From Go-Live to Growth Driver: A Conversation on CRM Stabilization and Adoption

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Online Meeting

Aug 25, 2026 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET

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Going live with a new CRM is only the beginning. For many advancement teams, the real work starts after implementation — building the governance, buy-in, and habits that turn a new system into a lasting strategic asset. In this interview-style session, Caroline Chang, VP of Advancement Strategy at Kindsight, sits down with Shalonda Faye Martin, Executive Director of Advancement Services at Pomona College, to unpack what post-go-live stabilization really looks like in practice.

Together they'll explore how to move from reactive, individual-dependent governance to a structured, cross-functional model with clear ownership and prioritization. They'll discuss why sustained executive sponsorship matters most after launch — not just during it — and how to identify and empower departmental champions who reduce reliance on shadow systems. The conversation will also cover practical, measurable KPIs institutions can use to track adoption and prove ongoing value.

Whether your CRM went live last month or three years ago, this candid, practitioner-driven conversation will offer real strategies for building lasting adoption and impact.

Thank you to our sponser:

Shalonda Martin, Executive Director, Advancement Services, Pomona College

Shalonda Martin, EdD, is the Executive Director of Advancement Services at Pomona College, where she oversees Research, Relationship Management and Analytics, Stewardship, Data Administration, CRM Administration & User Experience, Gift Services, and Advancement Technology. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in organizational development, DEI strategy, and leadership development. A seasoned and published research-practitioner, Shalonda is dedicated to enhancing organizational effectiveness through data excellence and inclusive, equitable practices.

Shalonda has successfully led teams at Pomona College, Pepperdine University, UCLA, and USC, developing high-quality data programs, curating DEI content, and implementing systems optimization strategies to drive operational efficiency. As an ICF-certified executive leadership coach, she partners with leaders across various industries as well as individuals navigating their career paths.

She earned a BS in Intercultural Communications and an MS in Management and Leadership from Pepperdine University, and an EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC.

Caroline Chang, Vice President, Advancement, Kindsight

As the Vice President of Advancement at Kindsight, Caroline Chang is an advancement services expert, with over 30 years of experience in the higher education industry and nonprofit fundraising. She leverages her knowledge of systems, databases, and business processes to develop and deliver innovative and comprehensive solutions for higher education organizations.

Caroline is passionate about helping higher education institutions achieve their fundraising and engagement goals through effective and efficient use of technology and data. She is also a skilled presenter and organizer of conferences, workshops, and webinars on topics related to advancement services, CRM best practices, and Salesforce trends. In 2016, she received the Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). She has also contributed a chapter on advancement data analytics for a book published by Rowman and Littlefield in 2019.