Chris Mominey
Principal Consultant
A native of Cleveland, OH, Chris is a proud alumnus of Saint Bonaventure University (1993) and John Carroll University (1996). During his college studies, Chris had the privilege to study in Rome, Italy for two years and to be a member of the residence life staff at Loyola University’s (Chicago), Rome Center. Additionally, Chris received his certificates in School Leadership and District Leadership from the University of Rochester in 2007.
His 30-year career in education began in 1994, serving at his high school alma mater for two years before moving to Syracuse, New York. In Upstate New York, Chris made a name for himself as a speaker, workshop presenter, and advisor to several K-12 schools. In that period, he published two books on the topics of peer ministry and adolescent spirituality. In 2003, at the age of 32, Chris was asked to become the founding principal of Rome Catholic School in Rome, NY and 5 years later was appointed Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Syracuse. During his tenure as Superintendent, Chris worked tirelessly to bring a fresh and innovative approach to how Catholic education was delivered in schools and parishes.
Nick Regina
President – Melbourne Central Catholic High School
Nick Regina has over 28 years of experience in the advancement and the management of Catholic Schools. He has a B.A. in English Education from LaSalle University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University. He started his career as an English teacher at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in Pennsauken, New Jersey, where he also served as Director of Institutional Advancement. He went on to become the Senior Advancement Consultant for the Healey Education Foundation, the Foundation Director for the Lourdes Health System in Camden, New Jersey, the Executive Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Camden, the Deputy Secretary for Enrollment and Marketing for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools and is now the President at Melbourne Central Catholic High School in Melbourne, Florida where he also served as Interim Principal for 18 months. Nick has worked extensively with elementary schools across the country. He has presented nationally for NCEA at the Institute for Catholic School Leaders, the Catholic Leadership Summit, and the national convention and for the International Catholic Stewardship Council at their conventions in Atlanta and Memphis.
Lisa James
Mission Advancement Consultant
Lisa James holds her Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications from Alvernia University. Her extensive background in Advancement, Marketing, Media and Public Relations makes her a well-rounded and seasoned professional of the field. While pursuing her degree,
Lisa balanced her position of full time writer and editor of her university newspaper with the task of constructing PR, advertising, fundraising and event campaigns for several non-profits in Reading, PA. Craving a multifaceted knowledge of the field, Miss James began assisting WFMZ-TV 69 News, by writing and producing the local day-side and night-side newscasts. This work is what then led her to pick up and become a full-time member of a producing team for national day time television in New York, NY. After several years in the television industry,
Lisa felt called to return to the challenges, joys, and rewarding nature of non-profit work. As a result, Lisa was named the Director of the Community Women’s Center in Philadelphia, PA. She was later sought out by the Healy Education Foundation to assist in the Advancement of one of their newly merged schools; St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School in Holland, PA. After four unforgettable years working as the Director of Advancement, Lisa was called up by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to serve as the Director of Marketing at Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster, PA. Eight years of dedicated service later,
Lisa was sought out to join the Avanti team full time. Creating and implementing effective marketing strategies to grow enrollment; stewarding and acquiring new donors; and retention practices for those same students and benefactors is just scratching the surface in her years of non-profit/advancement experience. Her ability to work independently, while also collaborating with various teams, as needed, to achieve the goals of the departments and overall success of the organization is what sets Lisa apart from the rest.
Doug MacMillan
A seasoned business leader with more than 30 years of experience driving organizational growth, operational excellence and strategic impact across both corporate and nonprofit sectors. Doug began his career in medical device sales, delivering significant revenue growth and market expansion for emerging products. Following 9/11, he served as CEO of the Todd Beamer Foundation, leading a $5M strategic funding campaign and launching an award-winning youth mentoring program that earned him an honorary Doctorate for his work with at-risk youth.
Doug has since dedicated his career to helping mission-driven organizations, particularly those serving children, optimize operations, enhance fundraising, and strengthen organizational leadership. He has consulted with numerous nonprofits, colleges, and faith-based institutions, focusing on enrollment growth and retention, alumni relations, and leadership development.
Now part of the Avanti team, Doug brings his deep expertise and passion to deliver impactful solutions and support to clients. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Messiah University and lives in New Jersey with his wife, Chivon, and their son, Adam.
Eileen Casey Gianiodis
Eileen Casey Gianiodis is a seasoned communications professional with a passion for higher education, the transformations that take place for students during their years at college or university and for building high-functioning teams.
A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, with a degree in journalism/mass communication, Eileen’s extensive professional journey, marked by strategic thinking, team building and effective communication, has established her as a leader in the field of communications and marketing in higher education.
Eileen’s commitment to advancing the missions of educational institutions and her expertise in building and leading dynamic communication teams continue to make an impact on the teams doing this work.
Driven by the belief in the power of storytelling to inspire and connect people, Eileen understands that behind every academic achievement, there is a compelling narrative waiting to be shared. Her commitment to her work is evident through her dedication to bringing the stories of students, faculty, and staff to the forefront, celebrating their contributions to the world of academia.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Eileen is known for her collaborative spirit and her ability to foster a positive and dynamic work environment. Her leadership style encourages creativity, teamwork, and a focus on achieving common goals.
Mary Nemeth
Mary Nemeth brings over a decade of proven success in mission advancement, fundraising, and strategic relationship building as a Development & Mission Advancement Consultant. A dynamic leader with deep roots in both faith-based and educational communities, Mary has directed multi-million-dollar capital campaigns, cultivated major donor relationships, and designed events that have raised millions in philanthropic support.
Most recently, Mary served as Major Gifts & Special Events Officer for the Diocese of Charleston, where she led initiatives that generated $1.4 million in 2024 through a blend of donor cultivation and creative fundraising strategies. She also advanced statewide support for Exceptional SC, helping raise $6.5 million in scholarships to provide special-needs students access to private education. Her consulting experience spans Catholic schools, parishes, and non-profits across South Carolina and beyond, including Cristo Rey, St. Clare of Assisi Church, and Holy Missions, where her campaigns exceeded goals and created lasting donor engagement.
Mary’s expertise lies not only in development strategy but in uniting people around the mission. As Capital Campaign Manager for St. Clare of Assisi Church, she successfully exceeded the $10 million goal by 60%, raising $16 million in 18 months to fund the parish’s first church.
Mary partners with organizations to design innovative advancement strategies, strengthen donor relations, and maximize impact. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Francis University and is an active volunteer, serving on the Holy Missions board and other initiatives throughout Charleston.
Leo Kosir
A highly accomplished and visionary global creative with more than 28 years of multifaceted leadership experience in brand platforms, program management, marketing, team mentorship, process management, operations management and strategic planning. A proven track record of success in directing, managing, and leading the growth of in-house, cross-channel creative teams in development of immersive integrated campaigns, connected consumer experiences and the evolution of brand vision and identities for global retail brands. A passionate and strategic leader, who leverages exemplary design, storytelling, and communication skills to build strong relationships and bring marketing strategies to life through extraordinary and strategic creative.
My experience spans all media (digital, social, mobile, photography, video and print) and includes retail, education, financial services, food service, healthcare, hospitality, lifestyle, pharmaceuticals and technology.