It is hard to believe my year as Apra’s president is almost over! It has been an honor to lead an organization that has meant so much to me throughout my career. Apra is the place where I learned how to build skills, both technical and soft, connected with colleagues from around the world and found a community.

I know it has been a challenging year for many, and I anticipate we will continue to see uncertainty in our work, but I also know that Apra will continue to be here for members and the prospect development community. I have been part of the Apra community through multiple ups and downs in our industry and have always been grateful to have my Apra peeps to reach out to, lean on and celebrate with over the years. I am excited to continue to be a part of this community.

Thinking back to when I first volunteered for Apra, I was nervous that I wouldn’t have anything to bring to the table, but what I learned was that my unique experience combined with the unique experiences of others can create Apra magic! Volunteering with Apra — being a member and leader of Apra committees, volunteering at conferences, participating in conversations, attending webinars and so much more — has shaped who I am as a prospect development professional and a person. I encourage all of you to join a wonderful community of volunteers that will help shape Apra next year and for years to come! If you missed the initial July 25 deadline for the volunteer survey, good news! The survey has been reopened, with responses being accepted through the 2025 Prospect Development conference (PD2025).

I’m excited to see so much of our work in action in Baltimore at PD2025 (happening Aug. 19-22). If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time! If you can’t make it to Baltimore, we have a virtual option too!

In addition to all the educational sessions planned from Wednesday, Aug. 20 to Friday, Aug. 22, there are exciting pre-conference offerings on Tuesday, Aug. 19. I was an Apra Fundamentals: Prospect Research faculty member for seven years, so I’m always happy to know a new cohort of prospect development professionals is getting a chance to connect and learn with and from each other. It also makes me excited to see that the Apra Fundamentals brand is expanding — the first-ever cohort for Apra Fundamentals: Relationship Management will come together at Prospect Development this year!

As our Apra community continues to grow and learn together, it’s an honor to have led a chapter of our history. I’ll still be around, taking part in and cheering on everything Apra!

Anne Brownlee
President, Apra; Managing Director of Prospect Strategy and Research, Teach For America