An Interview with Sean Scanlon, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology

FS: Any major difficulties or setbacks you've faced along the way as far as 
fundraising is concerned?
SS: Yes. I started at the Lab in the summer 2008, just in time for the worst economic recession in the past 70 years. It was a very challenging way to start. In addition, the development culture of the organization was very passive at the time. I am thrilled that we now have an excellent fundraising team, but changing the culture of the organization has been a slow and methodical process with some personnel and management setbacks during this difficult period.