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With over 15 years of experience in behavioral science research and application, Stan brings a unique lens to financial decision-making and family engagement.

Stan serves as a Behavioral Insights Advisor at the Northern Trust Institute, where he applies behavioral science to empower clients in making independent financial decisions and strengthening family relationships. His work includes conducting original psychological research focused on financial decision-making.

Before joining Northern Trust, he was a Senior Behavioral Scientist at Morningstar. There, he led surveys and experimental research on the psychology of retirement, investing, and financial behavior, while also advising cross-functional teams on applying scientific methods to business challenges.

Stan’s academic background includes his role as an Assistant Teaching Professor at Syracuse University, where he taught psychology, mentored students, and directed a research lab. He has authored over two dozen academic and industry publications and presented at leading international conferences.

He holds a PhD in Psychological Science (Social Psychology) from DePaul University, a dual MS in Social and Quantitative Psychology from Illinois State University, and a BA in Psychology from Northern Illinois University.

Cherian Koshy is a globally recognized keynote speaker, strategist, and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience advancing fundraising, leadership, and innovation across the social impact sector. He has led high-performing teams in healthcare, education, the arts, and human services—helping organizations raise hundreds of millions of dollars while building cultures grounded in trust, dignity, and human connection.

He is the author of Neurogiving: The Science of Donor Decision-Making, a multi-week USA Today bestseller that reached #11 nationally and became the #1 Amazon bestseller in Nonprofit Organizations. His work explores how neuroscience, behavioral science, and ethics shape generosity, leadership, and organizational decision-making in an increasingly complex world.

A visionary entrepreneur, Cherian is the founder of NonprofitOS (now, engage)—an AI-powered platform that transformed nonprofit operations and was later acquired by Kindsight, where he now serves as Vice President, helping mission-driven organizations adopt ethical, human-centered technology.

Cherian holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designations and is certified in behavioral science from Harvard Business School and in the ethics of AI from the London School of Economics. He is a Q3LC Certified Leader, an Exactly What to Say Certified Guide, and a member of the Rogare Council and the advisory council of Fundraising.AI.

His insights have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, CEOWorld, Yahoo Finance, and other leading publications. He serves on the executive committee of the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and on the board of The Giving Institute, and is an adjunct faculty member at The Fund Raising School at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

In the past five years alone, Cherian has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across five continents through keynotes, workshops, and leadership programs. His work challenges leaders to design generosity not through pressure, but through understanding.

He lives in Iowa with his wife Betsy, their 2.3 kids, their dog Aslan, and is an avid Iowa State Fair fan (and donor)!

Nicola Lawrence has dedicated her career to non-profit leadership, amassing over 25 years of experience serving organizations across four continents. Her work spans a range of philanthropic efforts, from billion-dollar campaigns to daily fundraising for large healthcare institutions and grassroots social impact startups.

Nicola specializes in revitalizing underperforming development shops and unlocking revenue through integrated gift planning. Beyond gift planning, she has led several non-profits in operations and senior leadership. By designing effective policies and guiding organizations through risk mitigation, adherence to legislation, and strategic planning, she helps them achieve their missions. Her commitment to ethical practices and impactful philanthropy has earned respect throughout the sector. She serves on the board of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners and is VP of Arizona Charitable Gift Planners. This year, she chairs the National Standards and Metrics Committee and teaches at the AHP Madison Institute. As a conference speaker, Nicola shares insights nationwide, promoting integrated approaches to charitable gift planning. She is also proud to have served as a foster and adoptive parent.

Thomesa boasts a multifaceted career that spans real estate, senior living advocacy, and public speaking. With 22 years as a Concierge REALTOR® at RE/MAX Excalibur, she excels in Senior Real Estate, Philanthropic Planning, Relocation, and Re-Sizing. Thomesa has co-authored ‘1 Habit For Entrepreneurial $uccess’ and penned ‘SMART-LIVING for Seniors; How to Make the Best of the Rest’, establishing herself as an international best-selling author.

Her expertise extends beyond real estate into public speaking, where she has graced prestigious venues such as NASDAQ, Harvard Club of Boston, Carnegie Hall, Mercedes Benz, and West Point. Thomesa has also appeared on major TV networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, & FOX News & Talk Shows, where she shares insights on senior real estate and philanthropy.

As CEO of Lydon Senior Pathways, Thomesa specializes in providing comprehensive relocation planning, move management, and real estate services tailored for seniors aged 55 and above. Her commitment to “SMART-sizing” ensures seniors transition smoothly into their next chapter of life with dignity and ease. In her personal life, Thomesa lives by the motto, “Keeping It FUN till I’m Done”, which includes a lifestyle centered around healthy nutrition, fitness, laughter, music, dancing, and quality time with friends and family. Her dedication to enhancing the lives of seniors and her dynamic presence in both real estate and philanthropy truly define her remarkable career and contributions.

Justin specializes in helping executives and successful professionals create a tax-smart plan for their next chapter. We explore what’s possible, create a plan, and strive to minimize taxes in the process. Justin earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and has earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) and the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation. He is a frequent speaker on tax-smart retirement planning.

Tiffany is a tax, estate, and charitable strategist. She works as a consultant with families and helps guide them through intricate and essential situations including transitioning a business, planning philanthropy, values-based estate planning, and tax concerns. She works as a liaison with the advisory team to enhance efficiency, provide a comprehensive overview of opportunities, and ensure that the client’s best interests are always first.

Tiffany joined the family business of wealth planning, MasterTech Financial, where she worked with ultra-high net worth clients and helped them with their complicated business and estate planning needs. She left financial advisory after nearly 20 years to be a fiduciary consultant and founded the Gift Planning Institute, helping nonprofits with complicated asset gifts, and Tax & Estate Strategy, where she works with families with complex circumstances

Allison is the Designated Broker, Interim Managing Direct and certified luxury agent at The Agency in Scottsdale, Arizona. She specializes in both luxury and investment properties. She oversees compliance and operations at The Agency.

Prior to Real Estate, Allison practiced as a corporate attorney in Chicago, Illinois.  She graduated at the top of her class at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.  She also holds a master’s degree In Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Kansas.

In addition, she is the President of the Board of Directors for the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors & a Board Member of Arizona Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. In addition, she served as a Trustee for Scottsdale Arts Board.

Allison has been involved in philanthropic organizations for years. Including as a Trustee for the Board of Scottsdale Arts, past member of the Leadership Circle of the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation, and charitable work with National Charity League, Homeward Bound, Chrysalis, and MASK.

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