MEET THE TEAM. WE GET RESULTS.
Eric Rolfson
Founder and President
Prior to founding the Rolfson Group, Eric spent more than 30 years securing support for various educational institutions and held leadership staff positions in $10 million, $35 million, and $150 million comprehensive fundraising campaigns. Since founding RGI in 2015 he has consulted with more than two dozen nonprofit organizations in sectors including health services, arts and culture, social services, and education.
Prior to his career in fundraising, Eric taught English, French and American Studies at the secondary and college levels, both in the United States and abroad. Additionally, Eric was co-founder and President of Toast Technologies Inc., a Massachusetts-based information technology company with expertise in network infrastructure consulting.
Allyson Goodwin
Vice President
Allyson has deep roots in Maine and graduated from Colby College with degrees in American Studies and Creative Writing. She was a member of the rugby and varsity lacrosse teams, played squash, and skied. After decades of summer jaunts to a family compound on the coast, Allyson moved permanently to East Boothbay, Maine.
Allyson has over 32 years of fundraising experience in independent schools, colleges, and community non-profits. Before joining RGI, Allyson spent fourteen years as the Chief Advancement Officer at Northfield Mount Hermon School. She and her team raised $185 million, the most philanthropic revenue in the school’s history. Allyson is highly skilled with advancement communications, audits, campaign planning, annual funds, alumni and donor relations, principal gift fundraising, and mentoring/coaching. She has travelled the world, taught Diversity and Social Justice courses and advised many different student groups. She co-founded the Upper Valley Planned Giving Council, served on the Board of Trustees at Bement School, and has volunteered in many different roles for her schools and local communities.
When Allyson is not expressing her love of the sea by exploring islands, kayaking, and creating cairns, she practices yoga and reiki and cooks, reads, and enjoys being with her family.
Marci Bernard
Senior Consultant and Corporate and Foundation Relations Specialist
During more than 25 years as a fundraiser, primarily in corporate and foundation relations, Marci has secured more than $50 million in grant support for a wide range of institutions and organizations, including the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the Harvard School of Public Health, and Emmanuel, Bates, and Colby colleges. She is a skilled researcher and strategist, capable of designing and implementing foundation plans to match institutional needs with funders’ priorities.
Dorrie Hipschman
Senior Consultant and Strategic Planning, Marketing, and Communications Specialist
Dorrie’s 30+ years of nonprofit executive management includes fine arts, tourism, and environmental organizations, as well as significant experience in museums. Dorrie is best known for her exceptional skills in strategic planning, marketing, and communications, especially in fundraising. As a former Vice President of the international advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi and as a Senior Advertising Officer at Bank of America’s world headquarters, she combines for-profit marketing expertise with nonprofit needs for maximum effect.
Julie Macksoud
Senior Consultant and Research Specialist
Julie has more than 25 years’ experience working for institutions like Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Colby College, and Choate Rosemary Hall. She has held leadership positions with NEDRA (New England Development Research Association) and APRA (Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement) and serves on the board of the Portland (CT) Historical Society.
David Bellavance
Senior Consultant and Data Specialist
David is a data and reporting professional with more than a decade’s information-systems experience in the not-for-profit and corporate sectors. His work includes supporting development initiatives at the University of Maine and managing data warehousing and business intelligence for a large international company.