American Veterinary Medical Foundation welcomes new executive director

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), has welcomed a new executive director, Danielle Johnson. According to a release from the AVMA,¹ Johnson has more than 20 years of fundraising experience, serving 14 years in senior development positions with The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and 8 years in The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

José Arce, DVM, chair of the AVMF board of directors, said in the release, “I am delighted that Danielle Johnson has joined us as director of the Foundation. Her background and record of success will improve the effectiveness of AVMF’s programs and staff and will help our foundation reach new heights.”¹

Danielle Johnson, executive director of AVMF. (Photo courtesy of AVMA)

During her time at Ohio State, Johnson created a client giving campaign, assisted in the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) Enhancement and Expansion Campaign as well as other college priorities. She also assisted in creating and implementing the Commitment to Care Campaign to raise awareness and funds for the veterinary college’s Veterinary Medical Center.

“I’m taking a hard look at our operations and (looking) to put processes and procedures in place that will make it easier for us to talk with members and with AVMA leadership about donating to the Foundation. I have a lot of experience building relationships with people and talking with them about legacy gifts and longer-term larger gifts, as well as donating on an annual basis,” Johnson said in the release.

“It was a big change, going from talking about a T-shirt for a $100 pledge to asking for major gifts of a $100,000 or more. I see this as a tremendous opportunity for the Foundation,” she continued, “and in my conversations I want to learn what is missing that is keeping the AVMF from being recognized in those areas where other national animal organizations are better known.”¹

According to the release, one of Johnson’s long-term goals is to raise the visibility of the AVMF, not only within the veterinary community but also among the public.

References

AVMF hires former Ohio State fundraiser as executive director. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. Published May 29, 2023. Accessed May 30, 2023. https://www.avma.org/news/avmf-hires-former-ohio-state-fundraiser-executive-director