For this month’s Board Member Spotlight, we spoke with Lisa Rovner Founder and CEO of LKR Strategies. Lisa is serving as the National Philanthropy Day Chair 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 (gratefully) stumbled into fundraising after earning a BFA in Dance and wanted to focus on the administrative side of the arts world. BalletMet’s development team gave me my first opportunity and I’ve been learning with each new role 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.
Last summer, after nearly 30 years as a front-line fundraiser, I founded LKR Strategies. I provide fractional fundraising to mission-driven nonprofits, and I absolutely love it. I’m passionate about the power of philanthropy and how donor generosity can improve our communities and the people who live in them.
Q: How long have you been part of AFP, and what do you value most about your membership?
I’ve been a member of AFP throughout my career, and I appreciate the community of professionals who are all working to make the world a better place.
Q: What inspired you to serve on the AFP board, and what do you enjoy most about your role?
I reached out to colleagues when I launched my firm and was encouraged to serve on the board. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know a new group of fundraisers I didn’t know before.
Q: What’s a moment in your career that made you think, “This is why I do this work”?
I love interacting with donors, whether I was hosting them for an in-person ballet rehearsal in the dance studio or meeting them in a coffee shop in Los Angeles. Seeing their excitement and passion for the cause they love is incredibly inspiring and fills my cup every time.
Q: What’s one lesson fundraising has taught you about people?
Everyone has a cause, charity, or organization that they care deeply about, whether it’s their place of worship, their alma mater, or another cause. I find it incredibly powerful when I share thanks and appreciation to donors and they find it so moving – people want to help and make the world a better place.
Q: What’s a piece of fundraising advice you’ve heard that has always stuck with you?
When you thank and engage donors, and help them feel genuinely appreciated, you will have that donor for life.
Q: What do you enjoy most about living or working in Central Ohio? Any favorite spots?
It’s like a big small town, or a small big city. It’s a supportive, tight-knit kind of place. Favorite spots: Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio Theatre, Guiseppe’s, Franklin Park Conservatory.
Q: Outside of work, what’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?
Reading, spending time with family and friends, finding a great series to binge-watch (Succession, Bridgerton), enjoying summer festivals, seeing live theatre, Broadway series, and ballet.
Q: If someone handed you a ticket for your dream vacation tomorrow, where would you go?
Hawai’i or New Zealand.