In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we talk with Audrey M. Johnson, CFRE, a member of AFP’s Ethics Committee, about what ethical fundraising looks like for emerging leaders. In honor of Ethics Awareness Month — and AFP’s recent updates to the Code of Ethical Standards — we explore common challenges early-career fundraisers face, how to navigate ethical dilemmas with confidence, and the future of ethical fundraising. 

Guests:

Audrey M. Johnson, CFRE is a certified fundraising professional with 25 years of experience as an executive leader building teams and generating revenue for local, national, and international organizations. She is currently the Principal Consultant for I.F. Consulting LLC. an independent fundraising consultancy specializing in fundraiser coaching, development strategy, and board and leadership development.

Propelled by a commitment to community service, Audrey has served on boards of directors, government task forces, and advisory groups to give voice on issues she is passionate about to those in positions of power. Audrey is proud to have been recognized as the 2019 volunteer and mentor of the year by Higher Achievement, a DC-Metro afterschool program for middle-school scholars. She was also the 2023 President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals DC-Metro Chapter and now serves as a member of AFP Global’s Ethics Committee.

A transplant from Canada, Audrey holds a double major Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology, an MBA specializing in executive management, which included an international business residency at the Grenoble School of Management in France, and she holds a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School. 

Hosts: 

Emily Leitzinger, CFRE, CNP, Director of National Leadership Giving, Cure SMA: Emily Leitzinger is a fundraising executive with over 15 years of experience driving organizational growth and sustainability through innovative fundraising strategies and donor engagement. She currently serves as the Director of National Leadership Giving at Cure SMA and is particularly proud of launching the first-ever Legacy Society for the organization. Emily is dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in philanthropy, as noted in her Master's capstone. In this project, she examines the effects of donor influence on nonprofit operations and proposes frameworks for more balanced and ethical donor engagement. A chartering member and past president of the Mid-City, New Orleans Rotary Club, Emily is affectionately known as the Deputy Governor of "Yes" and is set to become the District Governor of District 6840. In addition to her professional achievements, she enjoys traveling, long-distance running, and craft beer, and is a huge fan of The Office.  She lives in New Orleans with her Elvis-impersonating husband, Mike. 

Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, CFRE, ACNP, GPC, CAP, Founder & CEO, AQP Consulting & Executive Director, ENP: Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier has fourteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has collectively raised approximately $5 million for over 75 organizations. She serves as Executive Director of ENP and runs her own nonprofit consulting firm, AQP Consulting, where she helps grassroots nonprofits with fundraising strategy, strategic planning, board development, and grant writing. 



Allison is a vocal advocate for gender parity, closing the wage gap, and ending the motherhood penalty. With accolades such as AFP’s Outstanding Young Fundraising Professional, NBJ’s 40 Under 40, NBJ’s Women of Influence, a National Latino Leader, and the Women Who Rock Nashville Social Justice Award, Dr. Quintanilla Plattsmier strives to serve and better her community every day. A dedicated AFP member for the last seven years, Allison currently chairs the Women's Impact Initiative (WII) Mentorship Program and serves on the LEAD Education Advisory Committee. When she is not out serving her community, she is spending time with her three kids, Quintan, Karina, and Kamren.