Travis D. Tester, MA, CFRE
Travis D. Tester, MA, CFRE, is a nationally recognized fundraising leader, educator, and nonprofit executive with more than 20 years of experience advancing philanthropy through meaningful donor relationships, strategic leadership, and innovative fundraising practices. He currently serves as Chief Development & Communications Officer for Foster Success, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting older youth transitioning out of foster care to adulthood. Travis leads the organization’s fundraising and communications strategy with a focus on long-term impact, authentic community voice, and equity-centered storytelling.
As the organization’s first Chief Development & Communications Officer, Travis has helped lead significant growth, expanding philanthropic investment, strengthening donor engagement strategies, and increasing the organizations visibility and impact. His work is grounded in the belief that philanthropy is fundamentally centered in meaningful relationships, trust, and creating intentional authentic opportunities for people.
Known for his practical approach and engaging presentation style, Travis is a sought-after speaker and trainer on topics including an intentional donor journey, major gifts, annual fund, fundraising strategy, board engagement, nonprofit leadership, donor centered communications and the role of technology and artificial intelligence in philanthropy. Through his teaching, he helps organizations of all sizes to strengthen donor experiences, build sustainable fundraising programs, and create cultures of philanthropy that drive long-term success.
In addition to his nonprofit leadership role, Travis is on Faculty for the Fundraising School at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and is a project specialist with the Donor Relations Group (DRG). He serves as President of Association of Fundraising Professionals Indiana chapter, is a member of the Development Advisory Committee for The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, serves on the Board of Directors for Adoptions of Indiana, and is a graduate of both the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute and the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, Class XLIX.
Throughout his career, Travis has been featured in national media and publications, including The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and has earned recognition for his leadership, fundraising expertise, and commitment to advancing the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining Foster Success, he served as Interim Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of South Carolina School of Law and was National Co-Chair of the American Association of Law Schools Institutional Advancement Conference.
Whether building meaningful relationships with donors, speaking from the stage or teaching in the classroom, Travis brings a relationship-first philosophy, a passion for mission-driven work, and a commitment to helping create extraordinary experiences for donors and communities.
Travis holds a B.A. from Appalachian State University in Music Business, a M.A. in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University and holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive credential (CFRE).
When not working in philanthropy or volunteering, he’s likely spending time with his family and dogs, Blanche Elizabeth and Edgar Allen, baking, performing, traveling or mastering the perfect charcuterie board or sourdough bread.