D.C. Fundraiser, Dimetri O’Brien, Honored as AFP Outstanding Young Professional

CONTACTS:
Natalie Paskoski, Manager of Content, (434) 236 – 5583, Natalie.Paskoski@afpglobal.org

(Arlington, Virginia) Dimetri O’Brien, development and communications manager at D.C. nonprofit, New Endeavors by Women, has been recognized as one of four Outstanding Young Professionals by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). The award will be presented in Toronto on April 7 during AFP ICON 2024, the largest gathering of fundraising professionals in the world.

The award recognizes fundraisers under the age of 31 who display excellence in raising funds, inspiring donors, and managing campaigns, while demonstrating dedication to the charitable sector.

“I'm deeply honored to receive this prestigious award, reflecting the impact of my fundraising contributions in my community,” said Dimetri. “With immense gratitude to AFP DC Metro Area Chapter and my organization, this recognition validates the power of mentorship and belief in my journey. It affirms that I'm on the right path, driven by a passion for creating equitable spaces in philanthropy. This award embodies the collaborative spirit of our profession, and I'm excited to continue making a positive impact alongside fellow fundraisers.”

O’Brien began his career with UHUPIL, where he raised over $250,000 through grant-funded campaigns and programs for The Magic Johnson Foundation to support HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and education.

He continued his work for this mission as program coordinator for the HIV & Health Equity Program at the Human Rights Campaign. Managing a donor portfolio of over $1,000,000, Dimetri oversaw grants and program funding, including the creation of the first national at-home STI testing campaign, securing funding upwards of $500,000.

As the communications & development associate at St. Coletta of Greater Washington, Dimetri and his team secured $1,000,000 in funds from the city of D.C. Dimetri's dynamic communication strategies yielded a 10% annual increase in donations and a 20% boost in retail sales.

In his current role as development & communications manager at New Endeavors by Women, a D.C. based nonprofit providing housing and skill development, Dimetri orchestrated a strategic fundraising overhaul, achieving an impressive 15% annual increase in donations within the first year. This growth was partially due to his effective management of the donor database, which contributed to a 20% growth in engagement and retention. This was accompanied by a new comprehensive communication strategy which resulted in a 35% growth in digital platform engagement and a 30% increase in online giving.

“On behalf of everyone at AFP, I want to offer my congratulations to Dimetri O’Brien, one of our amazing Outstanding Young Professionals this year,” said Mike Geiger, MBA, CPA, president and CEO of AFP. “It is clear from the record-breaking results of his campaigns that he has a passion for the fundraising profession. We are excited to see the enormous impact he has already made in his career and look forward to supporting his future growth as a fundraiser and AFP leader."

In addition to being one of this year’s award recipients, O’Brien is actively engaged in his local D.C. chapter, and this year has taken on roles with various committees such as IDEA and education.

He has continuously demonstrated a commitment to professional development, attending AFP conferences, as well as events such as the Bridge Conference and events through Men of Color in Development. He is also currently in the process of earning his CFRE certification.

For more information about this award and AFP ICON, please contact Natalie Paskoski at (434)-236-5583 or natalie.paskoski@afpglobal.org.  

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Since 1960, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising. The association works to advance effective and ethical philanthropy by providing advocacy, research, education, mentoring, collaboration and technology opportunities for the world’s largest network of professional fundraisers. AFP’s more than 26,000 members in over 220 chapters raise over $100 billion annually for a wide variety of charitable organizations and causes across the globe. For more information, go to afpglobal.org. 

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