Michael Thorson, Founding Partner
Michael Thorson’s commitment to community impact was shaped early by his father, a World War II veteran and manufacturing executive who worked to revitalize underserved Chicago neighborhoods.
For nearly two decades, Mike has helped nonprofit organizations strengthen fundraising performance and build sustainable revenue strategies. He has partnered with institutions including Palm Beach Opera, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Seafarers’ House, and the American Cancer Society.
Over the course of his career, Mike has helped organizations raise more than $100 million through capital campaigns, major gift initiatives, annual funds, planned giving programs, and high-performing special events. He has led fundraising workshops for the Association of Fundraising Professionals and served on multiple boards, including the Boca Raton Children’s Museum. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Adjustments and Appeals for the Town of Highland Beach, Florida.
Paul Keefe, Founding Partner
Paul Keefe is a strategic thinker and experienced non-profit leader with deep roots in New York and Florida.
Paul spent his early career building market success as a coffee franchise operating partner, developing strong leadership and marketing skills. In 2004, he shifted his focus to serving his community, taking on key roles in estate planning, development, and community relations at a local hospice.
Paul's blend of business acumen and non-profit experience led him to co-found a consultancy that empowers nonprofit organizations with expert guidance and strategic advancement plans.
Paul has served on numerous boards over the past decade, holding leadership positions with prestigious organizations like ESRN, the National Council on Planned Giving, AFP, and Cypress Bend Protective Board.
As a Founding Partner and Senior Consultant at PhilanthroPros, Paul combines his passion for helping the community with his proven track record of success. He enjoys collaborating with non-profit organizations, guiding them towards sustainable revenue growth that fuels their missions.
Janet Coplan
Janet holds a degree in Art History from NYU and has built a distinguished career in nonprofit fundraising and direct response marketing. She began working with nonprofit organizations in New York and later joined the U.S. Committee for UNICEF, where she helped build their direct mail program from the ground up.
She went on to hold leadership roles including Vice President of Direct Media List Management and General Manager at The Russ Reid Company, and later founded KeyWord, a firm specializing in highly personalized campaigns for major donors.
After moving to Florida, Janet led fundraising efforts at Food For The Poor, where her team expanded the donor base from 250,000 to over one million while achieving consistent double-digit revenue growth.
In 1998 she co-founded Copland O’Neil, a full-service direct response agency serving major nonprofits nationwide, including ASPCA, Habitat for Humanity International, Covenant House, North Shore Animal League, Catholic Relief Services, and the U.S. Olympic Committee. Her work earned multiple industry awards and significantly improved donor acquisition and fundraising results.
She later founded Donor Strategies, advising nonprofits such as Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, 4KIDS, Habitat for Humanity Broward, Knox Seminary, and Eckerd Connects.
With decades of experience, Janet is a nationally recognized, award-winning fundraising strategist known for her creative vision and leadership in nonprofit development.
Peter M. Palin
Peter was born and raised in Connecticut. After graduating from Dartmouth College, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, then on to the National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard.
His early career was in Banking at the Union & New Haven Trust Co. and as Vice President of the Hartford National Bank. In 1982 Peter and his family moved to South Florida where he was Vice President of New Business Development for Northern Trust Company in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. At Northern Trust he worked with many major donors and non-profit organizations. This led Peter to his next chapter.
In 2003 he became the Planned Giving Officer for American Lung Association, FL. Followed by Director of Planned Giving at United Way Broward.
Peter is active in Fundraising Associations. He was President of the Planned Giving Council of Broward in 1997 to 1998 and again in 2004 to 2005.
In 2012 he became a partner in PhilanthroPros.
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