People in Fundraising, season 3, ep. 20: Carrick Davis of UC-Davis, Immediate Past President of Apra

Talking with Carrick Davis, the immediate past president of Apra International, was such a treat, we almost went a full hour! I loved hearing how Carrick deliberately chose to enter the nonprofit/social impact sector, whereas many people in fundraising have a more circuitous route to this profession. Or as the Crosby, Stills, & Nash song "Delta," referenced in our conversation, goes: "of fast-running rivers of choice and chance."

In our super enjoyable conversation, Carrick:

* describes the goals, achievements, and lessons learned from being President of Apra International from 2022 through 2023; the importance of being involved as a volunteer in our profession; and enhancing Apra's perception among members

* shares his reflections from a 2017 interview with Joan Ogwumike, MPA Ogwumike (season 3 guest) that “the thread that I can string through all my positions [in my career] is a focus and commitment to promote social good.” Where does this originate in Carrick's life?

* offers thoughts on this quote from theologian, philosopher, and civil rights activist Howard Thurman: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive!” What makes Carrick come alive?

* describes has learned about himself from living in various parts of our country personally and professionally. "Geography is deeply important to me. Place, whether the built or nature environment, has a really profound affect on us as social creatures - how culture and space have influence over a person. I have been almost a different person in each of the places where I've lived."

* "the generational opportunity" he had at his current employer, the University of California-Davis, and how this allows him to allocate "professional energy into changing lives through public education." Carrick oversees a team of 14.

* shares how "the fast-running river of chance" at work led Carrick to meet his future wife, his future best man, and some fantastic friends all at work.

Thank you Carrick for an awesome, wide-ranging, and totally fun interview! Looking forward to meeting you at Apra PD in Seattle this summer.