Indianapolis, IN: The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) is pleased to announce Eileen Heisman, Senior Fellow at the Center for High Impact Philanthropy at the University of Pennsylvania and former CEO for National Philanthropic Trust, as the Opening Dinner Keynote Speaker for CGP Conference 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In a conversation with Matthew Treadwell, Gift Planning Attorney at Indiana University Foundation and CGP Conference Chair, Eileen will reveal candid insights from her inspiring journey in gift planning and philanthropy. Reflecting on pivotal moments that have defined her career, Eileen will share how she’s navigated the ever-changing environment, reshaped her approach to leadership, and developed her philanthropy philosophy.

With over 20 years as CEO of National Philanthropic Trust (NPT), Eileen has transformed charitable giving by building one of the world’s largest donor-advised fund providers, managing $63 billion in charitable assets and distributing $31 billion to 778,000 grant entities worldwide. 

“Few individuals have had a greater impact on modern philanthropy than Eileen Heismann,” says Michael Kenyon, CEO of CGP, “Throughout her career, she has been a visionary leader and an industry innovator, advancing meaningful philanthropy across the globe.”

A leader in gift planning and strategy, Eileen pioneered innovative approaches that have become industry standards, including the first national private-label DAF programs for large financial firms and distinctive concierge donor services. 

Recently appointed as a Senior Fellow at Penn's Center for High Impact Philanthropy, Elieen continues to transform the industry through speaking engagements, advisory roles, and serving as a mentor for emerging leaders. Her expertise spans corporate strategy and risk management to global philanthropy, fundraising, and anti-money laundering. 

Eileen’s leadership and innovation have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2024 DAF Giving Summit DAF Trailblazer Award and Nonprofit Times’ Power and Influence Top 50 for 10 consecutive years. Frequently featured in prominent media outlets including CNN, Bloomberg, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal, Eileen remains one of philanthropy’s most influential voices. 

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The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners is delighted to have Eileen speak at CGP Conference 2025 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, Indiana. Eileen will present during the Opening Dinner on Wednesday, October 15. The Opening Dinner is sponsored by TIAA Kaspick.

Learn more on the CGP Conference website. 

About CGP: The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) is the leading organization setting standards for charitable gift planners. We bring members together to learn, connect and advocate. We provide education and resources that enrich and advance careers. We connect colleagues at all levels through our national network—including those who defined the field. We exist to serve our distinguished profession and bring to life the art and science of charitable gift planning.

Visit CGP at https://charitablegiftplanners.org.

Indianapolis, IN: The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) is pleased to announce Sandra Swirski, Founder & CEO of Integer, LLC, as the Advocacy Update Plenary Speaker for CGP Conference 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Sandra’s presentation, “The Policy and Political Landscape for Charitable Gift Planners,” will provide vital insights into current legislative threats and opportunities affecting the charitable giving sector. 

Sandra Swirski’s influence on philanthropic and planned giving policy has established her as a top strategy and government affairs advisor for high-wealth philanthropists, C-Suite executives, and global nonprofit institutions. Sandra, a seasoned lawyer, award-winning advisor, and advocate, has impacted every high-profile tax bill since 1989.

“Sandra offers an unbiased perspective grounded in her extensive experience and deep understanding of the relationship between philanthropy and tax legislation. Her insights improve our understanding of the legislative process and demonstrate how we can strengthen our voice in Congress," said Michael Kenyon, CEO of CGP. 

She has long-standing relationships with the people and establishments on Capitol Hill, K Street, and nonprofit and wealth management circles, having advised U.S. senators and representatives, senior Treasury officials, nonprofits, foundations, global philanthropists, and associations. 

Cited by the Associated Press, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Tax, The Center for Effective Philanthropy, Chronicle of Philanthropy, Inside Philanthropy, and frequently published in Wealth Management, Sandra’s continued commitment to philanthropy, policy, and practice has earned her numerous awards and accomplishments. 

CGP Conference 2025 will be hosted from October 15-17 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sandra will present during the Advocacy Update on Thursday, October 16. The CGP Conference Advocacy Update is sponsored by Chisholm Chisholm Kilpatrick.

Learn more on the CGP Conference website. 

About CGP: The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) is the leading organization setting standards for charitable gift planners. We bring members together to learn, connect and advocate. We provide education and resources that enrich and advance careers. We connect colleagues at all levels through our national network—including those who defined the field. We exist to serve our distinguished profession and bring to life the art and science of charitable gift planning. Visit CGP at https://charitablegiftplanners.org.

Indianapolis, IN -- The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) welcomes Melissa Burlock as Member Success Specialist. Melissa will support the success and growth of CGP’s individual members and affiliated councils by strengthening the member experience.

While building relationships with members and councils, Melissa will work alongside the Director of Membership and Marketing to build opportunities for connection, collaboration and peer learning. Through consistent outreach and engagement, she will develop educational resources to advance the community's professional development and organizational success. 

Melissa joins CGP from previous roles in advancement and donor stewardship. Her background in building relationships will guide Melissa to create personalized and meaningful engagement opportunities.

“I am excited to engage with CGP individual members and councils to find the intersections between their unique needs and interests, and CGP's full library of services, benefits, and resources," says Melissa.

Melissa is a nonprofit research writer and author. With a background in public history and publishing, Melissa’s career experiences have included copyediting and trade editorial assistant roles.

Melissa and the CGP Team are based in Indianapolis, Indiana. To contact Melissa or a member of the CGP Team, please visit charitablegiftplanners.org/contact.

About CGP: The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) is the leading organization setting standards for charitable gift planners. We bring members together to learn, connect and advocate. We provide education and resources that enrich and advance careers. We connect colleagues at all levels through our national network—including those who defined the field. We exist to serve our distinguished profession and bring to life the art and science of charitable gift planning. Visit CGP at https://charitablegiftplanners.org.