Devon Villa Gessert

About Devon Villa Gessert

Devon Gessert serves as Senior Director of Prospect Development at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Prior to this role, she served as the Director of Research and Prospect Management at Stand Together where she led a team of researchers in professional development, innovative prospecting efforts, and entrepreneurial projects that worked to build a robust pipeline of high-net-worth donors. Previously, she worked in prospect research and at the National Park Foundation, collaborating closely with fundraisers, stewardship, and foundation relations to ensure prospect intelligence was purposefully leveraged for all philanthropic efforts. Ms. Gessert is also the founder of DVG Discovery, a consulting and freelance prospect research firm based in Washington, DC. The firm provides research products and research-focused consulting services for both for profit and non-profit organizations. In these roles, Ms. Gessert has drawn on the breadth of her experience within the philanthropic community of small and large non-profits organizations alike, where she has long focused on building strong internal and external relationships; building partnerships with customers, teams and clients; and creating infrastructure in systems to effectively utilize data so non-profits can make the best strategic decisions in their fundraising activities in order to meet their objectives. Previously, Ms. Gessert served in several different functions within the prospect research office at American University, specifically serving as head of Research and Prospect Management during her tenure at the school. She began her career in philanthropy working with KCET-TV in Los Angeles and the Atlanta Women\'s Foundation. Throughout her career, Ms. Gessert has always placed an emphasis on her own professional development to ensure she is up to date on best practices and current regulations. Additionally, she has served as a presenter at multiple industry conferences to keep her on her toes. Ms. Gessert has been active in both national and local Apra activities, having served as chair of the first Apra Body of Knowledge committee, Board Chair of Apra Metro DC chapter for five years, and was the recipient of the Apra Distinguished Service Award. She earned a certificate as a Master Reiki practitioner in Usui Holy Fire system of natural healing in June 2024.

Experience

1. Senior Director of Prospect Development

   Blood Cancer United

   Aug 2024 — Present · Washington, DC, US

Education

• American University

  BA, Communication

  1993 — 1995

Skills

• Curriculum Development
• Event Planning
• Stewardship
• Research
• Philanthropy
• Annual Giving
• Customer Service
• Presentation Skills
• Volunteer Management
• Presentations
• Nonprofits
• Fundraising
• Training Delivery
• Communication
• Prospect Research
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Social Media
• Data Analysis
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Education
• Community Outreach
• Microsoft Word
• Team Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Volunteer Recruiting
• Microsoft Access
• Editing
• Microsoft Excel
• Voiceovers
• Volunteering
• Staff Development
• Program Development
• Management
• Public Relations
• Grants
• Public Speaking
• Customer Relationship Management (Crm)
• Microsoft Outlook
• Grant Writing