Meet Our Advisors: Shaw Drummond
Over the next few months, some issues of the FS Advisor will feature “get to know us” articles focusing on FundRaising Success’ Editorial Advisory Board. The board, made up of development folks from nonprofit organizations and the agencies that serve the sector, helps us keep the magazine relevant by providing input on the information our readers need most to help them get their jobs done. We start the series this week with Shaw Drummond.
Who: Shaw Drummond, vice president and general manager, Blackbaud Interactive business unit since 2007. Based in Charleston, S.C., Blackbaud is a provider of software and services designed to help nonprofit organizations improve operational efficiency, build strong relationships and raise more money for their causes.
Grew up in: Little Rock, Ark.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics and history from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas; master’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Professional background: “I assumed the role of vice president and general manager of Blackbaud Interactive, the company’s Internet solutions division, in December 2007. My team implements and supports the Blackbaud NetCommunity and NetSolutions products, and provides a wide range of interactive services. I am also responsible for Blackbaud OnDemand, the company’s full-service, application-hosting services business.
“Previously, I served as chief information officer of Blackbaud, from the time I joined the company in June 2003. During that period, I led the internal IT operations of the company during a period of rapid growth, geographic expansion and the transition to a public company. During this period, I also founded and managed rapid expansion of the Blackbaud OnDemand business.
“Before Blackbaud, I worked for more than 10 years in the telecom industry, focused in accounting, large-scale systems implementations and project management, both in ‘Big 5’ professional services roles and in senior IT and program management roles for a wireless telecommunications carrier.”
Heroes/role models: “My father, the late Winslow Drummond, who taught me the value of classic education, the importance of learning from the knowledge of history, and balance of work and play.
“Legendary Georgia Tech football coach Bobby Dodd, who emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and giving the opponent credit when they make a great play.
“General George S. Patton, who had amazing ability to drive and motivate men, while maintaining a keen understanding of strategy and calculated risks, and was a winner.”
Favorite quote: “Too many to name, but my current favorite is: ‘My responsibility is leadership, and the minute I get negative, that is going to have an influence on my team.’ — Don Shula, former coach of the Miami Dolphins.”
Best advice you ever received: “When contemplating your next career move, take a risk and step forward to new challenges, but keep one foot grounded in what you already know well.”
Define Fundraising 2.0: “Using the wired and unwired virtual world to build new types of relationships and the affinity of a broader community, while integrating these new constituencies into online and offline fundraising tools and methods. Web 2.0 should be leveraged to attract and build an entirely new network of like-minded individuals, but you still have to get them to click the donate button.”
Define the relationship between nonprofits and technology: “Nonprofits are closing the gap very rapidly in their understanding and use of technology as compared to the commercial sectors. As Web 2.0 breaks down the barriers and eliminates the intermediaries between individuals and where they can direct their dollars (for charitable or other purposes), nonprofits are more exposed than ever to an intensely competitive environment. The good news is that the same tools are available to nonprofits as to the commercial sector, and many are using that opportunity to redefine how they interact with their constituencies and raise funds.”
Best advice to fundraisers: “Don’t be afraid of technology; embrace it. Be thoughtful, but don’t delay. And, don’t be afraid to take some risks and make some mistakes.”
On the ideal relationship between a nonprofit and its technology partner: “The best relationship should be one with maximum transparency. Technology providers need to have a deeper understanding of what nonprofits need, and nonprofits need to be willing to share their expectations, but also invest the time and energy to help drive the direction of the technology. A good technology partner, in turn, should listen and respond to what its customers are saying and present solutions for feedback before rolling them out. Nonprofits need to know what is coming and have the opportunity to course correct if necessary before it is too late.”
The three words that best describe you: “Dedicated, enthusiastic, family-oriented.”
