Elise Eplan
Prior to co-founding BE Philanthropy, Elise provided philanthropic consulting services through The Eplan Group. From 1997 - 2009, Elise was vice president for Special Initiatives at The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which was created by the co-founder of The Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons. The Foundation has granted more than $1 billion since it was launched in 1995. As one of the Foundation’s first two staff members, Elise led the trustees in developing the vision, direction, and processes for the Foundation. Over a period of 12 years, she oversaw over $100 million of discretionary grant making for the trustees.
Prior to this, Elise was the director of The America Project, an urban anti-poverty initiative undertaken by The Carter Center in the 1990s.
Elise was the founding president of Hands On Atlanta, a community service organization, which places over 30,000 volunteers annually. She now serves on its Advisory Board. Elise also serves as an Associate Board Director of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and is a member of the Board of Visitors at Agnes Scott College. Elise was president of the Atlanta chapter of The American Jewish Committee from 2003 to 2005 and has been an active board member with the organization.
Elise lives in Morningside with her husband, Bob Marcovitch. They have two adult children.
Education:
BA, American Studies, Brandeis University
MBA, Yale School of Management
Why do you love working at Be Philanthropy?
SO much to love... I love my smart, strategic and fun-loving colleagues, and we are fortunate to have thoughtful, generous and engaging clients!
What do you love about living in Atlanta? Where can we find you on a day off?
I love the rich and complicated history of this city. I love that anything is possible here. One of my favorite places to hang out on a Saturday morning is the John Lewis Freedom Parkway Farmers Market.
Favorite Podcasts:
Wiser than Me
The Ezra Klein Show
Politically Georgia
What’s the last book you read?
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
Anything else you want to share?
I am so very lucky to be able to spend many summer days in a kayak in Maine!
Staci Brill
Staci Brill is a philanthropic and development consultant with 20 years of experience advising higher educational, cultural, social service and religious, and philanthropic organizations. Prior to co-founding BE Philanthropy Partners, Staci worked as a consultant at The Eplan Group.
She began her career in a fundraising consulting firm where her portfolio included campaign feasibility studies, campaign organization, and management for several Atlanta-based organizations. Over the following decade, Staci’s professional experience expanded to include leadership succession and retention, volunteer recruitment, next generation engagement, strategic partnerships, facilitation, and event logistics with the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, the American Jewish Committee, and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Her work as a consultant with family foundations grew as an organic extension of her fundraising career path.
A dynamic presenter and skilled facilitator, Staci enjoys working with multi-generational clients to identify and achieve their philanthropic goals. She is a certified speaker and consultant for 21/64, a nonprofit specializing in multi-generational engagement in philanthropy and family enterprise.
Beyond her professional commitment to the third sector, Staci takes an active role in her family’s foundation and has served on several Boards including the Emerging Leaders at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Children’s), Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Jewish Federation of North America’s Jewish Changemakers Advisory Committee, and the Advisory Board of the Children’s Museum of Atlanta.
A native Atlantan, she and her husband reside in Sandy Springs with their two children and red dogs.
Education
BA, Columbia University
BA, Jewish Theological Seminary
Why do you love working at Be Philanthropy?
Each of our client engagements is unique. I embed myself in the work (without being invasive) and end up truly invested in their success. We seem to forge genuine connections with our clients which makes the work feel personal. I also am crazy about our team - we are a hard-working bunch who support each other, fuel each other's creativity, and enjoy each other's company!
What do you love about living in Atlanta? Where can we find you on a day off?
I'm a native Atlantan - so my family is here and that is a gift. I love exploring new spots to eat or shop. I love that Atlanta has all 4 seasons and can be found outside - hiking with my dogs every chance we get!
Favorite Podcasts:
Honestly with Bari Weiss
S-Town
Positive Impact Philanthropy
NPR’s Code Switch
The Tamarind Learning Podcast
What's the last book you read?
Here All Along by Sarah Hurwitz
Anything else you want to share?
I recently discovered a love for foraging mushrooms, though I do not eat them!
Donna Corcoran
Prior to joining Be Philanthropy Partners, Donna served as Chief Financial Officer for the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix, managing $72 Million in charitable assets and granting in excess of $7 Million annually. A native of Chicago, Donna’s prior positions have included Chief Financial Officer for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Misericordia Homes, and Girl Scouts – Illinois Crossroads Council, Gainey Ranch Community Association and Director of Finance of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona.
Donna has extensive experience in complex nonprofit management, creative problem-solving, analytical decision-making, and technology development. She is also a highly experienced consultant for nonprofit clients focusing on the challenges of change and growth. She holds a B.A. degree in Psychology from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, an MBA from Northern Illinois University, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Illinois.
Education
BA, St. Mary’s University on Minnesota
MBA, Northern Illinois University
What do you love about living in Phoenix? Where can we find you on a day off?
I moved to Phoenix in 2004 and love living in the sunshine. I enjoy hiking and singing in several accomplished choirs. I also serve as the Board Treasurer for the Arizona Bach Festival (winner of the Best of Phoenix Award). And, I love to travel.
What's the last book you read?
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Whitney Brown
Whitney Brown oversees communications, research and administration for BE Philanthropy. She has worked in the non-profit sector for the past 17 years, with a background in marketing, communications, and fundraising/development. Prior to joining Elise and Staci at The Eplan Group, and now BE Philanthropy, she worked at Atlanta’s Huntley & Associates, Theatrical Outfit, Agnes Scott College, and Georgia Interfaith Power & Light. She currently splits her time between BE Philanthropy and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, where she serves as the Senior Director of Individual Giving. Whitney has a passion for the arts, hiking, baking, and all things true crime.
Whitney is a member of the Agnes Scott College Alumnae Board as well as the Paideia School’s Alumni Advisory Council. She also serves as the Co-Chair of the Decatur Alumnae Chapter at Agnes Scott College, is a member of the Atlanta Ecumenical Urban Farm Network (AEUFN) Board of Directors, a member of the Aldersgate/Collinswood Board of Directors, and is a Province Officer for Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.
Education
BA, Agnes Scott College
Master of Divinity, Candler School of Theology - Emory University
Why do you love working at Be Philanthropy?
This is the nicest, most inspiring group of people I’ve ever worked with! Getting to support the work of so many amazing local family foundations makes you want to come to work every day.
What do you love about living in Atlanta? Where can we find you on a day off?
I love that Atlanta is a big city with an often small-town vibe. There are so many wonderful hikes within 90 minutes of the city. The arts scene is thriving, and for a foodie like me, there’s always something new to try. Never a dull moment here in my hometown! On a day off you would likely find me binge-watching true crime documentaries and tending to all the edible plants in my balcony garden.
Favorite Podcasts:
The Cheese Wheel Podcast
Strong Black Lead
I Think Not!
What’s the Last Book You Read?
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Anything else you’d like to share?
I have a toothless cat named Stevie - she’s named after Stevie on Schitt’s Creek and for Stephen Sondheim.
Meghan Pietrantonio
Meghan is excited to join BE Philanthropy as a consultant to support grantmaking foundations. As a values-driven leader, she currently serves as part-time Executive Director of the Georgia Grantmakers Alliance (GGA), a statewide network for public and private grantmakers. In this capacity, she focuses on building collaborative strategies to drive systems-level change and maximize philanthropic impact across Georgia’s communities.
Her deep expertise comes from her previous role as the Head of Strategy and Community Affairs for the Truist Foundation. Meghan led the design and development of the Foundation’s national five-year strategy, focusing grantmaking on strengthening small businesses and building career pathways to economic mobility. She oversaw the deployment of over $60 million in annual grants across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions.
Prior to the Foundation's inception in 2020, Meghan managed a portfolio of family and independent foundation clients with total assets of $800 million at SunTrust Bank. In this role, she advised and guided nonoperating foundations and nonprofit endowments on grantmaking best practices, governance, and change management. Her career began in direct service at nonprofits, including leadership roles at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Metro Atlanta Arts and Culture Coalition (MAACC).
Meghan has been recognized with the Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 Award, and she serves on the board of First Step Staffing. Meghan lives in Atlanta, where she is raising three young kiddos in the city's supportive community.
Education
BA, Vanderbilt University
MBA, Georgia Institute of Technology
Why do you love working at Be Philanthropy?
Staci and Elise have long been mentors of mine, and I am inspired and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside their genius. I am inherently curious; I thrive on new challenges, perspectives, and innovative philanthropic approaches. Be Philanthropy connects me with new experiences and intentional, purposeful clients. I love working together to tackle complex challenges and translating vision into real, collaborative impact.
What do you love about living in Atlanta? Where can we find you on a day off?
I love that Atlanta is both a major global city and still feels so accessible and intimate. It's a genuinely supportive community that is fiercely open to new ideas and genuinely fosters emerging leaders. I love the diversity and innovation—it’s a place where anything feels possible. Outside of work, the vibrant arts, culture, and culinary scenes make me excited to call Atlanta home and to raise the next generation of Atlantiens.
Favorite Podcasts:
Mel Robbins Podcast
Raising Boys & Girls
Good Hang with Amy Poehler
What’s the Last Book You Read?
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (love a romantic fantasy!)
Anything else you’d like to share?
Most days involve an impromptu dance party—in the kitchen, the car, or anywhere—to blast away stress and to move my body with loud pop and R&B hits!
