CCS Fundraising

Type: Senior Team

Nanci Kauffman brings to CCS 35 years as an educator, a leader, and a fundraiser in independent schools. Nanci’s extensive experience and deep knowledge in the education sector bring invaluable insights to our work in California, throughout the West Coast, and across the country. Over the span of her career, Nanci has been at the helm of innovations in mission-driven programs, strategic planning, fundraising, and stewardship.

During her time as Head of School at Castilleja in Palo Alto, Nanci launched the Innovation Investment Fund to transition the school to 21st Century Learning. In partnership with philanthropic donors, she initiated numerous programmatic enhancements across all areas of the school – positioning Castilleja as a leader in STEM education, community engagement and global entrepreneurship. Nanci spearheaded the vision and the case for support that led to Open Their World – a capital campaign that raised over $95 million to rebuild Castilleja’s campus. As a new member of Team West, Nanci has already provided guidance to support several CCS projects for independent schools, including Brandeis School of San Francisco, Keys School in Palo Alto, and the Center for Early Education in West Hollywood.

Nanci earned her MA in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University, and received her BA in Psychology from Vassar College. Nanci is dedicated to developing women as leaders, is actively engaged in the Feminist Majority Foundation, and has spent the majority of career in all-girls schools.  As an advocate for single-gender education, she is a founding trustee of Field Middle School for Boys in Belmont and serves on the Board of Presentation High School in San José. With two married children, Nanci and her husband Scott are happiest on a beach with their two grandchildren.

Select Client Partners

  • Brandeis School of San Francisco
  • Center for Early Education
  • Keys School

Dr. Rupal Mittal is a dedicated advocate for leveraging data to drive impactful business strategies. With a distinguished background in data science and astrophysics, Rupal brings a unique blend of expertise and experience to her role as Lead Data Scientist at CCS Fundraising.

Rupal began her data science journey during her Ph.D. where she honed her analytical skills through investigating astrophysical phenomena using advanced mathematical and imaging techniques, fostering a deep appreciation for precise data analysis pivotal to her career. Rupal excels in conducting comprehensive data analysis, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications of data science.

As the lead data scientist at CCS Fundraising, Rupal aspires to leverage her expertise in automating data analysis using state-of-the-art data science tools to optimize business practices. Her passion for DevOps practices ensures the seamless integration of cutting-edge data science solutions into operational workflows, thereby streamlining processes and maximizing efficiency.

In addition to her technical qualifications, Rupal is deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in her work as well as personal environment. She recognizes the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive work environment to drive innovation and problem-solving.

Rupal holds a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the Max Planck Institute of Radioastronomy in Bonn, Germany, along with a M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Delhi. Rupal is not only a passionate advocate for public transit but also embraces a car-lite lifestyle with her partner and two children in the city of Rochester, NY. Her daily routine reflects a rich blend of Indian, German, and American cultural influences, which she takes pride in incorporating into her family’s life.

As a Senior Vice President of CCS Helen is results-driven and action-oriented. Exceling in project management, Helen has significant experience managing fundraising operations, prospect identification, development staff engagement, strategic planning, and analytic reporting.  As a senior member of CCS Europe, she has led diverse international initiatives from a €35m campaign for a leading Irish University to supporting religious organisations in the UK to receive six and seven-figure investments.

Helen has extensive experience in securing transformational gifts from individuals, trusts/foundations, the corporate sector and government agencies and was instrumental in continuing to ensure fundraising success for her clients through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In working with CCS clients across the non-profit sector, Helen has assessed large-scale fundraising operations, led complex, multi-dimensional campaigns, and supported in defining and executing recruitment strategies to build successful development teams.  She is most proud of her relationship with RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and especially her involvement with its Institute of Global Surgery – including securing funding for a newly established academic chair to lead the Institute’s work in Malawi and Zambia.

Most recently, Helen worked with St Mary’s University in Twickenham and the University of Health Equity based in Rwanda to develop robust strategic plans to secure philanthropic income to enable growth. Currently Helen is working with Corpus Christi College at Oxford University to support a landmark campaign for their new library.

select client partners

  • Armagh Public Library
  • The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
  • AMAR Foundation
  • Holy Child School, Killiney
  • Chabad Belgravia
  • The University of Health Equity, Rwanda
  • St Mary’s University, Twickenham
  • Centre for Anti-Microbial Resistance
  • Corpus Christi College, Oxford University
  • St Andrew’s School, Dublin 

Access and equity motivate Marc’s career in the philanthropic sector. Early on, his interest in education and LGBTQIA+ rights compelled him to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. He launched his career working for premier education and justice-minded institutions in Chicago, and volunteering for the Human Rights Campaign.

With a desire to do more and improve access to other needs, Marc joined CCS in 2011 and has since dedicated himself to diverse causes bringing education, healthcare, and human services to communities locally, nationally, and worldwide. Every day, Marc provides leadership, strategy, and philanthropic advice to the non-profit sector and social impact space. He brings more than 15 years of professional fundraising and non-profit experience to CCS.

Marc designs, advises, and directs a diverse portfolio of clients across the non-profit spectrum, primarily in healthcare, education, religious, and human services sector. He has resourced fundraising initiatives that have raised more than $500 million.

Originally from San Diego, California, Marc earned his B.A. in Political Science at the University of California, Santa Cruz before moving to Chicago to pursue an M.P.P.A. at Northwestern University. Marc moved to New York City in 2014 and lives in the West Village neighborhood with his fiancé, Michael. He enjoys running marathons, traveling, learning languages, and trying new restaurants.

select client partners

  • Catholic Health Services of Long Island, Long Island, NY
  • Ellis Medicine, Schenectady, NY
  • Maurice A. Deane School of Law, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
  • Teach for America New York, New York, NY
  • The Lustgarten Foundation, New York, NY
  • Futures in Education, Brooklyn, NY
  • Staten Island Academy, Staten Island, NY
  • Northern Westchester Hospital
  • Peconic Bay Medical Center, Riverhead, NY
  • Diocese of Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY

Dr. Ashutosh Nandeshwar thrives on creating effective systems and processes with tools and technology. With his education in systems engineering, artificial intelligence, and design thinking, he built solutions to improve fundraising results at the world’s top higher education institutions. He has written multiple books, including a co-authored book titled “Data Science for Fundraising.”

Ashutosh says, “CCS works with a range of nonprofit organizations, and that offers a unique opportunity to apply data science and analytics at scale to make a significant impact in the world.”

Ashutosh earned his Ph.D. and MS in Industrial Engineering, specializing in machine learning, and an MS in design thinking. He loves speaking about the power of data and is invited to give keynotes at national conferences. He is an active member of various professional organizations, including a term on Apra’s board, where he led the planning of the data science curriculum for the fundraising industry. 

Elizabeth joined CCS in 2013 and brings deep experience in the education, healthcare, and religious sectors. She has conducted strategic planning and operational assessments, led high performing fundraising teams, and managed major campaigns across the country that have raised more than $750 million. Finding joy in teamwork with clients, Elizabeth brings a combination of skilled project management and high-level strategic guidance to each partnership.

Elizabeth earned her BA from Emory University and MBA/MTS from Vanderbilt University. She recently returned home to Nashville with her husband and two spaniel pups, after living in Chicago, IL, San Francisco, CA, and Sandpoint, IDover the years. They love spending time outdoors hiking, camping, & kayaking, and volunteering for their local parks.

Select Client Partners

  • University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
  • Antioch University, Yellow Springs, OH
  • Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Center City, MN
  • Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, Palo Alto, CA
  • PeaceHealth, Vancouver, WA
  • Hennepin Healthcare Foundation, Minneapolis, MN
  • Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago, IL
  • Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
  • Diocese of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
  • Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, Chicago, IL
  • The Bush School, Seattle, WA
  • College Prep, Oakland, CA
  • St. Philip & St. Augustine Catholic Academy, Dallas, TX
  • Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Appleton, WI
  • Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Detroit, MI
  • Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati, OH

Eleanor has dedicated her professional career to supporting the development goals of nonprofit organizations. Her counsel has furthered the philanthropic efforts of institutions and initiatives throughout the Midwest since 2014.

Eleanor brings expertise in major gifts strategy, communications, volunteer management, and coalition-building to every engagement. She has worked extensively with organizational leaders, board members, government officials, and donors to champion transformational initiatives. She values creativity, integrity, and a spirit of collaboration.

Since joining CCS in 2018, Eleanor has led successful efforts across sectors including environmental, arts and culture, healthcare, higher education, and public-private partnerships.

Eleanor earned a BA in American Studies and French from Smith College. Originally from Western Massachusetts, Eleanor lives in Chicago with her family and enjoys visiting museums and Lake Michigan.

select client partners

  • Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Detroit, MI
  • Hennepin Healthcare Foundation
  • Lake Forest Open Lands, Lake Forest, IL
  • Saint Mary’s College

Anthony has strong beliefs in advocacy and empowerment to ensure those most in need can reach their potential.

Anthony advises leaders such as headmasters, university presidents, CEOs, chairpersons, bishops, religious leaders, and hospital consultants to plan and implement fundraising campaigns with multi-million revenue goals.

Anthony is extremely diligent and meticulous in his approach to his job to ensure the smooth running of each project he take on. In supporting this, he conducts feasibility studies, produce financial reports and draft policies and procedures which allow him to identify areas to focus on and present recommendations to Boards. Anthony also drafts marketing materials, speaking scripts for leadership, and donor updates for the stewardship of their gifts.

select client partners

  • Diocese of Shrewsbury
  • The Mater Hospital Foundation
  • Children’s Health Ireland
  • Dublin City University
  • Sutton Park School
  • Cavan Cathedral
  • Dublin Zoo

Elizabeth is a thought leader in philanthropy and expert in fundraising. She has led capital campaigns and development initiatives that have collectively raised nearly one billion dollars for education, healthcare, arts and culture, and advocacy organizations.

Since joining CCS in 2013, Elizabeth has partnered with institutions to plan and implement multi-million-to-billion-dollar campaigns. In this role, she provides counsel on strategic planning, major gifts fundraising, and board engagement. She has directed campaign feasibility studies, served in interim development roles, and managed annual campaigns and special fundraising events.

For the past six years, Elizabeth has taught a philanthropy course at the University of Pennsylvania to graduate students in the Nonprofit Leadership Program. She serves on the School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2) Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board, and in 2020, she was inducted into the SP2 Alumni Hall of Fame for her work with mission-driven organizations.

Elizabeth has received industry recognition for her commitment to the nonprofit sector: in 2024, she was recognized by the New York Jewish Week in their annual “36 to Watch” as a “thought leader in Jewish philanthropy;” and in 2022, BELLA Magazine recognized Elizabeth as a “Woman of Influence in Philanthropy.”

Elizabeth is a board member at the Association of Fundraising Professionals NYC Chapter, where she has served on the Mentorship Committee, and is a member of Women in Development New York. You can find Elizabeth offering her fundraising expertise at industry conferences, on nonprofit podcasts, and on social media platforms including LinkedIn and Instagram.

Elizabeth’s belief in social impact influenced her fundraising career: In rural Rwanda, she volunteered at a youth village for vulnerable Rwandan youth that was founded in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide. In Jaipur, India, she lived and studied the generational empowerment of Indian women, working with mothers seeking to build lives of dignity and prosperity for themselves and their families. These global experiences—grounded in the values of inclusion, diversity, and access—motivated Elizabeth to improve the world through philanthropy.

Elizabeth holds a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University. She lives in New York with her husband and their two daughters and is an avid hiker and tea drinker.

Select client Partners

  • ADL (Anti-Defamation League)
  • Baptist Health South Florida
  • Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
  • The Chapin School
  • The Children’s Health Alliance for Israel
  • The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
  • Columbia University School of Nursing
  • E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation
  • Friends Academy
  • The Hewitt School
  • Larchmont Temple
  • The Museum of Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to the Holocaust
  • Museum of West African Art
  • New York Youth Symphony
  • The Newark Public Library
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • The Parkinson’s Foundation
  • The Police Athletic League
  • Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools
  • The Ramaz School
  • The School of American Ballet
  • The Spence School
  • The Speyer Legacy School
  • Sutton Place Synagogue
  • Two Ten Footwear Foundation
  • Versiti Blood Research Institute
  • The YIVO Institute of Jewish Research

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Senior Vice President Scott Vachon is a seasoned fundraising and development professional with a breadth and depth of experience unique among his peers. 

For more than three decades, Scott has supported and directed nonprofits across sectors to achieve their goals and grow their impact. He brings to each client engagement an exceedingly solid grounding in best practice coupled with the capacity and desire to think strategically and out-of-the-box. He excels at analyzing circumstances, strategizing next steps and comprehensive plans, and driving action that is outcomes-based.   

Recently, Scott designed and facilitated CCS’s Unleashing Federated Member Fundraising, an annual day-long summit for development leaders of national and international organizations to discuss strategies and share models and best practices.  Participating organizations have included the American Civil Liberties Union, Easter Seals, Feeding America, Make-A-Wish America, the National Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, Special Olympics, United Service Organizations (USO), United Way Worldwide, and others.

Scott is a certified professional coach and is regarded as a fundraiser’s fundraiser.  Within CCS, he is relied upon regularly to help mentor and train newer directors.  He takes great interest in understanding others and in helping his fellow professionals develop their capacities and grow as people.    

select client partners

  • Be The Match/The National Marrow Donor Program, Minneapolis/National
  • United Way of Metro Chicago, Chicago, IL
  • Feeding America, Chicago, IL & National
  • UC Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland, CA
  • Columbia Business School, New York City, NY
  • University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA