ABOUT ME

Cultivating Growth

Twenty five years of experience has taught me that Development is a team effort.

We work together for the greater good – supporting each other, helping each person use their God-given gifts and stepping in where we can help

Just three examples of the results are the Lemur Center at Duke University and North Hills Christian School, and Chatham Hall.

LEMUR CENTER AT DUKE UNIVERSITY

When I was hired at Duke, the university had just decided it wouldn’t close the Center. Obviously, not a ringing endorsement. After listening to staff and donors and observing the current strategies, I developed a plan to dramatically increase support. With the help and support of the administration and staff, we changed the way we presented the Lemur Center to the university and to the public.

The results: We tripled the donor base and more than tripled total giving. This was
during a time when the country was experiencing an economic downturn, and most units at Duke University and elsewhere failed to meet their goals. In fact, at that time, only two units at the university met or exceeded their goals. We were the only unit to exceed our goal.

NORTH HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

When I arrived at North Hills Christian School, enrollment had been declining for the last five years. The board had realized that if the trend continued, they would have to consider closing the school. I took on the roles of Development, Communications and Admissions. I started with a marketing survey, which revealed a small number of critical changes that needed to be implemented. With the support of the board and staff, we were able to make the changes.

The results: We corrected the factors that were leading to families leaving; we
corrected the factors which were harming the reputation of the school; we created a
warm, collegial atmosphere based on positive inter-personal relationships. This resulted in increasing the enrollment year after year and far better retention. It also more than doubled the donor base. We started an alumni group and increased both alumni and grandparent engagement.

CHATHAM HALL

Chatham Hall had literally 100 years of building relationships and courting supporters. I added a personal touch by sharing informal communications about touching moments I observed with targeted alumnae, parents and grandparents.

The results: I was the first person to raise more than $1,000,000 in the annual fund,
and to bring in the most gifts ever over $10,000. I also helped to set up and close a
$3,000,000 ask for the capital campaign. I served them as both Director of
Communications and then as Director of Development. As Director of Communications, we won two Addies in one year, when Chatham Hall had only won one in the nine previous years. We also engaged the local news and media in students’ hometowns.

Perhaps the thing that I found most gratifying is that both Chatham Hall and North Hills asked me to come back to help them solve situations. My heart was touched, when the Board Chair at North Hills called and said the Head of School had developed cancer and needed to step down, but they knew if I would come back that faculty, staff, parents and students would feel the school was in good hands.

As you can see, my career has been richly varied. It has taught me a lot. I would love to use what I have learned for you.