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?
After college I knew I wanted to work in the non-profit space, but I expect it to lead me to fundraising! After spending the first 8 years of my career working living and working for a non-profit in Ljubljana, Slovenia, I made my way back to Ohio. I knew I wanted to shift my focus to the food justice and anti-hunger space. I had some fundraising experience, so I used this as the foot in the door, and came to realize that I really loved and enjoyed the work of connecting folks in our community to our mission through philanthropy!
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 work for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective as the stewardship coordinator. We are the largest food bank in Ohio, one of 12 in the state. We work with more than 600 partners agencies throughout 20 counties, to help connect food insecure neighbors in our community to fresh and nutritious food. Throughout our network, we serve more than half a million individuals each year. I believe that access to food is a human right and love working in an organization that is continually looking for ways to better serve our customers and get to the root causes of hunger.
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 nearly 4 years. When I moved back to Ohio, I was new to the non-profit and fundraising space in central Ohio. AFP became a great resource to not only grow my skills but also meet like-minded people in our community who have a passion for making a difference.
Q: What inspired you to serve on the AFP board, and what do you enjoy most about your role?
One of the places I have really dug into AFP was through the Fundamentals of Fundraising course. I first experienced this as a participant, and then as a committee member and facilitator for the past couple of years. When the opportunity arose to help chair this course and the other global education courses, I was happy to step up! I love getting to see participants’ confidence grow and the long-lasting connections that they make throughout the course. This is a great asset to our fundraising community and it’s my pleasure to help make this and our other courses a great experience for my fellow fundraisers.
Q: What’s a moment in your career that made you think, “This is why I do this work”?
This past fall, during the government shutdown. In a time that can feel defined by divisiveness, I have never been more inspired by how our community came together. People from all walks of life and all corners of our community gave back in whatever way they could to help their neighbors. The response truly blew me away and reminded me of how compassionate and supportive our community is when it comes together and looks out for one another.
Q: What’s one lesson fundraising has taught you about people?
Everyone has a story to tell. That’s one thing I love about getting to know donors. They all have different reasons for supporting our mission. I try not to make assumptions and listen to their why.
Q: What’s a piece of fundraising advice you’ve heard that has always stuck with you?
Not a lesson necessarily, but a perspective. As fundraisers, we get the honor of connecting peoples’ passions with our missions. When things get tough, I remind myself what an honor it is to do that for people.
Q: What do you enjoy most about living or working in Central Ohio? Any favorite spots?
I love being a fan. I’ve been a Buckeye fan my whole life, but living back in Columbus, I’ve come to really lean into all the teams our city has to offer. I love going to Crew games and am in my hockey era right now. Go Jackets!
Q: Outside of work, what’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love hiking and being in nature and cooking and creating new recipes.
Q: If someone handed you a ticket for your dream vacation tomorrow, where would you go?
Thailand – I’ve never been to Asia and would love to try all the food, see the historical and culture sites, and visit the beaches!
Q: If fundraising had a mascot animal, what would it be and why?
Phil (short for Philanthropy of course) the Otter. Otters are curious, highly intelligent, social, and great communicators.