In our Season 5 finale, The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation’s Diana Perrault joins the podcast to share how leaders can rethink capacity building to strengthen their peer-to-peer teams from the inside out.

Many fundraising teams are stretched thin, yet the work keeps expanding. Instead of pushing harder, some organizations are stepping back and reimagining what healthy capacity really looks like. When leaders center people, clarity and collaboration, teams gain the space they need to grow with purpose.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Diana Perrault, Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Diana brings deep frontline experience and a people first leadership approach that has helped her rebuild team infrastructure, expand staff capacity and create an environment where fundraisers feel supported.

Diana reflects on the early signs that a team needs to reset its structure, from burnout signals to stalled ideation. She shares thoughtful ways leaders can understand the true load their staff carry, make the most of one-on-one conversations and advocate for resources with confidence. The conversation also highlights how to choose tools and systems that truly serve the work and how remote teams can stay connected through trust and shared values.

Together, we’ll explore:

– Assessing real capacity and identifying when a team is ready for a rebuild
– Creating people centered practices that prevent burnout and strengthen culture
– Advocating for resources and designing systems that support sustainable growth

Mentioned Links
https://themmrf.org 
https://endurance.themmrf.org/endurance 

Stay Connected on LinkedIn
Connect with Diana
Connect with Marcie
Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

Podcast Guest

Diana Perrault

Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising,
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

A seasoned nonprofit leader with more than 15 years of experience in peer-to-peer fundraising and field development, Diana has played a pivotal role in helping organizations build high-performing fundraising teams to raise millions in support of their missions. Her career spans all aspects of peer-to-peer fundraising-traditional campaigns, chapter development, volunteer engagement, and marketing-across local, regional, and national levels. Diana has contributed her expertise to leading organizations such as the ALS Association, the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, Start Early, and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

From coaching local fundraisers and volunteers, to crafting national peer-to-peer strategies and helping optimize fundraising programs, Diana has a deep appreciation for campaign analysis and the insights that drive growth. She thrives at the intersection of data-driven strategy, fundraiser activation, and authentic relationship building in an increasingly virtual world.

As Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF®), Diana oversees the revenue and engagement strategy for the MMRF’s event-based fundraising programs, including walk, endurance, and community-driven initiatives. Leading a team of nine fundraising professionals, she focuses on expanding participation and increasing revenue to further the MMRF’s mission to accelerate a cure for every myeloma patient.

Diana holds a BA in Organizational Communication, a BS in Public Administration, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Central Florida’s College of Community Innovation and Education. She lives outside Orlando with her husband and three children.

Podcast Host

Marcie Maxwell

CEO, Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

Marcie Maxwell is the CEO of the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum. Marcie joined the P2PPF team in 2021 after 15+ years as a front-line fundraiser, national events & campaign director and fundraising consultant. In her role, Marcie serves as a primary thought leader and community builder for the peer-to-peer fundraising industry. She started her career in fundraising with 10+ years at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she ran local fundraising events, managed national volunteer partnerships and launched their national walk program. She then spent 5+ years as the Director of Chapter Fundraising Events with Make-A-Wish America, where she provided strategy, support & training to 60 chapters on the full event portfolio – walks, school fundraising, an endurance hiking program and galas & social events. In her most recent role at Charity Dynamics, she partnered with clients to provide strategic guidance and analysis to help them optimize and grow their peer-to-peer fundraising events & campaigns. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in Ethical Leadership from Christian Brothers University. She resides in Memphis, TN.