Mike Ormiston, Prospect Consultant, The Ohio State University

What was your first job?

I worked as a dishwasher in the dining halls of Miami University, where I am still considered a dishwashing legend. Ask anyone in Oxford, Ohio, who the best dishwasher in Miami University history is, and if they don’t say my name, they’re probably new to town. There’s no need to get upset with this supposed “Oxford resident” that you’re talking to, but c’mon, that was an easy question you asked them.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you doing it?

I wanted to be a baseball player when I grew up, and although I am now grown but do not play professional baseball, I do think that collecting baseball cards and looking through baseball stats was helpful in spurring my interest in statistics/math, which I use often. I remain willing to sign a team-friendly deal with any baseball club looking for a player with delusions of grandeur.

What’s your favorite thing about what you do or where you work?

My favorite thing about my job is that it frequently offers me opportunities to learn something new. The process of going from ignorance to understanding is rewarding for me, and my coworkers walk me through that process all of the time. Also, my coworkers are my favorite type of teachers – the type with a playful sense of humor.

Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?

I’d like to visit the Pacific Northwest (Portland & Seattle) because I’ve never been to that region of the U.S. and I’ve heard that it’s beautiful. I’d also like to go to Spain because I’m intrigued by their late-night dinners, and I took some Spanish classes, so maybe I can communicate with slightly more ease than I’d be able to in other foreign countries.

Is pineapple an acceptable pizza topping?

I accept it, but it wouldn’t be one of my top choices. I think it would also need to be paired with some other topping, like ham, for me to be into it. Ordering pineapple-only pizza seems like some kind of act of defiance to me, although I’m sure whoever does that is just following their taste buds.

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Kim Opp, Prospect Researcher, Ohio Northern University

How did you get into fundraising and/or prospect research?

After having a position at an online HS for over a decade, administration changed, and it was time to get a new job. I decided to fill out an application to my alma mater as a coordinator to the VP of Advancement. I was fortunate to receive an offer for the position and learned so much from our VP who was very knowledgeable and a great 'teacher' of advancement. From there, I moved into the Prospect Research position and have not looked back!

If you were so wealthy you didn’t need to work, what would you do with your time?

I would spend time with my grandchildren and work on my many hobbies.

When/where was your first Apra conference?

My first APRA conference was during COVID; therefore, it was virtual. It will be exciting this year as it will be live and I will, hopefully, be able to meet some of the people that I have talked to virtually.

Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?

I would love to go to Montana (specifically Glacier National Park). My husband and I love to hike, fish, and enjoy nature.

Would you rather have a personal chef, personal housekeeper, or personal chauffeur?

Personal housekeeper - hands down. I find cleaning the house takes up too much of my time that I could be doing other things.

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Kate Oberle Krouse, Senior Research Specialist, Kent State University

How did you get into fundraising and/or prospect research? 

As a student at Kent State, I applied to be a student caller just because I knew they were always hiring students. I ended up loving the job and then worked as a phone center manager for a few colleges as my first job out of college! I was introduced to prospect research while working with the advancement offices of the schools I worked and I knew that’s what I wanted to transition to. I love that I still get to have an impact in fundraising for the university but in a more behind the scenes way!

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

The benefit of cats! I have two DSH tigers and they are amazing.

What are you reading now?

I love to read and am always reading more than one book a time! Currently, I am reading Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker which is a study of a family that had 6 children diagnosed with schizophrenia and I am listening to What Happened to You? by Oprah and Bruce Perry. I also just finished A Little Life by Hanya Yangihara which is VERY long and VERY sad but so gorgeously written and thought provoking.

How many hours do you get to the airport before a flight?

I am one of the weird people that actually like hanging out in airports so if I am traveling alone, I usually get to the airport 3 hours or more before I need to! When I travel with my husband, he makes me be a little more reasonable with my timing

Do you think iced coffee should only be consumed in the summer or all year round?

ALL YEAR ROUND! I will drink iced coffee even if its blizzarding outside!

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John Zajc, Prospect Researcher, Hospice of the Western Reserve

How did you get into fundraising and/or prospect research?

I got into prospect research because I was always intrigued by the work my wife, Catherine Smythe Zajc (2004 recipient of the Anne E. Mayer Distinguished Service Award) did. I’ve always enjoyed research incorporated the basics in my days running an Annual Fund. When Hospice of the Western Reserve advertised for a Prospect Researcher and I was hired, I joined “the family business.”

What was your first nonprofit job?

Clerical Assistant for the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR).

When/where was your first Apra conference?

Pittsburgh, 2018.

What's the best career advice you've ever received?

Not so much career advice, or advice at all, but a compliment from an executive recruiter who I know. He was impressed that I was quick to admit when I did not know something, and that I’d go look for the answer or point the person in the right direction – something he found in his experience to be hard for most people to do. Given that I’ve always been a “knowledge is power” kind of mindset, it actually surprised me that I had that growth as a person that early in my life.

What would be the first thing you'd do if you won the lottery?

Do a happy dance, then get a good attorney.

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Sarah Richards, Coordinator of Prospect Research, Dynamic Catholic

What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you doing it?

When I was in High school, I knew I wanted to work at Dynamic Catholic (back then The Matthew Kelly Foundation). I applied for multiple positions when I graduated college but did not get any of them. A few months later, I received a call asking if I would be interested in a position in development. I quit my current job the next day, before even receiving an official offer, because I knew it was where I was supposed to be.

What’s your favorite thing about what you do or where you work?

The people. I work with some of the most amazing and supportive people. Many of my co-workers are some of my closest friends, including two who were bridesmaids in my wedding.

When/where was your first Apra conference?

Pittsburg 2018 and I was honored to be able to present as well as meet Nathan Fay, author of Precision Prospect Development.  :)

Would you rather have your dishes or clothes be magically clean?

Definitely dishes. I do not mind laundry, I do not mind loading, and emptying the dishwasher but I hate dishes that need washed in the sink like pots, pans and specialty items.

What skill would you like to master?

Salesforce. It is such a powerful tool. I am working on my admin certification, but that is honestly only the tip of the iceberg for SalesForce.