Eileen Savage, Chief Advancement Officer, Cranbrook Educational Community
Dr. John S. Lore Award for Fundraising Executive
Nominated by Cranbrook Educational Community
Eileen Savage awardee video
Eileen Savage, the Chief Advancement Officer at Cranbrook Educational Community, is a seasoned professional in the field of fundraising who has left an indelible mark on the world of philanthropy. Her outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned her the prestigious nomination for the Dr. John S. Lore Award for Outstanding Fundraising Executive.
Throughout her remarkable career, Eileen has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a deep passion for her work. Her colleagues at Cranbrook Educational Community, in their enthusiastic nomination letter, describe her as a fearless leader who constantly encourages her team to innovate, take risks, and learn from their experiences. Eileen goes above and beyond, fostering a culture of professional development within her team, organizing internal educational sessions, and promoting peer-to-peer learning.
Eileen's dedication to fundraising ethics and best practices is commendable. She tirelessly advocates for additional resources for her team and has succeeded in elevating the importance of Advancement throughout Cranbrook. Her actions set an exemplary standard for her staff, as she always goes the extra mile to ensure each donor's experience at Cranbrook is unforgettable.
As a member of Cranbrook's senior leadership team, Eileen manages crucial donor relationships and provides invaluable counsel to advancement officers and program directors. Many of the institution's most generous donors trust her judgment implicitly, and she is widely regarded as a creative, talented, and well-connected strategist in the field.
Eileen's impact extends beyond her team and Cranbrook. Her involvement with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) demonstrates her commitment to giving back to the profession. She has previously served on the board of the Greater Detroit Chapter and has served for two years as the co-chair of the National Philanthropy Day event. She is a mentor through the Marjorie S. Fisher Fellows program and has been a faculty member of The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy for over thirteen years.
Notably, Eileen doesn't just talk the talk, she walks the walk. She exemplifies the importance of personal philanthropy, supporting causes vital to Cranbrook's success and contributing to organizations close to her heart. She established a scholarship in her mother's memory at her alma mater, Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, Ohio, and shingled roofs for ten years during the annual Women Build events with Habitat for Humanity in Bloomington, Indiana, where she also served as a board member and the board chair.
In summary, Eileen Savage is a beacon of excellence in the fundraising profession. Her leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts have had a profound impact on Cranbrook Educational Community and the broader philanthropic community. Eileen's nomination for the Dr. John S. Lore Award is a testament to her exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to the field of fundraising.