Meet the Speakers
Susan Johnson, CAI, BAS, CES: Susan’s Auction Service
Susan’s Auction Service brings over 20 years in the Auction Industry with specializes in the Fundraising area. She has her CAI, BAS, CES Designations from the National Auctioneers Assoc. and also is an USPAP Compliant Appraisal Auctioneer. Our philosophy is that every event, every organization is unique, however the underlying principal remain the same; connect the Donors with the Organization and they will give. Being involved early allows us to consult from the beginning to create a unique fundraising event experience that you and your guests will want to attend for years to come. Crafting events to meet and exceed client goals, is what we love and live to do. We are happy to work with new clients to offer support throughout the event-planning process to ensure that no detail is forgotten. www.susansauctions.com
Ann Whitaker, BAS: WMG Auction Group - Champion Fundraiser
Professional Consultant Ann and David began their company, “Whitaker Marketing Group-Champion Fundraiser," after David graduated from Missouri Auction School. Whitaker Marketing Group's primary focus is specializing in farmland and fundraising. Ann is a graduate of Benefit Boot Camp and completed leading course work in benefit auctions through the Benefit Auction Summit and the National Auctioneers Association. She recently completed her Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) designation. There are less than 200 auctioneers across the country who have acquired the BAS professional designation through the National Auctioneers Association.Specializing in benefits has given her the privilege to work with many great organizations and their fundraising events.
Ann is a member of the National Auctioneers Association and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (Ann is a current board member). She also holds a seat as a board member of Story County 4-H Foundation. Ann holds a degree from Iowa State University, Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science. www.championfundraiser.com
Renee Jones CAI, AARE, BAS, CES: National Fundraising Solutions
Ms. Jones is lauded for her business development, operations management, and professional auctioneer accomplishments. During her 32-year career as an industry leader and educator, she has managed over $7 billion of real estate and tangible assets transactions. Fundraisers are her passion. Her journey has been over two decades in the making and along the way she has raised over 250 million dollars for so many deserving organizations of all sizes. Ms. Jones won the 1996 International Champion Auctioneer competition, has served as Chair of the NAA Education Institute, two terms as an NAA Director, and is a Life Member of the National Auctioneers Association. She can be reached at www.reneejones.com
Michael Parker, BAS: Parker Benefit Auctions
Michael Parker is both a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) and a licensed fundraising consultant. Michael is a second-generation auctioneer who began in the auction business in 1982. Michael put himself through college and law school running his own commercial auction business in the 1980s before serving 24 years as a homicide prosecutor and elected District Attorney. Michael retired from prosecution in 2014 and runs Parker Benefit Auctions (PBA), helping non-profits raise more. PBA is a full-service benefit auction business which offers event night services and consulting as well as registration and checkout training and staff specializing in maximizing your Greater Giving software. PBA can handle all your benefit needs but is best known for their work with small non-profits, rural non-profits and first-time events. Learn more at www.ParkerBenefits.com.
Scott Robertson, CAI, BAS: SR Auctioneers, The Voice of Experience
Scott Robertson is The Voice of Experience when it comes to fundraising auctions. Since 1994 he has assisted non-profit organizations and schools to meet or exceed their fundraising goals. This Florida state champion auctioneer has conducted hundreds of fundraising auctions and annually raises millions for worthy charities. www.thevoe.com
Lance Walker, CAI, BAS, CES: Walker Auctions
Lance Walker of Memphis, TN is considered one of the leading benefit auctioneers in the country. He has conducted over 1000 benefit auctions throughout North America raising millions of dollars annually for charities. This active auctioneer co-wrote the Benefit Auctioneer Specialist curriculum for the National Auctioneers Association and teaches the course to aspiring benefit auctioneers each year. He has M.A. and B.S. degrees in Education and is a graduate of the Certified Auctioneers Institute. Walker’s energetic style and stage presence has been an integral part of his client’s auction success. www.walkerbenefitauctions.com
Additionally - we’ll have Lou Ann Young as our ASL Interpreter for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired joining us to interpret for our sessions.
Lou Ann Young ASL Interpreter & Professional Ringmen, Auction Pro
Lou Ann is a freelance contract American Sign Language Interpreter for the deaf and hearing impaired, as well as a certified Ringman from the Professional Ringmen’s Institute. She has embarked on this adventure in a full Auction company specializing in Benefit auctions with ASL Interpreting. Lou Ann’s professional memberships include: the Texas Auctioneers Association, National Auctioneers Association, and Fellowship of Christian Auctioneers International, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.. She is also a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist Candidate as well as a certified special education teacher in Deaf Education. Being in education has been a guiding torch to assist others in communicating. www.auctionprotexas.com
