The new director of advancement services in the Office of Development says the mission of Metro State and the charm of the Mile-High City captured his attention on a recent visit, so much that he missed his flight back to St. Louis, Mo.
Rebel Saffold III first traveled to Denver for a conference a few years ago, but spent the entire time at the conference hotel. On his second visit to Denver late last month, he decided to take the tourist route, enjoying the mountains and downtown Denver. Saffold also visited the College to deliver a presentation titled “Data-driving decision making in fundraising.”
“Following Rebel’s presentation to the development and alumni staff, many commented that he would be a great addition to our staff and I agreed,” says Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Cherrelyn Napue.
On Aug. 1, Saffold joined the office where he supervises a staff of five. He is responsible for bringing together data management, donor relations, research, gift processing, online/web management and the annual fund mass appeals (phone and direct mail) under one area. It’s a combination of tasks seemingly tailored to Saffold’s unique background. In fact, the role is a new one for the College, says Napue.
“Our database management position was vacant and eventually eliminated. After considering how to best meet the advancement needs of the College, we were able to create this new position, which is in alignment with other advancement offices,” she says.
Saffold holds degrees in humanities and political science from the University of Northern Iowa and an engineering information management degree from Washington University in Saint Louis.
He says he can relate to each of his current staff members because he has walked in their shoes. The former director of development services for Mary Institute and Country Day School (MICDS) says, “I’ve done all of their jobs while I was at MICDS, so I know how to support the team and individuals.”
He can also live comfortably in two industries – development and information technology. Pulling from his job-winning presentation, Saffold says “There’s so much information online that you have a reason to start the conversation (with potential donors). There are not a lot of IT professionals in this field, so I’ve found my niche.”
He adds, “Our goal is to make development and alumni engagement decisions that are supported by data. There is no guessing or assuming. It allows us not to spin our wheels.”
Though he admits to truly enjoying Denver, Saffold says the single piece that turned his focus to Metro State was learning about the College’s mission and its similarities to the City University of New York. “I want to help further that mission and be here during this transformational time.”
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