When using classroom resources, playing a sport, or participating in any of NDB-sponsored activities, have you ever wondered where the money comes from that allows you to have access to these opportunities? With NDB’s launch of the new STEM wing, this question has been prevalent amongst students.
This year, David Gilreath was hired as the Director of Advancement, meaning it is his responsibility to fundraise for the NDB community. Before arriving at NDB, he attended the University of Wisconsin and obtained a bachelor’s degree in community and non-profit leadership. He then served as the Associate Director of Development at the University of California, Berkeley for Cal Athletics. Both of these aspects provide him with the tools and knowledge to perform his job exceptionally.
Whether it is raising money at Fund a Future, the Annual Fund, or other fundraising events or projects, Gilreath is always strategizing ways to increase revenue for NDB. To do this, he reaches out to donors, including parents, businesses, alumni, and the community, and audits a list of donors from the past ten years.
While one may assume his job is just to analyze numbers and ask for money, he explained that his job is more complex, spotlighting, “Another important part, is relationships. Relationships within the community, relationships within school, relationships within the region, we’ve leveraged those. Also, educating donors, parents, the community, and educating students,” said Gilreath.
While he was not directly involved in the success in securing funding for the new wing, it is a priority, and there is still work to be done in terms of finishing the project. Among Gilreath’s goals of being as visible as possible, he is working to create a system that can collect data, which will help NDB fund new projects as well as current needs.
When asked what led him to NDB, he shared, “I think I can make a huge impact on the women’s lives. But I really think I can make a big impact to be a part of this community in a bigger way,” Gilreath exclaimed.
To Gilreath, the impact can be made by introducing new projects. One of his long-term dreams is for NDB to have a football field, and while that may be counterproductive to spend money on a football field when NDB does not have a football team, Gilreath highlighted the many ways it can benefit the NDB community. “You can house a lot of different sports, lacrosse, flag football, soccer, and field hockey. You can house different events, different sporting activities, that can allow different opportunities for children on this campus, that could be profitable. But it’s not the top priority just yet,” explained Gilreath.
Outside of school, he tries to lead by example for his daughter by working hard and carrying himself with humility and integrity. He explained that his daughter is the driving force in his life and motivation to make the NDB community a better place, as he hopes that she will end up at NDB.
For now, Gilreath is optimistic about the change he can bring and is excited to work on new and old projects. He also notes that he is grateful that God presented the opportunity for him to work at NDB and pursue his creative freedom.
Through all of Gilreath’s projects and goals, it is evident that he is going to make a lasting impact on each and every student at NDB. Whether it is big or small changes, it is clear that NDB will start to see the results of his work. Throughout the next several years, his enthusiasm and motivation will further launch NDB into a school of excellence and innovation.
