Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with LaMont Hayes - Episode 21

What does it really take to align your board and CEO around a successful campaign?

In this episode of Mastering Fundraising, Chris Looney sits down with LaMont Hayes, Associate Vice President of Development at the National WWII Museum, to unpack one of the most critical and misunderstood dynamics in campaign fundraising: managing board and CEO involvement.

With more than 20 years of experience leading major campaigns across healthcare, higher education, arts and culture, and now one of the nation’s premier museums, LaMont shares practical, candid insight into:

• The distinct roles of the board and CEO in a campaign
• Why preparation is the ultimate sign of respect for a CEO’s time
• How to make trustees effective ambassadors without forcing them to “ask”
• The power of dashboards, clarity, and defined roles
• Why early board giving is non negotiable
• Lessons learned from misaligned donor strategy
• The simple truth that drives philanthropy: people want to feel special

LaMont also shares stories from campaigns that exceeded goal and ones that did not, offering real-world wisdom about listening to donors, aligning strategy, and building long-term relationships beyond a single campaign.

If you are preparing for a campaign, in the middle of one, or simply trying to better partner with your board and CEO, this conversation is packed with actionable insight you can use immediately.

Watch the full episode and subscribe for more conversations with nonprofit leaders mastering their craft.