Drawing on more than 120 years of combined in-the-field advancement experience, DCG professionals bring you day-to-day knowledge of professional challenges and successes from world-class institutions embedded in cutting edge approaches.  DCG partners with you to discover, target and strategically address advancement deliverables that create impact and sustainability specific to your institution.

Michael DeBrincat

Mike DeBrincat brings over 30 years of in-the-field full spectrum fundraising and advancement experience from public and private institutions.  Mike has held lead positions in campaigns of $350M to $2.5B that exceeded goals.  He has built nationally recognized campaign and alumni programs from the ground up, held chief fundraiser positions addressing success needs and transition strategies, and developed productive teams at world-class institutions including the University of Michigan Health System & Medical School, and Ross School of Business.  Mike has toured national conferences as presenter on the topic of effective volunteer fundraising and board development.  Mike has developed next-generation marketing, communications, online advancement practices, and continues to develop industry software concepts.  An extensive fundraising career closing six to nine figure gifts, is complemented by career positions as school administrator, full faculty member, and board member, offering a critical and functional understanding and perspective of public and private educational institutions not often found among traditional fundraising counsel.  

Mike earned his M.S.A. in higher ed. administration from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza School of Business, and a B.A. from the University of Detroit.  Mike's volunteering includes the Detroit region Toys-for-Tots program, Detroit-area soup kitchens, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and Detroit area food-box distribution to street persons. He served three terms on the Executive Board as Treasurer of the regional Notre Dame alumni club.  Mike continues to be an advocate of ocean conservation causes, a passion he holds dearly.  He sails much better than he golfs, and claims to still enjoy latter.

Dawn Evans (Of Counsel)

Dawn Evans shares 20+ years of understanding office support systems, structuring, and the identification of long term needs regarding institutional infrastructure success.  Dawn has been involved in process analysis, logistical restructuring, and business effectiveness and efficiency at both for-profit and higher educational institutions.  Dawn has been the 'go-to' person for managing both large and small departments, building efficiencies and effectiveness in medical, pharmaceutical and academia settings. 

Dawn volunteers for those in need causes in Washtenaw County, Michigan and has been a volunteer at local area hospitals assisting the families of patients undergoing surgery.  Dawn has an extensive glass thimble collection, a hobby she picked up early on.  She calls herself a 'secret bowler', a sport of interest but secret because she feels her game is not something others should have to witness.   

Heather Rindels (Of Counsel)

Heather is an accomplished fundraising professional and organizational leader with over 30 years of in the field experience in the profession of advancement. Heather has held leadership positions in higher education, healthcare and human service agencies. She is very accomplished in leveraging the resources of foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, philanthropy, and government on behalf of organizations.  She has served as a leading fundraising professional on campaigns, ranging from $150M to $2.5B.  Heather has held key positions throughout her career at world-class institutions including the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, Henry Ford Hospital, and University Hospitals of Cleveland.  

Heather earned a B.S. in Management and an M.B.A. in Marketing from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Heather is on the Board of Directors for Get Real for Kids and the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor.  She is a passionate volunteer and policy advocate for children's rights and abused animal protection.  Heather enjoys feeding backyard wildlife and never knows who will be eating on her patio when she lifts the morning blinds.

Sheryl Szady (Of Counsel)

Sheryl is a proven innovative leader in development data and systems with over 35 years of in the field experience.  Sheryl has developed major data constructs in multiple platforms, and led training and application of data principles.  Sheryl brings an outstanding awareness of end-user needs and utilization of data along with business acumen to evolve and create design solutions of data/systems for customer efficiency and effectiveness.  Sheryl brings extensive experience in segmentation, screening, ratings, and prospecting processes. 

Sheryl has a B.S., M.A., and PhD from the University of Michigan.  Sheryl has volunteered for several organizations including the Alzheimer's Association of Michigan.  Sheryl is an avid supporter of the Interlochen Center for the Arts where she has served as President of their alumni organization.  When the snow melts, Sheryl is the first one hiking or using a club to clear turf that's between her and the golf ball.

To begin a personal conversation about the future of your non-profit, call DCG at 734-418-8843, or use the quick email form provided at the right.