Kerry Wood named "Outstanding Fundraising Professional" by the Association of Fundraising Professionals
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—November 10, 2011—The Foundation for California Community Colleges congratulates Kerry Wood, Vice President of Resource Development and Communications, for being recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) California Capital Chapter as its “Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year.” Wood received the honor today during National Philanthropy Day, an event hosted by the organization to recognize philanthropic efforts and achievements in the north central valley region.
A member of the Foundation for California Community Colleges’ (Foundation) executive team since 2008, Wood led, alongside the California Community Colleges, a statewide fundraising campaign that resulted in a $67.7 million endowment for community college student scholarships, the largest of its kind in the nation. She also guides the organization’s grant-seeking and fund development activities, which has resulted in an additional $44 million in funding during her nearly four-year tenure.
In response to receiving this award, Wood said, “It is a privilege to work in the nonprofit fundraising profession and strive to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. I am grateful for and humbled by this honor, and I share it with the many fundraising professionals in the nonprofit community who devote their time to improving the lives of others.”
“The Foundation is thrilled to see one of its team members receive such an honorable distinction. Our Foundation exists to benefit and support the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the 112 colleges throughout the state, all in an effort to create a brighter future for our nearly 3 million community college students. This honor is well-deserved, as Kerry’s efforts and hard work directly support our important mission,” said Keetha Mills, Interim President and CEO of the Foundation.
With nearly two decades of experience in development and communications roles, Wood previously served with Mercy Foundation for 12 years, as director, and nearly three years as Director of Institutional Advancement for the Crocker Art Museum. A Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Wood is an active member of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, Council for Resource Development, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is a community college alumna and holds a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and a master of arts in communication studies, both from California State University, Sacramento, where she is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education leadership.
According to the AFP, National Philanthropy Day is held to draw attention to the leaders and contributors who help build a stronger Capital area community through philanthropy. There are 5,928 nonprofit, 501(c)3 organizations in the Sacramento Metro region that contribute to the economy by providing jobs to employees who then carry out their missions to feed, clothe, house, educate, care for and console those in need in this region.
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The Foundation for California Community Colleges is the official non-profit foundation to the California Community Colleges’ Board of Governors and Chancellor’s Office. The Foundation’s mission is to benefit, support, and enhance the missions of the California Community College system, the largest higher education system in the nation. Incorporated in 1998, the Foundation works with Community Colleges and partner organizations to manage donations, grants, programs, and services that drive excellence in education while saving millions of dollars for colleges each year. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit corporation and receives no direct state or public support. For more information, visit www.foundationccc.org.