Turn Your Board into Active Fundraising Partners
How do you move board members from passive support to meaningful fundraising engagement?
Join AFP Minnesota for a practical and timely session with Heidi Droegemueller, Vice President of Seminary Relations at Luther Seminary, and Brenda Skelton, Luther Seminary Board Director and Campaign Chair. Together, they will share how Luther Seminary has engaged its board during its current campaign and will offer real-world insight into building a stronger culture of philanthropy and equipping board members to become active partners in advancing fundraising goals.
This session is designed for fundraising professionals and nonprofit leaders who want to strengthen board engagement, increase accountability, and inspire more effective partnership in development work.
Attendees will leave with ideas and strategies to:
● foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization
● engage board members more meaningfully in fundraising
● clarify expectations and build confidence around board participation
● support campaign and development goals through stronger board partnership
About the Speakers
Heidi Droegemueller is a collaborative, visionary nonprofit executive and transformational leader with more than 25 years of experience in operational leadership, fundraising, board governance, strategic planning, budgeting, marketing and communications, crisis management, diversity, equity and inclusion, and staff and volunteer supervision. She is known for helping organizations fulfill their missions with greater effectiveness, efficiency, and impact.
Since 2015, Heidi has served as Executive Director of the Luther Seminary Foundation. She currently serves as Chair-Elect of the US Foundation for Philanthropy Governing Board and will assume the role of Chair in 2027. She also serves on the board of directors for Mt. Olivet Rolling Acres, a human services organization in Victoria, Minnesota, which supports adults with disabilities through long-term housing, recreational services, and crisis support programs.
Come ready to learn, reflect, and leave with practical strategies you can apply with your own board.
Brenda Skelton retired in 2020 as President and CEO of Siebert Lutheran Foundation, where she served nearly seven years in executive leadership and more than 15 years overall, including prior service on the board. During her tenure, she led significant work in governance, board development, strategic planning, and organizational growth.
Earlier in her career, Brenda led her own consulting practice, served as Vice President of Communications at Northwestern Mutual Life, and spent 13 years as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Midwest Express Airlines, where she also served on the holding company’s Board of Directors.
Brenda continues to be an active volunteer leader. She serves as a Luther Seminary Board Director and Campaign Chair, helping provide leadership for the seminary’s five-year $115 million campaign. She has also played a major volunteer role in campaign leadership for Redeemer Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.