At the organization’s annual meeting on February 12, 2014 Michele Berard was appointed Chapter President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Rhode Island (AFP-RI). AFP-RI is part of an international member organization that promotes ethical fundraising through education, research and advancement of best practices. As Chapter President, Berard, a member of the association for 11 years and President Elect for the previous two years, will focus on the strategic direction of the chapter, which includes advancing ethical fundraising by increasing membership for AFP-RI and through educational events and opportunities, coaching, and mentoring. Under Berard’s direction, the association will increase the Chapter’s reach to all nonprofit fundraisers in order to strengthen Rhode Island’s nonprofit sector.
Ms. Berard’s nonprofit experience is expansive, devoting the last 17 years of her professional experience to nonprofit fundraising and leadership. She is currently the executive director of the Butler Hospital Foundation, where she has worked for the last 9 years. In2009, Berard founded Ascent Advisors, LLC to help small nonprofits with their governance and fund development planning. Finally, Berard has been an adjunct faculty member for the Rhode Island College Certificate Program for Nonprofit Studies since 2006.
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In 2004, Ms. Berard earned the Certified Fundraising Executive Creditial (CFRE). Only 14 individuals in RI hold a CFRE. Next month, Berard will be one of only two Rhode Islanders to present at the AFP International Conference in San Antonio, TX. Ms. Berard holds a BS in Marketing from Rhode Island College and an MBA from Bryant University.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Rhode Island Chapter (AFP-RI) is dedicated to improving the skills of fundraising professionals, increasing the participation of members and non-members alike in chapter activities and expanding our professional and career opportunities to embrace the diversity. www.AFPRI.org
