Skip to Main Content Area

Staff

	Laura S. Quinn, Founder and Executive Director Laura has been working in the software sector for more than 15 years. As Idealware’s Executive Director, she directs Idealware’s research and writing to provide candid reports and articles about nonprofit software. Prior to Idealware, Laura founded Alder Consulting, where she helped nonprofits create Internet strategies, select appropriate software, and then build sophisticated websites on a limited budget. She has also selected software, designed interfaces and conducted user research for multi-million dollar software and website implementations with such companies as Accenture and iXL. Laura is a frequent speaker and writer on nonprofit technology topics.
	Andrea Berry, Director of Partnerships and Learning Andrea oversees Idealware's fundraising and training activities including the Field Guide to Nonprofit Software, sponsorship, corporate and individual giving, grants management and online seminars. Prior to joining Idealware, Andrea held fundraising positions in education, health research and museums and has taught math, performing arts and history in traditional and non-traditional educational settings. She brings a breadth of experience with fundraising software, particularly as it relates to small nonprofits, and has worked as a consultant with nonprofits across New England to help identify appropriate donor management software. Additionally, as a former teacher, Andrea brings front-line tested expertise in curriculum development and training.
	Chris Bernard, Editorial and Communications Director Chris is a longtime freelance writer who has worked in journalism, advertising, and corporate marketing and communications, and as a technical writer for several high-tech startups. He brings 19 years of experience telling stories and crafting messages to his work with nonprofits.
	Elizabeth Pope, Senior Researcher Elizabeth Pope leads Idealware’s software research projects, conducting interviews and product demos, writing articles and reports, and helping to design project methodology. She earned an M.S. in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, where she honed her research, instruction and tech skills. Before moving to Maine, Elizabeth worked in archives and libraries in New York City for several years. Her background also includes fundraising and content development for nonprofit organizations.
	Ryan Triffitt, Marketing and Partnerships Manager A graduate of Bowdoin College, Ryan began his career in the marketing department at Sunday River Ski Resort, and soon became Communications Manager responsible for public relations. He spent the next five years at Glen Group, an advertising agency in North Conway, NH, leading the client services team, and later took an account executive position at Rooks Communications (later, Dwell Creative) in Portland, Maine, where he helped build the agency’s systems and client base. Ryan also worked as Director of Marketing at the Mt. Washington Auto Road and Great Glen Trails, where he revitalized the marketing efforts of America’s Oldest Manmade Tourist Attraction, including the development of an entire new online marketing strategy, website presence and social media efforts. He also led the rebranding project for Great Glen Trails and developed and implemented marketing strategies for more than 20 annual events.
	Kyle Andrei, Research Analyst As Research Analyst, Kyle is responsible for researching software through demos, interviews, and surveys, and using that information to create Idealware’s reports and articles. In addition, Kyle also produces Idealware’s Ask Idealware videos, drawing on his broadcasting experience. Kyle is a graduate of Indiana State University, where he split his time between managing the student radio station, researching video game communication and working on local elections.
	Joe Rosshirt, Illustrator and Training Associate Joe Rosshirt graduated from the Maine College of Art with a BFA degree in Illustration and a focus in Graphic Design. He is well versed in a variety of media from traditional, digital and sculptural illustration. As Idealware’s Illustrator and Training Associate, he spends his days creating a visual identity and message across trainings, illustrations and other publications. When not in the office, Joe is the Art Director and founder of FortHouse Studios, which focuses on children’s media, games and freelance illustration/graphic design. You can view more of Joe’s work at: www.joerosshirt.com
	Tyler Cummins, Training Associate As Idealware’s Training Associate, Tyler lends a creative eye to a variety of training materials, crafting new slides and polishing the tried and true wisdom of his colleagues. Tyler began as a research intern, writing and editing articles and blog posts and contributing to the 2013 Field Guide to Software for Nonprofits. A graduate of Alfred University, he brings to his role at Idealware his experience as a writer and a lifelong love of technology.