What was your first fundraising job, and what did it teach you?
My first fundraising position was in political fundraising. I was very fortunate to be brought in by Governor John Engler and Senator Spencer Abraham into Michigan politics. I have no idea I would be expected to connect with the community and raise money. My first project was the Governor's Annual Gala, and I was responsible for selling an allotment of tickets within southern Michigan. I learned that what was most important was reaching out to people and explaining to them where the money would bolster the public policy agenda. I also learned the importance of contact in a relationship. You may not have responded to the phone call, but you responded to the mail. You may not have responded to the mail, but you responded to my meeting invite. You learn that everybody has a different means of accessing them that fits their comfortability level. Nothing is truer than to meet people where they are and not where you want them to be. I learned the art of listening to people as they told me where they wanted to be met so that I could walk the journey with them.
