2018 Ann Castle Award Recipient: David Sterling

David Sterling is the Retired Director of Advancement Operations at Western New England University where he worked from 2003 until 2017. David joined Western New England in 2003 as Director of Prospect Research to lead the research and prospect management activities during that school’s first-ever comprehensive campaign. In 2007, he took on an expanded role as Director of Advancement Operations, which included his prior responsibilities as well as overseeing gift administration, database management, and budgeting.

David started his career in fundraising in October 1987 at Dartmouth College as a Development Research Assistant. He was appointed the Assistant Director of Development Research in December 1987. In 1990, he joined The George Washington University of the Director of Donor Research. After a spell as a stay-at-home father while writing his doctoral dissertation, David joined the University of South Florida in 1994 as the Development Coordinator of the Community Music Division before joining the central advancement office in 1995. He was the Director of Research at the University of South Florida from 1996 to 2003 where he was responsible for all prospect research and management efforts during and after a major comprehensive campaign.

He received his Bachelors of Arts in History and Philosophy from the University of Maine as well as a Master’s of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in History from the University of Rochester. He taught as an adjunct professor of history at the University of Rochester, York College of Pennsylvania, and the University of South Florida.

David served on the NEDRA Board of Directors from 2006 to 2012 including a term as Treasurer as well as serving on the Ann Castle Award and scholarship committees. He helped to revitalize NEDRA’s Research Bootcamp in 2007.

A founding member of the Florida chapter of APRA in 1998, David served as the chapter’s president from 2000 to 2003. For APRA International, he has been a member of the "Researcher of the Year" Award Committee, Nominating Committee, and the APRA Service Award Committee. He has edited and written for APRA Connections.

David has presented frequently at NEDRA, APRA, APRA-Florida and AASP conferences and workshops. He has also spoken a numerous AFP international and chapter meetings including the 2016 Fundraising Day in New York.