"It is my goal everyday to 'make a difference' in the lives of those with whom I interact," says Vern. "Fundraising is about building relationships and helping others achieve their goals. It's not about me - it's about people and programs. God has given me the ability to 'change lives' by building partnerships between individuals who have the ability and interest to impact lives with those who have the knowledge and expertise."

As the youngest head baseball coach in collegiate baseball right out of college, fundraising was not Vern's first priority. He soon realized he had a gift, not only as a winning baseball coach but as a fundraiser and leader. At Fort Hays State University, Vern started his fundraising career by growing their financial resources by more then 500 percent during his eight-year tenure.

Vern has enjoyed a distinguished and successful career as a fundraising professional. He most recently served as Vice President of Major Gift Programs at the Kansas State University Foundation. While there he was able to build an outstanding development team that increased commitments to K-State University programs by more than 300 percent in just eight years. He attributes this success to teamwork, dedication, passion and commitment to a common goal.

While working for the Iowa State University Foundation, Vern played a significant role in the successful planning, marketing and development of the largest capital project on campus and in Iowa - a $60 million Engineering Teaching and Research Complex.

As Senior Vice President of Hartsook Companies, Inc., Vern offers his expertise in major gift fundraising to Hartsook clients nationwide.

Vern has been a featured speaker at many local, regional and national conferences on topics such as campaign planning and organization, making the ask, benchmarking development programs, motivating development teams, team building, board development and building a development team. As a writer, Vern has been published in Development and Alumni Relations Report, Major Gifts Report and other industry publications.

As an active community volunteer, member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Manhattan Baseball Association, Manhattan Basketball Association and as president and founder of the Manhattan Sports Academy and Youth Leadership Foundation, Vern fully understands the commitment involved in initiating, maintaining and growing a nonprofit organization.

Vern has a masters degree in Athletic Administration and a bachelors degree in Secondary Physical Education from Kansas State University. His wife Lane, a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, is a fitness instructor at Mercy Health Center. Their son, Jordan, studies Engineering at K-State and plays football for the Kansas State University Wildcats. Lauren is in middle school.