About Us

Angel brings over 23 years of nonprofit fundraising experience to Mission Advancement. Angel served as Sr. Vice President with Resource Services, Inc., a fundraising consulting firm, where he worked with over 100 clients ranging from churches to independent schools. For nine years, Angel served in the role of Sr. Director of Advancement for a large Christian school in Plano, TX. This role involved facilitating the work of the team that led all advancement-related activities and strategies for the school, including major gifts, planned giving, alumni relations, corporate partner programs, annual giving and marketing.

The greatest fulfillment for Angel comes in knowing that he has the privilege of helping to align the needs of the clients he engages with the best solutions that Mission Advancement has to offer. Ultimately, it’s about empowering the non-profit organizations he works with to more effectively fulfill the mission for which they exist.

Angel earned a BS from Baptist University of America, an MA from Liberty University, and an M. Div. from The Criswell College. A native of Miami, FL., Angel and his wife Paige currently live in Frisco, Texas. Among his favorite things are cycling, reading, the ocean and any outdoor activity. Angel and Paige enjoy spending time with their son Aaron, his wife Maddie, and their two grandsons Cooper and Brooks who live in the Austin area.

Anna works as a Senior Client Coordinator and is a member of the Operations Team. Within this role, Anna works to support the company at large, using her affinity for review and knowledge of the grant space of fundraising to help Mission Advancement ensure excellence on deliverables, synthesize company processes, and assist in problem-solving and special projects. Today, Anna combines her keen attention to detail, adaptability, and desire for intentional relationship building with her passion for serving others alongside the Mission Advancement team.

With previous experience both on the administrative and programmatic/direct-service sides in the nonprofit space, Anna brings a unique set of knowledge and skills to the Mission Advancement team. She has previously served in the roles of executive assistant, academic specialist, program assistant, and volunteer coordinator consecutively at HOPE Farm – an after-school program for fatherless boys and resource program for their single mothers – as well as in the executive assistant and project support roles through Mission Allies – a grant writing firm supporting local area nonprofits in their fundraising, relationship stewardship, and overall strategic growth.

A DFW native, Anna received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas Christian University. She also earned a Master of Arts in Sociology from Columbia University in the City of New York. Anna is an avid sports lover, keeping up with multiple teams across almost every sport as well as playing soccer on the weekends. She is also a talented baker and always enjoys cooking meals or baking sweet treats for her friends and family.

Carson comes to Mission Advancement with nearly eight years of experience in fundraising. He is motivated by working alongside development teams to improve their ways of working and grow their funding, all to maximize impact for the people and communities served.

Before joining the team at Mission Advancement, Carson served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of Advancement at Dallas Baptist University. In this role, he was responsible for advising university leadership on principal and major gifts strategies for capital campaigns and other funding initiatives.

Carson holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Dallas Baptist University, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Strategy & Sales and Business Management from Baylor University. He and his wife, Caleigh, reside in Dallas, where they enjoy spending time with friends and family.

Chris is Mission Advancement’s Business Intelligence Analyst. Previously, Chris worked in a leadership capacity with the Texas House of Representatives in a legislative operations role. Appointed by the Speaker to be an Officer of the House, he guided staff and officials through the rigors of the legislative process. In this role, he discovered a passion for utilizing data and analytical skills to promote organizational success. Chris honed these skills further through a graduate education at Southern Methodist University, where he earned a Masters of Arts Management and MBA with a focus in Business Analytics.

Chris has had the opportunity to work with organizations across Texas and the globe, helping them develop new fundraising strategies, refine donor engagement approaches, develop pricing strategies, and craft audience development plans.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys working out recipes picked up on trips abroad, cycling, and playing the piano.

David Jones serves as the Vice President of People and Operations, ensuring our team has the resources and support needed to serve clients with excellence. While primarily focused on the internal workings of our organization, David welcomes every opportunity to be in the field with clients and enjoys connecting with our partners.

David joined Mission Advancement after more than 15 years with Booster Enterprises, where he served as Regional Manager for North Texas and Oklahoma. There, he led a team of enthusiastic fundraising professionals who supported thousands of school programs through fitness-based fundraisers. His dedication to excellence, leadership development, and community service aligns perfectly with Mission Advancement’s values and mission.

Born and raised in North Carolina, David made Texas home in 2009. Before his career in fundraising, he explored an eclectic mix of roles — ranch hand, raft guide, Spanish teacher, camp counselor, public speaker, and consultant. He and his wife live in DFW with their three sons, where they’re active in community activities, youth sports, and their local church. You can often spot David out for pre-dawn walks with his dog, Luna.

Emma currently serves as Mission Advancement’s Business Development Coordinator. Within this role, Emma supports the efforts of the Business Development team, helping to bridge the gap between a client’s vision and the high-impact solutions Mission Advancement has to offer.

Having been immersed in development efforts at organizations like Pine Cove Christian Camps and Save Our Streets Ministries, Emma is passionate about the fundraising process. She finds great satisfaction in empowering mission-driven organizations to expand their reach and deepen their impact.

Born and raised in the DFW area, Emma holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a minor in Business from Texas A&M University. In her free time, you can usually find her running, reading, traveling, or spending time with family and friends.

Erin Samson is a diverse fundraising professional with over 18 years of experience in nonprofit management, institutional advancement, and social services. As a Mission Advancement Managing Consultant, she leads capital campaign and development counsel efforts in the Austin region. Erin has raised millions of dollars in annual, major gift, and capital campaign funds for numerous organizations across Texas.

Before her tenure with Mission Advancement, Erin held a leadership position with a national association where she had the privilege of working to secure major gifts through relationship-based fundraising for a $5 million capital campaign. Over the years, Erin has gained significant experience in management, major gift solicitations, sustainable annual giving programs, and capital campaigns. Erin has been a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) since 2016.

A native Texan and graduate of McMurry University in Abilene, Texas with a B.A. in Communications, Erin found her passion for fundraising while working in the alumni office during her college years. Erin lives in North Texas, with her husband and their three children. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends usually on a patio, watching sports, being involved with her church, and supporting her children’s activities.

Heather currently serves as a Consultant and Grant Writer for Mission Advancement, working directly with clients to meet their funding goals.

She brings over 25 years of nonprofit management, fundraising, and grant writing experience to the Mission Advancement team working with a variety of organizations such as: United Way, Girl Scouts, The Dallas Opera, Children’s Advocacy Center, and most recently the local school district. Heather is passionate about utilizing her education, skills, talents, and experience to inspire and equip each organization to advance their mission. Heather believes in helping others in every area of her life as evidenced by her long-time commitment to community and the not-for-profit space.

Heather is originally from Lubbock, Texas, where she earned a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies and a M.A. in Organizational Management. For the last 20 years, Heather has made Coppell her home enjoying the community with her husband and 3 children. When she is not working you will find her supporting her kids at their many activities, volunteering, or enjoying the outdoors.

Jennifer Lehman and her husband Schuyler started Mission Advancement in 2007, and she has managed the day-to-day operations of the business since that time. Today, Jennifer serves CEO of Mission Advancement and enjoys leading company efforts and strategy, building and managing a strong team, and staying engaged with many client projects.

Jennifer has served nonprofit organizations in a variety of capacities since 1994. She has served as a nonprofit consultant since 1997, conducting feasibility studies, leading capital campaigns, and managing events for a variety of organizations around the country. She loves building relationships with nonprofit leaders and helping them realize the potential within their organizations to achieve big goals.

A native of Dallas and graduate of the SMU MBA/Nonprofit Arts Management program, her focus began in the nonprofit arts world and then shifted to a broad range of organizations, including social service agencies, schools, and ministries. A highlight was working as a volunteer manager for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. In her spare time, she loves podcasts, long walks, and traveling as often as possible with family and friends. Most recently, she’s adapting to empty-nester life and is incredibly proud of her young adult kids, Ellie and Jack, as they pursue their passions and begin their more independent adult lives!

Jessica Stillwell has been working with and for nonprofit organizations for nearly a decade. She brings a proven track record in nonprofit fundraising to her work at Mission Advancement — combining strategic development expertise with hands-on experience in donor relations, capital campaigns, grant writing, and program advancement. Jessica leverages her experience and best practices to serve Mission Advancement clients, including social service organizations of all shapes and sizes and independent schools.

Prior to joining the firm, Jessica served as Director of Development at Interfaith Family Services in Dallas. During her three and a half years in the role, she executed development strategy and special events, provided oversight of volunteers, social media, and marketing, and stewarded the agency’s mid-level and major donors.

A Fayetteville, Arkansas native, Jessica graduated from Vassar College in New York before heading back down south to complete a year of service with AmeriCorps at Reading Partners North Texas – where she fell in love with nonprofit work. Jessica is a member of the Junior League of Dallas, AFP of Greater Dallas, and a local church. She enjoys traveling, yoga, and adventuring with her husband Alex and her dog Bruno.

With over 20 years of hands-on professional development and fundraising experience, Josh relishes working with nonprofits ready to unlock radical generosity. His experience working in nearly every seat in the development office has positioned him to counsel a variety of organizations and schools. As a managing consultant with Mission Advancement, he leads projects in several capacities.

As the former Sr Director of Development with Children At Heart Ministries (CAHM), Josh oversaw multimillion-dollar campaigns, led the mid-major gifts program, and focused on strategic affairs and board development with leaders from affiliates across Texas. Josh has worked with a variety of social service and humanitarian causes. He is a former executive board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Houston Chapter. In that role, he chaired the Strategic Change Committee.

A 19-year resident of Texas, Josh is an alumna of the University of Colorado where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting. Josh, his wife Angela, and their children, Lea and Luke live in Houston, TX. You’ll catch them competing at board games and eating great tacos.

Lacey serves as a Mission Advancement Assistant Vice President, working hands-on with client organizations to grow both annual and capital funds. As part of the DFW region, Lacey has helped raise millions of dollars in annual, major gift, and capital campaign funds for a variety of faith-based and social service organizations. With empathy and energy, Lacey values cultivating relationships with organizations while helping strategically align their donors’ passions to advance each organization’s mission.

Her experience prior to joining the Mission Advancement team includes over 10 years of fundraising experience across multiple spaces, including private independent schools, health care and social service organizations, and national nonprofit organizations. Lacey has managed a variety of annual appeals and capital campaigns, as well as marketing and communications elements of a development office. Trained at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and Independent School Management, she is a certified International Advancement Professional reflecting her dedication to her profession and desire to continually improve her skills.

A native Texan with early ambitions for Broadway, Lacey began her undergraduate studies as a theatre major at St. Edwards University in Austin and earned her B.A. in Business Administration from the University of North Texas. Lacey lives in Dallas, Texas, is active in her local church, and is engaged in various professional and community volunteer organizations. Lacey enjoys live theatre and all performing arts, traveling, her two rescue dogs, Blanche and George Harrison, and spending time with family and friends.

Natalie serves as the Assistant Vice President of People and Operations, overseeing operations of the firm and helping clients advance their missions. She leads a team of go-getters who provide research, project support and operational strategy to help support every team and team member at Mission Advancement.

Natalie has engaged with clients in a variety of sectors and managed capital campaigns across the country. Her experience spans helping fine-tune annual development operations, building major gifts programs, and guiding organizations to raise upwards of 9-figures for their expansion needs. Natalie’s analytical and relational skills have been utilized to lead fundraising and staffing assessments, community capacity evaluations, organizational benchmarking, annual fund and major gift growth strategies, training for staff and volunteers, and more.

Early in life, Natalie gained a passion for the arts along with a deep appreciation for the power of nonprofit organizations to change lives for the better through her training in the arts. Natalie’s nonprofit career began with internships at a grass-roots arts organization, followed by Lyda Hill Philanthropies supporting the Better Together Fund. Natalie continues to foster her love for the arts and investing in future leaders as an adjunct lecturer of Arts & Nonprofit Leadership for SMU’s Meadows School.

Natalie holds a Master of Business Administration and Master in Arts Management from Southern Methodist University, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Dance from Baylor University. Natalie is a former member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Dallas Chapter Board of Directors, an active volunteer for the Junior League of Dallas, and a member of Park Cities Baptist Church. Natalie and her husband Daniel are parents to Alice, who brings joy to their life every day!

With over 20 years of experience across finance, strategy, policy development, and fundraising, Sandy brings a diverse perspective and knowledge base to Mission Advancement’s clients. She has experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors and has worked across geographies and cultures, building strong working relationships.

Prior to joining Mission Advancement, Sandy led private-sector fundraising for City Year San Antonio, where she cultivated and managed relationships with corporations, foundations, and individuals. Prior to City Year, Sandy worked in international development for Hand in Hand International in London. While there, she developed strong relationships with partners in Africa and Afghanistan, played a critical role in establishing its Enterprise Incubation Fund, and guided the organization’s strategic planning.

Sandy lives in San Antonio, Texas. She and her husband, John, spend much of their time keeping up with Jack, Maggie, and Redford, their three young kiddos. Sandy is active in the San Antonio community, and with her church and children’s schools. As a family they love traveling to new and familiar places, Friday pizza and movie nights, and very regular kitchen dance parties!

With 28 years of fundraising expertise across higher education and independent schools, Sara brings exceptional strategic leadership to the K-12 community. She most recently served as Chief Advancement Officer at Charlotte Christian School for 13 years, directing the integrated efforts of development, communications, and marketing. During her tenure, she was instrumental in transforming the campus by executing a comprehensive master plan that secured over $50 million to construct multiple new buildings and athletic fields.

Sara’s extensive background includes key positions at the University of North Florida, Queens University of Charlotte, and the South Carolina Children’s Theatre. She holds a degree in Communications from Hollins University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Florida.

Outside of her professional ministry, Sara is an avid hiker and runner. She resides in Charlotte with her husband, John, and finds her greatest joy in spending time with him and her two adult children.

Schuyler Lehman created Mission Advancement with the objective of helping nonprofit organizations develop the capacity for relationship based major and principal gifts. Throughout his career spanning nearly four decades, his unwavering focus on serving the passions, interests, and needs of the donor has helped to redefine institutional fundraising. Schuyler has authored three books outlining his unique philosophy and approach, and he is also a frequent speaker and presenter at regional, national, and international conferences.

Schuyler has helped raise more than $6 billion for a wide variety of nonprofit organizations (religious, educational, social service, civic, youth, community, healthcare, cultural, associations, etc.). He has provided consultation and advice to more than 1,000 nonprofits throughout the U.S. and Canada for major capital and endowment campaigns, annual funds, and general development activities.

Scott Taylor has been in the fundraising and nonprofit management world for nearly 25 years. Through his experience in fundraising, endowments, donor relations, strategic affairs, and campaign operations, Scott has served as a fundraising and strategy consultant to a variety of nonprofit organizations. As a Vice President, Scott leads the Client Service division for Mission Advancement and is responsible for all client-related engagements.

Before his tenure with Mission Advancement, Scott served on the fundraising team for Southern Methodist University’s two most successful campaigns, which raised over $1.5 billion. His experience has positioned him to develop, plan, and execute a variety of strategies and initiatives related to operational fundraising, capital projects, donor relations, and volunteer management.

Scott received his Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from SMU. He and his wife Ashley and their three children, Kendall, Savannah, and Jonathan live in the DFW metroplex.

Steve Bult serves as President of Mission Advancement, partnering with nonprofit leaders to strengthen their organizations through intentional leadership, meaningful relationships, and people-centered fundraising. Having previously worked with Mission Advancement as a client, Steve brings a unique perspective to the team and understands firsthand the opportunities and challenges nonprofit leaders face.

Before joining Mission Advancement, Steve spent more than 30 years serving Christian education, most recently as Head of School at Wheaton Academy. There, he led the school through a season of significant growth, strengthening its financial foundation, cultivating a thriving workplace culture, and helping guide the school to its first National Blue Ribbon recognition from the U.S. Department of Education. He also served on the Executive Committee of the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA), supporting excellence in Christian education across the country.

Steve earned his bachelor’s degree from Calvin College and his master’s degree from Governors State University.

Tim Connor has been involved in Christian education his entire life, beginning with K4 as soon as he turned 4 years old. Before joining Mission Advancement, Tim served in every position within Christian schools – teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, head of school, and most, recently Director of Advancement at Grace Community School in Tyler, Texas. His experience has positioned him to help schools, both large and small, discover innovative strategies to unlock their potential within the advancement office.

Tim is passionate about biblical generosity and helping individuals and organizations utilize their resources to build God’s kingdom. It is a personal story, too, that led to Tim donating his kidney to a neighbor in January 2021.

Tim received his Bachelor of Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Clarks Summit University. He also maintains Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credentials. Tim, his wife Julie, and their two children Kelsey and Jackson live in Frisco, Texas.

With over 20 years of professional development experience, Tracy Cain understands how to connect the passions and interests of donors to the hearts of nonprofit missions. Tracy’s creative and strategic approach to fundraising helps organizations build lasting donor relationships that lead to transformational gifts. In her role as Executive Consultant at Mission Advancement, Tracy collaborates with the consulting team to create unique donor experience plans for top prospects.

As Director of Major Gifts at the University of Texas McCombs School of Business, Tracy led her team in securing over $28 million in endowed and outright gifts through direct cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of executive-level, high-capacity major donors. Her extensive experience also includes management of fundraising efforts for capital projects for St. Joseph High School and the development of new strategic and functional programs to increase sustainable giving to Hospice of South Texas. In addition to her many professional accolades, Tracy also offers her time and talents to her community as Board Chair for St. Mark’s Day School in Austin, Texas, and as Past-President of the Junior League of Victoria, Texas, Inc.

Tracy, her husband Matt, daughter Frankie, and son Hank live in Austin, Texas, and enjoy cooking for friends, seeing live music, and spending time on the Texas coast.