AFP Announces 2017 Class of Distinguished Fellows

AFP is proud to announce its first cohort of Distinguished Fellows, recognizing six senior members of the Association who have given so much to the fundraising and philanthropic communities.

The Distinguished Fellows program and Honorary Fellows program (for those who are not members of AFP) spotlights individuals who have made significant leadership contributions to the philanthropic and fundraising professions, and who will continue to advance AFP’s mission and vision through their volunteer and advisory work. 

“AFP has grown tremendously, and so much of that growth can be attributed to our Fellows,” said Jason Lee, interim president and CEO of AFP. “We developed a program that gives these leaders due recognition, and also encourages them to even greater levels of engagement. I want to thank the six members of our first class of Fellows—they’re an incredibly generous and accomplished group of individuals.”

The Senior Leaders Engagement Task Force, chaired by Michael Delzotti, CFRE, developed the AFP International Distinguished Fellows Program, which was kicked off at the 2016 International Fundraising Conference in Boston.

Any AFP member with fifteen years in the profession is eligible for nomination as a Distinguished Fellow. For the Honorary Fellow, a minimum of fifteen years in nonprofit leadership is required. Nominations were required to address professional recognition, employment history, publications and speaking history, AFP memberships, honor and activity, and a concise description of why he or she should be selected a Fellow.

Designation bestowed would be FAFP or HonFAFP, and the first class was announced at the Leadership Academy in October.

The following members are part of the first class of Distinguished Fellows:

"AFP has been the greatest constant in my career.  It has been my primary source for knowledge, guidance, colleagues and friends.  It has given me incredible opportunities, as a member, volunteer, leader and employee.  I am deeply moved, honored and grateful to be among the first class of AFP Distinguished Fellows."

- Patricia Bjorhovde, MAPD, Consultant, Tucson, Ariz.

"It is an incredible honor to be selected for the first class of AFP Distinguished Fellows from such a large membership of experienced philanthropy professionals. Early in my career, AFP gave me education and opportunities to develop as a leader. Many of my more senior AFP colleagues were amazing mentors, who generously shared their knowledge. I can't imagine where I would be in my career without the many years of extensive AFP support."

- Richard Paul Bragga, CFRE, JD, FAHP, ABC, APR, Senior Principal, Jerold Panas, Linzy & Partners, Richmond, Va.

"I have been involved with AFP since I joined the nonprofit sector in 1980, and have served AFP and countless organizations and individuals in many ways since then.  Our mission-focused professionals do much more than raise money:  they raise the level of community engagement, lift lives and spirits, and lead our organizations towards an unfolding vision for our future. I am honored to be among the first group of AFP Distinguished Fellows." 

- Kay Sprinkel Grace, MA, BA, President, Transforming Philanthropy, San Francisco, Calif.

“I am deeply honored to receive this special recognition.  I have learned a great deal during my 33 years of service to AFP, and treasure the colleagues who have enriched my career as well as my life.  This is a beautiful capstone to a career that has brought me so much gratification.”

Barbara Levy, ACFRE, Consultant, Tuscon, Ariz.

“Twenty years ago when I joined AFP, Lloyd Horton, Barbara Anthony and Paul Kralovanec took me under their wings and fostered my growth as a professional fundraiser. They instilled in me the importance of investing in others and the fundraising profession. Being named an AFP Distinguished Fellow was made possible by them, my AFP mentors.” 

- Grant Martin, CFRE, Vice President, Capital Campaigns, The Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa, Fla.

"I was very honored when I found out that I was being named a Distinguished Fellow.  AFP has been an important part of my career. I've been a member of AFP for over 20 years and I continue to learn valuable information at trainings and conferences."

- David Tinker, CFRE, Vice President of Advancement, ACHIEVA, Pittsburgh, Pa.