Winkler Group expands leadership team following record fundraising year
March 19, 2026
Mt. Pleasant-headquartered firm announces three senior promotions, including Raymond E. Carnley, Ed.D., to Principal, to oversee firmwide operations and service delivery.
Winkler Group, a national fundraising consulting firm serving nonprofits across education, healthcare, faith-based, arts and culture, and community service sectors, today announced three senior leadership promotions, including the appointment of Raymond E. Carnley, Ed.D., as Principal, Strategy and Services.
These promotions follow a record-breaking year for the fundraising consultancy, with clients raising over $100 million in philanthropic support through core service lines including campaign studies, capital campaigns, and strategic planning initiatives led by the firm’s services team.
Raymond E. Carnley, Ed.D.
Raymond E. Carnley, Ed.D., Named Principal, Strategy and Services
Dr. Raymond E. Carnley has been named Principal, Strategy and Services, joining Jessica Browning, Jim Bush, and Timothy M. Winkler Sr., as one of four principals of the firm.
Dr. Carnley joined Winkler Group in 2017 as a consultant and advanced through the organization to Senior Vice President, where he led the firm’s client services division and oversaw campaign studies, capital campaigns, and strategic planning engagements nationwide.
As Principal, Strategy and Services, Carnley assumes firmwide authority over operations and service delivery. He will guide financial oversight and business operations, ensuring operational efficiency, consistency, and performance across the organization.
“Raymond embodies what it means to lead from the front,” said Jim Bush, Winkler Group CEO. “He has led complex capital campaigns, strengthened our internal structure, and held teams accountable to results. He knows what it takes to secure a seven-figure commitment, and he knows what it takes to build the discipline behind it. His promotion reflects years of earned trust from our clients and our consultants.”
Dr. Carnley brings more than 25 years of experience in major gift fundraising and campaign management. Over the course of his career, he has personally secured or directed more than $250 million in charitable giving.
His client portfolio at Winkler Group includes The Brook Hill School, East Cooper Community Outreach, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Georgia Southwestern State University, and the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, among others.
Dr. Carnley holds an Ed.D. from the University of Georgia, an M.A. from Columbia College, and a B.A. from Georgia Southwestern State University.
Bill Rose, M.Div.
Bill Rose Promoted to Vice President of Client Services
Bill Rose, M.Div., has been promoted to Vice President of Client Services.
Rose joined Winkler Group in 2021 and quickly became a trusted advisor to both clients and colleagues. His promotion reflects sustained performance across engagements and his role in strengthening consultant development and project discipline.
With this promotion, Rose assumes responsibility for the cohesion and performance of the firm’s client services division. He will direct delivery across all service lines, align consultant workload and staffing, and serve as the senior escalation point for complex engagements. He will also monitor project progress and outcomes to ensure growth does not outpace execution.
“Bill understands both the relational and operational dimensions of what it means to be a consultant—and more importantly, a partner,” said Carnley. “He listens carefully, communicates clearly, and holds teams accountable to agreed-upon outcomes. His leadership ensures that our client services division remains disciplined and cohesive as we expand.”
Rose has led engagements for organizations including Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries, Westchester Country Day School, and The Epstein School in Atlanta. He brings more than 25 years of fundraising experience to the role.
He holds an M.S.A. with a concentration in philanthropy from Central Michigan University, an M.Div. from Athenaeum of Ohio Mt. St. Mary’s, and a B.A. from the University of Toledo.
Michelle Dube, M.A.L.S.
Michelle Dube, Promoted to Assistant Vice President, Client Services
Michelle Dube, M.A.L.S., has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Client Services.
Dube joined Winkler Group in 2024 and quickly distinguished herself in campaign and strategic planning engagements. Her advancement reflects strong client outcomes and her growing role in consultant support and internal training.
She has led engagements for clients including Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Scotland Memorial Foundation (Scotland Health Care System), and the South Carolina Historical Society. Over the course of her career, she has secured more than $20 million in charitable giving across major, campaign, endowment, annual, and planned gifts.
In this expanded role, Dube’s responsibilities extend beyond her own client portfolio. She will support consultant development, guide project progression within assigned teams, and contribute to internal training and methodology refinement within the division.
“Michelle prepares thoroughly and leads decisively,” said Rose. “She helps leadership teams define what they are trying to accomplish and then builds the fundraising structure to support it. Her promotion reflects the confidence we have in her judgment and execution.”
Strengthening Leadership
These promotions underscore Winkler Group’s commitment to developing leaders internally and reinforcing the strength of its client services team. Each individual elevated in this announcement has contributed directly to client outcomes and to the internal structure that supports them.
“Our clients rely on us to guide decisions that shape the next decade of their institutions,” Bush said. “Leadership within our firm is earned through performance, consistency, and judgment. Raymond, Bill, and Michelle have demonstrated those qualities. As we grow, we are doing so with leaders who understand our standards and uphold them.”
Winkler Group
Celebrating over 20 years of impact, the Winkler Group is a national fundraising consulting firm specializing in capital campaign planning and management, feasibility studies, and strategic planning. Headquartered in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., the Winkler Group serves a diverse range of sectors, providing the expert counsel and hands-on execution required to strengthen their philanthropic health and achieve their missions. For more information about Winkler Group and its services, visit winklergroup.com.
