What was your role while at Development Guild DDI?
I had many roles at Development Guild in my 6 years there! I started as an administrative assistant reporting to Kate, then was Bill’s assistant for a long time, then shifted my focus to executive search projects exclusively (and reported to Susan). By the time I left, I was a Consultant 1, and was managing my own search projects “soup to nuts” – hah, is that still an expression?
I also was helping Susan and Rebecca build executive search processes and infrastructure so that research, FileFinder approvals, and other internal search-related tasks could be managed by a team as opposed to one person.
What did you take away from your time at Development Guild that has served you well in your career?
I learned how to work with many different personalities and learning styles, which has given me flexibility in my career. I have learned to tailor my approach to best suit the needs of the person I am working with, which has resulted in productive partnerships and relationships. I also always put the date on any document I produce (thanks, Bill).
Emma and Noah
What have you been up to since leaving?
Professionally, I worked at Year Up for 4.5 years in Boston at their National Office on the development operations team. Year Up was my client at Development Guild for a year before I transitioned. Now I am the Director of Development at the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) in Watertown – my one-year anniversary is September 2018. Personally, since leaving DG, I married Sebastian Remi (we got engaged right before I left) and we have two kids: Emma (4) and Noah (2) (left). We live in Newtonville, but try to get back to Coolidge Corner often (where we used to live).
Tell us more about your current role.
My main focus as the DOD is building our individual giving program. We have many high-capacity families in our community who have never been engaged by development. Development was basically owned by our Executive Director. As part of building the individual giving program, I also manage our annual “Uncommon Gala”.
What is your fondest memory from your time here?
I don’t have one specific memory, but I keep in touch with many of my DG colleagues who are now DG alumni. It was a wonderful place to start my career and to strengthen my network. My closest professional allies are my colleagues from Development Guild.
Do you have any advice you would like to give to incoming employees?
Seek out opportunities for growth and do not be afraid to share your thoughts and feedback. Everyone at Development Guild wants to see their employees grow professionally. Try to work with as many principals and senior employees as possible, to learn different work styles and absorb different areas of expertise. I loved working at Development Guild – the people and the practice are incredible.
Erica with husband Sebastian