Ohio Prospect Research Network Established 1987 - Apra Ohio Chapter
John Zajc, Prospect Researcher, Hospice of the Western Reserve
How did you get into fundraising and/or prospect research?
I got into prospect research because I was always intrigued by the work my wife, Catherine Smythe Zajc (2004 recipient of the Anne E. Mayer Distinguished Service Award) did. I’ve always enjoyed research incorporated the basics in my days running an Annual Fund. When Hospice of the Western Reserve advertised for a Prospect Researcher and I was hired, I joined “the family business.”
What was your first nonprofit job?
Clerical Assistant for the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR).
When/where was your first Apra conference?
Pittsburgh, 2018.
What's the best career advice you've ever received?
Not so much career advice, or advice at all, but a compliment from an executive recruiter who I know. He was impressed that I was quick to admit when I did not know something, and that I’d go look for the answer or point the person in the right direction – something he found in his experience to be hard for most people to do. Given that I’ve always been a “knowledge is power” kind of mindset, it actually surprised me that I had that growth as a person that early in my life.
What would be the first thing you'd do if you won the lottery?
Do a happy dance, then get a good attorney.
Addressing The Way We Use Data: Q&A With Apra Expanse Keynote Robert Wicks - Apra Connections
Regrets Are Inevitable. Start Learning From Them. - HBR IdeaCast
Dr. Russell James Reveals The Secret Behind Major Gift Growth - Psychology! - Prospect Research ChatBytes
The Future of Giving Through Smart Tech - Nonstop Nonprofit Podcast
Equipping Emerging Leaders for Success in a Virtual World - Talent Management
Creating Clusters for Strategic Segmentation - Apra Connections
How to Make Remote and Hybrid Brainstorming Less Awkward - Fast Company
What I Wish I'd Known - Apra Houston blog
You Need to Take A Break - If You Love Data, These 5 Podcasts Will Help - indicative
Sí, Se Puede: How Latinx Philanthropy is Changing America - DonorSearch Masterminds podcast
Sarah Richards, Coordinator of Prospect Research, Dynamic Catholic
What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you doing it?
When I was in High school, I knew I wanted to work at Dynamic Catholic (back then The Matthew Kelly Foundation). I applied for multiple positions when I graduated college but did not get any of them. A few months later, I received a call asking if I would be interested in a position in development. I quit my current job the next day, before even receiving an official offer, because I knew it was where I was supposed to be.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do or where you work?
The people. I work with some of the most amazing and supportive people. Many of my co-workers are some of my closest friends, including two who were bridesmaids in my wedding.
Pittsburg 2018 and I was honored to be able to present as well as meet Nathan Fay, author of Precision Prospect Development. :)
Would you rather have your dishes or clothes be magically clean?
Definitely dishes. I do not mind laundry, I do not mind loading, and emptying the dishwasher but I hate dishes that need washed in the sink like pots, pans and specialty items.
What skill would you like to master?
Salesforce. It is such a powerful tool. I am working on my admin certification, but that is honestly only the tip of the iceberg for SalesForce.
Reimaging Team Leadership and Individual Growth: Thriving in Our New-ish Normal - Apra Connections
DEI and Due Diligence: An Opportunity for Prospect Research to Lead - Apra Connections
Giving Jumped 9 Percent in 2021 - The Chronicle of Philanthropy
US Public Policy: Look Ahead for 2022 - sgENGAGE podcast
How to "Lead with And" as a Nonprofit Leader - Tim Arnold - Pursuant podcast
5 Podcasts for Leaders Looking to Build Inclusive Workplaces - Inc.
Beth Havens, Senior Prospect Researcher, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
After college, I took a job at the Columbus Symphony working on the tele-fundraising team. Eventually I ended up at the University of Cincinnati Foundation on the annual fund team. After a few years, I moved to the research team. I had no idea what they did but the researcher who was retiring told me I should apply! I have to thank Jim Holzbach for taking a chance on me!
Dallas in 2003. I had just started my prospect research role in June so attending the new researchers’ symposium in July was great! Learned so much!
What are you reading now?
The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World by Dorie Clark.
How many hours do you get to the airport before a flight?
Two. I’d rather read or grab a snack than stress about making it to the gate on time!
Is pineapple an acceptable pizza topping?
Yes. The only food that doesn’t belong on pizza are eggs.
How To Find Anything # 4 (part 2/3): News and Late Breaking Information - SearchReSearch
How To Boost Productivity at Work by 73 Percent: Ban Meetings 3 Days A Week - Inc.com
Cryptocurrency-funded Groups Called DAOs Are Becoming Charities - The Conversation
Create Learning Pathways To Close Your Organization's Skills Gap - HBR
Leadership In Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: My Experience as a Case Study - Apra Connections
Next-Gen Philanthropists Are Coming Into Their Own. Here's How They Approach Giving - Inside Philanthropy
11 Trends in Philanthropy for 2022 - Johnson Center for Philanthropy
Bridging the Chasm: Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness, Resilience, and Infrastructure - Armando Zumaya
Will Inflation Hit the Brakes of Philanthropy? - Pursuant
How Financial Technology Is Making It Easier To Donate to Charities - Wall Street Journal
Meet OPRN’s newest board member!
Lauren Ellis, Manager of Prospect Research at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Children’s is my first and only nonprofit job so far.
Serving the mission of the organization, and getting to do it in such an interesting way. I hadn’t known Prospect Research existed as career until I was in it, and every day I get to play detective and learn about people’s lives.
Mid-Atlantic Researchers Conference (MARC) in 2011 in New York City. I learned so many important things at the New Researchers Symposium, and it really gave me confidence to grow in this profession.
Do you think iced coffee should only be consumed in the summer or all year round?
All year round! Coffee tastes better cold in my opinion!
Who’s your go-to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
Billy Joel! He will always be my favorite.
Meetings That Matter: Driving Fundraising Success Through Deliberate Planning - Apra Connections
Four Ways To Build Career Advancing Connections In A Hybrid Era - Fast Company
Leveraging Open Data - The Helen Brown Group
Donor Advised Funds Are Essential to Democratizing Philanthropy - The Chronicle of Philanthropy
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