For this month’s Board Member Spotlight, we spoke with Hardy Kern, Director of Government Relations at the American Bird Conservancy. Hardy is serving as the Vice President of Education of our chapter this year. During his interview, he told us a bit about himself and his 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?
Like many, I stumbled into it. My last job was not donor-centric but did have me interacting with donors frequently and telling them about our mission, or working lots of donor events. In my current role I had a small operating budget that really just covered salary, and if I wanted to do any more I had to go out and get the funding! Thankfully I had a Development Officer who was very willing to teach and work with me. Together we were able to grow my program budget and remove some work from her plate!
Q: Tell us a little about the organization you work with—its mission, who it serves, and what excites you most about the work.
American Bird Conservancy is an international nonprofit that protects birds and their habitats across the Americas. I work on policy for them, helping to support good legislation and regulations across the country. I love that we work on so many different facets of bird conservation: we have folks like me working on policy, people actually out in the field restoring habitat, people focused on education, and operations staff that make it easy for all of the program work to function.
Q: How long have you been part of AFP, and what do you value most about your membership?
I have been a part of AFP for four years and I love the community I have gotten from it. I have made new friends, built professional networks, and grown so much from the education and opportunities.
Q: What inspired you to serve on the AFP board, and what do you enjoy most about your role?
Nonprofit service is something I am very passionate about, and I can’t sit still. When an opportunity to join the board was offered as chair-elect of the monthly education committee, I leapt at it! I’m not a fundraiser in the traditional sense, but I love setting up opportunities for people to learn more.
Q: What’s a moment in your career that made you think, “This is why I do this work”?
Launching a new program which enrolled farmers in bird-friendly practices across 13 states, making over 6,000 acres safer for birds!
Q: What’s one lesson fundraising has taught you about people?
Everyone has a reason for wanting to support your work, and they’re almost never what you would expect.
Q: What’s a piece of fundraising advice you’ve heard that has always stuck with you?
Funders are not your boss, and bosses are not your funders.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, blog, podcast, or resource that has been helpful in your career that you’d recommend?
The Persuaders by Anand Giridharadas; great insights into the psychology of movements, persuasion, and human behavior.
Q: What do you enjoy most about living or working in Central Ohio? Any favorite spots?
I love the close proximity to nature; Columbus has so many fantastic metro parks and the State parks around Ohio are fantastic. I love Highbanks Metropark, Blendon Woods, and Boyer Nature Preserve.
Q: Outside of work, what’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to go bird watching, garden, hike with my dogs and wife, read, bake, and build furniture.
Q: If someone handed you a ticket for your dream vacation tomorrow, where would you go?
Toss up between the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Q: If fundraising had a mascot animal, what would it be and why?
A river otter: energetic, resourceful, presentable in polite company but aggressive when necessary.