Ohio Prospect Research Network
Established 1987 - Apra Ohio Chapter

  • July 06, 2022 9:51 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Tammy L. Davis, Development Research and Stewardship, Capital University

    What was your first job?

    I was a volunteer at a hospital and then became a hostess/front end register operator at Sister’s Chicken & Biscuits (if any of you remember that restaurant  J). Following graduation from college, I accepted a position to manage a Pathology billing office and was there for about ten years.   

    How did you get into fundraising and/or prospect research?

    I began my career as an administrative assistant for Annual Giving after moving to Columbus.  This position transitioned into splitting my role and assisting our director for Corporate and Foundation Relations.  My love and connections with our alumni and the business world moved me into my current role as assistant director for Development Research and Prospect Management.  

    Where’s the next place on your bucket list? 

    Within the U.S., I would love to travel up the east coast to Maine, or explore the west coast Washington State or Alaska.  I visited California and Hawaii a few years ago (pre-pandemic) and wouldn’t mind revisiting again.  Anywhere overseas would be exciting…..Iceland, Italy, Greece, Scotland, France, etc. 

    What skill would you like to master?

    I have always wanted to learn to fly a plane or become a pilot.  

    Is pineapple an acceptable pizza topping?

    Absolutely, YES!! I have a Hawaiian pizza quite frequently. J

  • June 29, 2022 8:12 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Erin Weaver, Assistant Director, Data Quality, Prospect Development, University of Cincinnati Foundation

    What was your first job?

    Working on the grounds of a golf course; being hit by rogue golf balls or getting struck by lightning were daily dangers!

    What piece of advice would you give to yourself at the beginning of your career?

    When interviewers ask, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” Really think it through; 5 years can go by very quickly

    What do you listen to on your commute?

    First half: Pete the Cat & Toy Story

    Second half: True crime podcasts

    Do you think iced coffee should only be consumed in the summer or all year round?

    I will drink hot coffee in 95-degree weather

    What is your favorite dessert?

    Cheesecake

  • June 29, 2022 8:10 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Nancy Sowders, Prospect Research Analyst, Kenyon College

    What was your first job?

    I worked summers during college at Star Island Conference Center, which is located on an island 7 miles off the coast of NH and Maine. Around 90 college kids staff the hotel and other buildings with jobs ranging from housekeeping to carpentry workers. Each week staffers entertain the conferees with a talent show. 

    What’s your favorite thing about what you do or where you work? 

    I like discovering and bringing information to our development officers that help them make a connection with a possible donor or volunteer. It's a whole team effort and it's great to know I had an important part when the team gets a WIN!

    What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? 

    Budgeting and saving money by running your home like a business. We are so busy these days that we forget to take the time to plan a household budget – and stick to it! If we implement routine maintenance for our homes (appliances, HVAC, roof, etc.) and our vehicles we're not constantly playing $$ defense when a disaster hits. So many people don't save or save enough, for retirement, too. We need to bring the goal-setting tools, tips, and tricks we use to streamline our work lives into our home lives.  (Hmmm, apparently I could go on and on and on.)

    Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why? 

    I want to visit all the lighthouses on the eastern seaboard. I plan to climb to the top of the lighthouse observation decks in as many as possible.  I climbed the 219 steps of the St. Augustine lighthouse last year – whew! America's early maritime history is found in the stories of our many lighthouses. And, well, they're all by the ocean – who doesn't love that?!

  • June 21, 2022 8:47 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Steve Blankenship, Donor Research and Database Manager, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

    What was your first job?

    For a Bookkeeping Service company that handled small businesses and partnerships.

    How did you get into fundraising and/or prospect research?

    Landed a computer programming position at the U.C. Foundation.

    What's the best career advice you've ever received?

    Always arrive early.

    Is pineapple an acceptable pizza topping?

    Only if it is included with Banana Peppers, Ham and Bacon.

    What’s always in your refrigerator or freezer at home?

    Bottles of water.

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