Our Staff
Susan K. Feagin
President
Susan brings many years of fundraising experience to the John Brown Limited firm. She currently serves as John Brown Limited’s President, as well as Special Assistant to the President of Columbia University where she was responsible for overseeing a $2.1 billion campaign.
Susan’s career has spanned over 30 years which has included Columbia University, Harvard University, and the University of Michigan. She has had leadership roles in three major University development campaigns.
Susan received a bachelor of arts degree cum laude from Columbia University’s School of General Studies in 1974. She has served her alma mater as a member of the School’s advisory council and as chair of its development committee. In April 1998, she received the General Studies’ Owl Award for distinguished service.
Her late husband, John J. Brown, was the founder and president of John Brown Limited which began in 1978.
Douglas Smith
Senior Consultant
Doug's development expertise includes feasibility studies, staff and leadership training, the planning and implementation of capital and endowment campaigns, annual fundraising efforts, development resource evaluations, and the facilitation of long-range planning with Board members, Presidents, Executive Directors, and Development staff. Having been with John Brown Limited for over 20 years, Doug has counseled hundreds of non-profit organizations on how to reach their development goals and expectations.
Prior to joining the JBL team, he served as the President of a University Foundation, Vice President for Development and Finance with a telecommunications firm, Vice President for Development at a major symphony orchestra, and Campaign Director for a health and human services organization. Doug received his MBA from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA with an emphasis in finance.
Shawna Hershfield
Senior Consultant, Communications
Since 1999, Shawna has been JBL's communications strategist working with clients to produce collateral materials that support their planned giving and campaign goals. From gift acceptance policies to compelling online and print communications, Shawna helps our clients and seminar students create branded materials that donors actually read and respond to.
In addition to her work with clients, Shawna started JBL's online newsletter, building readership and establishing a dialog with our clients and seminar students to ensure our work and publications reflect industry concerns. Educational institutions--as well as board development online communities--have republished her advice columns on donor communications.
Shawna's supported many organizations since starting the communications program at JBL, most notably the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, EastWest Institute, National Geographic Society, Carleton College, Joslin Diabetes Institute, Grassroots Soccer, University of California at Santa Cruz, Harvard University, University of Michigan, Monterey Institute of International Studies, Monterey History and Art Association, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Foundation. She's currently serving as the Director of Donor Communications and Marketing for the Sierra Club, where she's leading the fundraising team in creating brand relevance for the institution's $500 million comprehensive campaign against climate change.
Rolly Wester
Senior Consultant
Rolly has more than 25 years of experience as a professional fund-raising consultant, assisting a variety of non-profit institutions throughout the country in all aspects of development and public relations. He has served as a campaign director or consultant with three national fund-raising firms. He has also run his own agency/firm, and has been associated with JBL since the early 80's. Although his extensive experience has focused on capital campaigns, Rolly is versed in all areas of development, and has a strong background in writing and publications.
Rolly’s clients have included cultural organizations, independent secondary schools, colleges and universities, hospitals and health-related organizations, and social service agencies. He began his career in the Public Relations Department of Texaco (New York City) and left to join the New-York based fund-raising firm of Kersting, Brown & Co. When he left to form his own consulting firm in the Boston area, he was a Senior Vice President and Director.
He received a BA degree in Journalism from the University of Texas.
Wendy Horton, CPA
Senior Consultant
Wendy is a Senior Advisor and specialist in nonprofit finance, fund development, and compliance. She has expertise in the areas of fund raising effectiveness, sustainability, operations, and best practices.
Wendy has a long relationship with John Brown Limited, as both client and consultant. As a client at WHA TV in Madison (WI) to consulting for Allegheny College, New Hampshire Association for the Blind, and many others, Wendy brings experience and enthusiasm to her work.
Wendy launched an innovative resource for community foundations through an initiative of the Council on Foundations and FSG Social Impact Advisors. CF Insights serves foundations through online operating model benchmarking and analysis, activity-based cost analysis, and economic scenario planning.
As the Chief Financial Officer of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation for nine years, Wendy worked with development team to advance new products, driving contributions growth that more than double in a few years. She worked with nonprofit agencies to provide professional investment management and coached nonprofits on new growth strategies.
Wendy is a C.P.A. and holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and an M.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Jennifer McDonald
Vice President
Jennifer is the acting liaison between John Brown and JBL senior consultants. She also oversees all financial aspects of the firm in conjunction with the financial coordinator. Jennifer has worked for John Brown Limited since its inception in 1978. She has worked for several non-profit organizations, including the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and a variety of private schools, with a focus on the preschool level. She describes her work at JBL and the many fascinating organizations it serves as "a wonderful and very rewarding experience." Jennifer graduated from the University of Vermont with a BS in Small Business and Early Childhood Education.
Michael Margitich
Seminar Co-Presenter
Michael joined The Museum of Modern Art in 1995 as Deputy Director of Development. In his current role as Senior Deputy Director of External Affairs, he oversees all activities of the Department of Development and Membership, the Department of Special Programming and Events, The Contemporary Arts Council, The Junior Associates, Exhibition Funding, Planned Giving, Marketing, Communications, Graphics, Visitor Services, Government Relations, and P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center. In addition to planning the reopening of the new Museum of Modern Art in November 2004, he oversaw the Museum's recent $900 million Capital Campaign.
Prior to MoMA, Mike worked on billion dollar campaigns at both Harvard University and Columbia University, and consulted on the Prince Charles Royal Trust Restoration of Salisbury Cathedral, and the New York Philharmonic's 150th anniversary campaign.
Mike has lectured at various institutions such as Christie's and Columbia University as well as cultural institutions around the world, serves on the advisory council of Columbia University School of General Studies and sits on the boards of both Studio in a School and Chess in the Schools.
Nancy B. Zanga
Liaison-Client Relations
Nancy has worked for John Brown Limited since 1996. She serves as a client staff liaison for John Brown and the consultants in helping ensure the consulting relationship runs smoothly in providing assistance through one-on-one communications. She also serves as the office manager in overseeing every aspect of the day-to-day operations of JBL. Before becoming a staff liaison she has worked in many capacities for JBL serving as the seminar and media coordinator – giving her the full spectrum of JBL and all of its components. Nancy’s volunteerism spans eight years on the Board of her daughter's school and with the local recreation committee.
Donna Menard
Financial Coordinator
Donna joined the JBL staff in early 2001. Her prior work experience, outside the private sector, includes having worked with both public and private educational institutions. In addition to her position at JBL, Donna works part-time for a local not-for-profit organization that provides employment and residential services to adults with developmental disabilities. Donna has volunteered with various youth organizations, served as a trustee in her community, and continues to contribute to various local organizations. Donna attended Keene State College in Keene, NH.
If you would like more information or have questions about John Brown Limited, please contact us.
