Meet Our Award Winners!

Sherry Madsen
Vice president of development
Planned Parenthood of Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo Counties (Calif.)
www.ppsbvslo.org

Organization’s mission: To actively promote family planning and healthy, responsible reproductive and sexual behavior through the provision of high-quality, comprehensive educational, counseling, medical and referral services.
Annual operating budget: $10 million
How much raised annually: $2 million
Role models: My parents, Gloria Steinem, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas and Jane Goodall.
Why did you choose fundraising as a career: It chose me. As a volunteer, I was avidly involved in raising money [in a former position] to protect the environment and wildlife of southwest Florida and had the opportunity to become the director of development for the organization.
Greatest fundraising challenges: Inspiring and energizing a new generation of activists to become the change-makers of tomorrow.
Challenges facing fundraisers in general: Donors feeling overwhelmed by the increasing number of charitable organizations requesting donations as well as the increasing number of asks from individual organizations.
Keys to success (in fundraising): Honesty, integrity, passion for the mission.
Keys to success (in life): Honesty, integrity and compassion.
Fundraising accomplishment of which you are most proud: Mentoring others in the fundraising profession; receiving the national award for excellence in fundraising from my Planned Parenthood development peers.
How would your co-workers describe you: Dedicated, patient; great with people and building relationships with donors.
Greatest lesson ever learned: Get over it and move on!
Personal philosophy: Follow your heart and be true to yourself.