Birgit Smith Burton

About Birgit Smith Burton

I am committed to the belief that diversity and inclusion are not just necessary buzzwords but essential values for sustainable success and growth. I am an advocate for creating environments in the nonprofit sector where diverse voices can thrive and where everyone feels respected and supported.Through my leadership, writing, and advocacy, I believe in being a powerful force in driving conversations around diversity, inclusion, and leadership development.Brief BioBirgit Smith Burton is the CEO of AADO, the African American Development Officers Network, which she founded at Georgia Tech in to provide support for fundraisers of color. A respected speaker on fundraising and diversity, she has authored several articles and co-authored The Philanthropic Covenant with Black America and Collecting Courage, which shares the experiences of Black professionals in the nonprofit sector.Over her 26-year career at Georgia Tech, Birgit led efforts that raised over $750M for programs, scholarships, and capital projects. She was also part of the first cohort of Leading Women @ Tech and received the Outstanding Achievement in Research Program Development award for the Marcus Center for Therapeutic Cell Characterization and Manufacturing.Birgit has served on the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for over a decade, recently concluding her tenure as Chair of the AFP Global Board. She received the Opportunity and Inclusion Award from CASE for her leadership in diversity within fundraising. The R.I.S.E. Fund was created in her honor to support women of color in fundraising.Recipient of the Be Haas Lifetime Achievement Award, Birgit also serves on various advisory boards, including Somos El Poder and Aspen Leadership Group. She holds a bachelor’s degree in media communications from Medaille University.

Experience

1. Immediate Past Chair of Afp Global Board

   Association Of Fundraising Professionals Afp Global

   Dec 2024 — Present

Education

• Medaille University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Media Communications

Skills

• Public Speaking
• Event Planning
• Research
• Program Evaluation
• Board Development
• Social Media
• Volunteer Management
• Program Management
• Annual Giving
• Editing
• Marketing Communications
• Philanthropy
• Strategic Planning
• Event Management
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Nonprofits
• Strategic Communications
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Fundraising
• Alumni Relations
• Program Development
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Grants
• Student Affairs
• Non-Profits
• Proposal Writing
• Higher Education
• Stewardship
• Leadership Development