Member Spotlight: David Weaver
David Weaver
Executive Director
Ohioana Library Association
Q: Tell us a little about your organization. Mission? Population you serve? What do you like most about working there?
A: Ohioana collects, preserves, and celebrates Ohio literature. It was founded in 1929 by an Ohio First Lady – Martha Kinney Cooper – who was an avid reader. In addition to a collection that includes more than 75,000 books and other items, we produce an annual book festival, give out literary awards, and publish a magazine. I have always loved reading and am a writer myself – so the Ohioana Library Association is a great fit for me.
Q: How long have you been an AFP member, and what has your involvement been?
A: I attended the second organizational meeting of the Central Ohio chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives, which preceded AFP. That was in 1981! Except for a few brief periods, I’ve been a member ever since. I have served on the board four times since 1982, most recently in 2011-14, during which I served as National Philanthropy Day Co-Chair in 2012 and 2013.
Q: What do you consider the most valuable part of your AFP membership?
A: Great educational programs, wonderful opportunity to mix and mingle with your colleagues, whom you often do not see except for AFP luncheons and events, since everyone is so busy back at the shop!
Q: How long have you been in fundraising, and how did you get into it?
A: I began my career as Development Assistant at the Columbus Symphony in 1980, soon after Ralph Goettler and his firm, Goettler Associates, organized the CSO’s first professional development operation. Within a year I was Assistant Director of Development. My first job as a Development Director was in 1981, at The Breathing Association. A job I learned about, by the way, at an NSFRE meeting!
Q: What is your favorite part about living/working in Columbus? Favorite restaurant?
A: I was born in Columbus and, except when I went to college in Cincinnati and spent a year studying music in California, I’ve lived here all my life. Columbus is a great place to live and work because the people here are warm and friendly. And the nonprofit community here is fantastic – so many dedicated people and organizations. As for favorite restaurant – it’s Haiku, in the Short North.
Q: Tell us a fun fact about you that other AFP members wouldn’t know.
A: I played Kermit the Frog once on “Alive at the Fair.” It was on the old Warner QUBE service, in 1980.
Posted: July 2016