DMW Direct Announces New Executive Team for Fundraising Group

Press release (Nov. 8, 2011) — DMW Direct, a leading direct response advertising agency, today announced that effective January 1, 2012, Debbie Merlino will be appointed President of DMW Direct Fundraising — a division of the company which serves non-profit organizations nationwide in support of their fundraising and membership-building programs. Current President Tom Hurley will continue to play a key role, serving as a Senior Advisor to the business.

“Tom Hurley is an outstanding leader and a highly regarded fundraising expert, particularly in the public broadcasting arena,” said Mark Mandia, President and Chief Operating Officer. “Under his direction, DMW Direct Fundraising has grown exponentially into a preeminent and innovative fundraising consultancy.”

As chief steward of DMW Direct Fundraising, Tom’s 38 years of fundraising and marketing experience includes roles on both the client and agency side. His professional background includes 11 years as a development officer at PBS-NPR stations in New York and Michigan, as well as 27 years managing various membership and donor programs. He is an expert in all phases of development including membership acquisition and retention, monthly and planned giving, major gift development, and corporate support.

Tom sits on the Board of Directors of the Association of Direct Response Fundraising Counsel (ADRFCO) and is a regular conference speaker for PBS, the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and other trade groups. He is also the author of the fundraising book, "In the Trenches."

In reflecting on his new role with DMW Direct Fundraising, Tom says: “The continued success of DMW Direct Fundraising remains my personal and professional goal. It is a delight to see all the good work that’s accomplished through our service to clients and it’s an honor to continue to work with our team.”

Debbie Merlino joined DMW Direct Fundraising in 2007 with two decades of experience in direct mail and database marketing. Her areas of expertise include strategic planning and end-to-end program execution. During her four and a half years as Vice President of Fundraising, she has developed and managed direct response fundraising campaigns for a large portfolio of clients, representing over $2 million in annual billings.

“We are fortunate to execute a succession plan that replaces someone of Tom’s stature with someone of Debbie’s great character and expertise,” said Mark Mandia. “She possesses all of the key skills and traits to effectively lead the high-performing team Tom has developed over the years.”

Prior to joining DMW Direct, Debbie successfully managed membership and donor programs for a diverse national client base of health care, advocacy, and environmental organizations. A graduate of Suffolk University, she has a long tradition of personal involvement with local charities, including the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.

In commenting on her promotion to President of DMW Direct Fundraising, Debbie said: “The DMW Direct Fundraising team is made up of a group of dedicated and extremely knowledgeable professionals who work hard every day to help their clients achieve their fundraising and membership goals. In my 23 years of experience I have never seen a more client-centric group of individuals, all working toward a common goal, and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead them.”