I remember standing in a St. Vincent de Paul food pantry when I was 10 years old. After seeing people need the most basic things—food, rent support, cheaper medical care, human connection—and in young naivete, I wondered, “Aren’t there more people who have something to give than who have a need? Why can’t we figure this out and just match those people?”And after 10 years of leadership at St. Vincent de Paul, helping to lead a nearly-5x growth in our ability to serve people in AZ, I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made in matching people who need help with people who can offer help. I think some of the keys in being able to do that are: I believe deeply in the missional work we do to feed, clothe, house, and heal our neighbors in need. I am very curious and enjoy finding out what adds value to people’s lives and then trying to deliver that value for them. I invite people into our work not only to get stuff done—but also to help find joy and meaning in their service and giving. I develop strong, lasting partnerships so people and corporations can achieve their goals through our work. And we have a lot of fun while doing it. And I still very much believe that there are more people who can offer help than people who need it… it is my job and calling to inspire those matches. And to accomplish this at-scale, it will take more people to believe it and do it well. My recent passion has been to help fundraisers and nonprofit pros develop their skills to raise more money for their mission, serve donors better, and find more joy in their work. That’s why I started Southwest Philanthropy Partners, to support fundraisers, the brokers of community good. By providing tools and templates and helping develop their own work operating system, I know others can find the same kind of joy, rich relationships, and fundraising success I have experienced. So my work continues to be to pursue answers for my 10 year old self. I know we can figure it out together. And if you feel the same way, I’d love to connect with you here and talk with you.
Listed skills include Fundraising, Annual Giving, Event Planning, Philanthropy, and 34 others.
