Nonprofit Fundraisers Symposium 2026

Attain Partners at the 2026 Nonprofit Fundraisers Symposium

Hear from Attain Partners Executive in Residence Sterrin Bird during the 2026 Nonprofit Fundraisers Symposium, taking place March 25 – 27 in Washington, D.C.

A Balancing Act: Tech vs. Tools
Thursday, March 26 | 3:15p – 4:30p | Meeting Room 3

Have we become over-reliant on the idea that technology can solve every challenge? This session explores the balance between people and technology in fundraising—how to determine when the solution is a tool, when it’s a team practice, and when it’s a thoughtful blend of both. What we may think is the best solution doesn’t always mean it’s the right one—we’ll discuss how to account for adoption, resources, and implementation.

This session will explore scenarios when a “people fix” (role clarity, training, process tweaks) is the smarter move than a technology investment—and where a “tech fix” (automation, integrations, data hygiene) truly unlocks capacity. We’ll walk through clear decision criteria for weighing problem fit, readiness, cost, risk, and change impact—so you can choose with confidence and purpose.

At-A-Glance Takeaway

You’ll leave with a clear “Team or Tool?” decision framework, a shared language for aligning stakeholders on trade-offs and feasibility, and an approach for sequencing people and technology changes to maximize adoption and results.

About the Speaker

Sterrin Bird
Nonprofit Executive in Residence, Attain Partners

Sterrin Bird is a global fundraising leader and transformative figure in the nonprofit community, universally recognized for her nearly three decades of exceptional dedication to philanthropy. Her expertise spans the future of fundraising, building robust teams, and mastering the art of relational fundraising. With a keen focus on breaking down silos and fostering human-centered change, Sterrin excels in leveraging technology in support of mission outcomes and is an advocate for utilizing AI for fundraising innovation.

Prior to her tenure as a development officer, Sterrin catalyzed growth as a development consultant for three notable international consulting firms, where she blossomed into a cross-functional leader. In 2010, she founded her own consulting practice, orienting her approach around uncommon coaching and leadership mentoring. Throughout her multifaceted career, Sterrin has orchestrated over three dozen capital campaigns across the globe, cumulatively raising more than $5.5 billion, securing her reputation as a global fundraising leader.

In her professional journey, she has held pivotal leadership roles at prestigious nonprofit giants such as Duke Medicine, the University of California, the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes, and United Way. Sterrin also spent four years as the in-house nonprofit expert with the global team at Salesforce.

Sterrin holds an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School. She is also a True North Leadership Fellow and was named to the Advisory Council of Rogare, a fundraising think tank in the UK at the University of Plymouth.

Her extensive experience with C-suite executives, nonprofit directors, and leadership across complex organizations speaks to her ability to exceed funding objectives while leading teams and managing the ever-changing nonprofit industry. A distinguished cross-functional leader, Sterrin navigates the intersection of fundraising, marketing, brand positioning, and program advancement with ease.

Originally from Short Hills, New Jersey, Sterrin now calls the Bay Area home, living with her two children, Thomas and Mary. She is a prolific public speaker and is also deeply invested in her community. Sterrin sits on the board of Maimoni Valley Preserve, One Life Counseling, and the Young Men’s Service League, embodying the spirit of engaged and impactful citizenship.

Fundraising Advisory and Precision Philanthropy

With decades of firsthand industry experience, Attain Partners brings fundraising expertise to empower our clients to drive sustained organizational growth and innovation. We help bridge the gap between philanthropy leadership, business strategy, and modern donor engagement technology.

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