Fundraising Using Neuromarketing – The Harrington Agency

Meet Jessica Harrington

Throughout the nonprofit universe, Jessica is known as one of the industry’s most dynamic and exciting fundraisers. She’s admired for her ability to pull truth and actionable recommendations from raw data, for her determination to seize every challenge as an opportunity, and for her bedrock belief that “best practices” are only the launching point for the results-boosting advances she creates. While Jessica started in the industry long before this whole “world wide web” thing — helping her clients raise more than $30 million a year — she has quickly developed a reputation for not only her direct mail prowess but her digital acumen as well. Jessica’s secret? Her relentless desire to keep learning and keep testing new ideas, new technologies, and new concepts. Jessica’s list of current and former clients is long and glowing; her successes in the field are renowned; and her willingness to “tell it like it is” is legendary.

Years in Fundraising: 24
Office: Philadelphia

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Meet Bob Fechter

Bob has an advanced background in information technology and pairs that technical skill with a keen analytic sense to mine datasets for the knowledge that shapes policy and strategy. Prior to joining THA, Bob was Vice President at Schultz & Williams, where he developed analytical tools and sophisticated query narratives to create customized data sets for each client. Working closely with Jessica and Adam, he helps THA uncover areas of opportunity within both developing and mature membership and fundraising programs, regardless of channel, and insists that all THA team members bring an analytical rigor to their strategic and creative recommendations.

Years in Fundraising: 12
Office: Philadelphia

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Meet Tracy Lea

Tracy is undeniably our people person. With an impressive fundraising resume, she builds bridges wherever she goes. This ensures our clients (and our agency) have access to the best resources — be they vendors, partners, services, or information. A voracious consumer of news, business philosophies, and social thought, Tracy guides us beyond our comfort zone in the ongoing quest for smart strategies and inspiration. As a former president of DMAW, co-chair of the Bridge Conference, and former many-term DMAW board member, she continues to be committed to helping all of us in our industry continue to stay abreast of our ever-changing and challenging direct-response world. Tracy is DMAW Hall of Leaders Awardee and past DMAW Volunteer of the Year. She also is a member of The Non-Profit Alliance membership and sponsorship committees. Among the many expressions of her personal activism, Tracy serves as chair for the Special Olympic International’s Cycling Committee and works with Cuba’s Paralympic cycling program.

Years in Fundraising: 36
Office: Washington, DC

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Meet Robert Fisher

Robert is known at the Harrington Agency for being able to “get it done.” He began his fundraising career in the “Obama for America” campaign, where he focused on promoting and increasing youth participation . . . and found himself falling down the fundraising rabbit hole.

Today, Robert is involved in every aspect of our clients’ fundraising programs. Working closely with both his clients and his THA colleagues, Robert delivers unique and detailed campaign strategy documents that lead to our clients’ fundraising success. A skilled juggler, he also manages the full scope of client projects from creation to fulfillment. Robert ensures his clients’ programs are on time, of the highest quality, and represent the best fundraising strategies, while maintaining the clients’ voice and brand.

Prior to joining the Harrington Agency in 2015, Robert was an Account Representative at Schultz & Williams. He is a graduate of Bowdoin College in Maine.

Years in Fundraising: 8
Office: Philadelphia

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Meet Sarah Harris

Sarah has nineteen years of substantial experience as an agency consultant working with nonprofits and their direct-response fundraising campaigns. Her expertise includes creative development, production management, and providing exceptional client service. She’s dedicated to building dynamic campaigns that maximize a range of channels utilizing data-driven strategies in close collaboration with her clients and partners. In her prior positions, she was responsible for strategic planning, direct-response campaign execution, and analysis.

As a former Montessori teacher, Sarah profoundly believes in working collaboratively with her clients and colleagues. She is client-service focused, with a high commitment to quality and client relations. Sarah has a fervent passion for social justice and is deeply committed to our clients’ missions.

Years in Fundraising: 19
Office: Washington, DC

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Meet Rebecca Kalagher

Meet Rebecca, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the print and direct mail industry. Her expertise spans finance, education, retail, healthcare, and more. However, what truly fuels her passion is collaborating with non-profit organizations.

Before joining THA, Rebecca honed her skills within print and mail facilities, amassing a wealth of production knowledge that sets her apart. As an accomplished Production Director, Rebecca possesses a unique knack for seamlessly juggling multiple tasks, optimizing workflows, and inspiring her team to think creatively – whether that means pushing the boundaries of what goes inside an envelope or coming up with innovative solutions outside of it!

When she’s not hard at work, Rebecca loves spending time with her two sons, and you’ll find her running from one sporting event to the next to cheer them on.

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Meet Cheryl Keedy

After a 20-year investment in learning the production of all things direct mail, Cheryl joined the Harrington Agency in 2016 to continue her education, pulling back the curtain to learn the ‘why’ (essence) behind the Harrington Agency’s cutting-edge, integrated fundraising strategies. With a penchant for understanding the mechanics of a successful communique, Cheryl engages in collective dialogue with her team of specialists to envision custom direct marketing solutions that push the boundaries of the here and now. She’s a Virgo at heart — loving balance and definitely afraid of heights — but as Creative Director for the Harrington Agency she walks the high wire in the pursuit of excellence for her clients.

Years in Fundraising: 23
Office: Washington, DC

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Meet Adam Ruff

The road Adam traveled to become a thought leader in digital fundraising was hardly direct, but then again neither is the field. However, after a career that spanned running national political campaigns, practicing law, and even selling everything from speakers to laptops at Circuit City, he felt fully prepared to handle whatever came down the pipe or pike. But it wasn’t until his tenure at Blue State Digital, where he began working with nonprofits, that he found his true calling — raising money for causes he deeply believes in.These days, Adam is known in the field for continuously advancing digital communications practices by mastering emerging and/or commercial digital strategies and then reformulating them for THA’s nonprofit clients. He credits his success in digital to the passion he cultivated in politics, and the deep intellectual curiosity law school fostered in him. These traits serve him well in a field that is constantly in motion. “Digital makes you want it. There’s no halfway when it comes to staying at the top of the game.”

Years in Fundraising: 13
Office: Philadelphia

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Meet Crystal Sherren

After years of being pulled into kitchens, service staff, and managing teams within restaurants and venues while event planning, Crystal realized she desired more fulfillment when the pandemic shed light on what was most important for her life. She immediately started taking courses and teaching herself digital marketing for fundraising in order to get a jumpstart into direct marketing for progressive nonprofits. She began in the political world, advocating for human rights which clearly steered her right into The Harrington Agency’s welcoming arms. Crystal has a passion for volunteering, fostering pets, coordinating with food banks, offering event planning consulting, raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association, or assisting patients in navigating the wild world of our Nation’s health care system. Her passion (obsession) is her young daughter and husband, while also being a support system for women struggling with infertility and the turbulent path of In vitro fertilization.

Years in Fundraising: 9

Office: Orlando, FL

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Meet Ryan McGuire

Ryan is a critical member of the Harrington Agency team, bringing new ideas and superior digital skills to our online execution. Prior to joining the Harrington Agency, he was a student instructor for a content creation and inbound marketing course at his university and worked as a digital marketing specialist for local businesses. With his thumb firmly on the pulse of current digital trends, Ryan helps ensure that the Harrington Agency’s digital campaigns are fresh and relevant and include the most productive strategies for our clients’ needs.

But Ryan’s involvement doesn’t stop at digital strategy and execution. Like all of the Harrington Agency team members, Ryan is fully immersed in all of our client work and brings the same new ideas and superior execution to our clients’ offline campaigns as well.

Years in Fundraising: 5
Office: Philadelphia

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Meet Wendy Davis

Wendy is a born storyteller and brings superior writing, editing, and interviewing skills to the Harrington Agency. She embodies the Harrington Agency’s omni-channel approach and expertly moves between the online and offline world — a rarity in our industry. The key to Wendy’s success? She loves stories. Reading and writing them. (And watching them, too.) Over the last several years, she’s written for both the public and nonprofit space and feels fortunate to be writing at the Harrington Agency — where words and art turn into meaningful actions that genuinely help people.

Want to know more about how Wendy approaches writing and what makes her successful? Read her blog on Writing Compelling Copy, where she outlines her methods on producing great work.

Years in Fundraising: 3
Office: Nashville

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Meet Willa Hammitt Brown

Willa Hammitt Brown comes to the Harrington Agency with over fifteen years of professional writing experience in a diverse range of fields from magazines to fundraising to academic journals. She began writing for nonprofits in 2010 before pausing to work on her dissertation full-time, going on to teach writing at Harvard University for eight years. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, Western History Quarterly, and Environmental History Now, and her book, Gentlemen of the Woods is forthcoming from the University of Minnesota Press.

Her particular strength, and greatest joy, in writing comes from translating technical, complicated ideas into direct and compelling prose. Finding the central message that will keep a reader engaged is her favorite intellectual puzzle.

She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her husband, too many houseplants, and excellent dog, Ernest.

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Meet Kim Searight

With over two decades of experience in fundraising, marketing, and account management, Kim Searight brings our team a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm.

A proud alumna of Virginia State University, Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in Business & Marketing. Throughout her career, Kim has driven successful marketing initiatives, surpassed revenue targets, and nurtured client relationships.

Her skill set encompasses direct mail, list rental, and strategic marketing campaigns, making her a valuable asset in today’s fundraising landscape.

Kim’s impressive record illustrates her ability to deliver exceptional results and foster meaningful client partnerships. We are thrilled to have her onboard!

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Meet Rusty Varney

After nearly a decade writing and editing nonprofit fundraising direct mail, Rusty discovered she also has a meticulous nature and knack for scheduling, as well an increased interest in production and design. That desire to keep the trains on the track, and not just paint them, blossomed into the account coordinator position she enjoys today. Rusty sees her career with THA as a small, but valuable, opportunity to give back and hopes to impart that value on her two daughters. Together, they support their local area soup kitchen, volunteering as often as they can to provide meals to those less fortunate in their community.

Years in Fundraising: 14
Office: Philadelphia

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Meet Mahum Qazi

With a strong background in communications and a passion for social justice and human rights, Mahum brings an interdisciplinary approach to THA (or, as she likes to call it, “jack of all trades, master of none”). Before joining The Harrington Agency, she worked in nonprofit communications at Project Expedite Justice, using digital storytelling to support survivors of mass atrocities in their pursuit of legal justice. In addition to her work in the nonprofit space, she leads digital communications for a boutique event decor company.

She received her M.A. in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies from Columbia University, where she specialized in modern South Asian history and genocide studies. While at Columbia, she interned at the International Rescue Committee, supporting refugee resettlement initiatives. She also holds a B.A. in International Studies from George Mason University.

Outside of work, Mahum enjoys cardamom lattes (can and will recommend the best one across Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.), traveling (considers London a second home), learning new languages (she speaks five and counting!), and geeking out over South Asian history.

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Meet Matthew Pe

Matthew is an accomplished graduate of Temple University, where he earned a degree in digital communication. During his internship at JEVS Human Services, he discovered he was passionate about working with non-profits. He finds great joy in being a part of the positive changes that non-profits bring to the world.

Aside from his professional achievements, Matthew has an impressive talent for building PCs, having constructed over 50 to date! His technical skills are matched only by his love for the outdoors. He enjoys hiking, exploring new bike trails, and having picnics in his free time. He is also an avid movie-goer and enjoys catching films at his local theater.

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Meet Joe Hodell

Joe brings nearly a decade of digital experience to the Harrington Agency. Prior to joining THA, Joe spent five years working for Sherwood Automotive. At Sherwood Automotive, Joe managed their entire digital advertising spend, including search and social. He also produced all of the content for the dealership’s television, radio, and digital platforms.

Prior to Sherwood Automotive, Joe created content and developed ads for several companies, including Univision. Joe graduated from Salisbury University with a degree in photography and new media. In his free time, Joe likes to play guitar.

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Meet Tania Rauf

After working as a service provider for many years, Tania now brings her superior project and production management skills to the Harrington Agency. She has significant experience in print-publishing, production, and direct marketing, which can be seen in the creative and innovative campaigns she oversees.

Like everyone at the Harrington Agency, Tania always takes a holistic approach, making sure she is involved in campaigns from the initial creative process to understanding the final outcomes of the campaign.

When not busy working on THA projects, Tania channels her creativity into her gourmet gift basket company (and this writer can attest to their beauty and deliciousness!).

Years in Fundraising: 18
Office: Washington, DC

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Meet Ray Harris

Ray has spent his career specializing in bridging the worlds of information technology and business. He has worked as a business analyst in a variety of fields ,ranging from retail to the human resources sector.

In 2013, Ray saw the gap in the amount of data an organization collected and their ability to use it, so he developed a tool kit that would allow any business to leverage their data in the most effective way possible.

The Harrington Agency uses Ray’s expertise and talent in data management, visualized analytics, and dashboard design to help our clients make effective decisions based on their data. By combining a wide variety of industry experience with the appropriate accredited certifications, Ray and the Harrington Agency team deliver a tailored solution to every client regardless of their current data landscape.

Years in Fundraising: 4
Office: Remote

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Meet Michelle Wolfe

Spend a few minutes with Michelle, and you’ll share her passion for cause-driven work. A warm people person, Michelle is a natural bridge-builder who supports causes that create a thriving human experience for ALL (not just a fortunate few).

As a Senior Data Analyst at the Harrington Agency, Michelle brings 15+ years of experience in nonprofit programs, operations management, and strategic decision-making. She specializes in turning complex data into actionable insights, helping organizations optimize performance, measure impact, and drive meaningful outcomes. She excels in program strategy, tactical implementation, oversight of operations, program evaluation, and process improvements aimed at delivering results.

With a holistic approach to analytics and a deep understanding of mission-driven work, Michelle is a valuable asset to THA’s analytics team. Her ability to blend technical expertise with strategic thinking ensures that data is not just collected but effectively utilized to enhance program success.

Before joining THA, Michelle worked as a business and organizational consultant, personal empowerment coach, and nonprofit program strategist. She holds a graduate degree in Applied Psychology from Shippensburg University, where she honed her skills in research, behavioral analysis, and data interpretation.

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Meet Bharti Katre

Meet Bharti Katre, a dedicated data enthusiast on a decade-long binge for information. Her passion lies in gleaning insights and visualizing hidden trends by asking thoughtful questions and receiving answers from data. It’s a fascinating realm for her, fueled by her unyielding curiosity.

Amid her data-driven pursuits, Bharti finds solace in travel and yoga. However, it is her loving family that truly brings her a sense of completeness. “Keep learning and keep growing at your best pace” is her life mantra; she believes no experience is ever wasted.

Years ago, she committed to environmentalism, practicing the principles of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” in every conceivable way. For Bharti, details and precision hold paramount importance, shaping her approach to each day.

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Meet Janine Graham

After several years with Epsilon’s nonprofit group, Janine joined the Harrington Agency as a Senior Production Artist. She is a critical resource for our clients, helping move a project quickly and efficiently from concept to execution.

Janine’s talents don’t just lie with design. The Harrington Agency’s clients benefit from her many skills including original creative, proofing, and scheduling.

If it sounds like Janine juggles a lot — she does! But she comes by it naturally, she is an expert juggler — a new talent to the Harrington Agency!

Years in Fundraising: 12
Office: Remote

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Meet Kenny Foord

Kenny creates beautiful and award-winning digital design for the Harrington Agency, including emails, web assets, landing pages, and mobile icons. With an eye on the latest trends, he hones in on producing innovative styles and aesthetics, while never forgetting that UX is always the guiding principle of any work. Kenny is now bridging the gap between the digital world and the print world, bringing a new perspective that clients are finding invaluable as they come to see that a multichannel campaign requires a team that can strategize, write, and design in both mediums.

When not working, you can find him skateboarding, listening to music, and getting lost in his own world, dreaming of life as a ‘digital nomad.’

Years in Fundraising: 4
Office: Remote

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Meet Alan Tam

Alan is a Brooklynite, born and bred. He has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, and began his profession not in programming, but repairing printers and scanners. His digital development career started with an email marketing development role at Acxiom Corporation. Over the course of his career, he has excelled at developing pixel-perfect cross-platform responsive emails and web pages, and has led big clients such as Sprint, Comcast Cable and IHG Hotels to great success on the email marketing front.

With more than 10 years of experience under his belt, Alan is now considered the go to guy for all things email marketing and front-end web development. In the past three years, he has moved into the nonprofit space here at the Harrington Agency and brings in his expertise to develop fresh and beautiful emails and donation pages.

Years in fundraising: 3
Office: Remote