People in Fundraising, season 3, ep. 22: New Mexico State University's Stacey MacDonnell

Stacey MacDonnell is my first guest to represent New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, in "People in Fundraising!" Stacey and I worked together on the New England Development Research Association's (NEDRA's) board of directors, and I loved reconnecting with her. In her nonprofit career to date, Stacey has worked in New England, New Orleans, and now, in keeping with the "New" theme, New Mexico.

In our conversation, Stacey shares:

* Her current role as the Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services at New Mexico State University Foundation, and how this role came about after her prior roles focusing on prospect development. At the time of our interview, Stacey had been in this AVP role for two months, with oversight of stewardship, data, corporations & foundations, and prospect research.

* the impact of mentors and people like David Eberly, Stacey's supervisor at Boston Children's Hospital Trust, on her career. She particularly credited David for advising her "you have to know when to stop" researching a donor, and focus on being concise and accurate to help frontline fundraising colleagues.

* Her reflections on one of my favorite quotes, from Henry Ford: "If you need a machine and don't buy it, you will ultimately find that you have paid for it - and don't have it."

* What brought her professionally and personally to New Mexico, and what she has learned about herself from living in a variety of U.S. states. Stacey also describes what is captivating about NMSU's mission to support first-generation students, and how she feels very connected to this mission.

Thank you for a wonderful conversation, Stacey! It was great to have you as a guest and I appreciate you sharing your career story with me and our audience.