Thinkers & Instigators

Mary Abeson

Fundraising Client Manager and Writer

Elizabeth Bruns

Senior Fundraising Client Manager & Writer

Gosia Carter

Administrative and Client Coordinator

Jamie Sargent

Senior Fundraising Client Manager & Writer

Heather Slack-Ratiu, CFRE

Client Manager

Kathy Swayze, CFRE

President & Creative Director

Mary Abeson

Fundraising Client Manager and Writer

Mary brings a newer perspective of non-profit fundraising experience to Impact. She entered the non-profit industry by way of Women for Women International where she served as a marketing associate then was quickly promoted to an officer position. During her 3 years with WFWI, she managed the direct mail program as well as the recurring giving programs, including supporting the major relaunch of their former sponsorship program.

Mary’s clients currently include Howard University, World Wildlife Fund, and the American Kidney Fund.

Elizabeth Bruns

Senior Fundraising Client Manager & Writer

Elizabeth brings more than 20 years of non-profit fundraising experience to her role at Impact. She is a superb project manager and loves watching dollars roll in from successful campaigns. Her past experience includes 15 years at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, where she managed the direct response program, member services, and monthly giving and supported planned giving marketing efforts. Prior to her time at the Trust, she managed major giving at Physicians for Social Responsibility. Elizabeth’s clients include Howard University, ADL, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

With Impact since: October 2023
Ask her about: Direct response fundraising, monthly giving, her kids, needlepoint, and what she is reading at the moment.

Gosia Carter

Administrative and Client Coordinator

Gosia brings her considerable organizational skills and a “get it done” attitude to her role at Impact. She understands the challenges of the business environment, having managed all the high-stakes details of the real estate business for many years. Gosia will oversee office operations and support Impact’s President and our entire team as we continue changing the world one story at a time. Gosia serves as client coordinator for several Impact clients, including WWF, National Wildlife Federation, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and the Jane Goodall Institute.

With Impact since: October 2023
Ask her about: Travel, Polish food, and raising 2 teenage daughters.

Jamie Sargent

Senior Fundraising Client Manager & Writer

Jamie joined the Impact team in March of 2020, after four and a half years as the Marketing and Development Manager for E.L. Haynes Public Charter School in Northwest, DC. In that role, Jamie managed the school’s fundraising and marketing, social media platforms, website, special events, and more. Jamie also provided non-profit event management services while working worked at The Webster Group. Since joining Impact, Jamie has developed strategy and written fundraising communications for Impact’s clients including Howard University, Center for Science in the Public Interest, and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

With Impact since: March 2020
Ask her about: Copywriting, social media, Canva, book recommendations, and the University of Michigan (Go Blue!).

Heather Slack-Ratiu, CFRE

Client Manager

Heather has more than 20 years of experience in fundraising operations and communications. She served as Director, Membership Engagement at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and Director, Development/Major and Planned Gifts for the National Hospice Foundation from 2009 to 2016. At Impact, she specializes in planned giving and supports clients, including Conservation International, EMILY’s List, and People For the American Way.

With Impact since: 2017
Ask her about: Planned giving, Vermont, UpCycle in Alexandria, VA, her favorite outdoor spots, and her kids.

Kathy Swayze, CFRE

Creative Director & CEO

Kathy has worked in the direct marketing and fundraising fields for 30 years. She has had outstanding success in helping organizations improve their fundraising results by telling their unique stories. In the 20+ years since Impact was founded, she has had the honor of helping to advance the missions of more than 300 nonprofit organizations.

With Impact since: 1998 (Founder)
Ask her about: The history of Impact Communications, literally anything about fundraising, her leadership of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the National Democratic Club and WNBA basketball.