AFP Connecticut has provided fundraising professionals across the state with educational, networking and professional advancement opportunities, but as with any organization, its beginnings were humble.
Our Chapter was founded in 1979 and led by Joseph Coffey, its first President. Organizational meetings began in 1978 after Joe attended an NSFRE conference in New York City.
Joe talked with NSFRE officials about support being provided to fund-raising professionals through the statewide chapter system. Already impressed with the training and materials he received at that conference, when asked to consider establishing one in Connecticut, he offered to "float the idea" to a few friends in the field.
Joe spoke to Warren Dunbar, Executive Director of Combined Health Appeal, and John Seremat from the American Cancer Society, Connecticut chapter. After determining their interest, he went on to set up the first discussion and organizational meeting in Wallingford at the state office of the American Cancer Society.
Seven senior fundraisers attended that first meeting. Warren Dunbar, John Seremat, Jim Greenberg, Executive Director of the American Cancer Society in New Haven, David Rowland, Executive Director of Prevent Blindness, Jim Blozie, Executive Director of the American Heart Association, Louise Shaheen, Executive Director of March of Dimes, Hartford, and Joseph Coffey, Executive Director of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Succeeding Joe Coffey as President was Louise Shaheen, who served for two terms, then Susan M. Weber, CFRE, who also served for two terms. A complete list of presidents and their terms are listed below.
Bob Doyon and Susan Weber, active chapter members since 1981, have fond memories of early chapter meetings held at the Lord Cromwell Hotel in Cromwell, Conn., where six or seven members would be a good turnout.
Meetings were informal over cocktails and dinner. Camaraderie was the rule and anecdotal stories were often the learning tools. As Bob and Susan remember, above all those chapter meetings were fun. (There are persistent rumors of certain activities taking place at holiday parties but they have never been proven and no arrests were ever made.)
As the AFP Connecticut Chapter grew over the years, a second chapter was established to serve the membership in Southwest Connecticut. It became the Fairfield County Chapter of AFP in 1994. Once established, the Fairfield County chapter shared responsibilities for and income generated by, the annual Philanthropy Day Conference and Philanthropy Awards Luncheon.
Compiled by Robert C. Doyon and Susan M. Weber, CFRE, 02/06
AFP Connecticut Past Presidents:
Joseph Coffey 1979-1980
Louise Shaheen 1981-1982
Susan M. Weber, CFRE 1983-1984
Milton Erway, CFRE 1985-1986
Carol Thompson, CFRE 1987-1988
Janet Hill Otto, CFRE 1989-1990
Kathleen F. Stoddard, CFRE 1991-1992
C. William Kimbell, CFRE 1993-1994
Lawrence Jerome 1995-1996
June Dalton Morris, CFRE 1997-1998
Theodore W. Milek, CFRE 1999-2000
Catherine Wendt, CFRE 2001
Martha L. Rennie, CFRE 2002
Jeannette Archer Simons, CFRE 2003-2004
Wendy M. Lux, CFRE 2005-2006
Edward T. (Ned) Hogan, CFRE 2007-2008
Via Garafola 2009-2010
John Brooks 2011-2012
Jessica Carso 2013-2014
Gina Marcantonio 2015-2018
Adria Giordano 2019-