My seat at the planning table: I play the role of philanthropic partner and advocate for the donor
WHO I AM
I am a philanthropic leader with over 30 years of fundraising, gift planning and charitable advising experience. I have a Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, and in 2013 I completed the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) certification through the American College. My work at the Community Foundation focuses on connecting people, ideas and resources to benefit the lives of those who live in Sonoma County.
WHAT I DO
I help donors fulfill the dreams they have for themselves, their families and their community. My work often starts by helping donors uncover the values, beliefs and experiences that have shaped them, and identifying the deeper purposes of life they wish to advance now and into the future. After this discernment process, I help the donor choose the most appropriate giving vehicle and think about other roles they might play beyond writing a check. I often connect donors to other community leaders who share their passion for giving. I have a deep knowledge of the local nonprofit community and can help people find, evaluate and connect to the causes that matter to them. For donors interested in exploring ways to engage their children or other family members in charitable giving, I help them discover how philanthropy can be used to pass down family values and capture and record a family’s legacy.
FOR WHOM
I work with individuals, families and local family owned businesses. I am a resource to financial and estate planning professionals who have clients with charitable intent, but with limited knowledge of philanthropy and the local community. My philanthropic expertise is often valued by professional advisors who wish to offer a full array of financial and philanthropic services to their clients.
MY COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
I am a volunteer with Becoming Independent because I believe that people with disabilities should have opportunities to be fully integrated into the community. I am a volunteer with the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce and I serve on the Steering Committee for Leadership Santa Rosa because I believe that greater community involvement will come from identifying and developing inspired and effective leaders. I engage in numerous short-term community projects that help identify and celebrate our human and social capital. I am an active donor with 80% of my annual contributions going to support local non-profits.