Tom Brown

Sr. Prospect Research Officer - Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare

Apra-MN Treasurer-elect; member of the Membership and Program Committees

1. How long have you been an Apra-MN member and what was your first Apra experience?

6 years - My first APRA experience was the fall conference in 2015. My first job in the nonprofit sector had me attend and it was pretty much my introduction to prospect research.

2. What do you enjoy most about Apra-MN?

The Mentor - Mentee program was a great experience. My mentor, I believe had a tremendous impact on my professional development and helped me learn more about prospect research, best practices and being more confident with my work. I would advocate for anyone who hasn't, to sign up for the Mentor program, its a great way to learn from one of your peers and benefit from their experience.

3. What do you like most about your career?

I work for a children's hospital, so it's satisfying to know the work I do is supporting a really great mission. Prospect research helps support fundraising efforts, which ultimately helps support services and programs, medical research and provide funding for families in financial need.

4. Best piece of advice you've received?

You can say no. I tend to be the person that gets volunteered to do things or take on projects; and I have a bad habit with just going with it, and ultimately ending up with an insane work load. I enjoy being busy, but, you know, we all have limits on what we can do or take on.