Member Spotlight: Andy Schroeder
Tell us about your role in the fundraising field.
I currently serve as the Director of Development for the Sisters of Charity, BVM. I am responsible for the planning and implementation of the organization’s fundraising program. I have the chance to meet with donors and discuss annual giving, major gifts, and estate planning. I also supervise a staff and have enjoyed sharing my experience as well as learning new things from them. I have found fundraising to be an incredibly fulfilling career.
How long have you been in the fundraising profession and how did you get into it?
I got my start in fundraising in the first grade, selling candy bars for Sacred Heart school. My first professional fundraising job came as a development officer at Clarke University. I was encouraged to consider a position at Clarke due to my knowledge of the school as well as my love of people. I really think that to be successful in fundraising you have to effectively manage relationships. It is far less about asking for money than people assume. You must build and strengthen a relationship with donors and over time the resources will come.
Why did you get involved with AFP?
I got involved with AFP for two main reasons. I knew that it would allow me to better learn about the profession and to build a network of peers who could lend their expertise, and I knew I had much to learn.
What do you consider the most valuable part of your AFP membership?
I love learning new things, and AFP, both locally and at the international level, continues to hold my interest by the programs and information that is available. I feel that our local chapter has done a great job of offering diverse programs for people at all stages of their career.
Share a random fact about yourself!
I am a dish collector. My wife and I have amassed quite a collection of Fiestaware dishes. We have been collecting them for 14 years. I love the unique pieces and the variety of colors.