RBR Fundraising
Professional Fundraiser | Entrepreneur | Optimist
I have been working with philanthropists in the Pacific Northwest since 1992. I'm dedicated to my profession and look forward to raising millions more to help benefactors make their contributions towards the creation of a better world.
I'm currently UAA's Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) for Development. The Associate Vice Chancellor serves as the chief development officer for UAA. UAA's professional fundraising team is responsible for engaging stakeholders in meaningful interactions that foster pride, advocacy, and philanthropic contributions. Working in collaboration with campus leadership and deans, the AVC for Development is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive program for garnering private and corporate support, as well as providing leadership for significant giving through our system-wide capital campaign.
Throughout my career, I have raised government/private grant money, ran annual campaigns, overseen capital campaigns, and worked with many different types of corporate and individual major donors. My husband, Michael Erb, and I have two daughters and like to spend time on the family's commercial fishing vessel out of Sitka, Alaska.
Past Experience
April 2020 - Present
Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) for Development, University of Alaska Anchorage
Serves as the chief development officer for UAA. Responsible for engaging stakeholders in meaningful interactions that foster pride, advocacy, and philanthropic contributions.
July 2015 - April 2020
Lead Development Officer, University of Alaska Anchorage
Oversaw the metrics of UAA's other highly skilled development officers. Serve as the liaison between leadership at UA Foundation and the rest of the UAA Development Team.
UAA’s development team went from raising $5,713,243 in FY18 to an impressive $10,050,708 in FY19
Instigated the use of hiring memos, outlining every new hire’s metrics and expectations
Improved development officer accountability and worked with the UA Foundation staff to upgrade the metrics dashboard for Development Officers
July 2013 - Present
Senior Development Officer, University of Alaska Anchorage
Responsible for cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of leadership and major gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations to advance the priorities of UAA's College of Business and Public Policy. Working with college leadership, raised over $8.6 million to benefit the college's students and faculty.
July 2012 - July 2013
Development Officer
Responsible for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of leadership and major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations to advance the priorities of the UAA School of Engineering, the University Honors College, the College of Education and the Kenai Peninsula College.
August 2007 - August 2012
Executive Director, Sitka Summer Music Festival and Foundation
Oversaw all aspects of the internationally acclaimed chamber music festival, including the associated fundraising and its 20+ evening concerts, 3-4 touring concerts, and 15-20 special events a year.
The Foundation was created specifically to fund the Sitka Summer Music Festival. When I left the Foundation, they had approximately 1 million dollars in holdings. This fund was expertly managed by The Planning Group of Anchorage (now a Baird Financial Advisor Group).
2000 - 2005
Owner, RBR Fundraising
Started consulting firm and within the first year, raised over $500k in small grants to fund a variety of organizations. At any given time, I had between 5-10 clients located up and down the West coast. Major clients included, University of British Columbia, King County, Poulsbo Marine Science Center, City of Woodway, City of Sitka, etc.
2000 - 2005
Executive Director, North Pacific Marine Science Foundation
Helped diversify the Foundation's funding streams. In 2000, the NPMSF was relying too heavily on federal appropriations. In the first year, we initiated a campaign targeting private donors that raised more than $100K. The position was also responsible for dispersing $1.8-$2.6 million each year to support university-level scientific research throughout the North Pacific.
1996 - 2000
Research and Development Director
Raised money for all of the Tribal start-up operations, including a fish/wood waste composting project, tannery, tribal community house, fish processing plant, etc. This included the development of intricate business plans, multiple grant proposals, as well as private financing.
1992 - 1995
Recycling Projects Coordinator, City of Issaquah
Started a successful fundraising career working to help raise the funding for a multi-million dollar environmental education center. Worked with the business and residential community, other City departments, local organizations, and regional agencies to start a used oil program, a multi-family recycling program, and a textile recycling program.
July 2015 - Present
Lead Development Officer, University of Alaska Anchorage
Oversee the metrics of UAA's major gift team.
Academic Experience
Bachelors of Environmental Science, Scripps College
Activities and Societies: Graduated with honors (Sigma Xi), was involved in student government, and had a senior internship at the Los Angeles Air Quality Management District, designing a new interactive lobby display.
Senior Thesis was published in Quaternary Research (Volume 43, Issue 2, March 1995, Pages 259-262)
Masters of Environmental Studies, Bard College
Thesis title -- "A Small-Scale Archeological Excavation Near Sitka, AK: Relationships Between Archeologists, Concerned Tribal Members, and the Community"
"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver."