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Organization: Holston Foundation

Title: President

Years working in the development field: 26

Professional

How has your AFP involvement evolved during your career?

I have seen the Association of Fundraising Professionals become more sophisticated over the years. It grew out of a US-only organization into Canada and eventually other countries, which has only added to the value and experience members enjoy. I remember one ICON where we celebrated two women who were attending from Egypt’s first AFP chapter. They were rockstars!

What did the path to your current development position look like?

After graduate school I began looking for a career that I would enjoy. I had never heard of “development” as a fundraising professional until I applied for a position at KARM where I worked with the media and ran the direct mail campaign. It was there that I discovered a notebook with “NSFRE” on the spine and learned that Knoxville had a chapter of the National Association of Fundraising Professionals, and that there were others in the area employed in fundraising! (Keep in mind we did not have nearly the networking or chapter support we do now through AFP.)

My career progressed with additional training, connections through our chapter, working in social services, and in private secondary and higher education ranging from annual fund support to planned giving expertise.

When and why did you join AFP?

I joined AFP in 1998. I joined because I quickly realized that I needed the support and camaraderie that the chapter offers. Most non-profits have only one or two individuals engaged in fundraising so having a support system of like-minded professionals is invaluable.

What has been the best thing you’ve gotten out of AFP? 

Relationships. Programs are helpful; however, the greater benefit has been developing a network of colleagues.  It has been extremely helpful for my career to be connected with others who face the same professional challenges, who understand how fundraisers are often isolated in a non-profit organization, and who we can draw ideas or inspiration from.

What is one thing – either development-related or not – that you’ve learned in the last 3 months?

While the pandemic has presented challenges in fundraising, it has also brought out so much good that we should appreciate. I think that donors are more attentive to the needs of the community as we have collectively been through so much.

Personal 

Here are 5 statements that I want you to complete using EXACTLY 5 words.

1. My friends say that “I’m in need of a handler.”
2. I have never tried to “hike all the Appalachian Trail.”
3. I have a passion for “inspiring generosity in other people.”
4. Never let me near a “button that shouldn’t be pushed.”