Who We Are
We are strategic thinkers and passionate problem solvers. We love what we do, and our enthusiasm for building vibrant, sustainable communities drives us to go the extra mile for our clients.
Gary Friedmann, Senior Counsel
Gary has helped dozens of Maine nonprofits raise more than $100 million over the last 38 years. In addition to designing and managing dynamic and creative fundraising campaigns, Gary has trained thousands of volunteers and professionals in the theory and practice of successful fundraising in seminars and workshops. He founded Gary Friedmann & Associates in 1992 after serving as Director of Development for College of the Atlantic and Director of Operations for Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Gary serves on the Bar Harbor Town Council, on the steering committee of Maine Climate Action NOW, and is Chair Emeritus of A Climate to Thrive, the grassroots initiative to make Mount Desert Island energy independent by 2030. He is a graduate of Wesleyan University.
Peter J. Heller, Senior Counsel
With over 25 years in the nonprofit world, Peter Heller has raised millions of dollars for many organizations while also strengthening their strategic and financial assets. He taught Major Gifts Fundraising in Columbia’s Fundraising Management Graduate Program, has trained fundraisers at The Foundation Center, is Co-Chair of Gotham Networking’s “Make a Difference” group, and is a member of the Nonprofit Resource Group.
Lynn Hempen, Senior Counsel
Lynn’s 25-year fundraising career began at UCSF in San Francisco, as part of a team charged with raising $1 billion to build their recently completed Mission Bay campus. She has served as Director of Major Gifts and Development for organizations in the New York Tri-State area and Maine, leading teams to raise their largest-ever gifts. During her tenure as Executive Director of a Maine Habitat for Humanity affiliate, Lynn helped build a team of staff, board, and community members that increased fundraising revenue by 50% and doubled the number of families served annually.
In her current role as a consultant to nonprofits, Lynn has managed capital campaigns, analyzed and reorganized development programs, conducted feasibility/planning studies, led fundraising workshops, facilitated strategic planning retreats, and trained volunteer solicitors. Lynn’s expertise includes fundraising information technologies, prospect management, named gift strategies, donor stewardship, and event planning and production.
Lynn was a Fulbright Scholar and graduated cum laude from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in communications. She earned her masters from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Lynn lives in Bangor with her husband and two teenage boys. An intrepid traveler and outdoorsperson, Lynn can often be found on Maine’s trails and rivers.
Renee Johansson, Campaign Counsel
Renée loves helping nonprofits tell their story well and connect more deeply with their donors. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and communications, she brings a mix of strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and attention to detail to every project.
At Gary Friedmann & Associates, Renée supports clients with capital campaign planning, direct mail fundraising, marketing materials, website design, grant writing, and CRM implementation. She especially enjoys helping organizations find the right words and tools to inspire giving and build lasting relationships.
Renée has held executive and development roles with nonprofits working locally, nationally, and internationally. She’s a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Grant Professionals Association, Maine Philanthropy Center, and Freelance Grant Writer Academy.
Renée was raised on the coast of Maine and spends as much time as possible exploring New England in her camper van — always on the lookout for quiet trails, ocean views, and local food gems.
