Ali McLane

Ali McLane has been a fundraising operations consultant for over 20 years, specializing in prospect screening development, analysis and implementation. As one of the original owners of Prospect Information Networks,’ P!N, the screening product that ultimately became ResearchPoint, Ali developed the first comprehensive vetting and implementation program for screening results, working with over 500 clients. Prospect Information Network was ultimately acquired by Blackbaud in 2008. In her research and analytics consultant role at Lindauer, Ali plays a leadership data architect role for the firm, driving our client-facing research capabilities, developing best practices for candidate pool development, and adjusting those practices as industry and technology evolve.

In 2008, Ali began her career as an operations consultant, working for Dini Partners, then Bentz, Whaley, Flessner, as Senior Consultant. Chairing the Fundraising Operations certification program at Rice University Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, has allowed Ali to continue her love of teaching, which started as a public speaking instructor and Speech & Debate Coach at Texas Tech University. At Rice CPNL, Ali’s focus is Prospect Research, Donor Relations classes, and mentoring the students working toward the certification.

Ali is a co-founder, past president, and board member of the Southwest Chapter of the Association of Professional Researchers (APRA). She is past president of APRA of Greater Houston and is a charter member of the Association of Advancement Services Professionals (AASP), serving on their prospect development best practices committee. Ali is a volunteer with APRA International, serving on the 2010 Nominating committee, the 2011 APRA International Conference Curriculum Planning Committee, and the 2013 on-line education committee. She is a frequent conference presenter, including APRA, AFP, CASE, AHP, and specialized fundraising organizations. Ali also serves on The Emerald Circle Executive Committee 2019 – 2021 for the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto as Vice President.

Ali holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Communications Studies from Texas Tech University. She is an active member of the Texas Tech University College of Media and Communication Advisory Board.