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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 17 years of experience telling stories and crafting messages to his work with nonprofits.
	Jay Leslie, Senior Researcher As Senior Researcher at Idealware, Jay is responsible for researching software choices through demos, interviews, and surveys, and using that information to create easy-to-use resources. He brings to his role 15 years of experience in information technology management in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Prior to Idealware, Jay was an IT executive at the Atlantic Philanthropies, where he led several major software selection and implementation projects. As a member of the Technology Affinity Group (TAG), Jay has given presentations on topics such as implementing cloud-based organization back-up schemes and the potential for Google Apps in philanthropic organizations. Jay has a strong interest in technological change and its impact on organizations and society.

	Kyle Andrei, Research Assistant Kyle is a very recent graduate of Indiana State University, where he studied Communication. He decided to travel to Maine to spend his last semester of college in a research internship helping Idealware with social media and other research, which paid off in the form of a full time job with Idealware as a Research Analyst! Prior to joining Idealware, Kyle split his time between managing the student radio station, researching video game communication and working on local elections.
	Joe Rosshirt Joe graduated from the Maine College of Art with a degree in Illustration and a focus in Graphic Design. As Idealware’s graphic design intern, he spends his days helping create a visual identity and message across trainings, illustrations and other publications. When not at the office, he works as a freelance illustrator and designer, and enjoys skiing, eating and learning new skills.