Howard Bender is a seasoned senior leader who has served non-profit performing arts organizations for more than 20 years to help further their missions and achieve organizational stability by promoting organizational growth and securing multiple 6 and 7 figure gifts. He has been a passionate, hands-on builder and re-builder of teams, systems, Boards, and integrated advancement campaigns by leveraging a deep knowledge of the operatic, symphonic and dance art forms to inspire high touch donors, foundation and government officials. His passion for the performing arts led to a 28 year career as an operatic tenor on three continents including four seasons at the Metropolitan Opera. Howard co-founded TodiMusicFest, a multidisciplinary, international arts festival in southeastern Virginia where he was recognized by Coretta Scott King for extraordinary work in bringing diverse communities together. He served Apollo's Fire Baroque Orchestra as Executive Director, and Cleveland Ballet as Interim President & CEO and VP of Development. He served Virginia Opera as Vice President and Florida Grand Opera as Chief Development Officer. Maestro Lorin Maazel chose him to restructure his Castleton Festival as Director of Institutional Advancement and External Relations. He holds two degrees from Manhattan School of Music, and also attended The Juilliard School.

Ellen Bender is a professional fundraiser who has worked with non-profit organizations for over 20 years to help further their missions. She believes enabling individuals to achieve their philanthropic vision for the community is the cornerstone of viable and relevant non-profit organizations. Ellen has worked as a development professional garnering six and seven figure gifts for The Cleveland Orchestra, Virginia Opera, Florida Grand Opera, TodiMusicFest (co-founder), and Facing History and Ourselves. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Speech from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA.

Susan L. Golden, Ph.D. (Senior Advisor) brings over 30 years of professional experience to organizations seeking grants. Susan has worked with more than 150 organizations in all sectors, having supported raising more than $780 million, with an 80 percent “win” rate on proposal submissions. At the invitation of Jossey-Bass Publishers (CA), she wrote a best selling book on grant-seeking, the first author in the field to focus on relationships and strategy. She also wrote a column on grant-seeking for Contributions Magazine for more than 10 years. She has taught grant-seeking for graduate programs in nonprofit management both locally and nationally. She holds a Ph.D. from Duke University, and a B.A. magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve University, where she was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society.