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 $150 million over the last 40 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 served on the Bar Harbor Town Council for ten years, and currently represents House District 14 in the Maine Legislature. He is a graduate of Wesleyan University.

Peter J. Heller, Senior Counsel

Lynn Hempen, Senior Counsel

Lynn is a seasoned fundraiser with a strategist's mind and a storyteller's heart.

She moves seamlessly between data and vision—just as comfortable parsing feasibility study feedback and cash flow forecasts as she is developing a winning campaign plan. Whether it’s reviving a historic space, fueling STEM education, or rallying a community around a cause, Lynn leads with insight, speaks with purpose, and delivers results. She guides organizations to focus on impact and stay close to their donors to raise their largest-ever gifts.

Lynn’s 30-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. 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 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.

David Malakoff, Consulting Writer and Editor

David is a longtime journalist and editor who also has extensive experience in nonprofit development and board service. A graduate of the College of the Atlantic (COA) in Bar Harbor, Maine, he has worked for local, national and international environmental organizations, including stints as the editor of publications for Friends of the Earth and as executive director of a local, science-driven river conservation organization. He has served as a development officer at COA and other educational institutions. As a freelance journalist, he has reported for numerous outlets, including The Economist, PBS, and Audubon Magazine, and worked as a staff correspondent and editor for NPR and Science. An avid whitewater paddler and birdwatcher, his board service has included assisting nonprofits involved in education, land preservation, and bird and river conservation.

Zoë Alexis Scott, Campaign Counsel

Jordan Colbeth, Campaign Counsel