About the Speakers

Melissa Copher
Gift Planning Director, American Red Cross

Melissa M. Copher has been with the American Red Cross Gift Planning Department since 1999. She is a Director, overseeing the life income gift program at the Red Cross. She previously worked at the Indiana University Foundation as an Assistant Director of Gift Planning. She graduated from Miami University, Oxford, OH in 1991 and Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, in 1994. She lives in Indianapolis, IN with her husband and three sons. 

Pamela D. Leonard
National Executive Lead, Program Advancement Charitable Estate Planning, 
American Heart Association

Pamela D. Leonard is a seasoned professional with a passion for philanthropy and nonprofit management. With a Bachelor of Arts in Management of Nonprofit Organizations and another in Communications/Speech from Salem University, Pamela's educational foundation is as strong as her commitment to the field. As a Certified Fund Raising Executive and Certified Gift Planning Professional, she has continuously demonstrated her expertise in fundraising and estate planning. Pamela's remarkable 16-year career at the American Heart Association, where she has served as the National Executive Lead for Charitable Estate Planning since July 2013, showcases her ability to expand and educate on deferred giving opportunities, manage complex assets, and supervise dedicated teams. Pamela's commitment to her craft has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Guiding Values Award and the Star Award of Excellence from the American Heart Association. Her notable publications in CASE Currents Magazine and Fundraising Success Magazine reflect her thought leadership in the field. Pamela's unwavering dedication to philanthropy, paired with her extensive experience and achievements, make her a true luminary in the world of charitable estate planning and nonprofit management.