Christina Pulawski is an independent consultant specializing in development research, prospect management and information flow for fund raising.

 

Christina Pulawski is an independent consultant specializing in development research, prospect management and information flow for fund raising.

Her clients range from large private universities and state higher education systems to small social service-oriented nonprofits.

She also serves as Associate Vice President, Campaign Management and Information Strategy at the Art Institute of Chicago. Previously, she was Director of Development and Donor Services at Loyola University Chicago, overseeing the areas of research, prospect management, data management, systems, and stewardship. Prior to joining Loyola, she was Director of Development Research at Northwestern University for nearly ten years, which earned “top research shop” distinction under her direction. A Chicago native, Christina earned a BA in Political Science from Northwestern and a JD from the University of Illinois. She is admitted to practice in Illinois and practiced in the fields of real estate and litigation before taking the opportunity to explore development.

Christina completed a six-year term on the board of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA), serving as Vice President for Education and Professional Development and Secretary-Treasurer. She chaired APRA's International Conferences, developed APRA’s Boot Camp and other symposia, and received the organization’s Distinguished Service Award. She has also served as President of APRA's Illinois Chapter and was a founding member and vice president of the Association of Advancement Services Professionals (AASP). She co-chaired AASP’s inaugural Summit, several CASE Development Research and Campaign Research conferences and received CASE’s Crystal Apple Teaching Award. She has frequently published, presented, and guest lectured on the fields of prospect research, prospect management, and advancement services for APRA, CASE, Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, AFP, other public and private organizations and non-profit education and management programs.

Organizations

Association of Advancement Services Professionals

Founding Member

Vice President and Recording Secretary (2006-2008)

Co-Chair (Programming), Inaugural AASP Summit (2008)

Nominating Committee

Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement - International
Member (since 1995)
Director (1997-2003)
Secretary (1997-98)
Second Vice President/Conference Chair (1998-99)
Vice President - Membership Services (1999-2000)
Vice President - Education and Professional Development/Conference Chair (2000-2002)
Secretary/Treasurer (2002-2003)

Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement - Illinois chapter
Member (since 1995)
President (1996-97); Director

Awards

Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA)
Distinguished Service Award

Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
Crystal Apple Teaching Award

Publications and Presentations

  • APRA Boot Camp/Symposium for New Researchers
    • Two-day, six-session basic research program (designed and taught all sessions) – 2001, 2002, 2003
  • APRA Symposium for Advanced Researchers
    • Two-day, nine-session program focusing on best practices, emerging technologies and comprehensive issues targeted to researchers with 3+ years of experience and directors and managers of research (designed and co-taught all sessions) – April 2006
  • APRA Symposium for Management and Leadership
    • Diverse two-day program focused on leadership and management topics targeted to individuals with significant responsibilities for assembling, leading or directly managing successful teams and units, or those being groomed for new roles as senior staff (chaired and designed all sessions) – November 2013
  • CASE Annual Conference for Development Researchers
    • Designed and co-presented six sessions – February 2003:
      • “Making the Case for Prospect Identification”
      • “Electronic Screening”
      • “Ask the Experts: Real Life Q&A”
      • “Turning the Model Upside Down: Using Industry Specialization to Maximize Your Constituent Base”
      • “Fund Raisers and Records and Reports: best Prospect Management Practices for Large Shops”
      • “The Role of Researcher in Prospect Management: Cop or Informant?”
    • Designed and co-chaired – February 2000
    • Designed and co-chaired – December 1998
  • CASE Campaign Research
    • Chaired and co-presented intensive day of research content in campaign context
  • Leadership and Management Workshop, APRA Canada