Member Spotlight: Brian Canavan

Brian Canavan

Vice President, Development

Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio

Q:           Tell us a little about your organization. Mission? Population you serve? What do you like most about working there?   

A:           For nearly three decades, Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio has transformed the lives of over 360 Central Ohioans by providing a pathway to empowerment for people to achieve, or save the dream of homeownership.  Its programs provide the successful model of offering a hand-up approach rather than a hand-out by utilizing sweat equity, financial education, and homeownership skills training.  Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio is currently embarking on their Habitat Housing Initiative – this effort will allow Habitat to go from serving about 30 families a year to over 140! We will be focusing on transforming the Linden, Southside, and Newark areas over the next 5 years.

I love working at Habitat because of the people. Getting to see someone transform their life and provide a safe home for their family is as fulfilling as it gets.

 

Q:           How long have you been an AFP member, and what has your involvement been?

A:           I joined AFP in 2010 and have served AFP in different capacities including treasurer, Job Bank Chair, and serving as a Mentor.

 

Q:           What do you consider the most valuable part of your AFP membership?

A:           The network of people and sharing of ideas. AFP is always inspiring with so many great organizations and people! Also the International Conference was an amazing experience, I was awarded the Chamberlain Scholarship to attend the conference and it really was inspiring.

 

Q:           How long have you been in fundraising, and how did you get into it?       

A:           I have been blessed to be in fundraising for about 9 years. I fell into the profession after getting my MBA and working in Corporate Partnerships for various professional collegiate sports teams. I was burnt out and was able to transition my skill set to make a difference with great organizations. 

 

Q:           What is your favorite part about living/working in Columbus? Favorite Restaurant?

A:           I came to Columbus for my undergraduate degree at The Ohio State University and met my wife there. We fell in love with Columbus and after moving around a bit came back in 2010. We love that Columbus is the best of both worlds being small enough to get around without much hassle but also having great restaurants, bars, and culture. We live in Delaware so I will have to give a shout  out to all of the amazing bars and restaurants that have come to Delaware – more specifically 1808 has amazing food and craft beers. 

 

Q:           Tell us a fun fact about you that other AFP members wouldn’t know.

A:           I live in Delaware with my wife Megan, my 2 year old daughter Maggie, and two dogs. Additionally, I am an avid Hockey Player and fan and have been playing Ice Hockey since I was three. The Blue Jackets and Boston Bruins are my favorite teams as I have worked at both organizations. I have used my passion for hockey to fundraise as well, starting the Hockey Beats Down Cancer Tournament raising money for the American Cancer Society, and am starting the 24 Hours of Hockey for Habitat event to raise money for affordable housing.

 

Posted: January 2017