And now for our third member spotlight of August Appreciation Month: Kirk Huffaker of Preservation Utah!
Kirk has served as Executive Director and the staff lead on fundraising for the last ten years, though he's been on staff at Preservation Utah for a total of twenty years. "I realized early in my time at the organization that it's everyone's job on staff be part of the fundraising effort, whether it's making an event successful, writing a grant, or helping in the identification and cultivation of members and donors," he says.
Kirk lists his greatest fundraising-related struggle at the moment as trying to keep the momentum going with Preservation Utah's supporters, who helped the organization (formerly Utah Heritage Foundation) meet big fundraising goals for it's 50th anniversary last year and facilitated a success rebranding campaign.
As for his greatest accomplishments, he says "In my ten years as Executive Director, we've exceeded goals for three fundraising campaigns, and been able to start an endowment. These have provided us with a stronger foundation for continuing to build long-term organizational strength."
"I'm an AFP member because I don't have it figured out and am always seeking how I can get better at my job. At the same time, I'm seeking how to best establish our organizational culture around fundraising. Surrounding yourself with the professional community for networking and peer learning opportunities is one of the strongest ways I believe to put us on the path to what works for us."