Executive Team

Diane M. Carlson, CEO

Diane is nationally known in the United States for her fundraising achievements, having received numerous honors and awards. Her career in fundraising spans several decades. She is a former Chair of the prestigious, The Giving Institute (American Association of Fundraising Counsel), which is the oldest professional organization in the fundraising field.

Diane was honored by the AFP, New Jersey Chapter (Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year) as well as the AFP, Las Vegas Chapter (Lifetime Achievement Award) for her outstanding fundraising talent. She also is one of six recipients in the country to have received the SAGE Award from the AAFRC. Diane was named the 2006 Woman of Courage by the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for her victory over breast cancer.

Diane began her fundraising career in higher education.  She later moved into healthcare fundraising with a large New Jersey teaching hospital as its Vice President of Development.  She joined William (Bill) Freyd at IDC to manage consulting to hospital and medical center capital campaigns. Over a 25 year period, she later served as the company’s President and Chairman, growing it to one of the largest firms in the fundraising field.

In 2007, Diane founded  which specializes in major gift initiatives, grant writing, and executive search for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.  Diane is the author of numerous articles on fundraising and nonprofit management, a frequent speaker at conferences, and is often quoted in the Chronicle of Philanthropy as well as other industry publications. 

Diane is Vice Chairman of the St. Rose Dominican Healthcare Foundation Board (Catholic Healthcare West) in Henderson, Nevada, a board member of the Milton Murray Foundation for Philanthropy, a national board member of the AFP Foundation, a member of Industry Partners Council for AFP, chair of 2010 National Philanthropy Day - AFP Las Vegas Chapter, a member of Nevada Women in Philanthropy, a board member of the National Association for Moms in Business (NAFMIB), a member of the AFP Las Vegas Chapter Board of Directors, and on the Tocqueville Society Steering Committee and Women’s Leadership Council (United Way of Southern Nevada). 

William (Bill) Freyd, President

Bill's lengthy fundraising career began as a major gifts officer for his alma mater, Georgetown University. He founded IDC, Ltd. in 1974, which grew to become one of the largest firms in fundraising history with more than 300 employees. It came to serve colleges, universities, independent schools, hospitals, medical centers, health/human services, and arts organizations worldwide.

Bill is one of only six professionals to have been designated a Sage by the American Association of Fundraising Counsel (AAFRC) in its 85 year history.

Holding the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential from the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP), he served on the committee which developed that recognition of professionalism. In 2009, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the AFP Las Vegas Chapter. He is a past president of the AFP Greater New York Chapter and a former officer of AFP International. He was also a long-time board member of the AAFRC. Bill is a published author and frequent speaker at major events.

An active volunteer, Bill is a recent Past President of the Las Vegas Philharmonic and continues to serve on its Executive Committee. He was a board member and officer of the Nevada Symphony Orchestra and on the board of the NJ Symphony. He is also a member of the Tocqueville Society, United Way of Southern Nevada.

Among many other activities is his interest in acting where he has earned membership in the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). He has also frequently been seen on stage in various productions including South Pacific, Annie, Hello Dolly! and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. He is a partner in SFS Entertainment, which produces musicals in Las Vegas.

Dana Earhart Litif, Vice President

Dana has extensive experience working with nonprofit organizations including healthcare, higher education, social services, public broadcasting, museums and the performing arts.

Dana began her career in the world of philanthropy and nonprofit organizations in 1993 as a top fundraiser during her alma mater’s first ever Capital Campaign.  Following her success, Dana has trained and worked with staff on capital campaigns, annual funds, comprehensive campaigns and endowment campaigns for one of the largest fundraising firms in the United States for almost 10 years before joining as Vice President.

In total, the campaigns she’s consulted on have raised over $90 million under her leadership and guidance.  Dana has over 17 years of fundraising, marketing, management and consulting, training and recruiting experience.  She has been recognized for her leadership and ability in each of these areas, including being awarded Sales Person of the Year.

Actively involved with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) nationally, as well as in Las Vegas, Nevada and Phoenix, Arizona; currently she is serving on the Executive Board of the Las Vegas chapter as the chapter secretary.  Over the years she has served on a number of committees such as the National Philanthropy Day Committee, Membership and Scholarship Committee and she chaired the Essentials of Fundraising Committee.  In addition she is a member of Grant Professionals Association (GPA) (formerly known as AAGP) and current chair of the 2011 National GPA Conference to be held in Las Vegas.

Dana is a founding member of the Young Philanthropist Society (YPS) of southern Nevada, as well as a former Regional Trustee for Olive Crest of Southern Nevada.

A graduate of King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Marketing and Business Administration.  Dana also completed five levels of leadership courses with PSI Seminars, an international personal development and leadership organization; upon her graduation she returned as a volunteer staff member and coach.

After years of living in the Midwest and in the East, Dana moved to Nevada over 10 years ago.  She brings with her the values of a traditional Midwest upbringing, as well as her East Coast business experience.  Currently she resides in Henderson, Nevada with her family.