Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston’s Vice President of Development, Susy Smith, has been named the 2021 National Outstanding Resource Development Professional by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The award was presented to Smith at the 2021 Resource Development Awards Presentation & Reception – in coordination with BGCA’s National Conference, which was virtual this year.
The Outstanding Resource Development Professional Award recognizes Smith for her leadership, innovation and successes in championing Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston’s development efforts. During the award presentation, Smith was lauded for providing strategy, direction and oversight in all development areas, including donor engagement, major gifts, annual fund, marketing and communications, and special events, to reach the organization’s fundraising goals.
“We are so proud that Susy was chosen from development professionals around the country for this prestigious award from our national organization,” says Kevin Hattery, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston’s President and CEO. “Her fundraising ability is in a class by itself, as she continually surpasses goals and discovers new funding sources. Our organization greatly benefits from Susy’s development acumen and team building skills, along with her consistently positive outlook.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston raises funds through the generous donations of corporations, small businesses, individuals and foundations, in addition to fundraising events such as the annual Great Futures Dinner. Smith’s tenure at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston began in 2017.
Among Smith’s most recent accomplishments:
* Over the last 15 months, secured nearly $5 million in COVID funding (COVID-19 response = $1.4 million and COVID-19 recovery = $3.45 million)
* Secured $700,000 in capital funds, including Legacy gift from JJ Watt Foundation for Technology Centers at $500,000
* Conducted the first-ever virtual fundraising event that raised more than $700,000, all via sponsorships and special appeals.
Additionally, Smith has a successful background of more than 20 years in planning strategies and directing operations for fund development and special events, managing major gift giving program opportunities, establishing corporate and volunteer relations, and identifying grant proposals and evaluating programs that meet established corporate and foundation guidelines.
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, please visit www.bgcgh.org<http://www.bgcgh.org>.