Board Member Spotlight

Dan Blakemore, CFRE
AFPNEO Immediate Past President and Chair, Directorship
Vice President of Philanthropy at Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Favorite experience with AFPNEO so far? Hosting the Chapter Annual Meeting at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens while I worked there.

If you could give your younger self any advice about the fundraising profession, what would it be? The trials by fire in your early career will make you a better fundraiser in the long term.

What are your hobbies outside of work and fundraising? Genealogy, reading, and gardening.

Amy Crawford
AFPNEO Chair, IDEA Committee and Focus on Philanthropy
Global Field Development Coaching Coordinator at Young Life

What made you decide to join AFPNEO? To connect with other development professionals in our community who understand the scope of our work; the camaraderie is so encouraging! Also, to exercise my guiding principle to foster accessibility, equity and sustainably in all areas of fundraising and development work.

Favorite part of working in fundraising? The cultivation of friendships with our partners and watching generosity align with the needs of our organization.

Favorite experience with AFPNEO so far? Honoring my sweet friend Sue Flowers as Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year for National Philanthropy Day 2022. 

If you could give your younger self any advice about the fundraising profession, what would it be? Your best donors are the ones you already have.

What are your hobbies outside of work and fundraising? Gardening, hiking, and writing/reading.

Any other information you would like to share? Thank you!!! 

Vondea Sheaffer
AFPNEO Chair, Scholarship Committee; Member, Professional Development Committee
VP of Development, The Village of St. Edward

What made you decide to join AFPNEO? Since I first became a development professional, AFPNEO has been an integral part of my professional development. I'm happy to support and help guide this beneficial organization!

Favorite part of working in fundraising? Helping people fulfill their philanthropic dreams!

Favorite experience with AFPNEO so far? Networking with other fundraisers is the best. I've made wonderful friends and have colleagues in every sector who are always willing to offer their support, advice, or encouragement. 

If you could give your younger self any advice about the fundraising profession, what would it be? Be the very best you that you can be. Keep learning, keep trying, and the rest will fall into place.

What are your hobbies outside of work and fundraising? Quilting, needlework, bicycling, and camping.

Any other information you would like to share? I was almost fifty when I entered the profession. Fundraising is the best, most rewarding job, and one I never knew I wanted! I'm so glad we finally 'met!'

Dawn Moeglin
AFPNEO Chair, Mentorship
Principal, Full-Circle Fundraising

What made you decide to join AFPNEO? To learn from experts and network with my peers.

Favorite part of working in fundraising? The a-ha moments my clients experience when we develop a new idea together that will support their mission.

Favorite experience with AFPNEO so far? When we successfully launched the new website after hours of work to establish the content.

If you could give your younger self any advice about the fundraising profession, what would it be? Start and maintain a work-life balance.

What are your hobbies outside of work and fundraising? I do it all: paint, quilt, crochet, knit, scrapbook, decorate, spend time with family, and our family makes maple syrup each winter.

Marion Drake
AFPNEO VP of Professional Development
Director of Advancement, Walsh Jesuit High School

What made you decide to join AFPNEO?  Over the last few years, AFPNEO has been beneficial for my continuing education and helped me grow my professional network. Once I started to work on my CFRE, I felt it was essential to become more involved and that committee work could only increase my knowledge and skills that would translate into my non-profit work. My work on the Professional Development Committee has helped expand my industry knowledge, allows me to collaborate and learn from my peers, and has allowed me to pay it forward in a sense. As a board member, I can contribute in a greater way and sharpen my leadership skills by heading a committee.

Favorite part of working in fundraising? No other industry allows you to create meaningful relationships with philanthropists and change-makers and be a part of their impact on the community. To see that impact firsthand through the lens of our clients is immeasurable.

Favorite experience with AFPNEO so far? My favorite experience with AFPNEO has been working with such an engaged committee and strengthening my connections with others in the industry.

If you could give your younger self any advice about the fundraising profession, what would it be? Be bold and confident in your organization's mission, and not be afraid to ask a donor to be a part of that mission. Once I learned that sometimes a donor is just waiting for someone to ask, I now worry that I would insult someone if I didn't.

What are your hobbies outside of work and fundraising? My husband and I love to travel and visit new places. I also enjoy cooking and entertaining.