A true passion for philanthropy lives strongly in Laurie Ward, as it has since her youngest days. It's a zeal for helping others, a heartfelt commitment to making a difference. But for Laurie, it's more than just raising money - though she and her clients certainly have enjoyed considerable success in that regard.

It is also, she says, about sharing the goodness of giving. "Giving is a joyful experience. It takes us out of our own insulated world and moves us to consider others' needs. People should feel good about their giving. Every person's gift is important…and so, too, is every giver."

Laurie serves as Senior Vice President for Hartsook Companies, Inc. and is based in the Grand Rapids, Mich. area. She serves clients throughout the upper Midwest. Currently Laurie is lead counsel for the $25 million capital and endowment campaign for St. John's Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisc. As well, she is leading the campaign for the Community Children's Project in Jackson Hole, Wy.

Previously Laurie was Principal at TusenTakk Consulting of Winona, Minn. Hartsook Companies acquired her company in 2003. Before that, she served as Vice President for The Metanoia Group, a Minnesota-based fundraising-consulting firm.

Laurie extends her philosophy of goodness and giving to a genuine interest in advancing the goals and mission of the organizations she counsels. She instills confidence and optimism along with solid fundraising fundamentals. Her experience as a consultant, volunteer and donor serve as both a resource and motivation.

Laurie provides counsel for capital campaigns, annual giving programs, board development, granstmanship and more. Her diverse client base has included organizations in youth services, the arts, education, social services, health care and civic/community organizations. Success has followed each one, including a $3 million campaign for the Cedar Falls, Iowa, Public Library and a $3 million campaign for the Rochester, Minn., Ronald McDonald House.

Earlier in her career, Laurie served as donor recognition and stewardship coordinator for Oregon State University. There, she played a major role in the University's $40 million library campaign - working closely with major donors and leading the recognition programs.

Before that, she served as director of development and marketing communications for the Family and Children's Center of La Crosse, Wisc. Laurie began her career as director of annual giving and campaign director at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where she oversaw communications and solicitation of thousands of alumni during a national, $1.2 million capital campaign.

Laurie earned a Master of Science Degree in Education (4.0 GPA) from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations (4.0 GPA) from the University of Northern Colorado.

Laurie has been a long-time board member and volunteer for public radio and hospice organizations.

Happily married, she and her husband, Colin, enjoy traveling, golf, skiing and hiking with their yellow Labrador, Jaime. They also enjoy spending time with family and friends in Washington state and Michigan.