who we are
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 $950 million 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 Director of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, is a trustee of Paideia School, and is a member of 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:
Brandeis University, BA, American Studies
Yale School of Management, MBA
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:
Smartless
Politically Georgia
What’s the last book you read?
Three Girls from Bronzeville by Dawn Turner
Anything else you want to share?
We have a sweet rescue pooch named Stevie Nicks.
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:
Dolly’s Parton’s America
NPR’s Up First
What's the last book you read?
The Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
Anything else you want to share? Pet(s) name(s)? Favorite wine? Favorite movie? etc etc etc
I recently discovered a love for foraging mushrooms, though I do not eat them!
Jeana Brown
Jeana brings a rich and diverse background in both public and private sectors, supporting organizations seeking growth and transformation. As a Senior Consultant at Yardstick Management, Jeana helped to shape strategy for educational and mission-driven organizations. Her work facilitated essential partnerships and led to concrete improvements in policy and practices, driving positive outcomes across the board.
During her tenure as Deputy General Counsel with Cognia, Jeana helped to direct the legal and policy work of an educational improvement company with a global footprint. Her work there involved growing and sustaining partnerships with education leaders to help improve standards for teaching and learning.
Throughout her career, Jeana has been deeply involved in policy-making, community engagement, and advocacy. As the Project Director at The Women’s Policy Group, she facilitated educational campaigns and led initiatives that empowered underrepresented women to participate in statewide policy discussions.
Serving as the liaison between the Mayor’s Office (City of Boston) and district four, she partnered with local community organizations to identify their needs and leverage the city’s resources to improve safety, education, and access to economic development.
Jeana is also committed to a balanced life. She is a certified yoga teacher and runs a business making all natural, small batch botanical body care. She also serves as a volunteer with the Wylde Center where she is able to get her hands dirty planting peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, and so much more!
Education
BA, Yale University
JD, Boston College Law School
Why do you love working at Be Philanthropy?
It has to be the passion of my colleagues. I get to work with smart women who also know how to work from the heart space. This is a rare thing that I do not take for granted.
What do you love about living in Atlanta? Where can we find you on a day off?
I loooooove all the green space in Atlanta! I really enjoy being surrounded by so many trees. I don’t live far from the Morningside Nature Preserve where everything grows wild and free and there is even a beach! You can also find me walking the beltline, cycling through the city, and discovering new spots to indulge my love of oysters (there are so many yummy options in the city!).
Favorite Podcasts:
This Jungian Life Living Myth
Holistic Life Navigation
Wellness Mama
Healthier Together
On Being with Krista Tippett
Huberman Lab
What’s the Last Book You Read?
The Secret Teachings of Plants by Stephen Harrod Buhner
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m a horrible baker by necessity. While learning to bake without gluten, I've experimented with flatbreads, cookies, muffins, and cakes. Gluten-free baking presents significant challenges, especially for someone who didn't start as a skilled baker. Admittedly most attempts result in disaster but I typically eat it anyway because I find comfort in the knowledge that my creations are made with wholesome ingredients. I’ve learned that adding a bit of honey and ghee will rescue almost anything.
Whitney Brown
Whitney Brown oversees communications, research and administration for Be Philanthropy. She has worked in the non-profit sector for the past 15 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, and Agnes Scott College. 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 and is a member of the Atlanta Ecumenical Urban Farm Network (AEUFN) Board of Directors.
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 everyday.
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:
True Crime Obsessed
What the Musical?
We Can do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle
Strong Black Lead
I Think Not!
The Shake Up
What’s the Last Book You Read?
In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune
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.
