How our interim management helped Fisher College build a strong advancement program and welcome a visionary fundraising leader

When Dr. Alan Ray became president of Fisher College, a private institution in Boston, Massachusetts, he identified the need for a robust advancement program to help him achieve his ambitious goals. As a result, he approached Development Guild in 2017 with a unique request: to help build the advancement program from the “ground up” by simultaneously providing interim management and conducting an executive search for a Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.  

By providing interim management, we prepared for a seamless transition for the College’s new leader. We spearheaded a number of critical initiatives: developing the scope for the College’s case for philanthropy; reviewing all staff’s development roles and expectations; reviewing all current fundraising policies and creating best practices for philanthropy; identifying the College’s prospect pool; and leaving a calendar of activities in place for the incoming VP. Our team worked closely with President Ray and Ellen Lyons, Director of Human Resources, to develop the VP opportunity and ideal candidate profile. This collaborative approach, along with our onsite experience at Fisher, provided our placement Brenda Sanchez with a deeply insightful on-boarding experience. She was prepared to make an impact from day one.