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Director of Planned Giving National Parks Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Becca was in Rocky Mountain National Park when she got word that she’d landed an interview with the National Parks Foundation. As someone who grew up appreciating the parks, Becca is thrilled to have the chance to expand these kind of meaningful experience with our nation’s parks for others.
Director of Individual & Planned Gifts and Donor Stewardship Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. Buffalo, NY
As a child, Kim watched her grandmother run a deli that was more than just a place to buy food; it was a hub of generosity and kindness in action. That was the first spark that ignited Kim’s lifelong passion for helping others.
Director of Development & Capital Campaign Navy SEAL Museum, San Diego, CA
Kim wanted to be a fundraiser. She saved her money, quit her job in sales, and gave herself a year to land a job in nonprofit development. Her plan worked-faster and better than she could have dreamed.
Senior Vice President at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
In Mark’s very first development job he supervised students making phone calls for a university’s annual fund. To keep them motivated, Mark had to help them understand, “Why does this matter?” Today, 30 years later, Mark is still working in development for higher ed. And his answer to that question is still the same.
Assistant Vice President for Gift Planning, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Steve came to planned giving from practicing law, so he’s comfortable with technicalities and details. He’s also aware of the downside of details and has learned to balance them with people skills.
Founder and CEO. Two & Company, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
With Shari’s background in business, she knew that on paper the chances of her nonprofit model surviving were slim. But her soul told her something different. She knew it would work. It had to.
Chief Advancement Officer for The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.
Performing as a vocalist with orchestras and operas taught Elizabeth to be comfortable in the spotlight. These days she is quick to shine the spotlight on others – colleagues, donors, and the artists whose work is on display at Phillips. Whether as performer or fundraiser, for Elizabeth it’s never been about getting attention; it’s about helping her audience be transformed.
Associate Director of Advancement, Office of Under Secretary for Education, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Some families vacation at the beach. Some go to amusement parks. Mark’s family went to museums. Perhaps he was destined for the Smithsonian.
Executive Director of High Peaks Alliance, Farmington, Maine
In the realm of land conservation, people from different walks of life sometimes collide with opposing goals. Part of High Peaks Alliance’s mission is to bring these folks together to find a way forward. As an outdoorsman and an ecologist, Brent West is the right man for the job.
Chief Philanthropy Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, PA
When you live in the same community for 50 years, relationships go deep. For Chip, who was born and raised and raised his kids in the Lehigh Valley, many United Way donors are not just professional acquaintances, but personal friends.
Director of Stewardship & Development, The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, PA MD
In a professional field known for high turnover rates, Dolores stands out as one of the long-timers. When she took a job with the diocese, she thought she’d stay a few years before getting restless and moving on. But it’s been 20 years, and Dolores loves her job more then ever. What keeps her motivated? The people and their stories.
Director of Stewardship & Planned Giving, The Bryn Mawr School, Baltimore, MD
Lynn never intended to go into fundraising. She studied scientific illustration, and then worked in movie and commercial production. But as she grew older, the call of a more purpose-driven career beckoned.
Director of Planned Giving and Senior Advisor to the President, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Washington, D.C.
Petrina started her career after law school as a lobbyist in North Carolina. When she moved into a development role, her first donor meeting taught her a valuable lesson about fundraising that has influenced every donor meeting since.
Vice President Marketing & Innovation
Upbring, Austin, TX
After a “quarter-life career crisis” Ryan left the for-profit world planning to start his own nonprofit. But a few years after joining Upbring’s marketing department, a meeting with the CEO changed everything.
CEO
Ronald McDonald House Charities, Philadelphia, PA
Susan hated turning families away, but the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia had reached capacity. So Susan determined to make it bigger.
Chief Development Officer
Barnabas Center, Inc. , Fernandina Beach, FL
Tania had been eyeing some new playground equipment for the childcare center she directed. So she applied for a grant and won it. And that was it – she caught the fundraising bug and never looked back.
Chief Development Officer
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Many people who work as consultants start out in some career field and then, after acquiring years of experience, move into consulting others in that same career field. That’s what Stuart did. But then he did something most people don’t do. He left consulting and went back to leading a fundraising program.
Director of Development
American Friends of Soroka Medical Center
Pazit’s doctoral research explored how women become influential leaders on nonprofit boards. As she interviewed seasoned board directors, she found solidarity and inspiration from others who were, like her, juggling it all.
Director of Gift Planning
The Peddie School, Hightstown NJ
Anne started her career in museum education. But then a detour in social work exposed her to philanthropy and fundraising, igniting a passion she hadn’t realized was there.
Founder and Volunteer President/ Chairman
Dementia Society of America
When Kevin lost his wife to dementia, his life took an unexpected turn. He left the business world and started a nonprofit that’s growing fast.
Director of Development
Outlier Media, Detroit, MI
Chelsea had a secure job she enjoyed. But the unsettling events of 2020 caused her to reflect, and she felt she could use her skills to do more for society and the world.
Ukraine Global School Consulting Group
Kyiv Christian Academy
Forty years ago Wayne realized he loved fundraising at a time when few others did.
Advancement Officer, Major Gifts
Minneapolis Heart Institution Foundation
Jessica survived a harrowing heart health experience – and then went on to work for the organization that saved her life.
Chief IDEAS Officer
The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center,Inc. , Philadelphia, PA
Doris Parent was on course to become a physician. Then she fell in love with fundraising.
Vice President of Philanthropy and Assistant Vice President for Principal Gifts
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Last fall the Fred Hutch team celebrated the biggest single gift in the hospital’s 47-year history.
Legacy Giving Marketing Officer
Amnesty International, Ottowa, Canada
Hala was an immigrant with no connections. Then she found Amnesty – and found a job, a community, and a cause.
Executive Director
Middletown Community Foundation
A born-and-raised Midwesterner, Sarah has dubbed Indiana “The World Capital of Philanthropy”
Managing Program Director
Episcopal Church Foundation
Jim Murphy isn’t afraid to talk about money. That’s somewhat unusual in American culture – and highly unusual in church culture.
CEO
HealthWorks Academies
Dale never planned nor wanted to start a nonprofit. She expected to find an established organization addressing the problem – someone she could join.
Director of Development
Ronald McDonald House of Delaware
Troy recounts the time, at a previous job, that a $10 million dollar gift fell into his lap.
Development Director
Sons of the American Revolution Foundation
Phil grew up in Louisville–home of baseball bats and thoroughbred horse racing–and dreamed as a child of becoming a jockey. Instead, he says, “fundraising found me.” Through his work with the Sons of the American Revolution, Phil has met some fascinating people and learned some surprising things about his own ancestors.
Senior Manager Planned Giving
Southern Poverty Law Center
Michelle was an environmental attorney with the EPA – until she attended a Christmas party that redirected her into planned giving, and ultimately to her dream job fighting for civil rights.
President and CEO
Africa University
When James wanted to start a philanthropically-funded university on the other side of the world, everyone said it couldn’t be done. He did it anyway.
Vice President, Philanthropy
Hospice of Northwest Ohio
The tragedies pf 9/11 caused John to seek a more meaningful career. He didn’t have to look far for inspiration.
Chief Revenue Officer
Operation Homefront
Margi left a demanding career in international finance marketing thinking she would find a better work-life balance woking for a charity. She soon discovered that nonprofit work was equally, if not more, demanding than her previous jobs – but exponentially rewarding.
Vice President, Sponsorship and Development
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
How a nice midwestern kid working at a department store ended up sharing the stage with Jeff Foxworthy at a Baseball Hall of Fame reception.
Special Gifts Officer
Geneva College
For Stephen, the blending of planned and major giving has been a natural and exciting transition, creating opportunities for his own career development and for building the endowment for the places he works.
Director of Gift Planning of Smith College
After a short career in acting, he got another bug – the planned giving bug. Today, nearly two decades later, he’s still as hooked as he was on day one.
Senior Development Specialist
World Relief Durham
When the Taliban seized back control of Afghanistan and thousands scrambled to flee the country, Elizabeth and her team at World Relief were inundated with hundreds of new donors and volunteers.
President and CEO
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Foundation
Cynthia spent her young life on the stage–dancing, singing with her school chorus, and acting in plays. She imagined herself someday having a musical theater career. But there were other driving forces in her young life that sent her in a very different direction.
Senior Vice President
The American College of Financial Services
Steve was the one they called when other fundraisers ran into a hitch with a donor relationship. That’s how he learned that fundraisers aren’t necessarily supposed to be subject matter experts, but relationship experts.
Executive Director of Planned Giving
Harvard University
Working at Harvard for more than 30 years, Anne is a trusted expert in every ascpect of planned giving. What keeps her there? Collaborating with donors and people who aspire to make a difference in the world.
Director of Development
Daughters of the American Revolution
Sandra is buliding on a rich 131-year tradition of philanthropy with Daughters of the American Revolution.
Director of Gift Planning
Hamilton College
In a sector with a reputation for high turnover, Ben Madonia breaks the mold. Ben was happily engaged at Hamilton College in central New York for more than four decades until his retirement this month.
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Featured Cover
Vice President Marketing & Innovation
Upbring, Austin, TX
After a “quarter-life career crisis” Ryan left the for-profit world planning to start his own nonprofit. But a few years after joining Upbring’s marketing department, a meeting with the CEO changed everything.
Other Articles In This Issue
Featured Cover
Director of Development
American Friends of Soroka Medical Center
Pazit’s doctoral research explored how women become influential leaders on nonprofit boards. As she interviewed seasoned board directors, she found solidarity and inspiration from others who were, like her, juggling it all.
Other Articles In This Issue
