As I said, I have witnessed firsthand, at every level, the pivotal role donor stewardship plays in realizing our mission and in achieving our goals as a foundation.  A strategic stewardship program that enhances and elevates the stewardship efforts already in place will further deepen our relationships with our donors, and their ties to the work our clinical team does every day. Prioritizing donor retention in this way provides a cost-effective strategy that will ensure the long-term financial health of our organization.

Donor stewardship, at its most basic level, is thanking, communicating and interacting with each donor to solidify their loyalty over time. Creating a strategic, comprehensive donor relations plan is very detailed, data-driven work but also creative. My background and experience allow me to satisfy both of those requirements. To create and maintain a successful plan, you must dig into the data, look at trends and engagement history and systematically track and monitor giving. It also involves paying attention to details, such as investigating gifts where the donor may not be apparent to thank them appropriately.  I can take the results of the data and research and use my creativity, marketing background and problem solving skills to create the optimal plan that will increase our donor's sense of belonging and increase the lifetime value of each supporter. 

To have a successful stewardship program, we must know our donors, but also consider our development officers and the limitations they may have in carrying out the plans put forth. In my first position out of college as a Marketing Assistant for a Mexican restaurant chain, I learned that when we designed campaigns for the stores, we needed to experience the day to day processes and working conditions at the stores before we launched a campaign to be sure it worked for our staff and our customers. Were they able to successfully execute our vision? The same applies to a stewardship program. Input must be solicited from our frontline fundraisers to truly be successful.

Surprising and delighting donors is one of my favorite parts of my job. My tenure and experience have allowed me to enjoy relationships with donors, volunteers and staff at all levels, particularly in the Mahoning Valley. I love being able to greet our donors and staff at events by name, enjoying the pleasure I see on their faces when they know they are recognized, and therefore valued. Or hear the pleasure in their voice when they've received a thoughtful, personal gift. I’m excited to expand those relationships to the entire enterprise. 

We also must be mindful to resolve donor complaints promptly. I'm never afraid to say, "I'm sorry, let's fix this." and admit when I have made a mistake. 

Our donors have entrusted us with their money. It is our responsibility to show them our appreciation, that we have used their donation wisely and that it has had an impact on our cause.