AFP CA, Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter: How does a CFRE Benefit Me?

Whether you’re registered for the exam, or just curious about the process, a conversation with your own local chapter CFRE’s will give you the information you need to be prepared. Jill Rode an experienced CFRE and Lauren Trujillo a new CFRE will discuss their career paths and reasons for pursuing the CFRE, how it benefits their work, and how it can help your organization.

Join us for an in-person gathering where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about the CFRE process and get tips, tricks and advice for preparing for your next career move.

About our Presenters


Jill Rode, Director of Legacy Giving Music Academy of the West

Jill Rode has been a professional fundraiser on the Central Coast for 30 years. Previously held positions include Chief Development Officer of the American Red Cross Central Coast Region, Director of Development for the Santa Barbara Zoo, and Director of Development for the Santa Barbara Symphony. Prior to joining the Music Academy, Ms. Rode was the Chief Development Officer of the Channel Islands YMCA where she supervised the fundraising of seven branches of the Y; including annual campaigns, planned giving, grants, and special events.

Recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals as the Fundraiser of the Year in 2004, Ms. Rode has a special affinity for legacy gifts, and recently spoke at the National Conference on Philanthropic Planning on Legacy Societies. During her tenure at the YMCA, Ms. Rode helped steward the growth of the endowment from under $4 million to nearly $10 million. Ms. Rode earned a bachelor’s degree in biopsychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Ms. Rode has been an active community volunteer, having served as President of the Junior League of Santa Barbara and of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Currently, Ms. Rode serves on the board of National Charity League and the PTSA of San Marcos High School, and volunteers for Dream Foundation's Flower Empower program.



Lauren Trujillo, Foundation Director Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation

Lauren Trujillo first came to Santa Barbara to attend UCSB where she received a B.A. in History. She received a Master of Library and Information Science from UCLA and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). She has worked with several nonprofits and organizations in Santa Barbara including the Isla Vista Memorial Project, the Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library, the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. She sits on the board for the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, United for Libraries, Women’s Literary Voices, the Northside Optimist Club, Association for Fundraising Professionals, EDC, and is a member of the Junior League of Santa Barbara.

Coffee and refreshments will be served.