AFP Member Spotlight: Gary Poon

AFP Member Spotlights are a recurring series of interviews with AFP members, highlighting the unique individuals and career paths that exist within the fundraising profession. If you know an inspiring fundraising professional who deserves to be featured, please email afpmarcom@afpglobal.org.

In this member spotlight we interviewed Gary Poon, president & CEO of the Houston Humane Society. He shared with us how his organization is using data and donor segmentation to combat the shifting landscape of philanthropic giving and the importance of ethics and transparency in building trust with donors. 

Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there?
A: I embarked on my journey into the fundraising profession fueled by a profound passion for animal welfare and a heartfelt desire to enact tangible change in the lives of those in need. Motivated by the prospect of utilizing my skill set to champion causes close to my heart, I transitioned from my role as CFO of the Houston Humane Society, where I served diligently for 21 years, to assume the position of president & CEO. In this capacity, I found a platform to skillfully engage donors, nurture relationships, and procure essential resources, all with the overarching goal of effecting meaningful and lasting change in our community.

Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member?
A: I became a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) during my tenure as chief financial officer (CFO) of the Houston Humane Society. Recognizing the wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and professional development AFP offers, I saw it as a valuable investment in my career. AFP provides a supportive community of professionals committed to ethical and effective fundraising practices. Joining AFP granted me access to industry insights and best practices, empowering me to enhance my skills and contribute more effectively to the causes I serve.

Q: Are you doing anything innovative at your organization (or a past organization) that you think other fundraisers could benefit from?
A: Within the Houston Humane Society, we have adopted pioneering strategies for enhancing donor relationships, utilizing advanced technology to offer a more personalized and engaging experience. Through the integration of data analytics and precise donor segmentation, we are able to customize our communications and interactions, ensuring they resonate with the specific interests and preferences of our donors. This approach not only strengthens our bonds with donors but also significantly boosts their support for our cause. Furthermore, recognizing the shift in donor engagement patterns, we have successfully incorporated digital fundraising platforms into our strategy. 

Q: What is your favorite word? (only one word) How has this word influenced or inspired your career?
A: Growth. This simple yet powerful word has really shaped my career. It's all about getting better and expanding our reach. In my job, where helping and making a difference is key, thinking about growth has helped me see challenges as chances to improve. This idea has pushed us to keep moving forward, learn from everything, and make a bigger impact on the world around us.

Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I take great pride in leading an extensive campaign that markedly enhanced our organization's ability to contribute to the community. This achievement involved meticulous strategic planning, fostering relationships with donors, and establishing key partnerships. As a result, we not only raised substantial funds and resources to support and expand our programs and services but also notably advanced our efforts in animal welfare. This included initiatives to keep pets with their families and efforts to safeguard wildlife and ecosystems, significantly broadening our impact on both animal and human lives within the community.

Q: How has being an AFP member and participating in the AFP affinity groups benefited you in your career?
A: Being part of AFP has been amazing for my career. It's like a goldmine for meeting people, learning new things, and working together with others in fundraising. By joining groups and events, I've met so many helpful and smart people who've given me great advice and ideas. This has made me better at my job and helped me face tough situations with confidence. Plus, AFP gives me access to all sorts of helpful tips and tricks that make my work easier and more effective.

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today?
A: Today, the nonprofit fundraising world is up against a big challenge: keeping up with how donor engagement and giving habits are changing, especially with all the global uncertainties and changes in who gives. Fundraisers need to be agile, using new technologies and figuring out how to connect with a wide range of people in ways that really matter to them. On top of this, it's crucial to stay transparent, accountable, and ethical. Donors want to trust where their money is going, and in a world where there are so many options, earning and keeping that trust is tougher than ever.

Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals, or people interested in getting into the field?
A: My advice for both seasoned fundraising professionals and those just beginning their journey in this field is to, first and foremost, nurture a deep-seated passion for the mission and core values of the organizations they represent. It's essential to commit to ongoing education, embrace innovation, and value teamwork to stay abreast of industry developments and tackle challenges head-on. Building genuine, honest relationships with donors, stakeholders, and peers is crucial, as is always prioritizing transparency, integrity, and diligent stewardship in every interaction.

Equally important is adopting a humble attitude, being open to coaching, and listening attentively to the guidance of supervisors and more experienced colleagues. We are all part of the same team, aiming for a common goal. This mindset is key to personal and professional growth within this noble profession.
Additionally, actively seek mentorship, engage in professional development, and connect with peer support networks such as AFP. These steps are invaluable in honing your skills, broadening your network, and progressing your career in the ever-evolving, immensely fulfilling realm of nonprofit fundraising.