What were you doing when we founded ADRP? Where did you go from there? Where are you now? 
I was the first donor relations professional at Tufts University School of Medicine. I worked for a year at WGBH before moving to the Bay Area. I am now a development associate at Lifehouse Agency in Marin County, California.

What lessons, words of advice/inspiration would you like to pass on to other donor relations professionals?
If your organization doesn’t have a specific donor relations plan, introduce it to them! Create a plan, and make your mark!

ADRP Memory Lane:

Do you ever tell people about your early history with ADRP? If yes, what reaction do you get?
I do! People often think it’s really cool and it makes them more curious about fundraising.

What was the donor relations profession like when you first started?
So new! It was called stewardship more often, but then started to be confused with environmental stewardship.

Establishing a professional association is an enormous volunteer contribution. How does it feel to have the creation and early leadership of ADRP as your legacy? 
It’s part of my inspiration in returning to the academic world where innovation is key. I’m excited and super proud of us!

Describe your experience in a completely volunteer-driven association before ADRP had professional staff?
It was sometimes hard to do it at work. Even though it benefited Tufts, I had to prioritize. I remember having all those packets to make for the New England Stewardship Conference and having them spread out all over my apartment. My roommate helped me with assembly!

What is your best memory of the early days of ADRP?
Road trips with my Boston colleagues up to Phillips Exeter!

Article Correction

In the photo accompanying this article, an arrow originally identified the person as Katie Mann. We have since learned that the individual in the image is actually Roberta O’Hara.