December 2017 Member Spotlight

Name: Jane Ellington
Institution: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Position: Director, Donor Relations
ADRP member for six years

How long have you worked in donor relations/stewardship and how did you get involved in this profession?

I have been at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for more than 26 years. For twelve years, I have been Director of Donor Relations. Previous positions include Director of Annual Fund and Stewardship for two years, and Director of Volunteer Services for 11 years. All the previous positions helped me with the skills for the Donor Relations position. Dana Power and Allie Suessmith work on the Donor Relations team and I could not do what I do without their support, hard work and commitment to the donors and the Foundation team.

Could you tell us something about the organization you work for?

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is a not-for profit healthcare system which includes: 622 licensed beds, three hospitals – Egleston, Hughes Spalding and Scottish Rite; 28 neighborhood locations, including six Urgent Care Centers; Marcus Autism Center; more than 10,000 employees, and access to more than 2,000 pediatric physicians and practitioners representing more than 60 pediatric specialties and programs. Children’s depends on the philanthropic generosity of the community to help sustain its mission of making kids better today and healthier tomorrow.

Do you host any special events for the children in your care at the holidays?

The Donor Relations team at Children’s coordinates a tree lighting for our Hughes Spalding hospital. A generous donor donated an outside holiday tree and we, along with the Jack and Jill organization, put together craft bags for the patients to use as distraction items during the year and light the decorated tree. If patients are able to attend, they are included by making some holiday crafts and being part of the tree lighting.

What do you like most about being a member of the ADRP?

The help and expertise you receive from other members. Knowing you are not alone with what you are having challenges with at the time.

What is your greatest donor relations/stewardship achievement?

My greatest achievement is building the Donor Relations department from scratch.

What is the most important professional goal you are currently pursuing, i.e., attaining a degree, preparing to give a presentation, launching an initiative at work or in your community, etc.?

The Donor Relations team at Children’s is revising and launching new Donor Recognition Standards. It has involved working with a cross-collaboration team at Children’s with an outside consultant, EYP/ Stanley Beaman & Sears. As we are growing and building, these standards will help us keep everything consistent for our donors.

How big a role does the use of social media play in your work?

Social media for Children’s gives you the opportunity to see our special patients and show how philanthropy is important.

Is there a resource, i.e., book, blog, website, etc., that you would recommend to other ADRP members?

One of my favorite books is “be the difference” compiled by Dan Zadra. What we all do makes a difference.

What is the best piece of professional advice you have ever received?

It was from my sister when I started working: If you make a mistake, you can correct it—just admit you made a mistake.

Are there any particular stories, insights, etc., from your experiences in donor relations and stewardship that you would like to share with our colleagues?

I am truly blessed to have a job that thanks donors for giving to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Love coming to work each day.

If you would be interested in being featured in this column or have someone you would like to suggest, please contact Dianne Dyslin, Member Spotlight editor.