As the nonprofit sector adjusts to post pandemic life, what new strategies should fundraisers adopt to engage donors, especially women donors? Will some of the technology used during the COVID-19 crisis become part of the new fundraising landscape? What are implications for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship?
Moderator | Jeannie Sager, Director, Women’s Philanthropy Institute
Elizabeth S. Zeigler is the first woman to lead a global fundraising consulting firm in the multibillion-dollar nonprofit services industry. She was named CEO of Graham-Pelton in January 2017, succeeding company founder Craig J. Leach after 19 years at the helm.
Described as a rare strategic thinker and communicator with executive-management skills second to none, Elizabeth’s efforts have enabled Graham-Pelton to play a groundbreaking role in elevating the level and understanding of philanthropy worldwide. An engaging speaker, Elizabeth has also become a leading voice globally on the emerging role of women in high-impact philanthropy.
Elizabeth joined Graham-Pelton in a part-time role in 2001 and quickly rose through its ranks. She earned a reputation among her clients for spotting opportunities others missed and for helping they reach heights previously thought to be unattainable.
Elizabeth has provided executive management and counsel to select clients including: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; the Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO); Girl Up; Hathaway Brown School; Stony Brook University; the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; The Madeira School; University College London; Magdalene College, University of Cambridge; UnidosUS; and The American University in Cairo.
Before joining Graham-Pelton, Elizabeth was director of individual giving at Fordham University for four undergraduate colleges and five graduate schools during a $150 million fundraising campaign. She led a team that nearly doubled Fordham’s alumni participation rate while securing major gifts for the campaign. She also served on the development team at Muhlenberg College early in her career.
An English and business graduate of Muhlenberg College, Elizabeth also holds a master’s degree in adult education and human resource development from Fordham University and completed the Leading Professional Service Firms Executive Education program at Harvard Business School. She has been published in Fast Company, The Wall Street Journal, and MarketWatch, among others.
