Staff

Who They Are

The CFRE International staff are a dedicated team of professionals committed to advancing confidence, ethics, and accountability in fundraising worldwide. Working from the organization’s headquarters, the team ensures that the CFRE credential maintains its reputation as the global standard for fundraising excellence.

What They Do

  • Manage certification and recertification processes for fundraising professionals.

  • Provide guidance and support to candidates and certificants.

  • Uphold the ethical and professional standards of the CFRE credential.

  • Collaborate with the Board and partners to advance CFRE’s global mission.

Interm CEO

Dolph Goldenburg, who has over three decades of nonprofit leadership experience, is a professional interim chief executive. In this role, he provides strong and stable management while CFRE seeks its next Chief Executive. Goldenburg holds a bachelors of social work and masters of public administration from Georgia State University.

Certification Manager

Paul Cavazos joined CFRE International in 2012. He answers candidate queries and makes sure the daily operations of certification processing flow smoothly. Prior to joining CFRE International, Cavazos was a Team Member at the Human Rights Campaign. He graduated from George Mason University with a B.A. in International Studies.

Operations and Governance Manager

Tony Colarusso joined CFRE International in 2012. As Operations and Governance Manager, he is responsible for assisting the President and CEO with the administration of CFRE International and supports governance functions of the Board of Directors. Colarusso previously served as Assistant to the President and CEO and coordinated the CFRE Continuing Education Approved Provider Program on an interim basis. Colarusso earned an M.A. in International Relations from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.

Certification and Accreditation Director

Sara Duginske joined CFRE International in 2021. She manages the CFRE program and ensures ANAB accreditation compliance. Duginske has been an association management professional for almost fifteen years, working for nonprofit trade associations and credentialing bodies. She specializes in domestic and international certification examination development and maintenance, B2C marketing, and legislative relations. Her professional interests include credentialing, mentorship, and strategic planning. Duginske holds a B.A. in Political Science, a B.S. in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin, and a M.S. in Environmental Studies from Prescott College.

Marketing and Communications Director

Sara Espinosa joined CFRE International in 2024. With more than 15 years of experience in the association, nonprofit, and private sectors, she now plans, manages, and executes CFRE International’s marketing and communications strategy. Espinosa holds an M.A. in Public Relations from Rowan University in New Jersey, a B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and a Certificate in Association Management from the American Society of Association Executives. She is also a recipient of Association Forum’s 40 Under 40 award (2022).

Certification Coordinator

Christine Johnson joined CFRE International in 2021. As Certification Coordinator, she responds to inquiries regarding CFRE certification, reviews verification requests for participating organizations, and maintains the organization’s database. Prior to joining CFRE, Johnson held various roles at organizations in the human resources, membership, and healthcare industries. She studied Spanish and Communications at Howard University, and holds an A.S. from Northern Virginia Community College.

Education Resources Director

Jeff Stanger has served CFRE International in several roles since 2012 and is currently the Education Resources Director. Stanger has served on the faculty of The Fund Raising School at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. He is a frequent speaker and workshop facilitator on a variety of fundraising topics including social media, annual campaigns, marketing, crisis communications, and grant writing. He is also an author and has contributed chapters to Achieving Excellence in Fundraising Volumes III and IV. Prior to joining CFRE International, Stanger served as Development Director for The Salvation Army of Indiana for six years.