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?

Oh this is a funny story. I took a job being the first Director of Promotions and Development of at WBST public radio at Ball State University. About six weeks into the job my boss told me we needed to do one of those on their fund drives. I asked why he told me that and he said that’s what development is: raising money. I was shocked! I told him every time he mentioned development I talked about audience development, about building the audience. And he said, “I know, I was afraid if I told you the truth you wouldn’t take the job.”  Well, I was 30 or so and I figured I was there I might as well try it. About six weeks later I ran an OnAir fund drive and we raised $17,854 in three days – and I was hooked! I raised money for the next 43 years.

Q: Tell us a little about the organization where you work or volunteer —its mission, who it serves, and what excites you most about the work.

Well, since I am “Retired” let me tell you about my current volunteer work.  As you know there is the CFRE – the Certified Fundraising Executive — and there’s also the ACFRE – the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive. I am the immediate past chair of the ACFRE Credentialing Board, having served in that role for 2 1/2 years. I am now chair, ACFRE Application and Testing Committee. In that role I work to evaluate the applicants’ and candidates’ submissions, including finding those who have the ACFRE to serve on review panels for each of the four steps to the credential – 1) the Application, 2) the Portfolio, 3) Written Exam, and 4) the Oral Exam. That work takes a couple of days a week.

In between, I try to help our local Chapter and serve as a mentor, either formally or informally, to local professionals.  I also give workshops or presentations on fundraising.  Last month I spoke to my former Greater Cleveland Chapter about Donor Psychology: Facts and Fictions. Earlier this month I gave the keynote and did a brief workshop for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters statewide convention. I really enjoy sharing my fundraising knowledge with others.

Q: How long have you been part of AFP, and what do you value most about your membership?

For 35 years! I first joined the AFP Greater Cleveland Chapter in 1991, eventually serving on the nominating committee, program committee, and as president. I was recognized as their Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year by the Chapter in 2002.  As I moved and my career progressed, I served as a member of the Boston, New Jersey, and New York chapters before transferring to Central Ohio.  Along the way, I became involved on the national level, serving on a variety of committees and as Vice Chair for Professional Development on the Global Board.

The Central Ohio Chapter recognized me as the Fundraising Professional of the Year in 2020, an award I am very proud of. AFP Global recognized me with the prestigious Founders Medallion, and later as a Distinguished Fellow of AFP (FAFP).

At this year‘s ICON, I was surprised to learn that my fellow ACFREs have started a fund in my name in the AFP Foundations For Philanthropy.  I was also given a large, heavy crystal award (which was fun to lug home) by AFP Global President and CEO, Art Taylor and Board Chair Roger Ali for my service to the ACFRE.

AFP has been essential to my professional growth and career success. I not only learned important principles, techniques, and ethical principles, I also learned how to interact with people from a variety of backgrounds. The leadership and management skills I learned while volunteering for AFP were invaluable. To get the most out of one’s Membership, I highly recommend getting involved at both the local and global level.  That made an enormous difference in my career.

Q: What’s a moment in your career that made you think, “This is why I do this work”?

This is a hard one to answer. Perhaps when a local couple made a $10 million commitment to the Neurological Institute at the Wexner Medical Center – donors who have become wonderful friends.  Or perhaps when I was teaching in Columbia University’s Masters Degree in Fundraising Program and seeing the students’ lightbulbs turn on.  Or perhaps when I worked for an organization that recorded textbooks for blind students – and I had the opportunity to meet two Harvard-educated lawyers, both of whom had listened to all of their law books. All of those were touching moments that reminded me of the importance of philanthropy and why Alexis de Toqueville thought Americans were unusually blessed because they lift up their fellow citizens.

Q: What’s one lesson fundraising has taught you about people?

That even though times may be difficult or we may have some who are oppressing others, there are always many good people who want to make a positive difference in the world.

Q: What’s a piece of fundraising advice you’ve heard that has always stuck with you?

Well, this may sound mercenary, but it’s meant to renew one’s optimism: no matter how big or small community, no matter how rich or poor, there are always some people who want to improve the situation for others and will sacrifice their personal resources to do it.

Q: Do you have a favorite book, blog, podcast, or resource that has been helpful in your career that you’d recommend?

Of course, there are the classics everyone should read if they want to be well educated in fundraising and philanthropy, including the following authors with their topic areas:

• Henry A. Rosso — philosophy and ethics of fundraising
• James M. Greenfield — management and accountability
• Jerold Panas — major gifts and solicitation
• Ken Burnett — donor relationships and stewardship
• Penelope Burk — donor research and retention
• Adrian Sargeant — evidence-based fundraising and donor loyalty

But, to be a truly exceptional fundraiser, one must be an interesting person. That means being well read in a variety of areas (contemporary literature, Smithsonian magazine, etc.) and having a wide variety of life experiences (exploring different cultures and cuisines, and going to live theatre, dance and music performances, etc.).   One can’t truly connect with others in a meaningful way without having a depth of experience.

Q: What do you enjoy most about living or working in Central Ohio? Any favorite spots?

I think we are so fortunate here in Central Ohio.  Compared to other places I’ve lived, the weather is really quite mild. The people are friendly and kind to each other (for the most part).  I absolutely love the Columbus Metropolitan Library (we have a bequest going there in recognition of their service to all people regardless of any differences). The Columbus Museum of Art is top drawer and there are lots of fabulous restaurants. On top of that, there are plenty of festivals and, of course, Fashion shows. Many people don’t realize that Columbus is the third largest fashion center in the country (after New York and Los Angeles). We have an annual Fashion Week here each fall and there are several fashion shows a month throughout the year

Q: Outside of work, what’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?

Gardening, helping and spending time with my neighbor widows, and making contemporary quilts.

Q: If someone handed you a ticket for your dream vacation tomorrow, where would you go?

This is a tough one for me because we’ve been fortunate to travel in my retirement. I’d love to go back to Thailand and explore Southeast Asia more.  Europe, especially Spain, France, and my homeland, Italy, also have great appeal.  Among the places I haven’t been, Australia has appeal since I actually know Fundraisers there.

Q: If fundraising had a mascot animal, what would it be and why?

Oh, there are so many animals, it’s hard to pick just one. I think of the Rabbit and the Hare because there are times we need to run like crazy and other times we’ve got to be in it for the long haul.  But I suppose if I had to pick just one, it would be the sea otter. They juggle rocks, play “tag”, surf waves and often float together holding hands so they don’t drift apart while resting. They even frequently play together as adults. They’ve often been an inspiration to me on how to live.