For this month’s Board Member Spotlight, we spoke with Kristina Rawson, Director of Donor Experience at the Columbus College of Art & Design. Kristina is serving as the National Philanthropy Chair Elect of our chapter this year. 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?
I had been working for non profits but in a more operations and financial management focused role. I really enjoyed all of the operations, stewardship, data management that went into fundraising. Which brought me to CCAD in fundraising capacity. Over the past 6 years at CCAD I have been a front line fundraiser, fundraising operations focused and now help lead the fundraising team with a focus on stewardship, donor experience, operations and strategic planning.
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 at Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD), where I’ve spent the past six years supporting a community rooted in creativity and collaboration. Founded in 1879 by five women with a bold vision for artistic exchange, CCAD continues to champion that same spirit today—bringing together students, alumni, and creatives to learn, grow, and shape the future.
Our mission is centered on delivering a transformative art and design education that empowers students to build meaningful, sustainable careers while fueling the region’s creative economy. We serve a dynamic and diverse group of emerging artists and designers, all driven to make an impact through their work.
What excites me most is seeing creativity in action—not just in the classroom, but across Columbus. Whether it’s expanding access through scholarships, deepening our presence downtown, or watching our students and alumni influence culture and industry, it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of an institution where creativity truly drives change.
Q: How long have you been part of AFP, and what do you value most about your membership?
I have been a member of AFP for seven years. And honestly I love the support, friendships and connections that you get from being a part of an organization filled with fundraisers. There is something for everyone, and there is understanding about the field, creative problem solving and support.
Q: What inspired you to serve on the AFP board, and what do you enjoy most about your role?
Serving on the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) board felt like a natural way to stay connected and give back to a field that’s shaped so much of my career. I’ve always valued the opportunity to share ideas and learn from others, and after wrapping up service on another board, I was excited to reengage with AFP in a meaningful way.
In my role at Columbus College of Art & Design, I lead donor events and fundraising initiatives, so stepping into work around National Philanthropy Day felt like a natural extension of what I do every day. What I enjoy most is the chance to help bring that event to life—celebrating philanthropy, elevating impactful stories, and contributing to how it continues to grow and evolve in the future.
Q: What’s a moment in your career that made you think, “This is why I do this work”?
One moment that really stuck with me was when students returned to campus at CCAD after being away. I’m a proud “weird art kid”—I grew up in the arts, studied fine art as an undergrad, and went on to study art history in graduate school—but I didn’t attend a traditional art and design school. For a long time, I was used to feeling like the outlier.
So walking onto campus and seeing it come back to life—students creating, collaborating, and fully being themselves—was a real full-circle moment for me. It hit me that because of the work we do, students have a space where they feel safe, supported, and understood. They get to explore their ideas, find their community, and build something meaningful together.
Q: What’s one lesson fundraising has taught you about people?
Fundraising has taught me that, at their core, people are generous and want to do good. It’s easy to lose sight of that, but time and again I’ve seen how much individuals genuinely care about making a difference and showing up for others.
What I love most is that fundraising creates a space for that generosity to come to life—it connects people to causes they care deeply about and helps turn their values into action. It’s not just about giving; it’s about understanding what matters to people and building something meaningful together.
Q: What’s a piece of fundraising advice you’ve heard that has always stuck with you?
One piece of fundraising advice that has always stuck with me is to hire people who know things you don’t. The strongest teams are built by bringing together different strengths, perspectives, and areas of expertise.
I keep this in mind, especially when hiring. Surrounding myself with colleagues who complement my skill set not only makes the work better, but also creates space for others to step into their strengths and lead. It’s been a powerful reminder that you don’t have to carry everything yourself—great work happens when you trust your team and let people shine.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, blog, podcast, or resource that has been helpful in your career that you’d recommend?
Yes, Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering is my go to gut check and there is a great Brene Brown episode featuring Priya that I recommend to everyone. Also, I love to follow funny non profit instagram accounts like nicoleolive
Q: What do you enjoy most about living or working in Central Ohio? Any favorite spots?
What I love most about living and working in Columbus is that it truly feels like the smallest big city. You have access to incredible resources, a vibrant creative and business community, and so much to do—yet it still feels personal. It’s the kind of place where you’ll run into someone you know whether you’re grabbing dinner or just out running errands, and that sense of connection is really special.
My husband and I both grew up here, and after spending time in Washington, we realized Columbus was the place we wanted to come back to. It’s where we want to invest our time and energy, build our careers, and raise our family. There’s a real sense of pride and possibility here, and it continues to feel like a community we’re excited to be part of every day.
Q: Outside of work, what’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?
Outside of work I truly enjoy bringing people together, through small gatherings, or community events like the farmers market and festivals. We are constantly bringing people together to build our community around us. Also, I am very passionate about my three times a week aqua fitness at the local YMCA, spending time in the water with a variety of generations helps ground me.
Q: If someone handed you a ticket for your dream vacation tomorrow, where would you go?
The UK, I lived in England for a few years and I miss seeing my friends. I would visit York, The David Hockney museum in Shipley and then Scotland and Ireland as well.
Q: If fundraising had a mascot animal, what would it be and why?
If fundraising had a mascot animal, I’d say it’s a golden retriever. Not just because they’re warm and approachable, but because they lead with genuine enthusiasm and build trust easily.
Great fundraisers do the same, they’re relationship-driven, attentive, and consistent. Like a golden retriever, they show up, listen well, follow through, and make people feel valued. There’s also a quiet persistence there—you don’t give up after one ask, you keep showing up with authenticity and care.
At the end of the day, fundraising is about connection, and that kind of loyal, people-first energy feels like the perfect fit.