Amanda Preston, CFRE is one of the leading funding consultants in the United States, having secured over $100,000,000 in grants and gifts for universities and research institutions across the nation. For over 35 years, she has engineered institution-transforming grants via her positions at Harvard University, the Smithsonian Institution’s Astrophysical Observatory, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As Executive Director of the Harvard Origins of Life Initiative, Amanda managed 175 researchers, actively engaged Harvard’s early career scientists, and secured funds for cutting-edge astrophysics research. A globally credentialed Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Amanda has extensive experience running programs in external affairs, government relations, inter-institutional partnerships, and inter-disciplinary research. In addition, as a designated Master Teacher for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), she is a passionate instructor dedicated to building learners’ confidence and promoting professional growth. She frequently presents at leading fundraising conferences and has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at Antioch University New England. Today she advises and coaches non-profit and university leaders on matters of strategy and funding.