2008 Fundraising Executive of the Year: Constance S. Sipple, CFRE

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cleveland Chapter is proud to name Constance S. Sipple, CFRE, as the recipient of its 2008 Fundraising Executive of the Year Award. As quoted by the selection committee, "We believe that Connie demonstrates the best of our profession. Not only is Connie a skilled professional, she has also elevated our profession in the community."

Sipple is the Founder and President of Profile Solutions, Inc., which she established in 1996 based on her belief that strong philanthropic partnerships make communities prosper and elevate constituent perception. Under her leadership, Profile Solutions has designed and implemented initiatives that have helped organizations secure over $280 million in individual and corporate support, and increased public awareness and consumer perception with strategic marketing and community relations campaigns. 2008 clients include the Ohio College Access Network, Saint Ignatius High School, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center, Gordon Square Arts District and The Center for Health Affairs.

Prior to founding Profile Solutions, Sipple was the Director of Development and Public Relations for United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Greater Cleveland for more than twelve years. While with UCP, she tripled the agency's fundraising capabilities with the introduction of a diverse program of corporate and individual giving initiatives and special events, and served as the Executive Producer of its annual television specials.

Sipple has a stong commitment to excellence in the many projects she takes on. This is evidenced in the recent events in which she has been involved—including the 2007 National Philanthropy Day® which she chaired, building a team that realized the most financially successful event in Chapter history. In addition to her professional commitments and extensive involvement with AFP as a board member and committee chair, Sipple volunteers and has held board positions with several organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Beaumont School, where she also served as president of their Alumnae Association.

Her unique credentials, combined with her vision and energy, not only benefit the organizations with which she is affiliated, but also motivate and inspire others. Her inherent ability to be a catalyst for growth and success has clearly elevated AFP and the fundraising profession to new heights.