The PM Podcast

Billions: A Journey Through Campaigns in Healthcare, Higher Education, and Beyond with David Woodruff

David Woodruff has been a key figure in some of the largest and most successful fundraising efforts in healthcare and higher education. He oversaw the $1.5 billion Campaign for the Third Century of Massachusetts General Hospital and then directed a record-setting $6 Billion Campaign for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. David joined Marts & Lundy as a consulting partner following his retirement as Associate Vice President and COO of Resource Development at MIT this month. In this episode, we speak with him about his journey, lessons learned, and opportunities for engaging the rising generation of donors.

”Finish It!” - Reflections of a Master Fundraiser, Teacher, and Storyteller

In this episode, we speak with Karen E. Osborne, a master fundraiser, teacher, and storyteller who loves and believes in the power of philanthropy and nonprofits. She built her career around these passions not only as a frontline fundraiser, speaker, trainer, teacher, consultant, and coach but also as a donor, volunteer, and board member. She has served in senior positions at colleges and universities and, for the past 25 years, as President and now as Senior Strategist at The Osborne Group. Nationally and internationally recognized, Karen is the recipient of CASE’s Crystal Apple for Outstanding Teaching and Public Speaking and the Ashmore Award for Outstanding Service to the Profession and is an adjunct faculty member for Johns Hopkins University’s graduate certificate program in nonprofit management. Karen is also a published author. Her first novel, “Getting It Right,” debuted in 2017 followed by the thriller “Tangled Lies” in 2021. Her third novel, “Reckonings,” will be released this summer.

Sí, Se Puede: How Latinx Philanthropy is Changing America

Today's guest is Armando Zumaya, a man who has been a significant force in major fundraising efforts since the 1980s. From door-knocking to billion dollar plus campaigns and, more recently, leading development efforts for top arts and social service institutions, Armando has become synonymous with fearless, data-driven fundraising. He is also a leading advocate for Latinx philanthropy and fundraising, putting this topic front and center through his newly formed organization, Somos El Poder. We spoke with him about the origins of this work, its importance, and the change he envisions is possible through this advocacy.

Building a Community of Support with Special Events

Today's guest is Lisa Wolf. She is a self-described accidental fundraiser whose work has taken her from major political campaigns to advancing the work of CURE International and now fueling the work of non-profits around the country through Westfall Gold. At the heart of it all has been a focus on building successful relationships. In our conversation, she shares details on the importance of identifying and connecting with donors, helping them to understand the case, building a community of support, and her personal reflections on the concept of generosity.

Perfect Casting: How Musical Theater Led to Leadership in Higher Education Fundraising

Tim Burcham's early training in musical theater provided the perfect training for a stunning career in higher education fundraising. Handpicked by his university’s president, he rose from recruitment officer to leader of a new, $900 million, 16-institution system and chair of the international board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Tim shares his story and tells how he is working today to help attract and mentor a rising new generation of fundraising leaders.

Fundraising For All: What Every Nonprofit Leader Should know - A Conversation with Linda Wise McNay

After leading development efforts in secondary and higher education, healthcare, the arts, human services, and faith based organizations, Linda Wise McNay founded Our Fundraising Search, where she and her colleagues guide clients with strategies in campaigns, governance, and recruiting top fundraising talent. She is the author of several books including Fundraising for Churches, Fundraising for Schools, Fundraising for Museums, the recently released Fundraising for All: What Every Nonprofit Leader Should Know.

The Future Of Fundraising Is Now: A Conversation with Paul D’Alessandro

After beginning travelling the world to protect the assets of the wealthy, fundraising icon Paul D’Alessandro pivoted to guide nonprofits to billions in philanthropic support. In today’s conversation, Paul shares the story of his own personal and professional evolution and insights on the field from his new book, “The Future Of Fundraising Is Here.”

Brenda Asare: Philanthropy Masterminds

Over her extraordinary career, Brenda Asare has guided nonprofits to more than $2 billion in philanthropic support. As the President and CEO of The Alford Group, she heads a woman and minority owned and led firm which has provided advice and support to more than 3,000 organizations in such critical areas as fundraising, governance, and organizational strategy. We caught up with her during a break in the Giving Institute's Summer Symposium and she shared her observations on activism in fundraising, the need for allies in the cause of social justice, and the opportunity we all have now to create something new.

Jon Stettner: Philanthropy Masterminds

Jon Stettner is a fundraising leader who has spent decades making dreams come true. His career has taken him from the hospital hallways and theater stages to the long-time leadership of Make-A-Wish International and, most recently, the global clients of The Cagney Company. In this episode, Jon shares his lessons from these very unusual times.

Anne Bishop Shoup: Philanthropy Masterminds

In today's program, we speak with Anne Bishop Shoup, an advancement leader whose extraordinary journey has taken her from the bush planes and fishing boats of her rugged Alaskan childhood to her current role as Associate Vice President at Michigan State University, one of the world's largest and most distinguished higher education institutions.