About Davidson & Co.

Shana L. Davidson

President

Over her 20+ year career in fundraising and advocacy, Shana L. Davidson has helped pioneer new approaches to direct mail. She marries the art of high dollar direct-mail to the science of time-tested marketing tactics, all to help maximize your investment. She is known for her expertise in designing customized, strategic donor acquisition and development programs and for the meticulous execution of those programs.

She launched Davidson & Co. in 2016 to narrow her focus, serving a select group of clients whose missions she believes most strongly. Before that, she served for over a decade as a senior executive at some of Washington’s best-known direct-mail fundraising agencies, including The Viguerie Company. She has also managed fundraising for academic and advocacy organizations, political campaigns, and committees, beginning her career as executive director of the Republican Party of Hawaii.

Shana holds master’s degrees from the Institute of World Politics and the University of Hawaii and a B.A. from Hampshire College. She lives in the northern Shenandoah Valley with Bertie and Ladybug, her adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Gordon Cummings

Account Executive

Gordon Cummings has spent 20+ years raising millions of dollars for organizations that advocate for limited government, free markets, and civil liberties. He was the Director of External Affairs at the National Taxpayers Union and the Competitive Enterprise Institute, the Director of Development at Capital Research Center, and part of the development staff at Cato Institute. He also served on the Europe/Eurasia Advanced Area Studies team at the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute. Gordon founded a successful fundraising consultancy, connecting dedicated funders with great ideas. Most recently, he was at DonorsTrust, where he increased their impact by developing opportunities for meaningful engagement between clients and grantees. Gordon currently serves on the Board of Directors of Feminists for Liberty and the Capital Research Center.

Lauren Becker

Associate & Life Saver

In addition to her work with Davidson & Co., Lauren is also the owner of Sent by Lauren, an exclusive hands-on mail shop which specializes in small, highly personalized mailings. Lauren has a B.A. from Brigham Young University and over 14 years of experience in direct-mail, event planning and 501(c)3 fundraising. (And as the mom of 4 crazy boys, she knows how to manage unexpected surprises of all kinds!)

Bertie Davidson

Forever Intern

Bertie Davidson is our Forever Intern. He has asked to be promoted to Office Manager, and we’ve considered it, but he likes to eat the mail and we cannot have that. He’s a troublesome employee, always bursting into the office with some kind of drama. But he also reminds us that taking a mid-day walk clears the mind, that eating lunch is a good idea, and that taking breaks makes us better at everything we do.

“I’ve worked with Shana for years now, when we called her firm in to clean up a mess we had. She sat down with us, figured out where the problems were, came up with a sequence of actionable items, and it worked perfectly.”

Joe Bishop-HenchmanTax Foundation

“Davidson & Co. provides very professional, customized direct marketing services for its clients. Shana is extremely knowledgeable and is focused on producing the highest quality product and the best results for nonprofits. We are happy to recommend Davidson & Co. to any nonprofit that wants to expand its base of donors.”

Ann FitzgeraldA.C. Fitzgerald and Associates

“Sharp as a tack, uber responsive, knows her stuff, gets that stuff done, and will shoot straight with you. But wait — there’s more! She’s a complete blast! You heard it here first.”

Claire Kittle DixonTalent Market

“Shana has a gift – backed up by years of experience and a dedication to data – for going to the heart of an organization’s mission and crafting a compelling narrative that emphasizes your unique selling proposition. She also excels at adapting those messages according to the calendar, the newspapers’ front pages, or your most recent policy win or organizational challenge.”

Megan RitterNational Council For Adoption

“Shana has been an incredible resource for us. Even more, she takes the time to explain the reason behind everything so that we can learn from her experience.”

Kelly McGonigalGeorgia Center for Opportunity

“With a wealth of experience in politics, the free-market movement, and agencies, Shana can advise organizations at any level – whether you’re just getting started or you have a robust program in place already.”

Daniel ErspamerPelican Institute for Public Policy

“Shana oversaw our direct mail program for more than seven years, with responsibilities including the donor acquisition program, house file mailings, donor communications, and general fundraising responsibilities. She successfully built a house file while raising net money for the organization. She understands the science and art of direct mail fundraising. She is a good copywriter and keeps up with the latest information and techniques in the industry. I can offer an unqualified recommendation of Shana’s work in direct mail and development.”

Roger ReamThe Fund for American Studies

“Shana is a motivated, forward-thinking consultant with extensive experience and knowledge in her field. Her hands-on strategy managing high dollar direct mail campaigns has produced phenomenal results. Her commitment and attention to client detail are impressive, and she is among the very best consultants that I’ve had the pleasure to know. Shana possesses a winning combination of solid skills and business sense, and I have learned a great deal from her. I have no hesitation in working with Shana again in the future or recommending her to other organizations.”

Lisa Hazlett RobertsAmerican Institute for Economic Research

Let’s meet first to discuss your current challenges and opportunities, short-term and long-term goals. We’ll determine together the best plan for moving forward.

Just give us a call at 202-380-5800 or fill out our contact form.