EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Tracie is a dedicated nonprofit professional with 15 years of experience, excelling in special events, fundraising, marketing, public relations, and alumni relations. Most recently, she served as the Director of Development at Resurrection College Prep, where she significantly boosted funding through annual appeals and innovative special events, including the centennial gala.

Her strength lies in cultivating and maintaining donor relationships, demonstrated by her proactive outreach and stewardship that enhanced engagement and increased annual funding. Tracie holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, the world’s only internationally recognized, accredited certification for philanthropic fundraising professionals. Prior to Resurrection, she was the Associate Director for Leadership Giving at the Christian Brothers of the Midwest, successfully managing a diverse portfolio of donors and implementing effective strategies for meaningful contributions.

Tracie's expertise in nonprofit communications is also noteworthy, having held key roles at various United Way organizations. As the Director of Communication for United Way of Allen County, she effectively coordinated media relations and garnered recognition for her excellence in outreach, even serving on the judging panel for the Indiana Association of United Way's General Excellence in Media Awards.

Academically, Tracie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Indiana University-Bloomington and a Master of Science in Communications from Purdue University. She currently resides in Downers Grove, IL, with her husband and three children.

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Tala proudly joins Bright Stars of Bethlehem as Development Director bringing together her extensive fundraising expertise and her steadfast commitment to advancing peace and justice for Palestinians. In this role, Tala works to support the organization’s mission of empowering Palestinian communities through education and opportunity.

Before joining Bright Stars of Bethlehem, Tala contributed her talents to a range of non-profits and think tanks, including Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service), and served as an Ambassador Warren Clark Fellow with Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP).

Tala holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Emory University, where she specialized in World Christianity. Her research and publications focus on immigration, Middle Eastern and Palestinian Christianity, and gender studies. Passionate about sharing knowledge, Tala has presented widely across the U.S. at universities, churches, and community organizations, educating audiences on justice and advocacy work.

As a Palestinian Christian and scholar, Tala is deeply committed to fostering peace, supporting communities, and advancing educational initiatives that create a life of abundance in Palestine.

Based in Minnesota, Tala enjoys life with her husband and their dog, Banksy. In her free time, she loves reading, hiking, running, biking, cooking, teaching Banksy new tricks, and immersing herself in compelling docuseries.

ADMINISTRATOR

Karen Samp is a highly accomplished professional with over thirty years of experience in business development and management. Currently, she plays a vital role at Bright Stars of Bethlehem, where her extensive expertise enables her to effectively cultivate and enhance relationships with supporters and donors. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, Karen ensures that organizational goals align with the interests of the community and its benefactors, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

Her journey in the business world has been marked by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and fostering strong partnerships. Karen's leadership style reflects her belief in the power of communication and collaboration, allowing her to navigate the complexities of non-profit management with ease.

Residing in Rockford, Illinois, Karen shares her life with her husband and their two sons. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and engaging in community service. Her dedication to improving the lives of others is evident both in her work and personal life, making her an invaluable asset to Bright Stars of Bethlehem and the broader community.

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Tiffany Miller is a seasoned marketing specialist at Bright Stars of Bethlehem (BSB), boasting over 16 years of experience across various marketing roles. With a BA in graphic design from the Illinois Institute of Art, she blends her creative skills with strategic marketing principles to enhance BSB's outreach. Currently, Tiffany focuses on expanding the organization's audience through innovative social media strategies and effective marketing campaigns.

Her commitment to results-driven marketing is demonstrated by her extensive expertise in developing and implementing strategic marketing plans. Proficient in digital marketing, market research, and campaign management, she enhances brand awareness and boosts sales for dynamic organizations. Tiffany approaches each project with a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of market trends, keeping BSB ahead in an evolving landscape.

Outside of work, Tiffany lives in Rockford, Illinois, with her husband and two children, drawing inspiration for her marketing storytelling from her personal life. She believes every brand has a unique narrative and aims to harness this potential for growth. With a proven track record of successful strategies, Tiffany is a valuable asset in any marketing initiative, ready to tackle challenges and pursue new opportunities.