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2026 Philanthropy Leaders Summit

FROM INTENTION TO IMPACT: CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF TURNING PURPOSE INTO PROGRESS

For 15 years, the Moonridge Foundation Philanthropy Leaders Summit has brought together changemakers committed to doing more than just imagining a better world—they’ve built it. This year’s theme, From Intention to Impact, honors that legacy by challenging us to turn purpose into measurable progress and ideas into lasting change.

Join us in transforming intention into impact, because the next 15 years of change start with what we choose to do today.
Below that, create a stockmarket ticker bar in light blue or green that says: Save the Date 9/23/26 – More to come; stay tuned.

14th Annual Philanthropy
Leaders Summit

Get exclusive video access to the 14th Annual Philanthropy Leaders Summit.

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WELCOME REMARKS

Julie Murray (Reno)

A highly sought-after philanthropy expert, board member and business leader, Julie Murray has led numerous successful public/private partnerships and social impact projects for corporate funders, family foundations and community leaders. Principal and CEO of the Moonridge Group, and President of the Moonridge Foundation, she is widely credited with transforming social impact in Nevada to be more strategic and collaborative.

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Julie Murray (Reno)

A highly sought-after philanthropy expert, board member and business leader, Julie Murray has led numerous successful public/private partnerships and social impact projects for corporate funders, family foundations and community leaders. Principal and CEO of the Moonridge Group, and President of the Moonridge Foundation, she is widely credited with transforming social impact in Nevada to be more strategic and collaborative.

While serving in 2019 and 2020 as the President and Board Chair for the NV International Women’s Forum, she formed a successful strategic alliance with the National Association of Corporate Directors and led the IWF team who won the bid to host the 2022 IWF World Leadership Conference in Las Vegas.

Murray has been honored for the strategic and collaborative nature of her work. She co-founded with business leader and philanthropist Eric Hilton the Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas, a $55m annual operation that is sought after for its award-winning national-model best practices. She worked with philanthropist athlete Andre Agassi to launch the national model charter school, Agassi Prep, and is the co-founder of the “I Have a Dream” Foundation Nevada.

Murray serves on the Nevada Board for SilverSummit Healthcare and on the Community Advisory Council for Barrick/NV Gold Mine. She is the Board Chair for the Moonridge Foundation, a Donor Advisory Fund; and on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada and Noah’s Animal House.

She is a frequent speaker about philanthropy and has served as an adjunct professor of philanthropy at the University of Nevada Las Vegas teaching graduate students about driving efficiencies into social impact.

Murray resides in Las Vegas and has three grown children and one new grandbaby.

NEVADA CORPORATE GIVING REPORT

Brian Gordon, CPA/ABV

Principal

Brian Gordon is a principal with Applied Analysis, a leading economic, fiscal and policy research firm based in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with 30 years of experience and holding the Accredited in Business Valuations (ABV) credential, Gordon is widely recognized for his …

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Brian Gordon (CPA/ABV)

Brian Gordon is a principal with Applied Analysis, a leading economic, fiscal and policy
research firm based in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with
30 years of experience and holding the Accredited in Business Valuations (ABV)
credential, Gordon is widely recognized for his expertise in economic and fiscal
analysis, impact assessments, urban economics, primary market research and litigation
support.

His work spans Nevada’s key industries, including real estate, hospitality,
mining, banking and finance and manufacturing, as well as large-scale infrastructure
and community development projects. Gordon has conducted economic and fiscal
impact assessments of projects spanning statewide industries like tourism and real
estate to major venues such as Allegiant Stadium and T-Mobile Arena. His work has
also included evaluating high-profile events such as UFC’s International Fight Week,
WWE’s WrestleMania, NFL’s Super Bowl and Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix. While
sports and entertainment are prominent examples, these analyses demonstrate a
broader ability to evaluate complex projects that drive economic activity across diverse
sectors. Gordon has also led countless market studies and research projects, providing
actionable insights for developers, policymakers and business leaders.

He has also served as a subject matter expert witness in numerous litigation cases and as a court-appointed manager for various business enterprises. Appointed by the Governor to
Nevada’s Economic Forum, Gordon plays a critical role in forecasting General Fund
revenues. His contributions to the real estate sector involve more than a decade of
service to the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association, including positions as a
board member and Treasurer, reflecting his leadership and commitment to Nevada’s
economic development.

Mistress of Ceremonies

Punam Mathur (Las Vegas)

Ila

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Ila

A Nevada native, Ila was born and raised in Fallon before attending Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. She later returned to northern Nevada, where she raised her two now-adult children in Reno. Ila holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management and spent more than 20 years in the finance industry before making a purposeful transition to the nonprofit sector in 2022.

That same year, she assumed the role of President & CEO of the Nevada Women’s Fund—an organization founded in 1982 and recognized as one of the first women’s funds in the nation. Ila also serves as a Commissioner for the Nevada Commission for Women and was named a 2025 Woman to Watch by Nevada Business Magazine.

Widely recognized as a passionate and visionary nonprofit leader, Ila is known for her ability to build meaningful relationships that engage and empower communities. An entrepreneur at heart, she thrives on finding innovative ways to grow operations, scale impact, and streamline strategies that strengthen fiscal health—all while leading with bold vision and enduring optimism.

Transforming Philanthropy Through Lasting Change

Missed the 2025 PLS? Purchase the recording below to view and learn about today’s best practices, trends, gain insights, and become inspired to elevate your philanthropy.

If you attended the 2025 PLS, you can access the summit recording
Part 1 and Part 2 with your password sent to your email, click here for recording.

PURCHASE RECORDING

PREVIOUS SUMMIT SPEAKERS INCLUDE

Julie Murray

CEO of Moonridge Group

Alexis Meruelo

Chief Vision and Purpose Officer of Meruelo Group

Frank Gallagher

Hale Day Gallagher Co.

Diana Bennett

Paragon Gaming

Taylor Morelli

The Shade Tree, Three Square, & Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Keita Young

Vice-President of Community Impact at FanDuel

Andrew Pascal

Entrepreneur and Business leader

Jeff Kreisler

Managing Director of the J.P. Morgan Private Advisory

Andrew Pascal

Applied Analytics Principal

Advisory Committee

Meet the dynamic minds shaping this year’s event! They’re ensuring our event's direction and content are vibrant, impactful, and perfectly attuned to meet attendees' needs.

Sponsors

Step into the spotlight with our esteemed sponsors! They champion our mission, amplifying our impact and ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

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ABOUT MOONRIDGE

Our mission is to connect, inspire, and innovate for lasting change in the philanthropic landscape. We’re dedicated to exploring best practices and new trends in giving, ensuring that your impact is meaningful and effective. 

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