cecilia and Maria.
Areas of Expertise:
Marketing, branding, copy editing, copy writing, social media
Community Involvement:
Sarah leads a Well-Read Mom book club, which she has participated in for the last 10 years. She loves singing and has cantored at her church throughout the years. Sarah and her family are active in various ministries at their church.
Interesting Fact:
When Sarah was 13, she won tickets to a concert by being the 100th caller at a radio station. She took her little sister, Ellie, as her guest to the concert.
Hobbies:
Sarah's interests include running, reading literature, singing and hiking in her local Rocky Mountains.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I was initially drawn to the Steier Group due to the mission to serve clients who serve others. I continue to love working alongside some of the most talented and caring colleagues; promoting the good work of the Steier Group is a constant source of personal encouragement.
Ben Giles, M.A.
Campaign Manager
Hometown:
Lafayette, Colorado
Education:
Xavier University (B.A.) and University of Dallas (M.A.)
Family:
Ben enjoys spending time with his family.
Areas of Expertise:
Campaign planning studies, capital campaigns, communications.
Community Involvement:
Ben is a parishioner of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Having recently moved to the Cincinnati area, he is excited to find ways to get involved in his community.
Fun Fact:
Ben has been trained to give tours of the US Capitol Building.
Hobbies:
Ben is an amateur golfer and enjoys reading, travel, trivia, exchanging letters with friends, writing with fountain pens and plane spotting.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I wanted to pursue work that I would enjoy, find fulfilling and that would involve building strong professional relationships, but especially that would work to the promotion of the Gospel. Steier Group provides me with that opportunity.
Patricia Glasser
Campaign Manager
Hometown: Chandler, Arizona
Education: Convent of the Sacred Heart in San Francisco, Creighton University in Omaha (B.S.)
Family: Patricia Glasser and her husband, Harry, have two children - Kathleen and Jacob.
Areas of Expertise: Capital campaigns, campaign planning studies, school campaigns, stewardship, public speaking, volunteer development, project management.
Community Involvement: Patricia has been involved with her parish finance council and has been a volunteer event planner for many schools, parishes and organizations such as Catholic Charities. She is currently involved at the leadership level of Region 12, Sweet Adelines International.
Hobbies: Patricia enjoys singing, puzzles and spending time with their bulldog, Patch.
Interesting Fact: Patricia has sung barbershop for over 35 years.
What I like about the Steier Group: Working at the Steier Group provides the opportunity to help multiple organizations achieve their goals. The passion, drive and care my coworkers have toward their work and their clients is inspiring.
Joanna Gray, M.Ed.
Senior Campaign Manager
Hometown:
St. Louis, Missouri
Education:
Rosati-Kain High School in St. Louis, Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis (B.A.), William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri (B.S.) and Maryville University in St. Louis (M.Ed.)
Family:
Joanna Gray comes from a family of eight siblings. There are now 53 people in her family, including her two daughters and three grandchildren.
Areas of expertise:
Campaign planning studies, capital campaigns, strategic planning, project management, special events, public speaking.
Community involvement:
Joanna is an active member at her church New Melle, Missouri. She also organized a monthly food collection program for her elementary students to support a local soup kitchen. She volunteers as a docent at the Daniel Boone Historic Home in Defiance, Missouri.
Interesting fact:
Joanna is a historical reenactor with a group that portrays the Colonial French villagers of the Upper Louisiana Region during the French and Indian War period, 1750s and 1760s. The group participates in events in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, New York, Michigan and Alabama. Joanna demonstrates bargello needlework, a type of embroidery made popular in the 17th century.
Hobbies:
Joanna enjoys reading, sewing, gardening, camping, international travel and experimenting with new recipes.
What I like about the Steier Group:
Having been a Christian school teacher and principal for over 20 years, I understand the positive impact a successful campaign can have on an organization. Working for the Steier Group allows me the opportunity to help nonprofits achieve their financial goals and fulfill their missions in the communities they serve.
Sam Huddleston
Campaign Manager
Hometown:
New Boston, New Hampshire
Education:
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania and George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia
Family:
Sam lives with his wife, Myra.
Areas of Expertise:
Campaign planning studies, capital campaigns, mission and program development, strategic planning, donor cultivation, donor communication, event planning, public speaking
Community Involvement:
Sam and his wife are actively involved with St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Columbus, Ohio, and volunteer with the wedding ministry. They also volunteer regularly with Damascus Catholic Youth Summer Camp.
Fun Fact:
Sam has worked on several political campaigns and has met four U.S Senators and five Congressmen.
Hobbies:
Sam enjoys traveling, trying new foods, watching sports and trying new recipes on his smoker.
What I like about the Steier Group:
Working at Steier Group allows me to be a part of meaningful work that serves the Church. My wife and I got married in a church that had just completed a capital campaign, and we can speak to the impact it has made on our own lives.
Rich Kaipust
Grant Writer
Hometown:
Omaha, Nebraska
Education:
Daniel J. Gross High School in Omaha, Nebraska, and University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Family:
Rich Kaipust and his wife, Angie, have two children: Kristin and Joey.
Areas of expertise:
Grant writing, editing, campaign planning studies, capital campaigns, project management, development.
Community involvement:
Rich is an active member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and serves on the Board of Elders. Rich is a softball coach in the Millard Fury organization and softball committee member for Millard United Sports.
Interesting fact:
Rich has visited 37 states at least once, but has never left the country.
Hobbies:
Rich loves to ski, even with a full hip replacement. He doesn't play golf as often as he would like, but he still enjoys hitting the links. He also loves to watch sports and bad sitcoms.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I love working in a collaborative and team-oriented environment, and helping people achieve their fundraising goals. I also can't think of anything more fulfilling than seeing your company's work help make a difference in a community.
Becky Ludemann
Senior Graphic Designer
Hometown:
Downers Grove, Illinois
Education:
Benet Academy in Lisle, Illinois, and Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska
Family:
Becky and her husband, Jeremiah, have two daughters, Avery (10) and Emma (7).
Areas of Expertise:
Marketing, graphic design, web design and logo design
Fun Fact:
Becky loves anything and everything Irish!
Hobbies:
Becky enjoys traveling to visit family and friends, cooking, working out and browsing Pinterest for design inspiration.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I love the team approach the Steier Group brings to every client project. It’s rewarding to know that every creative pursuit I’m a part of is helping to fulfill a client’s vision and mission. In any given day, I could be working on a logo design for a diocese in the Midwest, a brochure for a parish in Texas, and an alumni mailing for a school in Oregon. I am grateful for the opportunity to use my creativity for so many different Steier Group partners all over the country.
Brian Norton
Vice President of Communications
Hometown:
Carrollton, Texas
Education:
Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska
Family:
Brian enjoys spending time with his parents, who moved to Omaha to be near their only son. Brian loves to visit his extended family in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Areas of Expertise:
Marketing, design, web development, copy editing, social media
Community Involvement:
Brian served as a big brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters for eight years. He now serves on the board for the Omaha Press Club Foundation, which provides scholarships to college journalists.
Interesting Fact:
Brian once won a free flight to New Zealand by answering a trivia contest on Twitter.
Hobbies:
Brian loves reading, traveling to new and exciting places, and taking Tucker, his dog, for long walks.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I am excited to help the Steier Group connect with great clients from across the country and help those organizations reach their campaign goals.
Monica Olson
Grant Writer
Hometown:
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Education:
Creighton University (B.A.)
Family:
Monica Olson and her husband, Eric, have two adult children: Laura and John.
Areas of expertise:
Grant writing, editing
Community involvement:
She is an active parishioner at St. Gerald Catholic Church, where she serves as a Eucharistic minister and also taught religious education. Monica has volunteered with Walt Disney Elementary School, the Girls Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Council, and the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Bell Ringing and Christmas Assistance programs.
Interesting fact:
Monica has celebrated two milestone birthdays in Europe -- one in Killarney, Ireland, and one in Salzburg, Austria.
Hobbies:
Monica enjoys learning and reading about history, trying out new recipes found on Pinterest and spending time with family and friends.
What I like about the Steier Group:
As a member of St. Gerald Catholic Church, a former Steier Group partner, I know firsthand how the Steier Group helps organizations achieve their goals to better serve their communities.
Ellie Raby
Graphic Designer
Hometown:
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Education:
Providence Academy in Plymouth, Minnesota, and University of St. Thomas (B.A.) in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Family:
Ellie and her husband, David, have two children: Evelyn and David Jr ("Chip").
Areas of expertise:
Graphic design, web design and UX/UI design, digital marketing, project management.
Community involvement:
Ellie is a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Parish Community at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. Previously, she served as the marketing/design board chair for Fort Lewis Community Spouses Club, Fort Rucker Community Spouses Club and Social Design Alliance. She is also the past president of Fort Rucker Military Council for Catholic Women and is a current member of Camp Humphreys MCCW.
Interesting fact:
Her college job was acting as the school mascot, Tommie the Tomcat, at the University of St. Thomas. Go Tommies!
Hobbies:
Ellie enjoys running and fitness, reading with her Well-Read Moms book club, and staying up to date with interior decorating, typography and web design trends.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I am thrilled to use my skills and expertise to support the needs of Christian churches and faith-based institutions, working alongside a team that shares my deeply held faith and values.
Natalie Ruch
Vice President of Executive Services
Hometown:
Onawa, Iowa
Education:
West Monona Community School in Onawa, Iowa, Iowa State University
Family:
Natalie is blessed that she is able to see her immediate family in Iowa and San Diego on a regular basis.
Areas of Expertise:
Sales support, marketing, data management
Hobbies:
Natalie enjoys spending time with her three nephews, going to movies and concerts, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I enjoy the culture at the Steier Group and all of my coworkers. Everyone works hard and is dedicated to our clients' needs, but we also make sure to have a good time as well.
Sara Saenz
Communications Specialist
Hometown:
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Education:
University of Nebraska at Lincoln (B.A.)
Family:
Sara and her husband, Bob, have one daughter, Lillian.
Areas of expertise:
Editing, grant writing, copywriting
Interesting fact:
I have almost ridden every mile of RAGBRAI (an annual bike ride across Iowa) several times.
Hobbies:
Sara enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dog, biking, watching sports and eating her husband’s cooking.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I enjoy being part of a team, and the Steier Group is a good one. I really like the idea of a lot of people coming together and using their talents and skills to advance worthy causes.
Mick Steier
Executive Associate
Hometown:
Omaha, NE
Education:
Mount Michael Benedictine Abbey and School; University of Nebraska at Omaha
Family:
Mick Steier is the son of Jim Steier. He is the second oldest out of five boys: Jimmy, Tommy, Charlie and Bereket.
Areas of expertise:
Campaign planning studies, capital campaigns, wealth research and social media.
Community involvement:
Mick volunteers at the Heart Ministry Center and volunteer coaches for his alma mater, Mount Michael Benedictine High School, a Steier Group success story.
Interesting fact:
Mick was an all-conference football and baseball player.
Hobbies:
Mick enjoys watching and playing all sports, specifically basketball, football and baseball.
What I like about the Steier Group:
My father, Jim, started the Steier Group six months after I was born. I’ve spent my whole life around the company, making it like a second family to me. It is amazing I am now to the point in my life where I can work alongside such great people.
Tommy Steier
Finance and HR Associate
Hometown:
Omaha, Nebraska
Education:
Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska, Creighton University (B.A. and M.S.)
Family:
Tommy Steier is the son of Steier Group founder and chairman of the board, Jim Steier. And brother to Mick Steier, executive associate.
Areas of Expertise:
Finance, company relations, leadership, outreach, social media, and a nasty slider.
Community Involvement:
Tommy coaches, volunteers and serves a sports programmer for a nonprofit that puts on free sports leagues in Omaha for underprovided kids.
Interesting Fact:
Tommy played five years of college baseball, and holds the Creighton University single-season record for lowest ERA at 1.62.
Hobbies:
Tommy enjoys playing and watching sports, mainly baseball and basketball; he also enjoys spending time with his dog Rosie, a Shiba Inu.
What I like about the Steier Group:
Being the son of Jim Steier and being around the company for my entire life, it always seemed like it would be the right fit for me. The timing was just right for me to come join and I could not be more excited.
Tim Voss, CFRE
Campaign Manager
Hometown:
St. Louis, Missouri
Education:
Concordia College in Bronxville, New York (B.A.) and Webster University in St. Louis (M.A.)
Family:
Tim Voss and his wife, Pattie, have four children.
Areas of Expertise:
Campaign planning studies, capital campaigns, volunteer management, strategic planning, solicitation training.
Community Involvement:
Tim cantors and sings with the choir at St. Francis Xavier (College) Church at St. Louis University and is a member of the Tarsus Club of Toastmasters International. He is a patron of the St. Louis Women’s Chorale and participates annually in Pedal the Cause, a community fundraiser in support of cancer research. With his wife Pattie, Tim supports two organizations founded and led by close friends: The Angel Band Project (music therapy for victims of sexual violence) and L’Arche St. Louis (a community of people with and without intellectual disabilities sharing life together).
Fun Fact:
Tim has sung in St. Louis Symphony Chorus performances at Carnegie Hall and on PBS.
Hobbies:
Besides choral singing, Tim enjoys bicycling, racquetball, reading, landscaping and, most of all, spending time with family and friends.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I’ve been helping churches plan, grow, and fund their mission for most of my career. I often heard good things about the Steier Group in my conversations with church leaders. I feel privileged to be part of such an exceptional, dedicated team of servant-leaders working to help our clients have the resources they need to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Kevin Warneke, Ph.D.
Client Advancement Director
Hometown:
Plainview, Nebraska
Education:
University of Nebraska Lincoln (B.A.), University of Nebraska Omaha (M.A.), University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Ph.D.)
Family:
Kevin and his wife, Diane, have two children: Christian and Katie.
Areas of Expertise:
Campaign planning studies, capital campaigns, arch/diocesan campaigns, copywriting, public relations, nonprofit management
Community Involvement:
Kevin is a past president of the Commission to Keep Nebraska Beautiful and a former member of the ServeNebraska Commission. Both were governor appointments. He serves on the board for Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha and his fraternity association board. He also serves as the board of directors for the Nebraska District-LCMS.
Interesting Fact:
Kevin once sat on George Washington’s head — at Mount Rushmore. It was a great view.
Hobbies:
Kevin enjoys bicycling, golfing, reading and all things baseball.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I enjoy working with volunteers the most. Often, they are hesitant because being part of a fundraising volunteer team is rarely on the top of someone’s bucket list. Through my work, I get to help them overcome their hesitancy. Then, when they are successful in receiving a pledge, I get to help them celebrate! It’s a wonderful moment.
About Fellowship Development
Fellowship Development partners with Christian churches, schools and nonprofits to inspire believers in building the kingdom through stewardship, fundraising and development. Rooted in Jesus Chris and God’s Word, we provide customized planning studies and capital campaigns that raise funds to advance your mission, while fostering Christian leadership and the faith of your community.
We serve Christian communities.
With partners ranging from Christian schools, churches and organizations, we have the experience to work with your community to address your specific needs. Our team is building on the foundation of 26 years of experience and over $2.9 billion dollars raised to create a division that will better help you serve your neighbors. We are true partners in prayer, service and mission.
Mission
To partner with Christian churches, schools and organizations to inspire Christian stewardship and build the kingdom through planning studies and capital campaigns. To partner with Christian churches, schools and organizations to fund ministries and form Christian stewards.
Careers with the Fellowship Development
If you are called to serve as a campaign manager at Fellowship Development, you’ll join a team of faith-filled experts from a variety of backgrounds who share a passion for Christian ministry. We believe that stewardship starts at home. Therefore, our campaign managers are full-time employees, not contractors, who serve onsite with a client three days/two nights per week so that they can spend ample time at home with their family and community.
If you’re looking for a career that is also a ministry, where you can improve lives while building the kingdom, contact us today.
Let’s discuss and discern your future at Fellowship Development. Contact us today.
How can Fellowship Development assist you?
Connect with us today! Tell us about your organization’s vision, goals and funding needs. Let us design a plan that helps you achieve your goals and advance your mission.
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