Meet The Speakers

Rich Schur is a recognized leader in the Auction industry. He is the Chief Operating Officer and Lead Auctioneer, and Employing Broker for the Schur Success Group, based in Monument, Colorado.  Rich graduated from the Worldwide College of Auctioneering in 2005 and is the 2010 Colorado State Champion Auctioneer.

Rich and his wife Shannon, also an accomplished auctioneer, were among the first in the Nation to earn the coveted Benefit Auctioneer Specialist designation, and have helped non-profit organizations across the country raise millions of dollars. Rich excels both on stage, and as a consulting partner to his fundraising clients. His goal is not only to help his clients raise money but to help them raise friends and fun and further their missions.

Rich is a staff instructor for the National Auctioneers Association, teaching designation courses, workshops, and seminars at state and national conferences.  He is also a staff instructor for the Texas Auction Academy and Worldwide College of Auctioneering.

Rich has earned his CAI (Certified Auctioneers Institute), his AMM (Auction Marketing Management), his BAS (Benefit Auctioneer Specialist), and his MPPA (Master Personal Property Appraiser) designations through the National Auctioneers Association (NAA). He has also earned his CMEA (Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser) and is a United Country Master Auctioneer (UCMA).

He is a Past President of the Colorado Auctioneers Association and has served on the Board of Directors for the National Auctioneers Association.  Rich is the Chairman of his local Chamber of Commerce and has served as a Director or Board member for Training, Human Resources, and civic organizations across the country.

Rich has a Master's Degree in Continuing Adult Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Workforce Training and Education 

Kara Pappas

Kara Pappas has been managing nonprofit development initiatives for the past 12 years. Her most recent post was as chief development officer for Project Sanctuary, where she oversaw advancement initiatives fueling nationwide programming for military and veteran families. While with Project Sanctuary, Kara launched the OPS Gala, attracting supporters from across the country, and raising a total of $615,000 in just three years. Prior to joining Project Sanctuary, Kara was the director of development at Longmont Humane Society and managed development programming for Larimer Humane Society before that. Kara has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Technical Communication from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University.