Made in heaven or…..? Exploring the relationship between the Director of Development and your CEO

When:  Apr 6, 2021 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (PT)
Virtual Advanced Executive Forum

Description:  Moderated panel discuss with three pairs representing the nonprofit sector in Los Angeles

Successful fundraising is centered on building authentic relationships. In a nonprofit organization, that begins internally and probably no single relationship is more important than the one between the executive director role and director of development role.

One carries the responsibility of leading the organization to the efficient execution of its mission, and the other shoulders the burden of finding the money that makes it all possible. In many ways, these two individuals are joined at the hip.

Why then do they seem at times to be pulling painfully in opposite directions? Far too often, development directors feel that their organization’s executive director erects barriers that prevent them from raising money. On the other hand, executive directors may be uncomfortable with their development directors because of their focus on raising funds.

Today we are going to hear from three organizations who have managed to find the secret sauce of teamwork and collaboration between these two critical roles.

Descanso Gardens

  • Juliann Rooke, Executive Director
  • Somer Sherwood-White, Director of Advancement

Wellnest

  • Charlene Dimas-Peinado, President and CEO
  • Andrea Salazar, Vice President of Advancement and External Affairs
Westside Food Bank
  • Bruce Rankin, Executive Director
  • Genevieve Riutort, Deputy Director and CDO