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Like most of us, the path to a career in development is rarely a straight road. Learn more about three members of the NEAHP Board of Directors.

How did you get started in fundraising?
My first official development job was for the UMASS annual fund. I went home crying three days in a row (after having alums hang up on me all night) and quit the next day.
What is the biggest challenge you face at your organization?
Coordinating between all the different interests/people, ie clinical staff/management, finance and donors
Why did you become involved with NEAHP?
Urging from Liz Loudon, a consultant with who was a consultant, at the time with Copley Harris.
What was the best advice you ever received?
There are a lot of idiots out there, don’t be one of them. (My grandfather has been saying this for 50 years, specifically about driving, but it applies to everything in life).
How did you get started in fundraising?
My first career was in real estate development. The real estate market tanked in 1990 and put me out on the street, but I lucked out by getting a job at my alma mater working as their director of real estate gifts.
What is the biggest challenge you face at your organization?
It has been a challenge to manage the ever increasing expectations for development to make up for the decreases in patient care revenue.
Why did you become involved with NEAHP?
I attended a couple of educational events and found that not only did the content match my needs, but the group of attendees and organizers enjoyed each other’s company.
What was the best advice you ever received?
While it is not advice, per se, these words of Sy Seymour have stuck with me in so many things I do at work, “Every individual needs to feel that he is a worthwhile member of a worthwhile group.”
How did you get started in fundraising?
By accident (or default)! I was working as a marketing manager for a non-profit organization when the person running special events left and they needed someone to jump in and run the golf tournament. As they say, the rest is history.
What is the biggest challenge you face at your organization?
I’m sure most can identify with this challenge – there is never enough time to do all of the things I would like to accomplish.
Why did you become involved with NEAHP?
I was new to healthcare four years ago and NEAHP was recommended as a great way to meet and learn from other professionals who faced similar challenges in healthcare fundraising. It was great advice to join!
What was the best advice you ever received?
There is no substitute for hard work.
In the next edition meet Rebecca Jamison, VP of Outreach and Networking, Martin Richman, Treasurer and Bernadette C. Robin, VP of Communications and Secretary. |