Session 5A - Misteaks, Mishaps, and Moving On

Thursday, September 20, 2012
11:05 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.

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Description: Despite our best efforts, stuff happens. Sometimes we’re at the heart of the glitch, sometimes not. At times it’s our fault, other times not. Regardless, when an error comes to light, how do you bypass panic and move straight into fix-it mode? How do you avoid defensiveness and move into constructiveness? And how do you move on once the dust has settled?
This session will teach participants how to assess the damage, fix the damage, and then repair the relationship. Presenters will provide a damage-control checklist that includes elements of an effective apology. By hearing and providing examples of real-world scenarios, you’ll leave this session better equipped to respond to making lemonade out of the lemons you’ve been handed.

Sector: Higher Education
Expertise Level: Newcomer (0-2 years)
Shop Size: Suitable for any size shop
Subject Focus: Functional and Professional Development

Speaker Bio: Pam Havens

Pam Havens has spent more than a decade in donor relations/stewardship at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. She oversees fund reporting and auditing, creating one-of-a-kind pieces for top tier donors, preparation of gift and fund agreements, presidential and memorial/honorary acknowledgments and notifications, and donor recipient events. A founding board member for ADRP and 2008 recipient of the Founders Award, Pam earned her bachelor’s degree in English/American literature from Eisenhower College, followed by a master’s in liberal studies from the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh and an associate’s in business administration from Cayuga Community College. Her past professional life encompasses educational public relations, publications, marketing and broadcasting.


Speaker Bio: Debbie Meyers

Debbie Meyers is director of donor services at Carnegie Mellon University. Previously, she was director of stewardship and donor relations at the University of Florida Foundation for nine years, serving as a central resource to 45 development officers at 20 colleges and units.Her development career began in 1986 as publications director for the health center development office at UF. She also was development and alumni director at Bishop Moore High School, her alma mater. A founding board member for ADRP, she has a bachelor's degree in English from Loyola University in New Orleans and a master's degree in journalism from UF.