Advanced Development Executives

Deanna Ackerman is the founder of Advanced Development Executives a consulting firm that provides expert advice and development services to support charities in reaching their fundraising goals. Deanna has been a consultant for more than 10 years and has raised millions of dollars to support nonprofit operations, programs and capital campaigns. Deanna has provided consulting services to hundreds of board members and staff in Nevada, Maryland, Virginia and the Washington, DC metro region to enhance their ability to fundraise and improve operations. Her clients have included national and local organizations such as the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, United Way of Southern Nevada, Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Rebuilding Together Atlanta, Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas, Desert Research Institute, and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. Deanna has served as a grant reviewer for the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Corporation for National Service, the Office of Justice Programs, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, and Nevada Volunteers. Deanna holds professionals memberships in the Las Vegas and Sierra Nevada Chapters of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association of Donor Relations Professionals (ADRP), and the Grant Professionals Association (GPA). She serves on the National AFP Government Relations Committee and Awards Committee. Deanna is an AFP Certified Master Trainer and has taught fundraising courses for the University of Nevada Las Vegas and University of Nevada Reno. In her spare time, Deanna volunteers for the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada and is a board member for the Las Vegas AFP Chapter and an Advisory Board Member for Dress for Success Southern Nevada. Deanna is also the creator and publisher of the Nevada Nonprofit News, a statewide electronic publication for nonprofit professionals. Deanna received a BA in Sociology from the University of Texas, San Antonio. Prior to entering the nonprofit sector, Deanna served honorably in the Air Force during Desert Storm and received several awards for outstanding achievement.