I’ve lost count of how many Confluence Practitioners Gatherings I’ve attended over the years. And yet, each one feels more meaningful—and, frankly, more relevant than the last.
There are few spaces where investment advisors, impact investors, and philanthropists can come together for honest dialogue about the challenges we face—and, more importantly, what we must do about them. Not as individuals or isolated institutions, but collectively. Working together to increase the flow of capital—in all its forms—is more urgent now than ever.
In Asheville this year, that urgency was front and center. We had candid conversations about the need to support philanthropists and investors in moving as much capital as possible, across structures and strategies. Whether through donor-advised funds (DAFs), private foundations, family offices, or investments along the full risk/return continuum, the goal is the same: encourage greater giving, smarter deployment, and stronger coordination.
Despite an increasingly complex and challenging environment for values-aligned giving and investing, I left this year’s gathering deeply inspired. The leadership, commitment, and vision within the Confluence community are remarkable. People continue to push forward—innovating and deploying capital in ways that truly matter.
I’m incredibly proud of the Confluence team and honored to be joining the Board of Directors. Together, we each have a role to play in driving meaningful change—now more than ever.