Member Spotlight: Maureen Feeney Reese

Name: Maureen Feeney Reese
Institution: Ohio Wesleyan University
Position: Associate Director of Donor Relations
ADRP member for 10 years

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

I've worked in donor relations and stewardship for 10 years. I made the leap from annual giving in 2012.

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

Ohio Wesleyan University is a small, private, liberal arts institution in Central Ohio.

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

The resources available to members—there are so many: conferences, webinars, the community digest. There is so much here!

What is your greatest donor relations/stewardship achievement?

Establishing strong relationships with our donors. I don't have an official portfolio but I do have a list of alumni I call to check in with; we have terrific conversations, and they know that their alma mater cares about them.

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

There are no social media accounts directly related to donor relations. However, I do partner with alumni relations on many projects.

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

Performing a fund audit. I really want to dive into the old hard copy files to find out as much as I can about our endowed funds and get important documents scanned into our database.

What has been your biggest work challenge during Covid-19?

Working in an almost empty building. Most of my colleagues are still working from home. I miss the impromptu brainstorming.

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

Right now, I highly recommend participating in Donor Relations Guru Lynne Wester's bi-weekly Facebook Live discussions. 

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

Be prepared for mishaps at events. Bring everything and hope you won't need it—safety pins, band-aids, scissors, tape, stapler, phone chargers, extension cords, lip balm, lotion, sunscreen, door stops, name badges, markers, water, highlighters, extra copies, eyeglass wipes, tissues, aspirin/Tylenol... you get the picture!

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

Network! I work with a small group of Ohio college donor relations offices that has been meeting in the summers for six years now. I jokingly refer to it as “Kiss and Cry” or “Cheers and Jeers.” We share accomplishments, what went well, what didn't work and why. It is a low cost way to promote professional development. We used to rotate meetings on our campuses. Now, with COVID, we meet online—like everyone else.