Davis honored as Outstanding Philanthropic Fundraising Professional of the Year by AFP Ozarks

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Ozarks Region Chapter (AFP Ozarks) has presented the Outstanding Philanthropic Fundraising Professional of the Year Award to Ozarks Technical Community College’s Cliff Davis, vice chancellor and executive director of the OTC Foundation. The award was presented at the 2012 National Philanthropy Day awards program, held today, Friday, November 16, at Highland Springs Country Club in Springfield.

“Cliff Davis exhibits both a tireless commitment to OTC and an incredible ability to spread his enthusiasm to others,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College. “He has inspired a wide variety of community leaders and organizations to invest time, money and resources in OTC and its students, and we are thrilled that he is receiving this recognition for his efforts.”

Along with the OTC Foundation Board of Directors and staff, Davis led the college’s first-ever Major Gifts Capital Campaign to great success, bringing in $14,409,713, approximately $4.4 million above the original goal of $10 million. Under Davis’ leadership, the funding for scholarships, student support programs, and facilities has been dramatically increased, offering more opportunities for the community and its students.

AFP Ozarks, in collaboration with Ozarks Health Advocacy Foundation (OHAF), sponsors the annual Philanthropy Day awards program to recognize the outstanding achievements of individual, foundation and corporate philanthropists, fundraising volunteers and professional fundraising executives. Along with the Philanthropic Fundraising Professional honor, this year’s award categories included Philanthropic Media Organization, Philanthropic Foundation, Philanthropic Business/Corporation, Volunteer Fundraiser, Philanthropist and Youth Philanthropist.

The awards committee, made up of representatives from nonprofit organizations in Springfield and the surrounding area, chose this year’s winners from nominations submitted by members of AFP Ozarks. Winners received custom-made awards from Springfield Hot Glass. For more information about AFP Ozarks, visit www.afpozarksregion.afpnet.org.