About Management Fellows

“Tom Wick's commitment to giving extends to his personal life and he promotes the paradigms of good philanthropic practice and mentors younger professionals. I gained a tremendous amount of experience from the Management Fellows that is directly applicable to my current career. Tom introduced us to leaders and ran through problem solving scenarios that all top fundraisers must know how to handle - everything from campaign planning, to board development, to managing your staff. I was impressed with the insightful feedback Tom provided and the material I worked on in that course make up my management toolkit today. I highly recommend the program to anyone interested in learning more about the industry from a true professional at the top of his craft.”

—Eric Horner, Director Online Engagement, Northwestern University

“The Management Fellows Program has been invaluable in my professional development. Before I was accepted to the program, I was at the point in my career where I felt like I was not being given enough resources in terms of support and training to effectively lead a fundraising team. Meeting with successful executives from the nonprofit and charitable sector who have shared their insights and real life management and organizational scenarios has been eye-opening and greatly appreciated. I am in awe of the program that Clyde Watkins has helped build and feel incredibly fortunate for this growth opportunity that I believe will propel me even further with my career. The peer camaraderie has also been an incredibly fulfilling part of our monthly meetings. To know that I am not alone with the challenges I face and that I have a group of 9 other people who really get my work and appreciate me lifts my spirits. I know that even after this program ends I will have a “posse” of fellows to share best practices, have a beer with, or reach out to for guidance and support during difficult times. Without the scholarship, I would not have been able to afford participation in the program as my organization unfortunately did not have enough in its budget to cover the full cost. I hope to repay the incredible generosity of DLC donors by making my own contributions in the years to come as I advance in my career. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

—Rudy Ash, Senior Development Officer, Posse Chicago

About DLC

“The DLC provided me with a group of colleagues who were more or less at the same level within their own careers, all with the same curiosity and drive to learn more about the field.  Because everyone is from a different specialty within the nonprofit sector, any sense of competition is neutralized, and we have truly became a professional support system for one another through ups and downs at our home institutions.  We can bounce new ideas off of one another, talk about upcoming events, end of year campaigns, Annual Fund appeals and strategies, Board issues, cranky bosses and frustrating co-workers, comparing work environments and experiences with each other, and then use all of that feedback to our advantage without worrying about repercussions at our home institutions.  It’s pretty wonderful to be able to talk shop with someone who completely understands where you’re coming from—rather than friends or family—but who has no control over or stake in your fate at your organization.  It’s also comforting to know, based on conversations with other Annual Fellows, that my organization’s problems and pitfalls are not entirely unique, and that I am not the only person who feels the way I do about one issue or another within Development.”

— Mary Hayes, Development Coordinator, Facets Multimedia

“This Development Leadership Consortium is an amazing organization and there is nothing else like it.  I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the DLC and I hope to be able to give back tothe organization in the future.   Thank you!!”

—Courtney Kohout, Associate Director, Gift Planning, University of Chicago

About Donors

“Thank you so much for your generous gift that made my scholarship award possible.  Participation in the Management Fellows Program of the Development Leadership Consortium met and exceeded my expectations; the total experience was exceptional.   From the stellar guidance by Tom Wick, the real-world advice of the prestigious guest speakers, to the friendships developed with my classmates, the program is a unique convergence of tangible lessons that seem rarely available elsewhere.  I now feel more confident in my career development and believe that I can take on greater leadership positions.  Oh, and it is so great to be reminded that field of Development is a noble cause!”

— Sarah Klein, Director, Donor Relations & Communications, American College of Surgeons Foundation

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