Maurine Dyer Stevens Joins SAWA
as Executive Director

We are pleased to announce that the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators has selected Maurine Dyer Stevens as our first Executive Director.

Maurine Dyer Stevens has achieved executive leadership success as the CEO in 501-C-6 professional membership associations, 501-C-3 charitable organizations and forprofit corporations. Her achievements in these arenas are a result of her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sound fiscal business practices and quality services.

Most recently Stevens served as interim CEO for two organizations - the Professionals in Human Resources Association, located in El Segundo, California and the Foundation for Achievement through Educational Success in Prescott Valley, AZ.

Prior to her interim association positions, Stevens was the President and CEO of the California Rehabilitation Association, a trade association representing the rehabilitation industry. She also served as Executive Director of the California Optometric Association, a 3,000 member professional association.

Stevens created and led subsidiary corporations, including the development of a regional organization serving thirteen (13) western states that focused on education and political advocacy. She has developed for profit entities with a charge to fuel the mission of the parent corporation. Her success as Executive Director in United Way organizations in Montana and Oregon led to the expansion of their scope of work from simple fundraising organizations to recognized “community capacity building” leaders.

Stevens earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Rocky Mountain College, Billings, Montana and now resides in Surprise, AZ with her husband Jack and their four-legged family member, Sebastian.

Stevens commented what a privilege it is to be selected as the first SAWA Executive Director. “I am excited to partner with Society leaders and further expand a cause about which I feel so passionate.”

Stevens, who was introduced to the membership at the National Conference in November, assumed her duties with SAWA December 8, 2008.

Getting Them to Get:
Helping Your Board Obtain Donations
by Rob Blizard

As unemployment numbers go up in your community and your top donors watch their stock portfolios deflate, forging a smart and effective fundraising strategy is going to be harder than ever. While a top-notch development director or consultant might be just the ticket to rely on during these tough times, there are other people who should be helping to bring dollars in the door. And that is your board of directors.

Suppressing a smirk over that statement while simultaneously stressing about how you’re going to hit your financial goals this year? You’re not alone. Shelter directors nationwide are depending on their boards to garner resources by bringing in large gifts.

But encouraging these special volunteers to become truly productive fundraisers is often easier said than done.

Board members are frequently reluctant and hesitant to ask for money. “They’re afraid of hearing 'no' and feeling pushy,” says Aileen Gabbey, executive director of The Maryland SPCA in Baltimore. “They also are concerned that the contacts they ask for funds will ask them to reciprocate by giving a gift to the contacts’ causes.”

Moreover, board members “mistakenly project their own financial situation onto others. In other words, ‘I can’t afford it, so they can’t either.’ They also find it a challenge to dedicate time and discipline in their busy lives to a donor cultivation process,” says Sheila Reilly, board president of the Robert Potter League for Animals, based in Newport, RI.

So, what are some optimal ways to help board members—possibly timid and sincere or possibly bold but in need of guidance— maximize the benefit of their fundraising efforts for the charity?

“Almost nobody is born a fundraiser. So you have to give your board members the tools they need to succeed,” suggests Outi Flynn, director of the Knowledge Center at BoardSource, an organization headquartered in Washington, DC that is dedicated to assisting the nation’s nonprofit leaders with governance issues.

“These key tools,” she notes, “include a wellconstructed case statement, an ‘elevator speech’ for everyone, clear giftacceptance policies, and continuous discussion on what the organization offers and how to ‘sell’ the message to the right audience.”

“Board members must have a complete understanding of the organization’s mission and activities, so they can spontaneously and credibly make the case to prospective donors about supporting the organization,” Reilly offers. “If they won’t step up to the plate, they need to be made aware that they cause the rest of the board and staff to shoulder a greater portion of the revenue generation burden.”

Education is an option to consider, according to Baltimore-based independent fundraising consultant Steve Haddad. “I believe board members can benefit from formal training opportunities, typically in group settings, as well as one-onone coaching from professional staff and consultants. They will gain experience and confidence with regular prospect- review activity. In addition, staff can help board members learn how to answer tough questions and, of course, teach them how to experience rejection by not taking ‘no’ personally. Remind them that they will never hear ‘yes’ if they don't ask!”

To bolster motivation among board members, Haddad suggests instituting metrics. “I'm a big believer in a minimum ‘give and get’ floor that every board member must meet on an annual basis,” he says. “All board members should work with staff to develop a written plan for how they will reach those goals. Successful nonprofits provide board members with quarterly updates on how they are doing, as well as the support needed to help board members reach the goals outlined in their plans.”

Gabbey agrees with the idea of fundraising plans for board members and emphasizes the benefit of tailoring strategies to people’s unique skills and abilities. “Humane society and SPCA directors may want to think about individualizing such plans. Some board members will do better at hosting receptions, while others will succeed through bringing in friends for tours and then taking them to lunch.”

“A fervent supporter of a nonprofit needs to remember that asking for money is not begging,” Flynn points out. “It is actually the most natural thing to do when you believe in the good work that the organization is doing.”

And, given current U.S. macroeconomic trends, such efforts will become as necessary as they should be natural.

“In the current economic climate, it will be a greater challenge than ever to encourage donations,” says Reilly. “Fundraisers need to hold their heads high and be creative in offering fundraising options to prospective donors.”

“Getting the money is giving to the animals,” Gabbey says, “so fundraising is crucial to the work of the mission. I always give board members an animal story to have 'in their pocket.' They can share it with donors to explain just how our work affects the lives of animals. Being willing to talk about our work in meaningful ways and being willing to ask for help makes a big difference, especially in volatile economic times.”

Rob Blizard is Director, Gift Planning at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. He is also a freelance writer on nonprofit fundraising issues and a SAWA member.

2008 National Conference Report

The Valley of the Sun was home to the 2008 SAWA National Conference. 250 SAWA members, sponsors and guests enjoyed the ambiance of the Scottsdale Plaza Resort while having the opportunity to network with colleagues and enhance their skills through the many educational sessions presented.

SAWA presented each attendee a copy of the book, Why Dogs Wag Their Tails, co-authored by keynote speaker Sheri McArdle. McArdle is Co- CEO of McArdle Ramerman, Inc.

In addition to McArdle, SAWA presented a strong line-up of speakers who provided valuable information on a number of subjects including “Culture of Engagement...Retention Factors” by Paris Pate of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, “APPA Data & How to Use It” by Bob Vetere of APPA, “Good Governance— A Journey Worth Taking” by Dave Sternberg of Achieve, “What Leaders of Today Can Do to Build Leaders for Tomorrow” by J.R. Yeager of CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, and “Evacuation, Rescue & Sheltering Pets in Disaster” by FEMA’s Mark Tinsman.

Panel discussions were offered on multiple topics. A panel on “Surveys and Accountability” was presented by Pam Burns of the Hawaiian Humane Society, Bob Vetere and Becky Ward of Ward Research.

Veterinarians Kate Hurley from UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program and Amy Marder of the Animal Rescue League of Boston offered a panel on the “Mental and Physical Well-Being of Shelter Cats.”

Barbara Carr from the Erie County SPCA, Joan Miller of the Cat Fanciers Association and Jeannine Taaffe of Banfield, The Pet Hospital present a session on “Cats Count: Marketing.”

The conference wrapped-up with an always popular roundtable discussion led by Jim Tedford of Alpha Dog Strategies.

However, it was not all work and no play. Beginning with the Margarita Hour hosted by the National Federation of Humane Societies and the Opening Night Reception sponsored by Newport Creative, there was plenty of time to catch up with old friends, meet new friends and wind down after a long day of sessions.

Hill’s Happy Hour was held on Monday evening in the scenic Cypress Court on the grounds of the resort.

The final event was the Boot Stompin’ Cowboy Cookout sponsored by Grizzard and Convio. This event was held at The Ranch, an outdoor banquet facility in the desert. Guests decorated their own cowboy hats, an activity provided by Grizzard. Both black and white hats were available, along with feathers, sequins, glitter, bandanas, paint and more decorating items.

Everyone enjoyed the live band, line dancing, a buffet dinner and camp fires.

A special thanks to Kelley Durham and Charlotte Peterson from the Second Chance Center for Animals in Flagstaff for all their help with signage and registration. Steve Putnam of the National Federation of Humane Societies did yeoman duty at registration as well.

Finally, a big thank you to the entire conference committee for their work to make the conference such a success: Chair Alice Calabrese Smith, Martha Armstrong, Carl Bandow, Julie Bank, Mary Pat Boatfield, Kelley Durham, Richard Gerbasi, Steven Heaven, Jean McGroarty, Nancy McKenney, David Miller, Jim Tedford and conference coordinator Judy Burnett.

Plans are underway for the 2009 National Conference, which will be held in Austin, Texas, in November 2009.

SAWA Elects New Board Members

Two new representatives have been elected to the SAWA Board of Directors. Jodi Buckman CAWA of the Capital Area Humane Society and Anthony Priore of the Humane Society of Broward County have joined the board. Current board member, Alice Calabrese Smith of the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, has been named treasurer.

SAWA owes a tremendous debt of thanks to three retiring board members: Dr. Becky Rhoades CAWA, Karen Terpstra CAWA and Martha Boden. Becky has served SAWA well and has chaired the Disaster Committee. Karen chaired the Education Committee and was instrumental in promoting the CAWA Certification program. Martha served both as treasurer and as co chair of the Conference Committee. We will miss the leadership of all three of these women and thank them for their service and dedication to SAWA.

CAWA Exam Will Be Given
at 2009 Management Conference

The CAWA exam will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at the SPCA Cincinnati Humane Center, 11900 Conrey Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249. The exam is scheduled to coincide with the Management Conference, which also will be held in Cincinnati.

The exam will be free to SAWA members. Non-members will pay an exam fee of $295 and re-testers who are non-members will pay a fee of $75.

SAWA will also reimburse its members for the most expensive book that they purchase from the reading list.

Member candidates must submit their receipt for the book between March and April at the time they apply for the exam to receive the refund.

SAWA is working on hotel arrangements for those who would like to stay close to the humane center. SPCA Cincinnati Humane Center will provide transportation to the exam.

To apply to take the exam, please go to www.cps.ca.gov/tlc/sawa/about.asp

2009 Management Conference Preview

The picturesque Queen City on the on banks of the Ohio River will be home to the 2009 SAWA Management Conference June 9—11, 2009.

Discover all there is to do in Cincinnati, Ohio from our comfortable downtown hotel, just 12 miles from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. A familiar landmark on the city skyline, the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati offers every possible convenience under one roof.

Take advantage of the hotel’s indoor pool and whirlpool, outdoor sundeck, and 24-Hour Stay Fit gym. Your guest room will offer complimentary high-speed internet access. Transportation from the airport is available from Airport Executive Travel or public transportation via TANKBUS. The SAWA hotel room rate is $135 plus tax for single or double occupancy.

When the day’s meetings conclude, stroll across the enclosed second- level skywalk connecting our hotel to Tower Place Shopping Mall and Saks Fifth Avenue, visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, or attend a Cincinnati Reds game at Great American Ball Park, just blocks from the hotel.


Here is the tentative conference agenda:

Tuesday, June 9 - CAWA Exam

Tuesday, June 9 - Board Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 - Cincinnati SPCA Shelter Tours

Tuesday, June 9 - Opening Reception - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 10 - Sessions 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thursday, June 11 - Sessions 8 a.m. - 5:00 pm

Thursday, June 11 - Closing Dinner 6:30 pm - ?


Reserve your hotel room now by calling 800-233-1234. Be sure to mention you are with the SAWA Management Conference. 

New SAWA Members January — November 2008

Welcome to our newest SAWA members. Their names and organizations are listed below.