For this month’s Member Spotlight, we spoke with Amanda Compton, Director of Development at the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds. During her interview, she told us a bit about herself and her experience with AFP.
Q: How did you find your way into the world of fundraising? Was it the plan, or did you stumble into it along the way?
It was not my plan, until it was! I discovered this amazing field when I was exploring public sector careers that utilized my academic background in a nontraditional way. Through a grad school project and lots of networking, I learned about this profession that is highly relationship-focused and highly strategic, while serving a worthy mission. I’ve worked in fundraising ever since!
Q: Tell us a little about the organization you work with—its mission, who it serves, and what excites you most about the work.
I am honored to work for the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds, and our mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife. While serving the over 600 animal species in our care as well as the central Ohio community and guests from all over the world, our organization connects, educates, and inspires people to care about wildlife conservation. It is humbling every day to be a small part of a guest learning something new, or an animal science development, a conservation partnership impact, or a memory made at the Zoo. It is exciting that our organization is a conservation leader, and it is special to serve a mission that is about uniting all living things on our one Earth home.
Q: How long have you been part of AFP, and what do you value most about your membership?
I think for about 16 years! I value the educational opportunities that always teach me something new and keep us at the forefront of current industry developments. It is also meaningful to have a community of peers that you can relate to, learn from, and who can help me problem solve.
Q: What’s a moment in your career that made you think, “This is why I do this work”?
There are several! When donors have made a gift commitment and thank us for the opportunity, that brings everything together. I’ve also experienced a family hit by tragedy then attend a major fundraising event in the same week, and during the call to action, they stood up to lead with a large gift. It was an emotional moment!
Q: What’s one lesson fundraising has taught you about people?
That everyone has something to offer – and everyone deserves joy and appreciation. We can always show more appreciation to others!
Q: What’s a piece of fundraising advice you’ve heard that has always stuck with you?
The classic – listening is the most important part of our role.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, blog, podcast, or resource that has been helpful in your career that you’d recommend?
Information and articles from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy are always helpful.
Q: What do you enjoy most about living or working in Central Ohio? Any favorite spots?
Central Ohio has everything you could ask for, and it is all accessible! I love that you can enjoy sports and the arts easily. As a mom to three kids, my favorite spots are the ball fields where they play and the parks we explore. The woods at Liberty Park and Highbanks are favorites.
Q: Outside of work, what’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?
Neighborhood runs and being the number one fan of my daughters and son.
Q: If someone handed you a ticket for your dream vacation tomorrow, where would you go?
Probably to Maine – stopping in all the coastal towns and lots of time in Acadia! I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Q: If fundraising had a mascot animal, what would it be and why?
Let’s say a golden retriever – kind, loyal, social, persistent, and happy!