Mote announces new Chief Development Officer
Following a national search, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Knievel as its new Chief Development Officer (CDO), effective January 13, 2016. Knievel had initially joined Mote as Annual and Major Gifts Officer in October 2013, and in August 2015 she transitioned to the role of Campaign Director. In the five months she served as Campaign Director, she helped Mote raise $12.5 million toward its $50 million Oceans of Opportunity Campaign, including $3.5 million for the new research and education facility in the Keys.
As Mote’s new CDO, Knievel will work closely with Mote President and CEO, Dr. Michael P. Crosby, to achieve the $50 million goal and successfully close the Campaign in early 2016. She will also design and manage a new comprehensive development program for Mote, ensuring implementation of timely cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies across all donor groups. She will provide leadership, strategy and management to ensure long-term prosperity of the organization as it reaches new milestones in its development program.
“I am honored to be able to support such an amazing organization that really makes a difference in the world for the environment and society,” Knievel said. “I feel humbled that this organization entrusts me with the critical role of growing its philanthropic endeavors to new heights.”
The nation-wide search for a qualified individual for the CDO position has taken more than a year to fill, with the help of an internal search committee composed of Mote Trustees and senior staff, along with the assistance of Freeman Philanthropic Services, LLC, a leader in executive recruitment for the not-for-profit sector.
“This position comes with great responsibility, and we saw it necessary to take the time to evaluate all candidates in a very thorough national recruitment process,” said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, Mote President and CEO. “Erin Knievel is the strongest candidate and will be superb in this vital role for helping Mote achieve our goals set forth in our 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan. She is the perfect person for this job and will be instrumental in helping transition Mote’s philanthropic energy from a campaign focus to strategic long-term growth of its mission-critical fundraising effort. Erin is also a wonderful example of achieving Mote’s strategic priority to recruit and nurture the next generation of leaders in support of marine research and education.”
