In the nearly seven years since I joined the LSU Foundation, we’ve become a team that passionately and purposefully iterates frontline development metrics. It has been amazing to be part of building a culture that embraces metrics and understands why data consistency is integral to our fundraising success. With this in mind, I’m honored to serve as this year’s Apra Plug In to Metrics chair and represent so many of current and former colleagues who have shared a similar metrics journey.

Any time Apra members gather around a special topic, the industry-leading ideation that happens is unmatched. Wednesday’s Plug In to Metrics session, “Putting Our Own Oxygen Masks on First,” is a perfect example. At LSU, we’ve focused intensely on refining fundraiser data but haven’t prioritized metrics for our own work. I plan to come away with plenty of ideas from that session, and several others, and I hope the same for fellow attendees.

What to Expect at Plug In to Metrics

Apra’s annual virtual Plug In conference presents a unique opportunity for prospect development professionals to explore a specialized topic where they wield industry influence. This year's focus on metrics not only underscores the pivotal role our teams play in organizational and fundraising metrics, but also how we measure the exceptional contributions of our research, prospect management and analytics teams.

The conference kicks off with keynote speaker David Lively, a distinguished colleague renowned for his definitive work on fundraiser metrics and portfolio management. Spanning two half-days, the program begins with foundational metrics sessions — including introductory and advanced sessions to define or refine metrics for your team — and moves into practical, tactical approaches for measuring what truly matters to your organization.

Digging beyond data points and project timelines, the agenda also features sessions where speakers and panelists will share their own experiences in fostering a culture of metrics, managing relationships and establishing trust among leadership. With a wide spectrum of topics and speakers fully “plugged in” to the central theme, this event offers valuable insights to industry professionals, seasoned and new, to provide fresh perspectives on the pursuit of metrics excellence.

New This Year: Lunch and Learn Sessions

While all Plug In programming offers audience and speaker engagement, our new Lunch and Learn sessions are structured to provide attendees with actionable insights and personal connections they can bring back to their organizations.

On day one, you’ll work in small groups to craft a metrics wish list and outline the measures that truly matter to your organization, while hearing from shops of various sizes across different industries. Day two builds upon the previous day’s content, but those who miss the first session will have no problem jumping right in. Sessions will focus on an engaging exploration of tactics to implement your desired metrics and leverage them to drive actionable insights for your organization.

We’ve seen a high demand through early registration numbers and there’s good reason for it! This year’s conference promises to be another outstanding learning opportunity in the Plug In series and your gateway to becoming a metrics excellence champion. Register now and take advantage of leading insights, networking and skill-building — without leaving your desk!

Jessica O'Connor, CFRE
Executive Director of Prospect Strategy and Engagement, LSU Foundation

A graduate of Louisiana State University's Manship School of Mass Communication, Jessica O’Connor began her tenure at the LSU Foundation after being in the communications industry for over 12 years.

As executive director of prospect strategy and engagement, O'Connor leads united prospect development and donor relations teams who provide strategic collaboration at every stage of donor engagement, from identifying a prospect to stewarding multi-million dollar gifts. Offering fundraisers support and insights both one-on-one and at scale, the team provides nimble analytics, bespoke donor engagement and data-driven pipeline management. 

Prior to her work with non-profit fundraising, O'Connor enjoyed nearly a decade with Louisiana Business Inc. — local multi-media publisher — where she led the audience development team through a transformational review of industry practices to grow revenue sources and circulation, drawing on expertise in brand standards, concierge-model customer support, data aggregation and project management.