Our Team
Supporting over 100 nonprofits across more than 30 countries and nearly every U.S. state, we combine our diverse expertise to uncover your organization’s weaknesses, enhance your strengths, and identify critical opportunities for greater efficiency, all with a commitment to your mission’s success.
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Laurie Gift Harris
Founder & CEO
Laurie is the Founder and CEO of GIFT Nonprofit Strategies, bringing over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. As a dynamic and results-driven leader, she is known for her expertise in leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, board development, and executive coaching. Her innovative approach, combined with exceptional communication skills and unwavering dedication, has made her a sought-after consultant and mentor. Above all, Laurie is committed to creating sustainable, meaningful change, empowering nonprofits to thrive and advance the causes they champion.
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Gunnar Simonsen
Chief Strategy Officer
Gunnar comes to us with twenty-five years of both leading and consulting businesses and nonprofits. He has worked with leaders and organizations throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East and North America. Gunnar specializes in business strategy, leadership development, communications, and building team culture. With his unique experience, Gunnar brings a heart for people and to see their mission come into full fruition.
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Nate Kupish
Creative Director
Nate runs Blastoff! Studio, a creative agency based in Bend, OR. He and Laurie have worked together on projects for years. Before founding Blastoff! Studio, Nate was an Instructor and Designer at Apple, a Creative Director, and a Pastor. Analyzing and solving problems with organized thinking and imagination keeps him up at night. He loves it.
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Lauri Puttman
Operations Manager & Research Analyst
Lauri leads our operational team and specializes in grant research, organizational details, and running the numbers. With 20 years of experience in nonprofit schools, she brings the expertise of a math teacher and department head, Dean of Students, and Athletic Director.
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Jenna Viles
Creative Specialist
Jenna has several years of experience working with multiple nonprofits, developing and planning their social media and technology strategy and implementation. With a background in marketing, communication and graphic design, she brings a broad knowledge base to the GIFT Nonprofit Team.
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Katy Hunter
Project Manager
Katy has several years of nonprofit experience including fundraising, event planning, social media management and community outreach. Her creative approach brings a broad range of communication and organizational skills to her project management work.
“Generosity grows at the pace of relationships. By building authentic relationships, you’ll watch generosity flourish.”
Laurie Gift Harris (Founder & CEO)
“Beyond her consulting skills, Laurie's experience and wisdom were apparent through her strategic recommendations. She provided an action plan and practical advice tailored to our organization's needs. Laurie's approach was not only professional but also relational.”
Jason Holland
President of Joshua Nations
