Friendship Centers Selects Chief Development Officer

Friendship Centers, a nonprofit that serves adults over 50 in southwest Florida, recently appointed Ruth Frazier as its chief development officer.

With more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, Frazier will serve as the lead strategist for philanthropy through the development and execution of a comprehensive fund development plan, supported by strategic communications, to meet the needs of the organization.

Talent management company MBJ Group led the nonprofit’s search for the position.

In her new role, Frazier will be responsible for fundraising events, planned giving, capital or endowment campaigns, special fundraising initiatives, development projects and the cultivation, management and stewardship of donors and volunteers.

“This is such a pivotal time for Friendship Centers’ mission, as we witness record-breaking trends in a rapidly aging society,” said Friendship Centers’ President and CEO Erin McLeod. “We are delighted to welcome Ruth to the team and look forward to introducing her to this philanthropic community.”

Most recently, Frazier served as the chief development officer for Chimp Haven, The National Chimpanzee Sanctuary. During her time there, she led all fundraising activities for the national organization with a $5 million budget and increased annual fund revenue by more than 50 percent. Frazier has held a number of other development roles in California.

Prior to her work in the nonprofit arena, she worked in political campaign management and fundraising for a U.S. Congressman and U.S. Senator, along with a variety of other candidates.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Central Arkansas. Frazier is a certified fundraising executive (CFRE) and has received certificates in nonprofit management from Louisiana State University and fundraising management from Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Friendship Centers serves older adults in Sarasota, Charlotte, DeSoto, Lee and Collier Counties. Its mission is to promote health, dignity and quality of life throughout the journey of aging. Since 1973, the organization has served older adults and their families with programs and services that include medical and dental clinics, activity centers, lifelong learning, meals delivered to the homebound, caregiver support, adult day services and case management. Almost 700 volunteers give their time valued at more than $3 million annually. For more information, visit www.FriendshipCenters.org or call 941-955-2122.