Q-and-A With Award Winners

When people involved in the nonprofit sector share with one another, it’s a beautiful thing. This was apparent at the DMA Nonprofit Federation conference last month, where the energy and enthusiasm was palpable. And it happens all the time on the many nonprofit blogs out there — more of which are being created every day, or so it seems.

Inspired by all this sharing, we thought it would be cool to ask the winners of our 2007 Fundraising Professionals of the Year Awards to share some things about themselves: where they come from, geographically and professionally; where they want to be in the future; who inspires them; and examples of some challenges and accomplishments they’ve had.

Below are tidbits of information from five of our winners: Jo Sullivan, senior vice president of development and communications, ASPCA, and our Fundraising Professional of the Year (Organization); Marc Sirkin, chief marketing officer, International Rescue Committee, and one of our Top Men in Fundraising; Dixie Ost, director of direct marketing, Heifer International, and one of our Top Women in Fundraising; Chuck Longfield, chief executive officer, Target Analysis Group, winner of our Lifetime Achievement Award (Agency); and Kurt Aschermann, president/COO, Charity Partners, and former senior vice president and chief marketing and development office at Boys and Girls Clubs of American, another of our Top Men in Fundraising.

Jo Sullivan:

Where did you grow up? In a tiny town in south western Virginia called Martinsville

What is your fundraising experience? My career at the ASPCA. Prior to that, I had worked in marketing and advertising. I still consider myself more a marketer than fundraiser — I fell into fundraising because I wanted to do marketing for the ASPCA.

What is your education? B.A. from the University of North Carolina Greensboro

Who are your role models? My parents on a personal level and those legendary marketing people like Seth Godin and Al Ries from a professional perspective.