Fundraising Institute

FUNDRAISING INSTITUTE
July 25, 2026

This unique workshop is designed for new development directors, heads of school and trustees to develop practices, policies and procedures that will strengthen the organization's fundraising effectiveness. This workshop is critical to properly train your board, volunteers and staff to be confident, effective fundraisers. Through presentation and sharing of best practices, you will gain practical tactics to apply immediately; policies, procedures and techniques to implement at your school; and a network of like-minded peers you can call upon throughout your career.

Who Should Attend?
Heads, Trustees, Directors of Advancement/Development, Chief Financial Officers, and Prospective Heads
Consider sharing this experience as a team!

TOPICS INCLUDE

Philanthropic Landscape for Independent Schools
Benchmarking
Governance
Annual Giving
Major Giving
Capital Campaigns
Inspiring a Culture of Philanthropy

AGENDA

SPEAKERS

SPEAKERS

MEET THE SPEAKER

MEET THE SPEAKER

Rex Otey has generated over $200 million for various nonprofit organizations over his 35+ year career. He has led development efforts for independent schools,
churches, nonprofits, and universities.

During his career, he has had the opportunity to work with over two dozen
college, university, and independent college-preparatory institutions, with
responsibilities ranging from directing capital and comprehensive campaigns to
the overhaul of development operations.

As a chief development officer and career fundraiser, Rex has met the challenges of managing campaigns, annual funds, major gifts, planned giving, alumni/parent programs, and large teams of staff, consultants, and volunteers. His energetic, innovative approach and focus on genuine relationship building equip him to revitalize existing programs and create new ones, continually exceeding fundraising goals throughout his career.

Rex’s talents are well-suited for his role, interfacing with Convergent clients and
assisting the Project Directors who serve them.

MEET THE SPEAKER

MEET THE SPEAKER

Andy Brubaker is a Funding Strategist with Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, where he partners with mission-driven organizations nationwide to advance philanthropic growth through feasibility studies, capital campaigns, and strategic resource development.

With more than 20 years of professional fundraising experience, he advises presidents, boards, and senior leadership teams across higher education, healthcare, human services, and community-based organizations.
Before joining Convergent, Andy served in senior advancement and executive leadership roles, including Vice President for Advancement at Andrew College and Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Southwest Georgia. Across his career, he has led and supported multi-million-dollar comprehensive and capital campaigns, strengthened donor and alumni engagement, and secured major and transformative gifts that expanded academic programs, facilities, and community impact.
Andy holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of West Georgia and a Bachelor of Science from Western Carolina University.

An Eagle Scout, he remains actively engaged in community service and leadership, serving as a Den Leader for his son’s Webelos Den and continuing his volunteer service with the American Red Cross, supporting local and county government operations.
Outside of his professional work, Andy is a self-proclaimed mint chocolate chip ice cream connoisseur and recently earned his private pilot’s certificate.

REGISTER

HOTEL

HOTEL INFORMATION

Sheraton Sand Key Resort | 1160 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Click HERE for more information on Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Beach.

Hotel Room: $215 (plus applicable taxes and fees)
Participants are expected to make their own hotel reservations. Registration fee does not include the price of the guest room. To make a reservation online, use this link: FCIS Leadership Academy. By phone, call 727-595-1611, and mention that you are part of the FCIS Leadership Academy. Once the room block is sold out, there may not be rooms available at this rate.

Registration and Hotel Deadline: June 24, 2026
To receive the FCIS group rate at the resort, reservations must be made on or before this date.

Parking: Self-Parking is $5/hour, up to a $25/maximum per day

Cancellation & Refunds: All hotel cancellations must be made directly through the hotel and in accordance with hotel policy. Workshop refund requests must be made in writing and emailed to kdanger@fcis.org. There is a $50 per person processing fee through June 24, 2026, with no refunds after this date.

Questions? Contact Nicole Robison at nrobison@fcis.org or call the FCIS Office at 813-287-2820.

CPE Credit

National Registry of CPE Sponsors

FCIS is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.