Meet Darren:
Darren serves as the Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship at Ascension St. Vincent's Foundation and has been working with nonprofits for over 16 years.
- How many years have you been in the nonprofit sector?
- I’ve been working in nonprofits – specifically higher ed and health care – for 16 years.
- What do you tell people you do when asked?
- I tell people I work with donors and our service line leaders to measure the impact of their gifts in a way that touches real people’s lives. A lot of my job is listening, learning and communicating what’s happening across our healthcare system to our supporters.
- I am passionate about fundraising because…
- The funds that we raise make an immediate, lifesaving difference for people in our community. Without the funds to support our mission, we would struggle to provide the amount and level of care that we do. Connecting the dots across our community brings me joy.
- What is your favorite thing about being an AFP member?
- I’ve really enjoyed the informative meetings and sessions I’ve attended and I also really enjoy getting to meet new people and share ideas. It’s a very fun and friendly atmosphere and I value that connection.
- What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter our field?
- There are lots of techniques and tactics to be a better fundraiser, but they all come back to relationships. Get to know people and take a genuine interest in them. It will help everything else you do fall right into place. Put people first and you can’t go wrong.
Fun Questions 😊
- What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
- I grew up as a Florida cowboy! Riding horses on ranches in South and Central Florida, participating in 4-H and roping and riding all across our state. I love its natural beauty, its history and the wildlife that makes it such a unique place to live. There is no other place like Florida in the world.
- What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
- I’ve always wanted to go to Buenos Aires.
- What is the best book, TV show or movie you’ve consumed in the past year?
- I really enjoyed Self Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. I also like The Righteous Gemstones and The Holdovers.
- What’s one item you can’t live without?
- Probably my water bottle. I hydrate like a professional.
- If you were a hashtag what would you be?
- #floridaman – I love living here and being from here.