Board Member Spotlight
Kelley Coe
Regional Director of Southern California and Operational Manager, Cook Silverman Search
AFP Golden Gate Chapter
How long have you been involved in the nonprofit sector? What inspired you to get into fundraising?
I have worked in the nonprofit sector for 12 years. My first internship at Vitamin Angels while studying political science at UC Santa Barbara showed me that nonprofit work could be both meaningful and practical. Fundraising soon became the path I wanted to follow because I enjoyed the challenge of moving resources to causes that make an impact.
I have worked in the nonprofit sector for 12 years. My first internship at Vitamin Angels while studying political science at UC Santa Barbara showed me that nonprofit work could be both meaningful and practical. Fundraising soon became the path I wanted to follow because I enjoyed the challenge of moving resources to causes that make an impact.
Please tell us about your current role and responsibilities.
I recently joined Cook Silverman Search as Regional Director of Southern California and Operational Manager. After three years part-time with the firm as a talent sourcer, I transitioned into this new role to help expand our presence in Southern California and connect nonprofits with professionals who can make a difference.
I recently joined Cook Silverman Search as Regional Director of Southern California and Operational Manager. After three years part-time with the firm as a talent sourcer, I transitioned into this new role to help expand our presence in Southern California and connect nonprofits with professionals who can make a difference.
What are some highlights in your current role and in your career? What has been the biggest challenge?
A career highlight has been working with inspiring mentors and supportive teams. Each role has given me the chance to learn, grow, and eventually step into management, where I could support others in the same way.
A career highlight has been working with inspiring mentors and supportive teams. Each role has given me the chance to learn, grow, and eventually step into management, where I could support others in the same way.
What professional knowledge would you impart to other nonprofit fundraisers?
Preparation is key. Before any meeting or event, I take time to research who will be there and set clear goals. Being ready makes me feel confident and helps me focus on building strong relationships.
Preparation is key. Before any meeting or event, I take time to research who will be there and set clear goals. Being ready makes me feel confident and helps me focus on building strong relationships.
How did you get involved with AFP?
I first joined AFP in 2016 when I was encouraged to represent my organization on the Silicon Valley Chapter Board. Although I felt new and unsure at first, the board welcomed me, and the experience quickly became an important part of my professional growth.
I first joined AFP in 2016 when I was encouraged to represent my organization on the Silicon Valley Chapter Board. Although I felt new and unsure at first, the board welcomed me, and the experience quickly became an important part of my professional growth.
What advice would you give to AFP members who are considering becoming an AFP board member?
Joining the board is the best way to connect with a large chapter like Golden Gate. I have made lasting friendships and colleagues through AFP, and those relationships even helped lead me to my current role.
Joining the board is the best way to connect with a large chapter like Golden Gate. I have made lasting friendships and colleagues through AFP, and those relationships even helped lead me to my current role.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
I learned balance as a student at UC Santa Barbara, where I had to juggle academics and the distractions of living by the ocean. That experience taught me how to work hard when it matters and also how to step away when it is time to recharge.
I learned balance as a student at UC Santa Barbara, where I had to juggle academics and the distractions of living by the ocean. That experience taught me how to work hard when it matters and also how to step away when it is time to recharge.
What are some activities you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy staying active through volleyball, running, yoga, cycling, and skiing. I also love live music, time with friends and family, and being “Aunt Kelley” to my nephew Maximus.
I enjoy staying active through volleyball, running, yoga, cycling, and skiing. I also love live music, time with friends and family, and being “Aunt Kelley” to my nephew Maximus.
What career goals do you still want to pursue or accomplish?
Helping bring the IDEA Fellowship to AFP Golden Gate has been one of my proudest achievements. I want to continue creating space for diverse voices in fundraising, and I also hope to write a book one day.
Helping bring the IDEA Fellowship to AFP Golden Gate has been one of my proudest achievements. I want to continue creating space for diverse voices in fundraising, and I also hope to write a book one day.