Marian Johnson
2025-2026 President

Some special recognition in this season of thanks…

Continuing with the theme of gratitude as the U.S. Thanksgiving approaches, I extend special appreciation for a member of the ADRP family whose generosity and leadership embody the very best of our community. 

At the conference in Montréal, we announced the 2025 recipient of ADRP’s Volunteer Service Award. The annual award recognizes a current member who, through both current and cumulative efforts, has generously contributed time and energy to advance our Association’s mission and the donor relations profession. This year, I had the great privilege of recognizing someone whose steady, thoughtful leadership has quietly shaped some of ADRP’s most meaningful work in recent years: Holden Scheidel. 

Whether helping to guide our strategic direction or leading the team that turned a shared vision into our Fundamentals of Donor Relations course, Holden’s presence has made ADRP better. What stands out most is not just what Holden has done, but how he does it – with humility, clarity, and deep care for our members, our profession, and ADRP’s future.  

Holden, we are so lucky to have you in this community. On behalf of the entire ADRP family – thank you, and congratulations! You can read a tribute celebrating Holden's contributions and look back at past recipients of this special award on ADRP’s website. 

To all who are part of the ADRP community – whether you’re a member or simply a friend – I wish you a Thanksgiving season filled with warmth, family, friendship, comfort, and moments of gratitude.

With gratitude,

Marian Johnson