ABOUT SUE DAVISON
My passion for philanthropy began with my parents, the minister and the minister’s wife, who always believed in the importance of giving. No matter how little money they had, they gave away 10 percent of their income and worked hard to make a difference in the lives of those around them. It was inevitable that I would go into the non-profit field.
As often happens with those of us in development careers, landing my first fund raising job was an act of serendipity. I had been a recruiting manager for a large New York law firm and found myself unexpectedly moving to Philadelphia and in need of a new job. Thanks to one phone call from a senior partner of the firm to the Dean of Penn Law School, I was offered a position as administrative assistant to the Director of Development. It turned out to be a great springboard to what would become my lifelong career, as I moved into higher level positions in higher education, arts and culture, and human services. Philanthropy is my way of life, just as it was with my parents. I, too, strive to make a difference in the lives of those around me by inspiring others to give – and by giving myself.
My non-profit career has spanned more than 30 years, and I have held senior development and management positions at the University of Pennsylvania, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Springfield Museums, Hartford Stage Company, UCONN Foundation, Neighborhood Music School and the United Way. My work experience includes annual appeals, major gifts, capital and endowment campaigns, special events, corporate and foundation grants, marketing and communications.
Whether raising scholarship funds for honors students or seeking a grant for a new after-school program; whether securing a sponsorship for a concert or play or encouraging a longtime donor to establish a bequest to endow a program – my focus is always on the relationship between the donor and the organization. My role is to help build that connection and communicate effective strategies while guiding the donor to make a heartfelt choice. Philanthropy is personal.
