NEW MEMBER PROFILES

We are happy to be able to introduce you to four new members in this issue.  PIease join us in extending a warm welcome to Steven P. Brady, Anna Hall, Kathleen Ann Miller and Stephanie Thies!

Steven P. Brady, Illinois Institute of Technology

Steven is the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at the Illinois Institute of Technology.  IIT has a lot going on to keep their Development people busy.  Steven uses his down time to support his favorite team, the Chicago Fire.  He also enjoys movies, with Rushmore being a favorite.  If he hadn't decided on fundraising as a career, we might have seen him onstage somewhere – he told us he wishes he could play the piano!

A passion for helping students led Steven to fundraising, which he has been doing since 1999.  He enjoys meeting with donors, and has been surprised at the number of people who will help if they are asked. 

Anna Hall, Cristo Rey Network

Anna is a Development Officer at the Cristo Rey Network. Last month, one of our new members told us that he has wished he was a pilot. Anna has gone a step further – she wishes she could fly! She roots for the Chicago Bears, finds that a great night out for her includes dining and dancing, enjoys the music of The Weepies, and loves to visit her favorite city – New Orleans.

Anna was drawn to fundraising last year through her belief in Jesuit educational opportunities. She thinks that the most important trait a person should have to succeed in fundraising is kindness for the donor, the ability to be in tune with the donors' needs.

After considering a CASE membership, Anna chose AFP (and we are glad she did!) She looks forward to the professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities our chapter affords its members.

Kathleen Ann Miller

Kathleen is the proud owner of the "world's most happy dog."  Presumably the pup can hang with her when she enjoys the music of John Coltrane, reads Cottage Living magazine, cheers on Yukon's women's basketball team or watches her favorite movie, The Godfather.

Kathleen's proudest moment as a fundraiser so far was getting a major gift from actor Kevin Kline for an international anti-apartheid organization.  She thinks that the most important traits a successful fundraiser should have are dedication and a true belief in your cause.

The ability to network with "other great individuals" and avail herself of AFP's job source led Kathleen to join the chapter. 

Stephanie Thies, University of Chicago

Stephanie is the Assistant Director of Donor Relations, Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Chicago.  When she's not wearing one or more of those hats, she enjoys dining at Cyrano's a French bistrot in downtown Chicago, listening to music (Tom Waits is in her current playlist) and reading – her favorite book is Cry, the Beloved Country.

Stephanie's favorite thing about fundraising, she said, is building relationships with donors.  She told us, "I love building and maintaining relationships with people who are passionate about my organization.  It's awesome to see what people can do when they come together."

The biggest lesson Stephanie has learned in fundraising is that people will be able to tell if you are not genuine, but if you truly believe in your organization's mission, that will be evident to potential donors.

Welcome, and thank you for choosing AFP!  We look forward to seeing you soon!