Mission before method
We begin with the organization’s purpose, community, history, and ambitions—not a predetermined fundraising formula.
About MDT
Built for nonprofits that need more capacity to execute.
My Development Team was founded on a simple belief: nonprofits should have access to experienced development leadership and specialized expertise without the cost, complexity, and time required to build an entire development team in-house.
The founding idea
Development capacity should expand the mission’s horizon.
Many organizations have credible programs, committed leadership, and real opportunity—but not every specialist required to convert that opportunity into durable support. MDT was designed to close that execution gap with a coordinated, human-centered team.
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Shared roadmap
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Capabilities
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Mission focus
Our philosophy
Development is human work supported by disciplined systems.
Revenue grows through relationships, clear priorities, credible communication, and consistent follow-through.
Relationships before transactions
Sustainable development depends on trust, relevance, and consistent stewardship across donors, partners, and internal teams.
Execution with judgment
Good strategy must translate into capable work. Experienced professionals remain accountable for context, quality, and decisions.
Capacity that strengthens
Our role is to create forward movement while improving the systems and habits that support long-term performance.
Our Leadership
Experienced leadership dedicated to your mission.
Every MDT engagement is supported by senior practitioners who have led development programs inside mission-driven organizations.
James Gillen, CFRE
Founder & CEO
Founded MDT to give nonprofits direct access to seasoned development leadership. Works closely with executive directors and boards to shape each engagement’s strategy.
Sarah Whitfield
Director of Development Operations
Keeps every engagement organized, on schedule, and accountable. Builds the planning systems and reporting that keep client teams moving forward.
Daniel Okafor-Reyes
Director of Grants
Leads grant strategy, prospect research, and proposal development across private, family, and federal funders—turning institutional priorities into funded programs.
Monica Ellison
Director of Corporate Partnerships
Cultivates sponsorships and corporate alliances aligned with each client’s mission, focused on partnerships that endure well beyond a single gift.
Emily Hartman
Director of Individual Giving
Guides major gifts, annual funds, and donor stewardship programs—helping organizations deepen relationships with the supporters who know them best.
Marcus Delgado
Director of Digital Media and Communications
Shapes donor communications, campaign creative, and digital presence, ensuring every message reflects the organization’s voice and priorities.
Our commitment
Work alongside the organization, not around it.
We treat existing staff, leadership, and board members as essential partners. Our aim is to add clarity and capacity while preserving the knowledge and relationships already present.
“A stronger development function should feel more coordinated, more visible, and more sustainable—not more complicated.”
Let’s talk
What could your mission accomplish with the right development team?
Tell us where your organization is today and where you want to go.